Abstract: A method for separating fractions of single-walled carbon nanotubes includes exposing a solution containing fractions of single-walled carbon nanotubes to a reducing agent and separating the resulting reaction products. An alternate method for separating fractions of single-walled carbon nanotubes includes exposing a solution containing fractions of single-walled carbon nanotubes to an oxidizing agent and separating the resulting reaction products. A third method for separating fractions of single-walled carbon nanotubes includes exposing a solution containing fractions of substantially non-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes to a charge transfer complex agent and separating the resulting reaction products. These methods allow the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes of approximately 95 to 99% metallic and semiconducting types.

Abstract: Method to produce diamonds containing Nitrogen-Vacancy centres from diamonds grown by a high pressure and high temperature process and containing isolated substitutional nitrogen, comprising: —Irradiating (12) said diamonds by an electron beam such that the irradiation dose is comprised between 1017 and 1019 electrons per square centimeter; —annealing (14) the irradiated diamonds in vacuum or in a inert atmosphere at a temperature above 700° C. and for at least 1 hour; characterized in that said electron beam has an acceleration energy above 7 MeV.

Abstract: Carbon components contained in large quantities in bone components are isolated. The isolated carbon components are gasified and plasma-processed by means of microwave or high-frequency heating and the etching curing of hydrogen atoms is utilized to form diamond-like film on the surface of the base material to produce an esthetically pleasing ornament.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring an array of oriented carbon nanotubes from a first surface to a second surface by providing the array of oriented carbon nanotubes on the first surface within a vacuum chamber, providing the second surface within the vacuum chamber separate from the first surface, and applying an electric potential between the first surface and the second surface such that the array of oriented carbon nanotubes are sublimed from the first surface and re-deposited on the second surface.

Abstract: An environmental coating system for silicon based substrates wherein a porous intermediate barrier layer having an elastic modulus of about 30 to 150 GPa is provided between a silicon metal containing bondcoat and a ceramic top environmental barrier layer.

Abstract: Production of nanotubes of carbon or of other inorganic material by moving a carbon-containing substrate, such as a tape or belt of carbon fibres, within a reaction chamber either though an electric arc in a gap between two electrodes or adjacent an electrode so that an electric arc exists between the electrode and the substrate, to cause the nanotubes to form on the substrate. The method enables the continuous or semi-continuous production of nanotubes. Preferably, the process is carried out at atmospheric pressure and nanotubes of high purity are produced.

Abstract: Nanotechnology methods for creating stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric substances with unusual combination of properties by lattice level composition engineering are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and methods with particular applications for growing a nanofibre, and to nanotips fabricated by such methods and apparatus. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented to provide nanotips for electron gun sources and scanning probe microscopy. A nanotip fabrication apparatus includes a heater for heating an object in the presence of an electric field. The heater comprises: a substantially planar electrically conductive heating element configured to define at least one aperture; a support to mount the heated object such that it protrudes through said aperture; and at least one electrical connection to said heating element. In use, the heating element can be biased by said at least one electrical connection such that the electric field in the vicinity of the object is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the element.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing diamond in a deposition chamber including a heat-sinking holder for holding a diamond and for making thermal contact with a side surface of the diamond adjacent to an edge of a growth surface of the diamond, a noncontact temperature measurement device positioned to measure temperature of the diamond across the growth surface of the diamond and a main process controller for receiving a temperature measurement from the noncontact temperature measurement device and controlling temperature of the growth surface such that all temperature gradients across the growth surface are less than 20° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing micro-domain graphitic materials by use of a plasma process, and to novel micro-conical graphitic materials. By micro-domain graphitic material we mean fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, open conical carbon structures (also named micro-cones), preferably flat graphitic sheets, or a mixture of two or all of these. The novel carbon material is open carbon micro-cones with total disclination degrees of 60° and/or 120°, corresponding to cone angles of respectively 112.9° and/or 83.6°.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, including a step of creating an electric arc in an electric field between a carbonaceous anode and a carbonaceous cathode under conditions effective to produce the carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbonaceous anode and the carbonaceous cathode are immersed in dielectric liquid serving as a dielectric, coolant and for providing an oxygen-free environment. Preferably, one of the electric discharge machining dielectric oils is used as dielectric liquid. Preferably, an electric discharge machine is used to immerse the electrodes in the dielectric liquid, create an electric field, induce the arc, and adjust the gap between the electrodes thus optimizing the yield of carbon nanotubes. The process is cost-effective, easy to implement, and provides high-quality carbon nanotubes while eliminating the need for dedicated equipment and catalysts.

