Abstract: A mixture and method of using such mixture is provided for purifying carbon nanotubes. A substituted imidazolium cation is utilized to suspend carbon nanotubes in a nonpolar liquid. A polar solvent immiscible with the nonpolar liquid is mixed in to remove soot from the suspension, allowing recovery of the nanotubes. The relative gentleness of the separation provides nanotubes that are undamaged and unoxidized. The components of the mixture are economically advantageous for this use and the method is simple compared to other nanotube purification methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of producing composite materials by a sol/gel-process, comprising carbon nanoparticles and organic polymer material. The invention further relates to composite materials, which are manufactured with the use of said sol/gel technology.

Abstract: This invention is directed to chemical derivatives of carbon nanotubes wherein the carbon nanotubes have a diameter up to 3 nm. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube by reacting single-wall carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and recovering fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes, then reacting fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes with a nucleophile. Some of the fluorine substituents are replaced by nucleophilic substitution. If desired, the remaining fluorine can be completely or partially eliminated to produce carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube. The substituents are dependent on the nucleophile, and preferred nucleophiles include alkyl lithium species such as methyl lithium.

Abstract: An highly porous electrically conducting film that includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes, nanowires or a combination of both. The highly porous electrically conducting film exhibits an electrical resistivity of less than 0.1 ?·cm at 25 C and a density of between 0.05 and 0.70 g/cm3. The film can exhibit a density between 0.50 and 0.85 g/cm3 and an electrical resistivity of less than 6×10?3 ?·cm at 25 C. Also included is a method of forming these highly porous electrically conducting films by forming a composite film using carbon nanotubes or nanowires and sacrificial nanoparticles or microparticles. At least a portion of the nanoparticles or microparticles are then removed from the composite film to form the highly porous electrically conducting film.

Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanotube transistor devices, and associated methods of making such devices include a porous structure for the single-walled carbon nanotubes. The porous structure may be anodized aluminum oxide or another material. Electrodes for source and drain of a transistor are provided at opposite ends of the single-walled carbon nanotube devices. A concentric gate surrounds at least a portion of a nanotube in a pore. A transistor of the invention may be especially suited for power transistor or power amplifier applications.

Abstract: A mesoporous carbon material formed on an electrode surface in an energy storage device, and a method of forming the same are disclosed. The mesoporous carbon material acts as a high surface area ion intercalation medium for the energy storage device, and is made up of CVD-deposited carbon fullerene “onions” and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are interconnected in a fullerene/CNT hybrid matrix. The fullerene/CNT hybrid matrix is a high porosity material that is capable of retaining lithium ions in concentrations useful for storing significant quantities of electrical energy. The method, according to one embodiment, includes vaporizing a high molecular weight hydrocarbon precursor and directing the vapor onto a conductive substrate to form a mesoporous carbon material thereon.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous filamentous nanocarbon involves radially forming a tunnel-like mesopore from an outer periphery toward the central axis of a filamentous nano carbon by attaching a material having a metal catalyst on an outer periphery of the filamentous nanocarbon and removing a carbon hexagonal plane through gasification in virtue of the metal catalyst.

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 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: 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: The invention relates to a method for obtaining composite fibers, that comprises dispersing colloidal particles in a solvent, injecting the dispersion into a co-flow of a polymer coagulation solution for forming a pre-fiber, circulating the pre-fiber in a duct, extracting, optionally washing and drying the pre-fiber in order to obtain a fiber, and winding the fiber thus obtained, characterized in that the minimum retention time of the fiber within the duct is adjusted so that it has a mechanical strength sufficient to be extracted from the duct, and in that its extraction is vertical and continuous. The invention also relates to composite fibers that can be made according to said method.

Abstract: To provide a carbon fiber reinforcement having excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical properties which is manufactured by mixing together two different types of pitch-based carbon short fibers having a ratio of the degree of filament diameter distribution to average fiber diameter of 0.05 to 0.2 and a fiber length of 20 to 6,000 ?m which differ from each other in average fiber diameter or by mixing one of them with a pitch-based carbon fiber web to improve dispersibility into a matrix resin or increase the dispersion ratio of the pitch-based carbon short fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a method of electrophoresis of carbon nanotube for separating them into metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes, and the method comprises a step of electrifying a carbon nanotube sealed gel in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a gel. According to the separation method, metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT may be efficiently and heavily separated and purified from each other in CNT containing both the two within a short period of time and in a simplified manner by the use of inexpensive facilities and according to a simple process, and the method can be readily scaled up, in which CNT can be separated industrially extremely advantageously.

