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 of diameter (aspect ratio) of more than 20; the average diameter of 5˜50 nm.

Abstract: This invention provides an aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure, which comprises an assembly of a plurality of aligned single-layer carbon nanotube and has a height of not less than 10 ?m, and an aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure which comprises an assembly of a plurality of aligned single-layer carbon nanotubes and has been patterned in a predetermined form. This structure is produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon nanotubes in the presence of a metal catalyst in a reaction atmosphere with an oxidizing agent, preferably water, added thereto. An aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure, which has realized high purify and significantly large scaled length or height, its production process and apparatus, and its applied products are provided.

Abstract: Nanotube structures and methods for forming nanotube structures are disclosed. The methods include forming nanotubes such that they are associated with a surface of a substrate and compressing at least a portion of the nanotubes. In some embodiments, the nanotubes may be dimensionally constrained in one direction while being compressed in another direction. Compressing at least a portion of the nanotubes may comprise stamping an impression into a surface of the nanotubes, at least a portion of which is retained when the stamp is removed. In some embodiments, the nanotubes may be aligned with respect to one another and to the surface of the substrate and may extend in a direction that is, for example, normal to the substrate.

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: A carbon nanotube composition and method of making the same. The composition is made by: heating a precursor composition under a non-oxidizing or reducing atmosphere to form a carbon composition of carbon nanotubes and amorphous carbon; and calcining the carbon composition in the presence of oxygen to oxidize and vaporize the amorphous carbon without oxidizing the carbon nanotubes. The precursor composition includes a mixture or complex of a transition metal compound and an organic compound that chars at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of sidewall-functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) through C—N bond forming substitution reactions with fluorinated SWNTs (fluoronanotubes), and to the sidewall-functionalized SWNTs comprising C—N bonds between carbons of the SWNT sidewall and nitrogens of the functionalizing groups made by these methods. Furthermore, when diamine species are utilized as reactants, novel materials like crosslinked SWNTs and “nanotube-nylons” can be generated. In some embodiments, SWNTs with functional groups covalently attached to their side walls through C—N bonds are prepared by either the direct interaction of fluoronanotubes with terminal alkylidene diamines or diethanolamine, or by a two-step procedure involving consecutive treatments with Li3N in diglyme and RCl (R=H, n-butyl, benzyl) reagents.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for isolating and purifying single wall carbon nanotubes from contaminant matrix material, methods for forming arrays of substantially aligned nanotubes, and products and apparatus comprising a plurality of nanotube structures.

Abstract: Method and processes for synthesizing single-wall carbon nanotubes is provided. A carbon precursor gas is contacted with metal catalysts deposited on a support material. The metal catalysts are preferably nanoparticles having diameters less than about 50 nm. The reaction temperature is selected such that it is near the eutectic point of the mixture of metal catalyst particles and carbon.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube structures are formed by providing metal composite particles including a catalyst metal and a non-catalyst metal, where the catalyst metal catalyzes the decomposition of a hydrocarbon compound and the formation of carbon nanotube structures on surfaces of the particles. The metal composite particles are combined with the hydrocarbon compound in a heated environment so as to form carbon nanotube structures on the surfaces of the metal composite particles. The metal composite particles can be include iron and aluminum at varying amounts. The carbon nanotubes formed on the metal particles can remain on the metal particles or, alternatively, be removed from the metal particles for use in different applications.

Abstract: In the apparatus and process of the present invention, it is possible to fabricate CNTs with specific diameters and morphologies. The morphology selection can yield samples of pre-selected diameter configurations making it possible to take a sample of SWNTs produced by any synthesis technique and induce a morphology change that causes the sample to be either all conductive, all narrow band gap semiconductive or wide band gap semiconductive, within a given nanotube rope.

Abstract: Methods for producing microstructured catalytic substrates and microstructured catalytic substrates produced by the methods, and methods for growing single-walled carbon nanotubes on the microstructured catalytic substrates wherein the single-walled carbon nanotubes are preferably of a highly specific chirality.

