Abstract: A microfluidic device for manipulating particles can include a substrate and one or more obstacles, each obstacle comprising a plurality of aligned nanostructures including a plurality of nanoparticles or a plurality of polymer layers, or a combination thereof. The obstacle on a substrate can be forests with intra-carbon nanotube spacing ranging between 5-100 nm for isolation of particles such as very small viruses and proteins.

Abstract: In the present invention, a starting material liquid including a carbon compound and a catalyst or a catalyst precursor, and a reaction vessel having a high-temperature zone heated to 900-1,300° C. are prepared. The starting material liquid is introduced into the reaction vessel, and a mixture is generated which comprises a gas including a carbon source, and catalyst microparticles dispersed in the gas. A carrier gas is then introduced in pulses into the reaction vessel, and the mixture is pushed out to the high-temperature zone. The carbon source and catalyst microparticles included in the mixture are then brought into contact with each other in the high-temperature zone, initial fibers are grown, and carbon fibers are subsequently grown in an environment in which the carrier gas is retained.

Abstract: It relates to a type of catalysts for preparation of chirality-selective and conductivity-selective single-walled carbon nanotubes. The catalysts have chemical compositions of ABy, wherein A is the metal tungsten (W), B stands for one or more metals selected from a group consisting of the transition metals manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, chromium, vanadium, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, platinum, gold, silver, osmium, iridium, and the lanthanide rare earth metals, and y is in the range of 0.01-20.0. This catalyst can be used to catalyze the growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes with desired chirality and conductivity.

Abstract: A method for transferring a carbon nanotube array is provided. A substitute substrate, a growing substrate, and a carbon nanotube array grown on the growing substrate are provided. The carbon nanotube array has a bottom surface adjacent to the growing substrate and a top surface away from the growing substrate. The substitute substrate is placed on the top surface of the carbon nanotube array and PVA solution is sandwiched between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. The PVA solution is frozen between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. The substitute substrate is separated from the growing substrate to separate the bottom surface of the carbon nanotube array from the growing substrate. The solvent in the solid PVA solution is removed and only PVA is left between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. A method for forming a carbon nanotube structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method for transferring a carbon nanotube array is provided. A substitute substrate, a growing substrate, and a carbon nanotube array grown on the growing substrate are provided. The carbon nanotube array has a bottom surface adjacent to the growing substrate and a top surface away from the growing substrate. The substitute substrate is placed on the top surface of the carbon nanotube array and liquid medium is sandwiched between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. The liquid medium is solidified between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. The substitute substrate is separated from the growing substrate to separate the bottom surface of the carbon nanotube array from the growing substrate. The solid medium is removed between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. A method for forming a carbon nanotube structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method for transferring a carbon nanotube array is provided. A substitute substrate, a growing substrate, and a carbon nanotube array grown on the growing substrate are provided. The carbon nanotube array has a bottom surface adjacent to the growing substrate and a top surface away from the growing substrate. The substitute substrate is placed on the top surface of the carbon nanotube array and water is sandwiched between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. The water is frozen between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. The substitute substrate is separated from the growing substrate to separate the bottom surface of the carbon nanotube array from the growing substrate. The ice is removed between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. A method for forming a carbon nanotube structure is also provided.

Abstract: Catalyst support means for producing a fluid catalyst; a reduction basin that pretreats an active metal of the obtained fluid catalyst in a reducing atmosphere; a fluid bed reactor which is supplied with a reduction-treated fluid catalyst having undergone the reduction, for producing a nanocarbon material; and a moisture application basin for supplying a slight amount of moisture to a source gas to be supplied to the aforementioned fluid bed reactor are provided.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing carbon nanotube fibers with improved spinning properties using a surfactant and carbon nanotube fibers prepared by the method. According to the method for preparing carbon nanotube fibers of the present invention, the addition of a surfactant during the preparation of carbon nanotubes interrupts and delays the agglomeration of catalyst particles, which reduces the size of the catalyst particles and uniformly disperses the catalyst particles that play a key role in the formation of carbon nanotube fibers, thus increasing the strength and conductivity of carbon nanotube fibers and improving the spinning properties. While convention methods prepare carbon nanotube fibers by injecting a catalytic material for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes in a high-pressure supercritical state to be uniformly dispersed, the present invention uses a dispersant and thus does not require the injection in a high-pressure supercritical state.

