Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise, via a tube control agent (TCA) and a metallic catalyst, producing a carbon nanotube. At least some carbon used to form the carbon nanotube can be obtained from a plant, a cellulose product, and/or a cellulosic product. At least some of the carbon can be converted into powder.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for separating metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT, comprising treating with a physical separation means of centrifugation, freezing-thawing-squeezing, diffusion, permeation or the like using a gel containing CNT as a dispersed and isolated state (CNT-containing gel), to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and make metallic CNT exist in solution.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semi-continuous vapor grown carbon fiber mat, comprising: (a) providing a substrate which has a catalyst on its surface; (b) placing said substrate in a furnace; (c) introducing hydrogen, ammonia, or combinations thereof into said furnace; (d) adjusting a temperature of said furnace to 400° C. to 900° C. to proceed heat treatment for 15 to 90 minutes; (e) adding a carbon-containing compound into said furnace and adjusting the ratio of said carbon-containing compound and said hydrogen, ammonia, or combinations thereof; (f) adjusting the temperature of said furnace to 600° C. to 1200° C. to crack said carbon-containing compound, and thereby forming a carbon fiber mat, wherein time for reaction is 1 to 3 hours. The present invention also provides a semi-continuous vapor grown carbon fiber mat and a graphitized carbon fiber mat.

Abstract: A method of increasing the density of carbon nanotube fibres or films containing carbon nanotubes to at least 50% w/w, said method including the steps of exposing the fibre or film to suitable density enhancing agent, or to electromagnetic radiation, or by applying heat, or by mechanical compaction.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a carbon nanotube, a boat configured to receive substrates is positioned outside of a synthesis space where the carbon nanotube is synthesized. The substrates are loaded into the boat. The boat is then transferred to the synthesis space. A process for forming the carbon nanotube is performed on the substrates in the synthesis space to form the carbon nanotube. Thus, the carbon nanotube may be effectively manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., graphite and graphite oxide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm. The method comprises (a) dispersing particles of graphite, graphite oxide, or a non-graphite laminar compound in a liquid medium containing therein a surfactant or dispersing agent to obtain a stable suspension or slurry; and (b) exposing the suspension or slurry to ultrasonic waves at an energy level for a sufficient length of time to produce separated nano-scaled platelets. The nano-scaled platelets are candidate reinforcement fillers for polymer nanocomposites. Nano-scaled graphene platelets are much lower-cost alternatives to carbon nano-tubes or carbon nano-fibers.

Abstract: A method of fabricating carbon nanotube bundles clad in a quartz sheath with high temperature and chemical resistance contains the steps of providing carbon nanotube sample in powder form which is vacuum-sealed within a quartz tube sheath and then heated to the softening temperature of quartz followed by quickly quenching to room temperature while simultaneously extending or “drawing” the quartz tube along its major axis so that the carbon is extended into nanotube form and the surrounding quartz tube is reduced.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes and at least one line mark formed on the carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes have a top end and a bottom end. The at least one line mark is formed on the carbon nanotubes. The at least one line mark transversely extends across the carbon nanotubes, and is located between the top end and the bottom end. The at least one line mark is spaced from the top and bottom ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal nano catalyst, a method for preparing the same and a method for controlling the growth types of carbon nanotubes using the same. The metal nano catalyst can be prepared by burning an aqueous metal catalyst derivative comprising Co, Fe, Ni or a combination thereof in the presence of a supporting body precursor.

Abstract: Composites of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and a ceramic support (e.g., silica) comprising a small amount of catalytic metal, e.g., cobalt and molybdenum, are described. The particle comprising the metal and ceramic support is used as the catalyst for the production of the single-walled carbon nanotubes. The nanotube-ceramic composite thus produced can be used “as prepared” without further purification providing significant cost advantages. The nanotube-ceramic composite has also been shown to have improved properties versus those of purified carbon nanotubes in certain applications such as field emission devices. Use of precipitated and fumed silicas has resulted in nanotube-ceramic composites which may synergistically improve the properties of both the ceramic (e.g., silica) and the single-walled carbon nanotubes. Addition of these composites to polymers may improve their properties.