Abstract: A method of cutting, thinning, welding and chemically functionalizing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with carboxyl and allyl moieties, and altering the electrical properties of the CNT films by applying high current densities combined with air-exposure is developed and demonstrated. Such welded high-conductance CNT networks of functionalized CNTs could be useful for device and sensor applications, and may serve as high mechanical toughness mat fillers that are amenable to integration with nanocomposite matrices.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for producing carbon black or carbon containing compounds by converting a carbon containing feedstock, comprising the following steps: generating a plasma gas with electrical energy, guiding the plasma gas through a venturi, whose diameter is narrowing in the direction of the plasma gas flow, guiding the plasma gas into a reaction area, in which under the prevailing flow conditions generated by aerodynamic and electromagnetic forces, no significant recirculation of feedstock into the plasma gas in the reaction area recovering the reaction products from the reaction area and separating carbon black or carbon containing compounds from the other reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the simultaneous and selective growth of single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes using electric arc discharge technique. According to present development it is possible to synthesise and collect catalyst free carbon nanotubes from cathode deposit. A mechanism of cooling coil arrangement was designed and used inside the arc discharge chamber so as to be capable to grow sufficient amount of single walled carbon nanotubes in the form of webs surrounding the coil. The present invention offers a scalable way for producing both SWNTs and MWNTs in the single run.

Abstract: An integrated system and process for improving internal combustion engine performance consists of four components: (1) an acetone-based fuel additive phase, (2) a fuel pre-heating and polarization phase, (3) an ionized hydrogen-oxygen plasma injection phase, and (4) a microprocessor-ECM interface phase to optimize the combined performance of the other three components.

Abstract: A welded nanotube fiber and a method of forming such a fiber is disclosed. The method comprises applying a voltage or current signal to a nanotube bundle, either in an evacuated chamber or in a chamber in which additional process gasses are introduced. The fiber comprises a plurality of substantively parallel nanotubes, in which a plurality of the subtantially parallel nanotubes has been covalently bonded to other nanotubes in the fiber by welding.

Abstract: A system and method for treating unmarketable fly ash and improve its properties as an additive for concrete is disclosed. The method includes the steps of creating a gas stream containing ionized air through a plasma reactor and exposing an amount of fly ash containing carbon to the ionized air while in the reactor. The exposure of the carbon to the ionized air promotes the attachment of the ions to the carbon to reduce the adsorption capacity of the carbon.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of carbon nanotubes capable of mass-producing DWCNT with high throughput and a low defect incidence ratio is provided. In a vacuum chamber (1), a first electrode (2) having a hollow (2a) and a rod-like second electrode (3) are included. Inert gas such as helium gas, nitrogen gas, and argon gas is introduced into the vacuum chamber (1), the atmosphere not containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is created, and in this state, arc discharge is generated between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (3). The heat generated by arc discharge is moderately stored on the surface of the inner side surrounded by the first electrode (2), and temperatures on the surface of the first electrode (2) are maintained at the temperatures suitable for producing the DWCNT (8). Thereby, the thready DWCNT (8) can be continuously produced without pause starting with a catalyst (6).

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus, including: two electrodes whose forwardmost end portions are opposed to each other; a power supply which applies a voltage between the electrodes in order to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the electrodes; and plural magnets that form a magnetic field in the generation area of the discharge plasma by generating a magnetic field from a magnetic pole surface of each of the plural magnets that are arranged to have the magnetic pole surfaces thereof opposed to one imaginary axis within a space; and of the two electrodes, at least a part of one electrode is located in an area surrounded by: an imaginary plane formed by connecting end portions of the magnetic pole surfaces of the plural magnets on one side in a direction of the imaginary axis.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube, including: at least two electrodes whose tips are opposed to each other, and a power supply that applies a voltage between the two electrodes to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the two electrodes. By using a porous carbonaceous material for at least one of the two electrodes, it is possible to provide a manufacturing apparatus and method for a carbon nanotube, which are capable of manufacturing at a low cost the carbon nanotube that is inexpensive and has a further higher purity.

