Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor grown carbon fiber having a mean fiber diameter of 80 to 500 nm, an aspect ratio of 100 to 200 and preferably a bulk density of 0.02 g/cm3 or less, wherein filaments having a diameter within ±20% of the mean fiber diameter occupies 65% (on a number basis) or more of the total. The production method involves thermal decomposition of a carbon source at 800 to 1,300° C. in the presence of, as a catalyst, a transition metal compound having a vapor pressure of 0.13 kPa (1 mmHg) or more at 150° C. and spraying of the carbon source and the transition metal compound in gas form toward the reactor inner wall to allow reaction to proceed. The vapor grown carbon fiber having a larger aspect ratio has excellent dispersibility, and when added in a resin, a smaller amount contributes to enhancement in electroconductivity and thermal conductivity, as compared with a case using conventional one.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing carbon nanofibres and/or carbon nanotubes, which process comprises pyrolysing a particulate cellulosic and/or carbohydrate substrate that has been impregnated with a compound of an element or elements, the metal or alloy, respectively, of which is capable of forming carbides, in a substantially oxygen free, volatile silicon compound containing atmosphere, optionally in the presence of a carbon compound.

Abstract: An aligned carbon nanotube bulk structure capable of attaining high density and high hardness not found so far. The aligned carbon nanotube bulk structure has a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) applied with a density-increasing treatment, and having alignment in a predetermined direction, the structure has a degree of anisotropy of 1:3 or more between the direction of alignment and the direction vertical to the direction of alignment, and the intensity by irradiating X-rays along the direction of alignment is higher than the intensity by irradiating X-rays from the direction vertical to the direction of alignment at a (002) peak in X-ray diffraction data, and the degree of alignment thereof satisfies predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A hot filament chemical vapor deposition method has been developed to grow at least one vertical single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT). In general, various embodiments of the present invention disclose novel processes for growing and/or producing enhanced nanotube carpets with decreased diameters as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A catalyst material for preparing nanotubes, especially carbon nanotubes, said material being in the form of solid particles, said particles including a porous substrate supporting two superposed catalytic layers, a first layer, directly positioned on the substrate, including at least one transition metal from column VIB of the Periodic Table, preferably molybdenum, and a second catalytic layer, positioned on the first layer, comprising iron. Also, a process for preparing same and to a process for the synthesis of nanotubes using this catalyst material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanotubes in the agglomerated form and thus obtained novel carbon nanotube agglomerates.

Abstract: An atmosphere of a carbon source comprising an oxygenic compound is brought into contact with a catalyst with heating to yield single-walled carbon nanotubes. The carbon source comprising an oxygenic compound preferably is an alcohol and/or ether. The catalyst preferably is a metal. The heating temperature is preferably 500 to 1,500° C. The single-walled carbon nanotubes thus obtained contain no foreign substances and have satisfactory quality with few defects.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous, carbon fiber with nanoscale features comprising carbon and carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fiber. Also provided is a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor including about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a melt-spinnable PAN and about 0.01% to about 10% of carbon nanotubes. Other precursor materials such as polyphenylene sulfide, pitch and solution-spinnable PAN are also provided. The precursor can also include a fugitive polymer which is dissociable from the precursor polymer.

Abstract: A gas diffusion media is described. The gas diffusion media comprises a conductive porous substrate; and a microporous layer; wherein a cathode effective transport length is in a range of about 700 to about 1900 ?m; wherein an overall thermal resistance is in a range of about 1.8 to about 3.8 cm2-K/W; and wherein a ratio of the cathode effective transport length to an anode effective transport length is greater than about 2.