Abstract: A gas diffusion substrate includes a non-woven network of carbon fibres, the carbon fibres are graphitised but the non-woven network has not been subjected to a graphitisation process. A mixture of graphitic particles and hydrophobic polymer is disposed within the network. The longest dimension of at least 90% of the graphitic particles is less than 100 ?m. A process for manufacturing gas diffusion substrates includes depositing a slurry of graphitised carbon fibres onto a porous bed forming a wet fibre network, preparing a suspension of graphitic particles and hydrophobic polymer, applying onto, and pulling the suspension into, the network, and drying and firing the network. Another process includes mixing a first slurry of graphitic particles and hydrophobic polymer with a second slurry of graphitised carbon fibres and liquid forming a third slurry, depositing the third slurry onto a porous bed forming a fibre-containing layer, and drying and firing the layer.

Abstract: A carbonaceous particle is provided which comprises a hexagonal flake formed of an aggregate of a plurality of nanocarbons and having a side length of 0.1 to 100 mm and a thickness of 10 nm to 1 mm. Thereby, a carbonaceous particle is provided which has an excellent electron emission performance, has a high electron conductivity, shows excellent characteristics particularly when used for a secondary battery, and can suitably be applied to various devices other than a secondary battery as well.

Abstract: Few-walled carbon nanotubes (FWNTs) can be synthesized in a simple chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system using a mixture of methanol and ethanol as the carbon source. In preferred embodiments, the present invention uses an ethanol/methanol mixture as the carbon source so that few walled nanotubes (FWNTs) with high purity can be prepared following a simplified purification process. Under the growth conditions of the present invention, ethanol is believed to act as the carbon source while methanol is believed to act as a “carbonaceous impurity remover” to remove the impurities deposited on a support (e.g., MgO) and thereby hinder the formation of such impurities.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a carbonized carbon-carbon composite preform, by: mixing (a) chopped carbon fiber, chopped stabilized pitch fiber, or chopped oxidized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, (b) thermoplastic pitch binder powder, and (c) activated carbon powder to form a mixture of 15-60 parts by weight of chopped carbon fiber or chopped stabilized pitch fiber or chopped oxidized PAN, 28-83 parts by weight of thermoplastic pitch binder powder, and 1-12 parts by weight of activated carbon powder; depositing this mixture into a mold; pressing/heating the materials in the mold to form a preform by compaction; removing the compacted preform from the mold; and carbonizing the compacted preform. The preform is preferably configured in the form of an aircraft landing system brake disc.

Abstract: A nano-fusion reactor comprised of nano-particles such as carbon based nanotubes, endohedral fullerenes and other nano materials encapsulating fusible fuels such as the hydrogen isotopes, deuterium, and tritium. The nano-devices encapsulate the fusible materials and ignite fusion reactions which in some of the embodiments consume the nano-fusion reactor device requiring the replenishment of these devices so to continue the fusible reactions. The reactions can be controlled and scaled through modulated presentation of fusion targets to the ignition chamber. The fusion reactions are ignited in the embodiments through one or more of the applied forces in the fusion reactor: electromagnetic compressive, electrostatic, and thermo. These applied forces in conjunction with the extreme structural strength, the ablation forces and purity of the nano-fusion device produces maximum forces necessary for the production of a shock wave on the nano-encapsulated device to ignite one or a plurality of fusion reactions.

Abstract: A process for growing a carbon nanotube directly on a carbon fiber includes at least the steps of depositing a metallic film of at least 1 nm in thickness on at least one surface of a flake-shaped carbon-fiber substrate; placing the substrate into a reactor; introducing a gas including carbon-containing substances into the reactor as a carbon source needed for growing a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs); and thermally cracking the carbon-containing substances in the gas to grow the carbon nanotubes directly on the substrate.

Abstract: A micelle formable from at least one nanotube in a process of self-assembly, the nanotube comprising an amphophilic nanotube (2, 8, 14) made from one or more species selected from the group of carbon, silicon, a noble metal, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide. A part of the nanotube (2, 8, 14) is functionalised and a surfactant molecule or emulsifying agent is attached to the functionalised part. The nanotube (2, 8, 14) may have magnetic properties. A therapeutic agent may be incorporated in the micelle. The micelle may be coated to form a capsule (24). The capsule (24) can be introduced to the human or animal body for treatment of tumors or targeted drug delivery when a magnetic field or near-IR radiation is applied.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have been reversibly and readily oxidized and reduced with common chemicals in solution, thereby allowing the nanotubes to be used as catalysts for chemical reactions and as stable charge storage devices.