Abstract: Bundled carbon nanotubes are disentangled and dispersed using the principles of extreme pressure reduction of fluids carrying the bundled nanotubes. They are added to a high pressure fluid upstream of a chamber operated at much lower pressure. These high-low pressure ratios are preferably at least 100:1. As the high pressure fluid enters the lower pressure chamber it violently expands causing separation and disentanglement of the bundled carbon fibers. To further assist in this disentanglement a nozzle may be used at the inlet to the lower pressure chamber to direct the high pressure fluid against a hardened anvil in the chamber. This impact further aids disentanglement. Coating the nanotubes with a dispersant also improves disentanglement.

Abstract: [Problems] A carbon nanotube has a low apparent bulk density and therefore has serious problems in the workability upon use. Particularly when two or more types of carbon nanotubes are used together, the workability becomes more serious, and it is more difficult to exploit the properties of the carbon nanotubes. [Means for Solving the Problems] One or more types of carbon nanotubes are mixed and granulated. In this manner, it becomes possible to increase the apparent bulk density of a carbon nanotube, improve the workability of a carbon nanotube during the production of a resin master batch or a dispersion solution, and exploit the properties of a carbon nanotube satisfactorily.

Abstract: A process for producing carbon nanotubes includes carbon plasma generation with microwave energy, plasma stabilization, and product deposition. Stabilization homogenizes the plasma energy density and concentration, leading to a more efficient reactor. 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 production. The formation region is immediately downstream from the plasma stabilization region such that the apparatus may be mounted on a robotic arm for direct deposition of product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photocatalyst material, which can comprise a photocatalyst with an excellent adherence to a substrate and a high photocatalytic activity, and a production method thereof. The photocatalyst material (20) obtained by reacting crystal nuclei with a sol solution containing an organic metallic compound or the like and then carrying out gelation, solidification and heat treatment has a structure where more than one basic structures (10) are fixed to the surface of the substrate (1). The basic structure consists of abase portion (2) comprising crystal nuclei fixed to the surface of the substrate (1) and a photocatalyst crystalline body (3), which connects to and is extended from the base portion (2) and has a columnar structure having a hollow portion (5) formed therein. A cylindrical substrate may be used for the substrate (1). The above photocatalytic activity is further enhanced by the formation of an interior-exposing structure (8) in a shell portion (4).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel processes for the functionalization (derivatization) of carbon nanotubes and, as an extension, to fullerenes and other carbon surfaces. Generally, such processes involve reductive pathways. In some embodiments, carbon nanotubes are reacted with alkali metal and organic halides in anhydrous liquid ammonia. In other embodiments, polymers are grown from carbon nanotube sidewalls by reacting carbon nanotubes with alkali metal and monomer species in anhydrous liquid ammonia.

Abstract: A hollow carbon nanoballoon structure having a relatively large closed space, and a method of producing a carbon nanoballoon structure capable of easily and stably producing such a structure. The carbon nanoballoon structure is obtained by heating soot prepared by an arc discharge using carbon electrodes, soot prepared by vaporizing carbon by laser irradiation, or carbon black having a specific surface area of 1000 m2/g or more and a primary particle diameter of 20 nm or more at a high temperature in an inert gas atmosphere, and includes graphite sheets linked to form a curved surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a relatively simple CVD method for forming specifically tailored carbon-based nanostructures. In general, the method is a chemical vapor deposition method in which at least a portion of the precursor materials are provided as a liquid at atmospheric conditions. The precursor materials include at least one carbon source and at least one catalyst source. Optionally, the precursor materials can also include one or more dopant sources. The carbon source and the optional dopant source can be injected as liquids into the system, and the liquid catalyst source can be either injected into the system or located on a substrate in the reactor prior to the process. Very high yield of nanostructures exhibiting particular characteristics can be attained by the process.

Abstract: A lanthanoid metal catalyst for the formation carbon nanotubes from a carbon-containing gas mixture, a method for the formation of carbon nanotubes with the lanthanoid metal catalyst, endohedral carbon nanotube complexes containing lanthanoid metal atoms and/or ions, carbon nanotube imaging contrast agents, and a method for imaging living tissue with carbon nanotube imaging contrast agents are provided.

Abstract: A catalyst carrier, being characterized in that a catalyst metal for promoting an oxidation-reduction reaction is carried on a vapor-grown carbon fiber having an average outer diameter of from 2 nm to 500 nm, which has been subjected to a crushing treatment so as to have a BET specific surface area of from 4 m2/g to 100 m2/g and an aspect ratio of from 1 to 200, and exhibiting high activity per unit amount of a catalyst metal, a low reaction resistance and an improved output density, and is useful for a fuel cell; a production method thereof and a fuel cell using the catalyst carrier.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to morphological control of carbon nanotubes, to form shapes, including, inter alia, nanosprings, nanocoils and nanohooks of desired shape, diameter, chirality and /or pitch wherein a desired morphological design may be manipulated with spatially, sequential time varying electric fields formed by electrode arrays located and activated near the CNT growth substrate. These forms may be employed in a myriad of various applications, including, micro electromechanical systems and advanced microelectronic interconnects.