Abstract: This invention provides an aligned single-walled CNT aggregate comprising a substrate, fine particles of iron catalyst with a density of 1×1011 to 1×1014/cm2 disposed on an alumina co-catalyst above the substrate, and a plurality of single-walled CNTs grown from the fine particles of the iron catalyst, in which the plurality of single-walled CNTs have a specific surface area of 600 m2/g to 2600 m2/g, and a weight density from 0.002 g/cm3 to 0.2 g/cm3, and the alignment degree which satisfies a few of specific conditions. This invention also provides a bulk aligned single-walled carbon nanotube aggregate and a powdered aligned single-walled carbon nanotube aggregate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fine carbon fibrous structure which comprises carbon fibers and granular parts, wherein at least two granular parts connect by at least one of the carbon fibers; wherein the fine carbon fibrous structure have a D2/D1 ratio of 1.3 to 10, wherein the D1 is the median diameter of outer diameters of the carbon fibers and the D2 is the area-based circle-equivalent median diameter of the particles; wherein the granular parts have a D2 of 0.05 to 0.4 ?m; wherein the carbon fibers have a median length of not more than 20 ?m; wherein the granular parts are produced in a growth process of the carbon fibers; and wherein at least a graphene layer which exists on and constitutes the surface of each granular part is continued on a graphene layer which exists on and constitutes the surface of the carbon fiber which connects between the granular parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes on the surface of a material. The invention more particularly relates to a method for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (or CNT) at the surface of a material using a carbon source comprising acetylene and xylene, and a catalyst containing ferrocene. The method of the invention has the advantage, amongst others, of enabling the continuous synthesis of nanotubes when desired. Also, the method of the invention is carried out at temperatures lower than those of known methods and on materials on which the growth of carbon nanotubes is difficulty reproducible and/or difficulty homogenous in terms of CNT diameter and density (number of CNT per surface unit). Said advantages, amongst others, make the method of the invention particularly useful at the industrial level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fullerene carbon nanotubes having a cylindrical wall comprising a double layer of carbon atoms and methods for the production and application of these double-wall carbon nanotubes; and, more particularly, to nanotubes with controlled number of carbon layers and methods for the production of macroscopic amounts of these nanotubes and there application as cathode materials in the cold field electron emission devices, notable such devices comprising light emitting CRT's.

Abstract: Provided is a continuous method and apparatus of purifying carbon nanotubes. The continuous method and apparatus of purifying carbon nanotubes is characterized in a first purifying step for injecting a carbon nanotube liquid mixture containing an oxidizer into a purifying reactor under a sub-critical water or supercritical water condition at a pressure of 50 to 400 atm and a temperature of 100 to 600° C. to obtain a purified product, thereby removing amorphous carbon and producing the carbon nanotube product.

Abstract: There is provided a high-purity carbon nanotube, which can be produced with simple purification by causing graphite to be hardly contained in crude soot obtained immediately after being synthesized by arc-discharge, and a method for producing the same. Soot containing carbon nanotubes produced by arc-discharge using an anode which contains amorphous carbon as a main component is heated at a temperature of not lower than 350° C. to be burned and oxidized, immersed in an acid, heated at a temperature, which is not lower than the heating temperature in the previous burning and oxidation and which is not lower than 500° C., to be burned and oxidized, and immersed in an acid again.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a carbon nanotube having a high purity and a method for purifying an unpurified carbon nanotube or a carbon nanotube having a low purity. The method for producing a carbon nanotube comprises a step of providing a carbonaceous material containing a carbon nanotube and a step of adding an iron material and hydrogen peroxide to the carbonaceous material to thereby purity a carbon nanotube. It is preferred that an iron powder is used as the iron material. The iron powder is preferably used in a proportion of 0.5 to 20 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the whole carbonaceous material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing spherical activated carbon, wherein polymer globules, which comprise thermally decomposing chemical groups, are carbonized. It is characterized by that during the carbonization, a supplier of free radicals is added to the polymer globules, the supplier of free radicals forming free radicals, which are different from the free radicals that are generated by the decomposition of the chemical groups.

Abstract: (Problem) In conventional method for producing artificial graphite, in order to obtain a product having excellent crystallinity, it was necessary to mold a filler and a binder and then repeat impregnation, carbonization and graphitization, and since carbonization and graphitization proceeded by a solid phase reaction, a period of time of as long as 2 to 3 months was required for the production and cost was high and further, a large size structure in the shape of column and cylinder could not be produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials such as carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber and carbon nanohorn could not be produced.