Abstract: A method includes liberating carbon atoms from hydrocarbon molecules by reaction with or in a reactant liquid and maintaining the liberated carbon atoms in an excited state. The chemically excited liberated carbon atoms are then enabled to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and are directed across a collection surface. The collection surface and the conditions at and around the collection surface are maintained so that the liberated carbon atoms in the excited state phase change to a ground state by carbon nanostructure self-assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel three-dimensional (3D) carbon fibers which are original (or primary) carbon fibers (OCF) with secondary carbon filaments (SCF) grown thereon, and, if desired, tertiary carbon filaments (TCF) are grown from the surface of SCF forming a filamentous carbon network with high surface area. The methods and apparatus are provided for growing SCF on the OCF by thermal decomposition of carbonaceous gases (CG) over the hot surface of the OCF without use of metal-based catalysts. The thickness and length of SCF can be controlled by varying operational conditions of the process, e.g., the nature of CG, temperature, residence time, etc. The optional activation step enables one to produce 3D activated carbon fibers with high surface area. The method and apparatus are provided for growing TCF on the SCF by thermal decomposition of carbonaceous gases over the hot surface of the SCF using metal catalyst particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel carbon nanoparticles, especially to carbon nanoparticles which comprise or consist of carbon nanotubes and have been modified by means of acyl groups, to a novel process with which these modified carbon nanoparticles, especially carbon nanoparticles comprising or consisting of carbon nanotubes, are obtainable, and to the use of the modified carbon nanoparticles, especially carbon nanoparticles comprising or consisting of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method includes isolating carbon atoms as conditioned carbide anions below a surface of a reactant liquid. The conditioned carbide anions are then enabled to escape from the reactant liquid to a collection area where carbon nanostructures may form. A carbon structure produced in this fashion includes at least one layer made up of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms. Each carbon atom has three covalent bonds to adjoining carbon atoms and one unbound pi electron.

Abstract: Compositions, systems and methods are described for condensed phase conversion and growth of nanorods and other materials. A method includes providing a condensed phase matrix material; and activating the condensed phase matrix material to produce a plurality of nanorods by condensed phase conversion and growth from the condensed phase matrix material instead of from vapor. The compositions are very strong. The compositions and methods provide advantages because they allow (1) formation rates of nanostructures necessary for reasonable production rates, and (2) the near net shaped production of component structures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a suspension of de-agglomerated carbon nanotubes, comprising mixing agglomerated carbon nanotubes with a block copolymer. Further, a powder of de-agglomerated carbon nanotubes is provided, that can be easily redispersed to obtain a suspension of untangled carbon nanotubes. The invention also relates to the use of the provided materials in the preparation of composites, and in electronics.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures formed as bulk support media having carbon nanotubes formed therewith. The bulk support media may comprise fibers or particles and the fibers or particles may be formed from such materials as quartz, carbon, or activated carbon. Metal catalyst species are formed adjacent the surfaces of the bulk support material, and carbon nanotubes are grown adjacent the surfaces of the metal catalyst species. Methods employ metal salt solutions that may comprise iron salts such as iron chloride, aluminum salts such as aluminum chloride, or nickel salts such as nickel chloride. Carbon nanotubes may be separated from the carbon-based bulk support media and the metal catalyst species by using concentrated acids to oxidize the carbon-based bulk support media and the metal catalyst species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube that contains nitrogen based functional groups (such as nitro, nitroso, N-oxide, oxime, hydroxylamine, diazo, azo, and azide) that are covalently attached to lattice carbons of the carbon nanotube, directly or via a chemical linker. The present invention also relates to methods for the preparation of the carbon nanotube from an amino-functionalized carbon nanotube via an amino oxidation reaction. The synthetic methods of the present invention allow the nitrogen based functional groups to be attached selectively to one of two distinct regions of the carbon nanotube, the ends or the sidewall, and thus enable the synthesis of a carbon nanotube having nitrogen based functional groups substantially concentrated on either the ends or the sidewall of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Carbon nanostructures such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes are formed from electrolyzed coal char. The electrolyzed coal char is formed by forming a slurry of coal particles, metal catalyst and water and subjecting this to electrolysis, which generates carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This forms a coating on the particles which includes metal catalysts. These particles can be used as is for formation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using a pyrolysis method or other method without the addition of any catalyst. The gelatinous coating can be separated from the char and used as a fuel or as a carbon source to form carbon nanostructures.