Abstract: A capacitor is provided. The capacitor includes opposing electrodes fabricated from a non-woven carbon nanotube sheet bonded to opposing noble metal foils. The capacitor also includes a non-porous casing within which the opposing electrodes are placed. The capacitor further includes electrically conductive contacts extending from the noble metal foils through an opening in the casing. The capacitor can be a portable capacitor. A method of manufacturing the capacitor is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing self-assembled objects comprising fullerene nanotubes and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a three-dimensional structure of derivatized fullerene nanotubes that spontaneously form. It includes several components having multiple derivatives brought together to assemble into the three-dimensional structure. In another embodiment, objects may be obtained by bonding functionally-specific agents (FSAs) to groups of nanotubes, enabling them to form into structures. The bond selectivity of FSAs allow selected nanotubes of a particular size or kind to assemble together and inhibit the assembling of unselected nanotubes that may also be present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructures for use in luminescent assays as well as methods for the production of nano-sized tube and rods, including arrays of nanotubes and nanorods from a nylon.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have an R value of at least 1.3, where R is defined as the ratio (ID/IG) of an integral value of D band intensity (ID) to an integral value of G band intensity (IG) in the Raman spectrum. Such carbon nanotubes can be used to form a support catalyst with good catalyst activity because the surface defects on the carbon nanotubes promote improved catalyst distribution in that the support catalyst includes catalyst particles having a small mean particle size and a slight variation in particle size. Such a support catalyst has particularly useful properties when used as a catalyst layer for a fuel cell electrode.

Abstract: An array of carbon nanotubes is prepared by exposing a catalyst structure to a carbon nanotube precursor. Embodiment catalyst structures include one or more trenches, channels, or a combination of trenches and channels. A system for preparing the array includes a heated surface for heating the catalyst structure and a cooling portion that cools gas above the catalyst structure. The system heats the catalyst structure so that the interaction between the precursor and the catalyst structure results in the formation of an array of carbon nanotubes on the catalyst structure, and cools the gas near the catalyst structure and also cools any carbon nanotubes that form on the catalyst structure to prevent or at least minimize the formation of amorphous carbon. Arrays thus formed may be used for spinning fibers of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A new method for preparing a supported catalyst is herein provided. A carbon nanotube structure such as a rigid porous structure is formed from single walled carbon nanotubes. A metal catalyst is then loaded or deposited onto the carbon nanotube structure. The loaded carbon nanotube is preferably ground to powder form.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon nanotube structures containing both single walled and multi walled carbon nanotubes, and methods for preparing same. These carbon nanotube structures include but are not limited to macroscopic two and three dimensional structures of carbon nanotubes such as assemblages, mats, plugs, networks, rigid porous structures, extrudates, etc. The carbon nanotube structures of the present invention have a variety of uses, including but not limited to, porous media for filtration, adsorption, chromatography; electrodes and current collectors for supercapacitors, batteries and fuel cells; catalyst supports, (including electrocatalysis), etc.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a high thermal conductive element that has improved thermal conductivity in the layer direction while retaining the high thermal conductivity characteristics in the planar direction possessed by graphite. The present invention is a high thermal conductive element in which carbon particles are dispersed in a graphite-based matrix, wherein (1) the c axis of the graphene layers constituting the graphite are substantially parallel, (2) the thermal conductivity ?? in a direction perpendicular to the c axis is at least 400 W/m·k and no more than 1000 W/m·k, and (3) the thermal conductivity ?? in a direction parallel to the c axis is at least 10 W/m·k and no more than 100 W/m·k.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flame retardant additive comprising carbon based nanotudes having flame retardant properties. The flame retardant additive of the invention includes up to about 25% by weight of the carbon-based nanotube. An embodiment of the invention is directed to a polymer including the flame retardant additive of the invention which comprises an effective amount of carbon based nanotubes. The invention also relates to a method of improving the flame retardant properties of a material, the method including adding to the material an effective amount of the flame retardant additive of the invention.

Abstract: A new method for preparing a supported catalyst is herein provided. A carbon nanotube structure such as a rigid porous structure is formed from single walled carbon nanotubes. A metal catalyst is then loaded or deposited onto the carbon nanotube structure. The loaded carbon nanotube is preferably ground to powder form.