Abstract: A method is described herein for the providing of high quality graphene layers on silicon carbide wafers in a thermal process. With two wafers facing each other in close proximity, in a first vacuum heating stage, while maintained at a vacuum of around 10?6 Torr, the wafer temperature is raised to about 1500° C., whereby silicon evaporates from the wafer leaving a carbon rich surface, the evaporated silicon trapped in the gap between the wafers, such that the higher vapor pressure of silicon above each of the wafers suppresses further silicon evaporation. As the temperature of the wafers is raised to about 1530° C. or more, the carbon atoms self assemble themselves into graphene.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of functionalizing the sidewalls of a plurality of carbon nanotubes with oxygen moieties, the method comprising: exposing a carbon nanotube dispersion to an ozone/oxygen mixture to form a plurality of ozonized carbon nanotubes; and contacting the plurality of ozonized carbon nanotubes with a cleaving agent to form a plurality of sidewall-functionalized carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A process for producing polyacrylonitrile-base precursor fibers for production of carbon fibers, which comprises spinning a spinning dope containing 10 to 25 wt % of a polyacrylonitrile-base polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 2.0 to 10.0 by extruding the spinning dope from a spinneret by a wet spinning or a dry wet spinning method, drying and heat-treating fibers obtained by the spinning, and then steam drawing the resulting fibers, wherein the linear extrusion rate of the polyacrylonitrile-base polymer from the spinneret is 2 to 15 m/min. Carbon fibers which are produced by stabilizing-carbonizing treatment of the polyacrylonitrile-base precursor fibers and which have a strand tensile modulus of 320 to 380 GPa and a conduction electron density of 3.0×1019 to 7.0×1019 spins/g as determined by electron spin resonance.

Abstract: Methods for dissolving carbon materials such as, for example, graphite, graphite oxide, oxidized graphene nanoribbons and reduced graphene nanoribbons in a solvent containing at least one superacid are described herein. Both isotropic and liquid crystalline solutions can be produced, depending on the concentration of the carbon material The superacid solutions can be formed into articles such as, for example, fibers and films, mixed with other materials such as, for example, polymers, or used for functionalization of the carbon material. The superacid results in exfoliation of the carbon material to produce individual particles of the carbon material. In some embodiments, graphite or graphite oxide is dissolved in a solvent containing at least one superacid to form graphene or graphene oxide, which can be subsequently isolated. In some embodiments, liquid crystalline solutions of oxidized graphene nanoribbons in water are also described.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-infused fiber and a method for its production are disclosed. Nanotubes are synthesized directly on a parent fiber by first applying a catalyst to the fiber. The properties of the carbon nanotube-infused fiber will be a combination of those of the parent fiber as well as those of the infused carbon nanotubes.

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 method of removing metal impurities from carbon nanotubes includes treating carbon nanotubes with distilled bromine in a substantially oxygen- and water-free atmosphere and then removing the distilled bromine from the carbon nanotubes. Purified carbon nanotubes having an iron content from about 2.5 to about 3.5 by weight that are substantially free of derivatization at the ends and defect sites are made available via this method.

Abstract: Ovenware made from thermoplastic polymeric compositions which have relatively high thermal conductivities has advantages in cooking food. Such compositions can be made by mixing a thermoplastic polymer with a particulate material which has a relatively high thermal conductivity. This composition usually allows faster heating of the food and/or improved browning of the food in contact with the ovenware surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin line having a hollow structure portion composed of a C70 fullerene molecule, which is a novel functional material useful for a capsule for containing various chemical substances, a reaction site, a gas adsorbent, a catalyst supporting material, an electrode material, a semiconductor and the like. Also disclosed is a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing catalyst composition for the synthesis of carbon nanotube with high yields using the spray pyrolysis method. More particularly, this invention relates to a process for preparing catalyst composition for the synthesis of carbon nanotube comprising the steps of i) dissolving multi-component metal precursors of catalyst composition in de-ionized water; ii) spraying obtained catalytic metal precursor solution into the high temperature reactor by gas atomization method; iii) forming the catalyst composition powder by pyrolysis of gas atomized material; and iv) obtaining the catalyst composition powder, wherein said catalyst composition comprises i) main catalyst selected from Fe or Co, ii) Al, iii) optional co-catalyst at least one selected from Ni, Cu, Sn, Mo, Cr, Mn, V, W, Ti, Si, Zr or Y, iv) inactive support of Mg. Further, the catalyst composition prepared by this invention has a very low apparent density of 0.01˜0.