Abstract: Disclosed are copolymers of carbon nanotubes, as well as processes and applications of carbon nanotube dispersions. Carbon nanotube emulsions and related technology are also disclosed. The controlled deposition of carbon nanotubes on substrates is also provided. Methods of purifying single-walled carbon nanotubes are also provided. Devices made according to the disclosed methods are further described herein.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed to methods of preparing cylindrical carbon structures, specifically single-walled carbon nanotubes, with a desired chirality. The methods include the steps of providing a catalyst component on a substrate and a carbon component, contacting the catalyst component and the carbon component to produce a cylindrical carbon structure. Then, no longer providing the carbon component and determining the chirality of the cylindrical carbon structure. The catalyst component is then cleaned and the process is repeated until the cylindrical carbon structure fulfills a desired characteristic, such as, length. The chirality of the single-walled carbon nanotube grown, after cleaning of the catalyst component, has the same chirality as the initially produced nanotube.

Abstract: A method for controlled deposition and orientation of molecular sized nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) on substrates is disclosed. The method comprised: forming a thin layer of polymer coating on a substrate; exposing a selected portion of the thin layer of polymer to alter a selected portion of the thin layer of polymer; forming a suspension of nanostructures in a solvent, wherein the solvent suspends the nanostructures and activates the nanostructures in the solvent for deposition; and flowing a suspension of nanostructures across the layer of polymer in a flow direction; thereby: depositing a nanostructure in the suspension of nanostructures only to the selected portion of the thin layer of polymer coating on the substrate to form a deposited nanostructure oriented in the flow direction. By selectively employing portions of the method above, complex NEMS may be built of simpler NEMSs components.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition processes. In some aspects, single-walled carbon nanotubes having narrow distribution of diameters are formed by contacting a carbon precursor gas with a catalyst on a support, wherein the catalyst has an average diameter of less than about 2 nm.

Abstract: Processes for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes without catalysts are provided. The nanotubes are produced by vaporizing silicon carbide and carbon.

Abstract: A thermal solution for an electronic device, which is positioned between a heat source and an external surface of the electronic device and/or another component of the electronic device, where the thermal solution facilitates heat dissipation from the heat source while shielding the external surface and/or second component from the heat generated by the heat source.

Abstract: A method of growing single-walled carbon nanotubes. The method may include supplying at least one of an oxidant and an etchant into a vacuum chamber and supplying a source gas into the vacuum chamber to grow carbon nanotubes on a substrate in an oxidant or an etchant atmosphere. The carbon nanotubes may be grown in an H2O plasma atmosphere. The carbon nanotubes may be grown at a temperature less than 500° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing CNTs by bringing a carbon source into contact with a multivalent metal and/or metal-oxide-based catalyst deposited on an inorganic substrate having a BET specific surface area of greater than 50 m2/g. The CNTs obtained may be used as agents for improving the mechanical and electrical conductivity properties in polymeric compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses ultra-fine fibrous carbon and preparation of the same. Specifically, the present ultra-fine fibrous carbon is characterized by the graphite-like structure with the sp2 hybrid carbon content of more than 95% per total content; the (002) plane interlayer spacing (d002, d-spacing of C(002) profiles determined by X-ray diffraction method) of 0.3370˜0.3700 nm; the (002) plane stacking of more than 4 layers, namely the stacking height (Lc002) of more than 1.5 nm; fibrous carbon length per fibrous carbon width or diameter (aspect ratio) of more than 20; the average diameter of 5˜50 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for preparing carbon nanotube containing multi-component support materials of amorphous Si, Mg and Al as well as a bulk scale preparation process for preparing carbon nanotube using said catalyst composition. More specifically, this invention relates to a process for preparing carbon nanotube using the catalyst composition comprising a transition metal catalyst and support materials of amorphous Si, Mg and Al.