Abstract: The inventive method for producing fullerene-containing carbon and the device for carrying out said method relate to the chemical industry and are used for producing fullerenes. Said method for producing fullerene-containing carbon consists in vaporising graphite in an electric arc between coaxial graphite electrodes. The graphite electrode is continuously moved inside the electric arc zone through the glow discharge zone. The products formed inside the electric arc are removed therefrom with the aid of an annular inert gas flow which is directed along the axes of the electrodes through an area arranged at a defined distance from a discharge axis. The inventive device for producing fullerene-containing carbon comprises a plasma reactor provided with a system for circulating inert gas and a system for recuperating fullerene carbon. Said reactor is provided with a chamber for degassing the graphite electrode which is continuously moved by the glow discharge towards the arc.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanotube includes: at least two electrodes whose tips oppose to each other; a power supply which applies a voltage between the electrodes so as to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the electrodes; a plurality of magnets which generates at least one of a magnetic field having lines of magnetic force in multiple directions or a magnetic field having a component in parallel with the direction of a discharge current in the generation area of the discharge plasma; and a magnet cooling unit which cools the magnets.

Abstract: A compact capacitively coupled electrode structure for use in a gas plasma reactor/generator is disclosed. The electrode structure comprises a parallel plate type anode and cathode spaced to define a gas flow path or volume therebetween. A plurality of electrically conductive fin elements are interposed in the space between the anode and cathode. The fin elements substantially increase the ratio of electrode surface area to volume, and subdivide the gas flow path or volume, thereby substantially increasing the efficiency of plasma gas processing that is possible over a broad range of operating parameters, without substantially increasing the spacing between the anode and cathode. Static or closed operation is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a multi-anode/multi-cathode electrode assembly embodying the basic electrode structure and a highly efficient and compact gas plasma reactor/generator employing the assembly.

Abstract: In a non-thermal plasma reactor (300), at least a component of the active material (320) is selected or modified to provide the capability to adsorb or trap a predetermined chemical species in the gas flow thereby to increase the effective residence time of said species relative to the residence time of unadsorbed species in the gas flow.

Abstract: A graphite cathode and a graphite anode are placed opposite each other through an insulating plate having a notch. A voltage is applied between both of the electrodes to generate arc discharge at the notch of the insulating plate. A given area of the graphite anode is evaporated from an electrode point of the arc discharge, and simultaneously an arc jet is generated from the notch. Thereby, a carbon nanoparticle comprising soot of carbon nanomaterial containing carbon nanohorn is generated. The soot is deposited on a recovering plate for recovery.

Abstract: A fullerene/nanotubes mixture is produced during a periodical pulsed auto-regulated action of the electric current arc-discharge in the multi-component hydrocarbon medium with limited fullerenes' solubility, besides, the action is continued until the medium dissolves C60. Higher fullerenes absorbed by the ultra-thin graphite particles are separated from C60 dissolved in the liquid medium by sedimentation, whereas the carbon nanotubes are separated from the ultra-thin graphite particles by treating with a boiling concentrated HN03 acid and by low speed centrifuging/acid mixture until the black sediment of the ultra-thin graphite particles is precipitated to the bottom. The periodically pulsed auto-regulated regime of the electric-current arc-discharge is performed by contact breaking an electric circuit due to lifting spherical contactors by gaseous products released during the action and by switching the circuit due to the contacts' going down under action of gravity.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes and/or fullerenes reduces the pressure inside a system to 1.3 Pa or lower, supplies a carboniferous liquid state material to raise the pressure inside the system to at least 1.3 kPa to 93.3 kPa, generates arc discharges, supplies the carboniferous liquid state material in discharge plasma created by the arc discharges, and disintegrates or excites the carboniferous liquid state material, thereby producing the carbon nanotubes and/or the fullerenes. And, the manufacturing apparatus is equipped with at least a pair of electrodes that generate arc discharges into a vacuum chamber to create discharge plasma, a gas supply unit capable of supplying a carrier gas into the vacuum chamber, and a raw material supply unit capable of supplying a carboniferous liquid state material in the discharge plasma through an introduction tube.