Abstract: A method for equipping a film material with at least one electrically conductive conductor structure, wherein a dispersion containing metallic nanoparticles in the form of a conductor structure is applied to a thermostable transfer material and the metallic nanoparticles are sintered to form an electrically conductive conductor structure. The electrically conductive conductor structure of sintered metallic nanoparticles is then transferred from the thermostable transfer material to the non-thermostable film material. A method for producing a laminate material using the film material using at least one electrically conductive conductor structure, and to the corresponding film material and laminate material are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation and processing of nanostructures including nanotubes. Some embodiments provide processes for nanostructure growth using relatively mild conditions (e.g., low temperatures). In some cases, methods of the invention may improve the efficiency (e.g., catalyst efficiency) of nanostructure formation and may reduce the production of undesired byproducts during nanostructure formation, including volatile organic compounds and/or polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons. Such methods can both reduce the costs associated with nanostructure formation, as well as reduce the harmful effects of nanostructure fabrication on environmental and public health and safety.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing chemical nanostructures having multiple elements, such as boron and nitride, e.g. boron nitride nanotubes, are disclosed. The method comprises creating a plasma jet, or plume, such as by an arc discharge. The plasma plume is elongated and has a temperature gradient along its length. It extends along its length into a port connector area having ports for introduction of feed materials. The feed materials include the multiple elements, which are introduced separately as fluids or powders at multiple ports along the length of the plasma plume, said ports entering the plasma plume at different temperatures. The method further comprises modifying a temperature at a distal portion of or immediately downstream of said plasma plume; and collecting said chemical nanostructures after said modifying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing aerogels of individualized carbon nanotubes and to the applications thereof, in particular in the production of composite aerogels and electrochemical compounds. The method of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps carried out in an inert atmosphere: (a) reducing the carbon nanotubes using an alkaline metal in order to obtain a polyelectrolyte salt of carbon nanotubes; (b) exposing said polyelectrolyte salt of carbon nanotubes to an aprotic polar solvent in order to obtain a solution of individualized, reduced carbon nanotubes; (c) freezing said solution of individualized nanotubes; and (d) sublimating the solvent. The invention particularly relates to aerogels of individualized carbon nanotubes obtained by said method, and to the uses of said aerogels.

Abstract: A binder for an electrode of a lithium battery, and a lithium battery containing the binder. The binder includes: a carbon nanotube; and a polymer chemically bonded to the carbon nanotube, and thus may form a conducting path by improving dispersion of the carbon nanotube. Accordingly, the binder may have high capacity and improve the lifetime of the lithium battery.

Abstract: A method of preparing graphene includes supplying a gas on a metal catalyst, the gas including CO2, CH4, and H2O, and reacting and cooling the resultant.

Abstract: Composite materials are provided that include one or more CNT yarns embedded in a matrix material. The composite materials may be transparent. Methods for making the composite materials are also provided. The composite materials may be made by arranging at least one CNT yarn into a desired pattern and embedding the at least one CNT yarn into a matrix material.

Abstract: Provided is a production apparatus (100) for continuously producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates on a substrate supporting a catalyst while continuously transferring the substrate. The production apparatus (100) includes gas mixing prevention means (12, 13) for preventing gas present outside a growth furnace (3a) from flowing into the growth furnace (3a). The gas mixing prevention means (12, 13) includes a seal gas ejection section (12b, 13b) so that the seal gas does not flow into the growth furnace through the openings of the growth furnace. The production apparatus prevents the outside air from flowing into the production apparatus, uniformly controls, within a range suitable to production of CNTs, a concentration distribution(s) and a flow rate distribution(s) of a raw material gas and/or a catalyst activation material on the substrate, and does not disturb gas flow as much as possible in the growth furnace.

Abstract: This invention provides a fine particle composite comprising fine particles of a sulfide or sulfide complex comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), and rhenium (Re) and conductive fine particles via a step of preparing a solvent mixture from a compound containing conductive carbon powder, at least one compound containing an element selected from among molybdenum (Mo), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (R), and rhenium (Re), and sulfur (S) and a step of conducting a hydrothermal or solvothermal reaction at a pressure and temperature that convert the solvent mixture into a supercritical or subcritical water or solvent.

