Abstract: According to the present invention, there are provided processes for preparing a porous composite material comprising a metal and a two-dimensional nanomaterial. In one aspect, the processes comprise the steps of: providing a powder comprising metal particles; heating the powder such that the metal particles fuse to form a porous scaffold; and forming a two-dimensional nanomaterial on a surface of the porous scaffold by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Also provided are materials obtainable by the present processes, and products comprising said materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a two-dimensional nanomaterial, the process comprising forming the two-dimensional nanomaterial on a surface of a substrate by CVD, wherein said surface is a liquid surface which comprises a molten eutectic compound. Substrates and substrate precursors for use in said process are also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there are provided processes for preparing a porous composite material comprising a metal and a two-dimensional nanomaterial. In one aspect, the processes comprise the steps of: providing a powder comprising metal particles; heating the powder such that the metal particles fuse to form a porous scaffold; and forming a two-dimensional nanomaterial on a surface of the porous scaffold by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Also provided are materials obtainable by the present processes, and products comprising said materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a two-dimensional nanomaterial, the process comprising forming the two-dimensional nanomaterial on a surface of a substrate by CVD, wherein said surface is a liquid surface which comprises a molten eutectic compound. Substrates and substrate precursors for use in said process are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a two-dimensional nanomaterial by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), the process comprising contacting a substrate in a reaction chamber with a first flow which contains hydrogen and a second flow which contains a precursor for said material, wherein the contacting takes place under conditions such that the precursor reacts in the chamber to form said material on a surface of the substrate, wherein the ratio of the flow rate of the first flow to the flow rate of the second flow is at least 5:1. Two-dimensional nanomaterials obtainable by said process are also provided, as well as devices comprising said nanomaterials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a two-dimensional nanomaterial by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), the process comprising contacting a substrate in a reaction chamber with a first flow which contains hydrogen and a second flow which contains a precursor for said material, wherein the contacting takes place under conditions such that the precursor reacts in the chamber to form said material on a surface of the substrate, wherein the ratio of the flow rate of the first flow to the flow rate of the second flow is at least 5:1. Two-dimensional nanomaterials obtainable by said process are also provided, as well as devices comprising said nanomaterials.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a device for transferring an analyte from a reaction chamber to a detector, which detector is capable of detecting said analyte. The device comprises a tubular member having a first end adapted to receive a sample containing said analyte within said reaction chamber and a second end adapted to communicate with a sample inlet of said detector; and a jacket for regulating the temperature of sample passing through the tubular member, wherein said jacket is disposed about at least a portion of the tubular member. Methods of using the device, and apparatus comprising the device, are also provided. The device may be used to transfer an analyte from a reaction chamber to a detector during the course of a chemical reaction, such that the reaction can be monitored in situ.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a composite material comprising nanotubes oriented in a matrix comprising a ceramic material, the method comprising the steps of: providing an array of substantially aligned nanotubes; providing a ceramic matrix material in the form of a solution; applying the solution to the nanotubes; allowing the solution to infiltrate into the array of nanotubes; and sintering the ceramic matrix material to form the composite material, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned in the ceramic matrix. Composite materials obtainable by said method are also provided.