Abstract: Provided are a method of coating a catalyst metal layer by using a nucleic acid, and a method of forming nanocarbon using the method of coating a catalyst metal layer. The method of coating a catalyst metal layer includes preparing an aqueous solution; the aqueous solution including ions of a transition metal and a nucleic acid; disposing a carbon matrix including carbon, in the aqueous solution, and disposing a catalyst metal layer including a transition metal on a surface of the carbon matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of nanotubes, fullerene and their derivatives where, in an environment where an inert gas flows at or below atmospheric pressure, a high frequency electromagnetic field is generated and a pure or doped graphite element is subjected to the electromagnetic field and heated to vaporization to form a plasma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of a carbon nanotube from an amino-functionalized carbon nanotube via an amino oxidation reaction. The carbon nanotube includes nitrogen based functional groups that are covalently attached to lattice carbons of the carbon nanotube, directly or via a chemical linker. The synthetic methods of the present invention allow the nitrogen based functional groups to be attached selectively to one of two distinct regions of the carbon nanotube, and thus enable the synthesis of a carbon nanotube having nitrogen based functional groups substantially concentrated on the ends and/or the sidewall of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A carbon sequestration and dry reforming process for the production of synthesis gas and sequestered carbon from carbon dioxide. Two-dimension catalysts for sequestering carbon and a process to produce same. A method for activating two dimension catalysts.

Abstract: Methods of producing carbon nanostructures utilizing a polymer and a nanostructure template to form carbon nanostructures are disclosed. The method does not require a metal catalyst.

Abstract: A method of extracting fullerenes from a carbon matrix in which they are produced. The method is applicable to both fullerenes that exhibit greater than 0.1 mg/ml solubility in toluene and to fullerenes that are essentially insoluble in toluene, i.e., those exhibiting less than or equal to 0.1 mg/ml solubility. The method disclosed herein extracts more of the soluble fullerenes from the carbon matrix than extraction conducted by solely contacting with solvent. A method is also provided for creating salts of the extracted fullerenes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of nanostructures, e.g., single wall carbon nanotubes (“SWNT”) and/or multi-wall carbon nanotubes (“MWNT”), from solutions containing a polymer, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN). In particular, the invention is directed to the production of nanostructures, for example, SWNT and/or MWNT, from mixtures, e.g., solutions, containing polyacrylonitrile, polyaniline emeraldine base (PANi) or a salt thereof, an iron salt, e.g., iron chloride, and a solvent. In one embodiment, a mixture containing polyacrylonitrile, polyaniline emeraldine base or a salt thereof, an iron salt, e.g., iron chloride, and a solvent is formed and the mixture is electrospun to form nanofibers. In another embodiment, the electrospun nanofibers are then oxidized, e.g., heated in air, and subsequently pyrolyzed to form carbon nanostructures.

Abstract: Methods to prepare synthetic carbon nanotubes having controllable properties and synthetic carbon nanotubes having controllable properties are provided. The properties which are controllable using the methods provided here include independently and in combination: diameter, length, identity and number of functional groups present and identity and number of heteroatoms present.

Abstract: Methods of preparing single walled carbon nanotubes are provided. An arrangement comprising one or more layers of fullerene in contact with one side of a metal layer and a solid carbon source in contact with the other side of metal layer is prepared. The fullerene/metal layer/solid carbon source arrangement is then heated to a temperature below where the fullerenes sublime. Single walled carbon nanotubes are grown on the fullerene side of the metal layer.

Abstract: A transparent and conductive film comprising at least one network of graphene flakes is described herein. This film may further comprise an interpenetrating network of other nanostructures, a polymer and/or a functionalization agent(s). A method of fabricating the above device is also described, and may comprise depositing graphene flakes in solution and evaporating solvent therefrom.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube template arrays may be edited to form connections between proximate nanotubes and/or to delete undesired nanotubes or nanotube junctions.