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: A method for the production of various morphologies of solid carbon product by reducing carbon oxides with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The carbon oxides are typically either carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The reducing agent is typically either a hydrocarbon gas or hydrogen. The desired morphology of the solid carbon product may be controlled by the specific catalysts, reaction conditions and optional additives used in the reduction reaction. The resulting solid carbon products have many commercial applications.

Abstract: There is provided a conductive fiber containing a conductive substance, and having stable conductive performance with a small variation in its conductive performance. A conductive fiber contains carbon black as a main conductive component in a fiber-forming polymer, wherein the carbon black is composed of a mixture of at least two kinds of the following carbon blacks (A) and (B), which is obtained by mixing them at an A/B ratio (by weight) of 90/10 to 10/90: (A) a conductive carbon black having an average particle size of 20 to 70 nm and an oil absorption defined in JIS K 5101 of 100 to 600 ml/100g; and (B) a conductive carbon black in which the average article size ratio thereof to said conductive carbon black (A) is from 1.1 to 3, and the oil absorption ratio thereof to said conductive carbon black (A) is from 0.9 to 0.2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward compositions comprising carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are sidewall-functionalized with amino acid groups, and to amino acid compositions comprising carbon nanotubes. The present invention is also directed to simple and relatively inexpensive methods for the preparation of such compositions. Such compositions are expected to greatly extend the bio-medical applications of CNTs.

Abstract: A carbon nanohorn (CNH) is oxidized to make an opening in the side of the CNH. A substance to be included, e.g., a metal, is introduced through the opening. The inclusion substance is moved to a tip part of the carbon nanohorn through heat treatment in vacuum or an inert gas. The CNH is further heat treated in an atmosphere containing oxygen in a low concentration to remove the carbon layer in the tip through catalysis of the inclusion substance. This exposes the inclusion substance. If the inclusion substance is a metal which is not moved to a tip part by the heat treatment in vacuum or an inert gas, the carbon part surrounding the fine catalyst particle is specifically burned by a heat treatment in an low oxygen concentration atmosphere, while utilizing the catalysis. Thus, the fine catalyst particle is fixed to the tip part of the CNH.

Abstract: A composition of matter including at least one graphitic-carbon-nanofiber/polymer brush. A method of making the graphitic-carbon-nanofiber/polymer brush includes covalently bonding a polymer to a surface of a graphitic-carbon-nanofiber by atom-transfer-radical-polymerization. An apparatus includes an analyte sensor including at least one graphitic-carbon-nanofiber/polymer brush. A method includes detecting an analyte including exposing at least one graphitic-carbon-nanofiber/polymer brush to the analyte.

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: A carbon nanotube structure includes a number of carbon wires and a number of second carbon nanotubes. Each of the carbon nanotube wires includes a number of first carbon nanotubes joined end to end by the carbon-carbon bonds therebetween. The carbon wires and the carbon nanotubes are joined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively placing carbon nanotubes on a substrate surface by using functionalized carbon nanotubes having an organic compound that is covalently bonded to such carbon nanotubes. The organic compound comprises at least two functional groups, the first of which is capable of forming covalent bonds with carbon nanotubes, and the second of which is capable of selectively bonding metal oxides. Such functionalized carbon nanotubes are contacted with a substrate surface that has at least one portion containing a metal oxide. The second functional group of the organic compound selectively bonds to the metal oxide, so as to selectively place the functionalized carbon nanotubes on the at least one portion of the substrate surface that comprises the metal oxide.