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: A supported catalyst with a solid sphere structure of the present invention includes an oxide supporting body and a metal such as Ni, Co, Fe, or a combination thereof distributed on the surface and inside of the supporting body. The supported catalyst with a solid sphere structure can maintain a spherical shape during heat treatment and can be used with a floating bed reactor due to the solid sphere structure thereof.

Abstract: An aggregate structure of carbon fibers, organized by a plurality of carbon fibers, includes, an aggregate of the carbon fibers aligned in a lengthwise direction, in which a density of the carbon fibers at one side end is different from a density of the carbon fibers at the other side end.

Abstract: A method of preparing carbon nanotubes (CNT), a method of purifying carbon nanotubes, carbon nanotubes, and an element using said carbon nanotubes are provided. The method includes preparing carbon nanotubes by arc-discharge and employs a coordination chemistry process to remove a catalyst and/or optional promoter used in arc-discharge.

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 of aligning single walled carbon nanotube structures into selected orientations for a variety of different applications are achieved by initially dispersing the nanotube structures in aqueous solutions utilizing a suitable dispersal agent. The dispersal agent coats each individual nanotube structure in solution. The dispersal agent may be substituted with a suitable functional group that reacts with a corresponding binding site. Dispersed nanotube structures coated with substituted dispersal agents are exposed to a selected array of binding sites such that the nanotubes align with the binding sites due to the binding of the substituted functional groups with such binding sites. Alternatively, crystalline nanotube material is formed upon deposition of dispersed nanotube structures within solution into channels disposed on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified transparent carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive layers or coatings that comprise at least one additional material to form a composite. Adding a material to the CNT layer or coating improves conductivity, transparency, and/or the performance of a device comprising a transparent conductive CNT layers or coating This composite may be used in photovoltaic devices, OLEDs, LCD displays, or touch screens.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid with carbon nanocapsules. The heat transfer fluid comprises a fluid and a plurality of carbon nanocapsules, uniformly dispersed in the fluid, in an amount of 0.05 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the heat transfer fluid. Particularly, the carbon nanocapsules are modified to bond with at least one kind of functional group, improving dispersiblity in the fluid. Thus, since the carbon nanocapsules are apt to disperse in fluid and have superior thermal conductivity, the heat conduction capability of the heat transfer fluid therewith is enhanced.

Abstract: An electrically conductive coating composition is provided for use on aircraft and other substrate surfaces to prevent the formation of ice or to melt ice. The conductive coating composition may include a nanomaterial such as carbon nanotubes dispersed in a solvent which may be applied to a substrate surface to form a thin film which is resistively heatable. The conductive coating may also comprise a nanomaterial formed from carbon nanotubes or fullerenes grafted to a polymer containing an active functional group which renders a substrate surface icephobic and is also resistively heatable.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube yarn includes a number of carbon nanotube yarn strings bound together, and each of the carbon nanotube yarn strings includes a number of carbon nanotube bundles that are joined end to end by van der Waals attractive force, and each of the carbon nanotube bundles includes a number of carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to each other. A method for making the carbon nanotube yarn includes soaking the at least one carbon nanotube yarn string drawn out from a carbon nanotube array in an organic solvent to shrink it and then collecting it.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing carbon cylindrical structures, as represented by carbon nanotubes, by growing them on a substrate using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, comprising the steps of implanting metal ions to the substrate surface and then growing the carbon cylindrical structures using the metal ions as a catalyst. A method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes comprising a step of using nano-carbon material as seed material for growing carbon nanotubes is also disclosed. A biopolymer detection device comprising vibration inducing part for inducing vibration, binding part capable of resonating with the vibration induced by the vibration inducing part and capable of binding or interacting with a target biopolymer, and detection part for detecting whether or not the binding part have bound or interacted with the target biopolymer, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotube strings and one or more carbon nanotubes. The plurality of carbon nanotube strings are separately arranged and located side by side. Distances between adjacent carbon nanotube strings are changed when a force is applied. One or more carbon nanotubes are located between adjacent carbon nanotube strings.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of first carbon nanotubes and a plurality of second carbon nanotubes. The first carbon nanotubes are orientated primarily along a same direction. The second carbon nanotubes have different orientations from that of the plurality of first carbon nanotubes. Each of at least one portion of the second carbon nanotubes contacts with at least two adjacent first carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method capable of synthesizing carbon nanotubes at low cost and large quantities, an apparatus usable for carrying out the method, and carbon nanotubes densely aligned on and firmly bonded to a Si substrate over, and oriented perpendicular to, an entire surface thereof are provided. Highly oriented, aligned carbon nanotubes are synthesized from an organic liquid by forming a substrate with a buildup thereon of a thin film or fine insular particles composed of at least one metallic element; exposing the substrate (3) having the buildup to a hydrogen plasma; and heating the substrate (3) exposed to the hydrogen plasma in the organic liquid (10) to a predetermined temperature.