Abstract: A method of preparing a solid material based on tangled nanotubes and/or nanofibres, includes a step of growing carbon nanofibres and/or nanotubes with restraint in a contained reactor; and the materials thus obtained. The different uses of the materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: By using an oil agent for precursor fiber of carbon fiber containing a base compound and a liquid fine particle, and said liquid fine particle contains a liquid of which kinematic viscosity at 150° C. is 15000 cSt or more, it is possible to suppress an uneven stabilization in stabilizing process, and it becomes possible to provide a carbon fiber of high performance and uniform quality.

Abstract: A vapor grown fine carbon fiber, each fiber filament of the carbon fiber comprising, in its interior, a hollow space extending along the fiber filament, and having a multi-layer structure, an outer diameter of 2 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio of 1 to 100, wherein the fiber filament comprises a cut portion on its surface along the hollow space, a production method therefor, and electrically conductive material, a secondary battery and a gas occlusion material using the carbon fiber. The fine carbon fiber of the present invention is excellent in properties such as occlusion of gases such as hydrogen and methane, smoothness, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, and also excellent in dispersability, wettability and adhesion with a matrix such as resin.

Abstract: A carbon fiber paper manufacturing process and construction has oxidized fiber as raw material needle punched into a construction of 0.1˜20 mm thick, 5˜500 g/m2 oxidized fiber felt of weight, then impregnated in high density epoxy, hot compressed and hardened, then finally carbonization processed at temperature range of 700˜3000° C. to yield porous carbon fiber paper with high resilience, low porosity, and flexure, and low surface resistance to be used as the substrate of porous carbon electrode in fuel battery.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fullerene nanotube composition. The fullerene nanotubes may be in the form of a felt, such as a bucky paper. Optionally, the fullerene nanotubes may be derivatized with one or more functional groups. Devices employing the fullerene nanotubes of this invention are also disclosed.

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: The invention relates to a process for making a carbon nanotubes/ultra-high molar mass polyethylene (CNTs/UHPE) composite fibre comprising the steps of a) pre-treating CNTs with an acidic aqueous solution; b) making a composition containing pre-treated CNTs dispersed in a solution of UHPE in a spin solvent; and c) spinning the composition obtained into fibres; wherein step b) comprises making a dispersion of pre-treated CNTs in an alcohol, and mixing this dispersion with a mixture of UHPE and spin solvent. With this process CNTs/UHPE composite fibres showing improved tensile properties are obtained at relatively low CNTs content. A further advantage is that no or hardly any additional components, like dispersion aids, need to be added to make a stable dispersion of CNTs in the spin composition. The invention also relates to a CNTs/UHPE composite fibre obtainable by the process according to the invention, and to semi-finished or end-use articles containing said composite fibre.

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 invention is directed to carbon fibers having high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for making the carbon fibers. The method comprises advancing a precursor fiber through an oxidation oven wherein the fiber is subjected to controlled stretching in an oxidizing atmosphere in which tension loads are distributed amongst a plurality of passes through the oxidation oven, which permits higher cumulative stretches to be achieved. The method also includes subjecting the fiber to controlled stretching in two or more of the passes that is sufficient to cause the fiber to undergo one or more transitions in each of the two or more passes. The invention is also directed to an oxidation oven having a plurality of cooperating drive rolls in series that can be driven independently of each other so that the amount of stretch applied to the oven in each of the plurality of passes can be independently controlled.

Abstract: The present invention describes the preparation of carbon nanotubes of varied morphology, catalyst materials for their synthesis. The present invention also describes reactor apparatus and methods of optimizing and controlling process parameters for the manufacture carbon nanotubes with pre-determined morphologies in relatively high purity and in high yields. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the preparation of non-aligned carbon nanotubes with controllable morphologies, catalyst materials and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing granular, particularly spherical activated carbon by carbonization of suitable carbonaceous polymers in the form of polymer granules, in particular polymer spherules, as a starting material, which are convertible by carbonization into carbon at least essentially, wherein the polymer granules, in particular the polymer spherules, are continuously moved through a carbonization apparatus comprising a plurality of temperature zones and/or a temperature gradient so that an at least essentially complete conversion of the starting material to carbon is effected.

Abstract: A carbon fine particle structure containing plural carbon fine particles having a graphite structure and a crosslinked part containing plural functional groups chemically bonded to each other, at least one ends of each of the functional groups being connected to different carbon fine particles, the plural carbon fine particles and the crosslinked part constituting a network structure, and a process for producing the same are provided. A carbon fine particle transcriptional body and a solution for producing the carbon fine particle structure, an carbon fine particle structure electronic device using the carbon fine particle structure and a process for producing the same, and an integrated circuit using the same are provided.