Abstract: The fine carbon fiber obtained by pulverizing vapor grown fine carbon fiber, each fiber including a hollow space extending along its axis, and having an outer diameter of 1 to 1,000 nm, an aspect ratio of 5 to 1,000, and a BET specific surface area of 2 to 2,000 m2/g, wherein the average interlayer distance (d002) is 0.345 nm or less, and the ratio of the peak height (Id) of the band (e.g. 1,341 to 1,349 cm?1) in a Raman scattering spectrum to that of the peak height (Ig) of the band (e.g. 1,570 to 1,578 cm?1) (Id/Ig) is 0.1 to 2, a bending angle of 30° or less with respect to the axis; a composite material comprising the fine carbon fiber and a resin serving as a matrix, wherein the fine carbon fiber is oriented in one direction through, application of an external force; and a production method and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a precursor fiber which can provide a carbon fiber having high strength and high elastic modulus. The process of the present invention comprises a step where an aqueous solution of amphoteric molecule is prepared; a step where carbon nanotube is added to the aqueous solution of the amphoteric molecule so that the carbon nanotube is dispersed therein to prepare a dispersion of carbon nanotube; a step where the carbon nanotube dispersion is mixed with a polyacrylonitrile polymer and rhodanate or zinc chloride to prepare a spinning dope; a step where a coagulated yarn is prepared from the spinning dope by a wet or dry-wet spinning method; and a step where the coagulated yarn is drawn to give a precursor fiber for carbon fiber.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body. Various plants for cultivating algae for use in construction material are disclosed. Plants utilizing gravity harvest comprise cultivation ponds located at a slope, wherein the ponds can be opened to allow algae and water to flow downhill through a collector grill. Plants utilizing net harvest, overflow harvest or rake harvest are described.

Abstract: In various embodiments, exfoliated carbon nanotubes are described in the present disclosure. The carbon nanotubes maintain their exfoliated state, even when not dispersed in a medium such as a polymer or a liquid solution. Methods for making the exfoliated carbon nanotubes include suspending carbon nanotubes in a solution containing a nanocrystalline material, precipitating exfoliated carbon nanotubes from the solution and isolating the exfoliated carbon nanotubes. Nanocrystalline materials may include nanorods, hydroxyapatite and various hydroxyapatite derivatives. In some embodiments, methods for making exfoliated carbon nanotubes include preparing a solution of carbon nanotubes in an acid and filtering the solution through a filter to collect exfoliated carbon nanotubes on the filter. In some embodiments, a concentration of carbon nanotubes in the acid is below the percolation threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of: providing a mixture of a polymer or a resin and a transition metal compound, producing a fiber from the mixture, and heating the fiber under conditions effective to form a carbon nanotube-containing carbonaceous fiber. The polymer or resin is an aromatic polymer or a precursor thereof and the mixture is a neat mixture or is combined with a solvent. Also disclosed are a carbonaceous fiber or carbonaceous nanofiber sheet having at least 15 wt. % carbon nanotubes, a fiber or nanofiber sheet having the a polymer or a resin and the transition metal compound, and a fiber or nanofiber sheet having an aromatic polymer and metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanoparticles from heavy petroleum fractions as the carbon source (precursor), particularly aromatic oil residue (RARO) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and optionally by using an organometallic catalyst that is soluble in the precursor. The main feature of the method according to the invention is that the precursor is evaporated in a controlled manner so as to provide a pulse supply of precursor having a constant composition to the inside of a tubular furnace which can be arranged in a vertical position for the continuous production of nanomaterials or in a horizontal position for batch production.

Abstract: A lignin derivative is produced from a lignin with the empirical formula L(OH)z, where L is a lignin without hydroxyl groups, OH are free hydroxyl groups bonded to L, and z is 100% of the free hydroxyl groups bonded to L. The lignin derivative has free hydroxyl groups that are derivatized with divalent residues Rx and monovalent residues Ry that are bonded to L via an ester, ether, or urethane group. A shaped body comprising the lignin derivative can take the form of a fiber, e.g. as precursor fiber for the production of a carbon fiber. A carbon fiber can be produced from the above-mentioned precursor fiber.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for synthesizing carbon nanotubes, the apparatus including a reaction tube that provides a space for carbon nanotubes and is formed vertically long, a heating unit that is formed at the outer side of the reaction tube, and heats the reaction tube, a gas-supply unit that sprays reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes by reacting with catalysts positioned inside the reaction tube, an exhaustion unit that is connected to the upper portion of the reaction tube, and discharges non-reacted reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes, and a blocking unit that is formed inside the reaction tube, discharges only the non-reacted reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes to the exhaustion unit, and blocks the discharge of the carbon nanotubes and catalysts, in which the cross-section of the blocking unit is divided in a plurality of polygon structures, and downward-slanted blocking wings are formed at each divided cell.

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: 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.