Abstract: The present invention includes carbon synthesis devices and systems. The invention also includes machines and instruments using those aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods of carbon synthesis. The present invention includes an array of carbon nanotubes, each nanotube having a longitudinal axis. The nanotubes are placed into an array such that the longitudinal axes of all nanotubes in the array are substantially parallel. The array may be a two-dimensional array or a three-dimensional array. The present invention also includes methods of preparing such carbon molecular clusters and arrays thereof.

Abstract: A gas treatment system and method for using the same is disclosed. The gas treatment system, comprises: a non-thermal plasma reactor; and a catalyst composition disposed within said non-thermal plasma reactor, said catalyst composition comprising a MZr4(PO4)6, wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, silver, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and combinations comprising at least one of said foregoing metals. The process comprises exposing said gas to a plasma field and to the catalyst composition.

Abstract: The inventive method for producing fullerene-containing carbon and the device for carrying out said method relate to the chemical industry and are used for producing fullerenes. Said method for producing fullerene-containing carbon consists in vaporising graphite in an electric arc between coaxial graphite electrodes. The graphite electrode is continuously moved inside the electric arc zone through the glow discharge zone. The products formed inside the electric arc are removed therefrom with the aid of an annular inert gas flow which is directed along the axes of the electrodes through an area arranged at a defined distance from a discharge axis. The inventive device for producing fullerene-containing carbon comprises a plasma reactor provided with a system for circulating inert gas and a system for recuperating fullerene carbon. Said reactor is provided with a chamber for degassing the graphite electrode which is continuously moved by the glow discharge towards the arc.

Abstract: A process for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes in a continuous manner includes carbon plasma generation, plasma stabilization, and product deposition. The plasma is generated by electrical resistance heating or electron beam vaporization of feedstock. The plasma is stabilized with radio frequency energy from inductance coils and with electrical resistance heaters in the reactor. Stabilization homogenizes the plasma energy density and concentration, leading to a more efficient reactor. Finally, a transition metal catalyst and associated catalyst support are used to form the end product. The formation region may have variations of geometry and supporting equipment that will affect the rate and purity of the swcnt production. The formation region is immediately downstream from the plasma stabilization region. In addition, the entire apparatus is designed so that it can be mounted vertically such that continuous deposition of product can be applied with precision using an overhead robotic arm.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of preparing nano-carbon; a method of preparing an electron emitting source by supporting the soot; and an apparatus for preparing the same. A torch electrode 10 of an arc torch 1 as a first electrode is placed opposite to a material to be arced 2 using graphite as a second electrode. A voltage is applied between the torch electrode 10 and an edge portion of the material to be arced 2 to generate are discharge, to evaporate the edge portion of the material to be arced 2 exposed to the arc discharge, to generate soot. The soot thus generated is deposited on the surface of a substrate opposite to an arc discharge-generating area through a mask having a patterned opening.

Abstract: An arc electrode structure, for producing carbon nanostructures, which includes a first electrode and two or more second electrodes disposed within a chamber is provided. The electrodes are connected to a voltage potential to produce an arc-plasma region. The first electrode has a sloped surface with a plurality of holes therein for holding catalyst. The first electrode's sloped surface, and the positioning of the plurality of second electrodes allows control of the direction and region of arc-plasma. Further, the first electrode has a central bore which may be either a blind bore, or a through bore. The blind bore collects unwanted deposits that slide off of the sloped surface of the first electrode. The throughbore either allows soot and carbon nanostructures to be removed from the chamber, or allows organic vapor to be introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: A device for purifying an exhaust gas contains at least one first and one second component with a respective shell and core through which the exhaust flows, as well as with two front faces each. At least one of the front faces of the first component and at least one front face of the second component has a predetermined profile with elevations and depressions. The elevations of the front face of the first component extend into the depressions of the front face of the second component and vice versa, thereby configuring a penetration section. The first component is disposed electrically insulated from the second component. The components have a potential difference between them and plasma is generated in the penetration section. The compact plasma reactor reduces the pollutant concentration in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine operated in the lean mode, especially when combined with an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube including: at least two electrodes whose tips are opposed to each other; at least a power supply that applies a voltage between the two electrodes to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the two electrodes; and at least a plurality of magnets that generates, in a generation area of the discharge plasma, at least one of a magnetic field of multiple directions and a magnetic field having a component in parallel with a flowing direction of a discharge current, in which a thermal shield wall made of a non-magnetic material is disposed between the magnets and the generation area of the discharge plasma. Accordingly, an influence on the magnetic field due to the heat generated from the discharge plasma can be suppressed, and a high-purity carbon nanotube with excellent industrial efficiency can be stably manufactured.