Abstract: A Y-shaped carbon nanotube atomic force microscope probe tip and methods comprise a shaft portion; a pair of angled arms extending from a same end of the shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion and the pair of angled arms comprise a chemically modified carbon nanotube, and wherein the chemically modified carbon nanotube is modified with any of an amine, carboxyl, fluorine, and metallic component. Preferably, each of the pair of angled arms comprises a length of at least 200 nm and a diameter between 10 and 200 nm. Moreover, the chemically modified carbon nanotube is preferably adapted to allow differentiation between substrate materials to be probed. Additionally, the chemically modified carbon nanotube is preferably adapted to allow fluorine gas to flow through the chemically modified carbon nanotube onto a substrate to be characterized. Furthermore, the chemically modified carbon nanotube is preferably adapted to chemically react with a substrate surface to be characterized.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a conductive composition comprises blending a polymer precursor with a single wall carbon nanotube composition; and polymerizing the polymer precursor to form an organic polymer. The method may be advantageously used for manufacturing automotive components, computer components, and other components where electrical conductivity properties are desirable.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulation of nanotubes using an organic material that is presented to the nanotubes. Exemplary types of manipulation include cutting nanotubes into shortened nanotubes, dispersing nanotubes, enabling dissolution of nanotubes, and noncovalently functionalizing nanotubes. The organic material used in manipulating nanotubes preferably comprises a solid organic material, soluble organic material, and/or an organic material that acts as a dispersing reagent for dispersing nanotubes. In a preferred embodiment, the organic material used for manipulating nanotubes comprises cyclodextrin.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of making single-wall carbon nanotubes by laser vaporizing a mixture of carbon and one or more Group VIII transition metals. Single-wall carbon nanotubes preferentially form in the vapor and the one or more Group VIII transition metals catalyzed growth of the single-wall carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more single-wall carbon nanotubes are fixed in a high temperature zone so that the one or more Group VIII transition metals catalyze further growth of the single-wall carbon nanotube that is maintained in the high temperature zone. In another embodiment, two separate laser pulses are utilized with the second pulse timed to be absorbed by the vapor created by the first pulse.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to monitor carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A carbon nanotube (CNT) is manipulated in a fluid by a laser beam. An illuminating light from a light source is aligned along axis of the CNT to produce an optical response from the CNT. The CNT is monitored using an optical sensor according to the optical response.

Abstract: A method of preparing a patterned carbon nanotube array a patterned carbon nanotube array prepared thereby are provided. The method includes forming carbon nanotubes in channels of porous templates, arranging the templates in a predetermined pattern on a substrate and selectively removing the templates to expose the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A preferred carbon nanotube-based device (1) includes a substrate (10), a catalyst layer (30) disposed on the substrate, and a plurality carbon nanotube arrays (50, 51) extending from the catalyst layer. The catalyst layer includes a plurality of catalyst blocks (33, 34), a thickness of the catalyst block is varied gradually from a first end thereof to an opposite second end thereof, and the catalyst block having a region with a thickness approximate to an optimum thickness for growing carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube arrays are arc-shaped, and bend in respective directions deviating from the region of optimum thickness. A preferred method for making the carbon nanotube-based device is also provided.

Abstract: A simple method for the production or synthesis of carbon nanotubes as free-standing films or nanotube mats by the thermal decomposition of transition metal complexed alkynes with aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl substituents. In particular, transition metal (e.g. Co, Ni, Fe, Mo) complexes of diarylacetylenes, e.g. diphenylacetylene, and solid mixtures of these complexes with suitable, additional carbon sources are heated in a vessel. More specifically, the heating of the transition metal complex is completed at a temperature between 400-800° C. and more particularly 550-700° C. for between 0.1 to 24 hours and more particularly 0.5-3 hours in a sealed vessel under a partial pressure of argon or helium.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a unipolar carbon nanotube having a carrier-trapping material and a unipolar field effect transistor having the unipolar carbon nanotube. The carrier-trapping material, which is sealed in the carbon nanotube, may readily transform an ambipolar characteristic of the carbon nanotube into a unipolar characteristic by doping the carbon nanotube. Also, p-type and n-type carbon nanotubes and field effect transistors may be realized according to the carrier-trapping material.