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: Processes for increasing the production rate of single-wall carbon nanotubes using a disordered carbon target are disclosed. The processes use a disordered carbon target and include vaporization of the target in the presence of a non-oxidizing gas. The single-wall nanotubes produced can be incorporated into electronic devices such as diodes and transistors.

Abstract: A purification method for a carbon material containing carbon nanotubes is provided, which satisfies the following requirements: The method should prevent carbon nanotubes from being damaged, broken or flocculated; the method should be capable of removing the catalyst metal and carbon components other than the carbon nanotubes; and the method should be applicable to not only multi-walled carbon nanotubes but also single-walled carbon nanotubes which will undergo significant structural changes when heated to 1400° C. or higher temperatures. The method is characterized by including a carbon material preparation process for preparing a carbon material containing carbon nanotubes by an arc discharge method, using an anode made of a material containing at least carbon and a catalyst metal; and a halogen treatment process for bringing the carbon material into contact with a gas containing a halogen and/or halogen compound.

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 method of forming nitrogen-doped or other Group V-doped single-walled nanotubes including: forming a catalyst metal layer on a substrate; loading a substrate having the catalyst metal layer into a reaction chamber; forming an H2O or other plasma atmosphere in a reaction chamber; and forming the nitrogen-doped or other Group V-doped carbon nanotubes on the catalyst metal layer by supplying a carbon or other Group IV precursor and a nitrogen or other Group V precursor into a reaction chamber where a chemical reaction therebetween is generated in the H2O or other plasma atmosphere.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube filter. The filter including a filter housing; and chemically active carbon nanotubes within the filter housing, the chemically active carbon nanotubes comprising a chemically active layer formed on carbon nanotubes or comprising chemically reactive groups on sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes; and media containing the chemically active carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Methods for producing macroscopic quantities of oxidized graphene nanoribbons are disclosed herein. The methods include providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes and reacting the plurality of carbon nanotubes with at least one oxidant to form oxidized graphene nanoribbons. The at least one oxidant is operable to longitudinally open the carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, the reacting step takes place in the presence of at least one acid. In some embodiments, the reacting step takes place in the presence of at least one protective agent. Various embodiments of the present disclosure also include methods for producing reduced graphene nanoribbons by reacting oxidized graphene nanoribbons with at least one reducing agent. Oxidized graphene nanoribbons, reduced graphene nanoribbons and compositions and articles derived therefrom are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube yarn includes a number of carbon nanotube yarn strings bound together, and each of the carbon nanotube yarn strings includes a number of carbon nanotube bundles that are joined end to end by van der Waals attractive force, and each of the carbon nanotube bundles includes a number of carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to each other. A method for making the carbon nanotube yarn includes soaking the at least one carbon nanotube yarn string drawn out from a carbon nanotube array in an organic solvent to shrink it and then collecting it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dissolving carbon nanotubes consisting in reducing the nanotubes in such a way that the nanotubes which are negatively charged with positive counter-ions are obtainable. The invention is used, in particular for preparing compounds or carbon nanotubes films.

Abstract: An apparatus for making an array of carbon nanotubes includes a reaction chamber and a quartz-boat region. The reaction chamber having a first gas inlet configured for introducing a carbon source gas and a carrier gas thereinto, a second gas inlet configured for introducing a hydrogen gas thereinto, a guiding tube in communication with the second gas inlet, and a gas outlet. The quartz-boat region configured for accommodating a quartz boat for supporting a substrate; wherein the guiding tube extends inwardly a distance sufficient to enable the majority of the introduced hydrogen gas that reaches the substrate not to react with the carbon source gas.

Abstract: A carbon nano-fibrous rod including a predetermined number of hexagonal carbon layers extending in one direction, and a fibrous nanoncarbon which includes a plurality of the carbon nano-fibrous rods three-dimensionally gathered are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel microwave-assisted process is described for the rapid removal of catalytic metal and non-desirable carbon impurities in fullerene, single wall, and multiple wall carbon nanotube preparations. The purification process is carried out at various programmed pressures, power levels and reaction times in a suspension of the nanocarbon moieties in the presence of strong acids (for example, a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid), in weak acids (for example, acetic acid) and in the presence of chelating agents (for example, EDTA—ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). In one embodiment, high metal removal efficiency of 70 to 90% is observed.

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.