Abstract: An electric arc furnace and method for forming tubular carbon nanostructures comprising a first electrode (cathode) and an a second electrode (anode) opposite the first electrode, sources of voltage (V) and current (A) to create charged particles (Ie) and produce an arch between the electrodes, a source of a gas to surround the arc, and a source of carbon precursor positioned adjacent the anode and within the arc, wherein the arc is maintained at a pressure and high temperature for a time sufficient to heat the carbon precursor to form carbon nonotubes upon the anode.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, including a step of inducing electrical current through a carbon anode and a carbon cathode under conditions effective to produce the carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon cathode is larger than the carbon anode. Preferably, a welder is used to induce the electrical current via an arc welding process. Preferably, an exhaust hood is placed on the anode, and the process does not require a closed or pressurized chamber. The process provides high-quality, single-walled carbon nanotubes, while eliminating the need for a metal catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanotube of the present invention includes: at least two electrodes whose tips oppose to each other; a power supply which applies a voltage between the electrodes so as to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the electrodes; a plurality of magnets which generates at least one of a magnetic field having lines of magnetic force in multiple directions or a magnetic field having a component in parallel with the direction of a discharge current in the generation area of the discharge plasma; and a magnet cooling unit which cools the magnets. The carbon nanotubes are manufactured by cooling the magnets. With this arrangement, there is provided a manufacturing apparatus and method for a carbon nanotube, which can efficiently synthesize carbon nanotubes with extremely low concentration of impurities on an industrial basis, and simultaneously can properly control especially the length of the obtained carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: An arc electrode structure, for producing carbon nanostructures, which includes a first electrode and two or more second electrodes disposed within a chamber. The electrodes are connected to a voltage potential to produce an arc-plasma region. The first electrode has a sloped surface with a plurality of holes therein for holding catalyst. The first electrode's sloped surface, and the positioning of the plurality of second electrodes allows control of the direction and region of arc-plasma. Further, the first electrode has a central bore which may be either a blind bore, or a through bore. The blind bore collects unwanted deposits that slide off of the sloped surface of the first electrode. The throughbore either allows soot and carbon nanostructures to be removed from the chamber, or allows organic vapor to be introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for producing carbon black or carbon containing compounds by converting a carbon containing feedstock, comprising the following steps: generating a plasma gas with electrical energy, guiding the plasma gas through a venturi, whose diameter is narrowing in the direction of the plasma gas flow, guiding the plasma gas into a reaction area, in which under the prevailing flow conditions generated by aerodynamic and electromagnetic forces, no significant recirculation of feedstock into the plasma gas in the reaction area recovering the reaction products from the reaction area and separating carbon black or carbon containing compounds from the other reaction products.

Abstract: A method for refining inorganic short fibers at a high yield rate. In the refining method of inorganic short fibers according to the present invention, an electric field is applied to dielectric liquid in which inorganic short fibers that include impurities are dispersed. The inorganic short fibers to which the electric field is applied are polarized and bonded with each other. The inorganic short fibers in the dielectric liquid are caused to fall. The falling inorganic short fibers are collected separately from the falling impurities utilizing the difference between the falling rate of the bonded inorganic fibers and the falling rate of the impurities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing fullerenes, in large quantities at an economical cost, from liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons treated by a high energy source in a reactor devoid of oxygen are presented. The liquid hydrocarbons preferably selected from used hazardous materials such as used motor oils, oils, crude petroleum or petroleum cracking by-products, and the gaseous hydrocarbons such as methane and acetylene, are introduced into the oxygen deprived reactor and exposed to a high energy source which may be a plasma jet, a laser beam or a submerged electrical arc. Exposure to the high energy source causes the hydrocarbon atoms to disassociate, thereby converting the liquid and gaseous components into a vapor or cloud of mixed material. The vapor or cloud is then processed to enable the liberated carbon atoms to bind and recombine to form fullerenes. The cloud is then introduced into a condensation zone of said reactor to form a mixture of fullerenes, solid soot and residue gases.