Abstract: A method for continuously growing carbon nanotubes may include providing a melt comprising carbon and a catalyst at a temperature between about 1,200 degrees Celsius and about 2,500 degrees Celsius, selecting a carbon nanotube seed having at least one of a semiconductor electrical property and a metallic electrical property from a plurality of carbon nanotube seeds, contacting the selected carbon nanotube seed to a surface of the melt, and moving the selected carbon nanotube seed away from the surface of the melt at a rate operable to continuously grow a carbon nanotube, and continuously growing the carbon nanotube having the selected electrical property. Method for continuously growing a graphene sheet, and apparatus for continuously growing carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A molecular structure. In one embodiment, the molecular structure includes a nanotube formed with a plurality of carbon atoms having a first end, an opposite, second end, and a body portion defined therebetween, wherein the body portion has an interior surface defining a cavity, an opposite, exterior surface and a longitudinal axis therethrough the cavity, and a porphyrin molecule having a plurality of carbon atoms and a first plurality of hydrogen atoms, wherein at its original state the porphyrin molecule has a plurality of pyrrole units and each pyrrole unit is coupled to another pyrrole unit through a methine bridge so as to form a ring structure with a second plurality of hydrogen atoms positioned peripherally along the ring structure. The porphyrin molecule is chemically coupled to the interior surface of the nanotube such that at least one of the second plurality of hydrogen atoms positioned peripherally along the ring structure is replaced by a carbon atom of the nanotube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preform for a carbon-carbon composite. The preform comprises a consolidated stack of two or more two-dimensional fibre layers having between the layers a carbon nanotube and/or nanofibre network. Carbon-carbon composites made from the preform have application in a wide range of fields, e.g. as friction discs in braking systems, especially aircraft braking systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for the synthesis of thin multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and a method for manufacturing a catalyst composition. More particularly, this invention relates to a multi-component metal catalyst composition comprising i) main catalyst of Fe and Al, ii) inactive support of Mg and iii) optional co-catalyst at least one selected from Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, W, V, Sn, or Cu. Further, the present invention affords thin multi-walled carbon nanotube having 5˜20 nm of diameter and 100˜10,000 of aspect ratio in a high yield.

Abstract: A method of producing activated carbon fibers (ACFs) includes the steps of providing a natural carbonaceous precursor fiber material, blending the carbonaceous precursor material with a chemical activation agent to form chemical agent-impregnated precursor fibers, spinning the chemical agent-impregnated precursor material into fibers, and thermally treating the chemical agent-impregnated precursor fibers. The carbonaceous precursor material is both carbonized and activated to form ACFs in a single step. The method produces ACFs exclusive of a step to isolate an intermediate carbon fiber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby a functional nanomaterial such as a monolayer carbon nanotube, a monolayer boron nitride nanotube, a monolayer silicon carbide nanotube, a multilayer carbon nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a multilayer boron nitride nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a multilayer silicon carbide nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a metal containing fullerene, and a metal containing fullerene with the number of layers controlled is produced at a high yield. According to the method, when a multilayer carbon nanotube (3) is formed by a chemical vapor deposition or a liquid phase growth process, an endothermic reaction aid (H2S) is introduced in addition to a primary reactant (CH4, H2) in the process to form a monolayer carbon nanotube (4).

Abstract: A composition is provided in which carbon nanofibers are functionalized with at least one moiety where the moiety or moieties comprise at least one bivalent radical. The composition can include a nanocomposite, such as polyimide films. Methods for making functionalized carbon nanofibers and nanocomposites are also provided.

Abstract: A crimped carbon fiber having a multilayer structure comprising a hollow structure in the inside, with the inner layer part having a carbon structure containing a herringbone structure and the outer layer part having a carbon structure differing from the carbon structure of the inner layer part. A method for producing a crimped carbon fiber, comprising contacting a carbon source and/or a catalyst source with a sulfur source in a heating zone to produce a vapor grown carbon fiber, wherein the ratio of the molar number of sulfur atom in the sulfur source to the molar number of the catalyst metal atom is 2.0 or more.

Abstract: Separation of carbon nanotubes or fullerenes according to diameter through non-covalent pi-pi interaction with molecular clips is provided. Molecular clips are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of polyacenes with a variety of dienophiles. The pi-pi complexes of carbon nanotrubes with molecular clips are also used for selective placement of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on substrates.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a metal complex which contains at least one metal selected from a group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel and an organic compound: and forming carbon nanotubes which contain metal therein by using the organic compound as a carbon source, wherein the carbon nanotubes are formed by putting the metal complex into a heating vessel which has a substance capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and by heating the metal complex using heat which is generated by the heating vessel when electromagnetic energy is applied to the heating vessel. As the metal complex used in a method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention, nickel stearate or nickel benzoate can be named, for example. According to the method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture carbon nanotubes using an inexpensive heating device within a short time.