Abstract: Semiconductor carbon nanotubes functionalized by hydrogen and a method for fabricating the same, wherein the functional hydrogenated semiconductor carbon nanotubes have chemical bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms. The semiconductor carbon nanotube fabricating method includes heating carbon nanotubes in a vacuum, dissociating hydrogen molecules in hydrogen gas into hydrogen atoms, and exposing the carbon nanotubes to the hydrogen gas to form chemical bonds between carbon atoms of the carbon nanotubes and the hydrogen atoms. The conversion of metallic carbon nanotubes into semiconductor nanotubes and of semiconductor nanotubes having a relatively narrow energy bandgap into semiconductor nanotubes having a relative wide energy bandgap can be achieved using the method. The functional hydrogenated semiconductor carbon nanotubes may be applied and used in, for example, electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, and energy storage.

Abstract: A graphite cathode and a graphite anode are placed opposite each other through an insulating plate having a notch. A voltage is applied between both of the electrodes to generate arc discharge at the notch of the insulating plate. A given area of the graphite anode is evaporated from an electrode point of the arc discharge, and simultaneously an arc jet is generated from the notch. Thereby, a carbon nanoparticle comprising soot of carbon nanomaterial containing carbon nanohorn is generated. The soot is deposited on a recovering plate for recovery.

Abstract: A process for preparing a material in which a gas mixture is subjected to a a temperature of at least 1,000 degrees Celsius while its pressure increased to at least 1,000 Torr. The pressurized hot gas mixture, which contains inert gas and fullerene ions, is then quenched by decreasing its temperature to a temperature of less than 500 degrees Celsius in a period of less than about 1 millisecond, and by decreasing its pressure of to a pressure of less than about 1 Torr in a period of less than about 10 milliseconds.

Abstract: A method of producing hollow carbon nanocapsules. First, an arc chamber including a graphitic cathode and a graphitic anode is provided and an inert gas is introduced into the arc chamber. Next, a voltage is applied across the cathode and the anode by a pulse current with the voltage sufficient to generate a carbon arc reaction between the cathode and the anode. Finally, deposit formed on the cathode is collected. The deposit includes a hollow carbon nanocapsule main product and a carbon nanotube byproduct.

Abstract: A process and reactor for chemical conversion is taught. The process allows the selective breaking of chemical bonds in a molecule by use of fast rise alternating current or fast rise pulsed direct current, each fast rise portion being selected to have a suitable voltage and frequency to break a selected chemical bond in a molecule. The reactor for carrying out such a process includes a chamber for containing the molecule and a generator for generating and applying the selected fast rise current.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube manufacturing method is provided. In the carbon nanotube manufacturing method, carbon nanoparticles are dispersed in a strong acid solution and heated at a predetermined temperature under reflux to form carbon nanotubes from the carbon nanoparticles. The carbon nanotubes can be simply produced on a mass-scale at low costs by using the strong acid solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing aligned carbon nanotube thermal interface structures using batch and continuous manufacturing processes. In a batch process a capacitor is immersed in a bath containing a slurry of thermoplastic polymer containing randomly oriented carbon nanotubes and energized to create an electrical field to orient the carbon nanotubes prior to curing. In a continuous process, slurry carried by a conveyor receives the nanotube aligning electric field from capacitors positioned on both sides of the conveyor bearing the slurry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production on a substrate of gas- and liquid-impermeable layers, which have a relatively high elasticity. This elasticity is attained through the inclusion of carbon in a layer comprised of a metal or semiconductor oxide. In order to attain such an inclusion, a metal or semiconductor is ionized by means of an arc discharge. Subsequently, a reactive gas, for example O2, is introduced, with which the ionized metal or the ionized semiconductor forms an oxide. In addition, a carbon-containing gas is added, which releases its carbon such that on the substrate an oxide layer is formed, in which carbon is included.