Abstract: A nanotube-graphene hybrid film and method for forming a cleaned nanotube-graphene hybrid film. The method includes depositing nanotube film over a substrate to produce a layer of nanotube film, removing impurities from a surface of the layer of nanotube film not contacting the substrate to produce a cleaned layer of nanotube film, depositing a layer of graphene over the cleaned layer of nanotube film to produce a nanotube-graphene hybrid film, and removing impurities from a surface of the nanotube-graphene hybrid film to produce a cleaned nanotube-graphene hybrid film, wherein the hybrid film has improved electrical performance. Another method includes depositing nanotube film over a metal foil to produce a layer of nanotube film, placing the metal foil with as-deposited nanotube film in a chemical vapor deposition furnace to grow graphene on the nanotube film to form a nanotube-graphene hybrid film, and transferring the nanotube-graphene hybrid film over a substrate.

Abstract: A wire includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned parallel to the fiber axes. An electromagnetic shield for a wire includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers, in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned radially about the fiber axes. The plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers are arranged circumferentially about the wire with the fiber axes parallel to the wire. A self-shielded wire includes 1) a wire that includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned parallel to the fiber axes; and 2) an electromagnetic shield that includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the carbon nanotubes are aligned radially about the fiber axes. The axes of the carbon nanotube infused fibers of the wire and the carbon nanotube infused fibers of the electromagnetic shield share are parallel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semiconductive device comprising a die with at least one defined hot-spot area lying in a plane on the die and a cooling structure comprising nanotubes such as carbon nanotubes extending in a plane different than the plane of the hot-spot area and outwardly from the plane of the hot-spot area. The nanotubes are operatively associated with the hot-spot area to decrease any temperature gradient between the hot-spot area and at least one other area on the die defined by a temperature lower than the hot-spot area. A matrix material comprising a second heat conducting material substantially surrounds the nanotubes and is operatively associated with and in heat conducting relation with the other area on the die defined by a temperature lower than the hot-spot area.

Abstract: A scalable method allows preparation of bulk quantities of holey carbon allotropes with holes ranging from a few to over 100 nm in diameter. Carbon oxidation catalyst nanoparticles are first deposited onto a carbon allotrope surface in a facile, controllable, and solvent-free process. The catalyst-loaded carbons are then subjected to thermal treatment in air. The carbons in contact with the carbon oxidation catalyst nanoparticles are selectively oxidized into gaseous byproducts such as CO or CO2, leaving the surface with holes. The catalyst is then removed via refluxing in diluted nitric acid to obtain the final holey carbon allotropes. The average size of the holes correlates strongly with the size of the catalyst nanoparticles and is controlled by adjusting the catalyst precursor concentration. The temperature and time of the air oxidation step, and the catalyst removal treatment conditions, strongly affect the morphology of the holes.

Abstract: Provided are carbon fibers with low metal ion elution amount without subjecting to high-temperature heat treatment, in which the metal ion may be sometimes precipitated on an electrode of electrochemical devices such as batteries and capacitors to cause short-circuit. The carbon fibers comprises Fe, at least one catalyst metal selected from the group consisting of Mo and V, and a carrier; wherein the carbon fibers have an R value (ID/IG) as measured by Raman spectrometry of 0.5 to 2.0 and have an electrochemical metal elution amount of not more than 0.01% by mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst precursor and a catalyst suitable for preparing multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The resulting multi-wall carbon nanotubes have a narrow distribution as to the number of walls forming the tubes and a narrow distribution in the range of diameters for the tubes. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for producing multi-wall carbon nanotubes having narrow distributions in the number of walls and diameters. Further, the present invention provides a composition of spent catalyst carrying multi-wall nanotubes having narrow distribution ranges of walls and diameters.

Abstract: In the bundle of long thin carbon structures of the present invention, end parts of the bundle are interconnected in a carbon network. The interconnected end parts form a flat surface. By this, an electrical connection structure with low resistance and/or a thermal connection structure with high thermal conductivity are obtained. The bundle of long thin carbon structures can be used suitably as a via, heat removal bump or other electronic element.

Abstract: The method for producing carbon nanotubes employs a carbon source that contains carbon and is decomposed when heated and a catalyst on a support that serves as a catalyst for production of carbon nanotubes from the carbon source. The method includes a catalyst loading step in which the catalyst starting material is distributed over the support to load the catalyst onto the support, a synthesis step in which the carbon nanotubes are synthesized on the support, and a separating step in which a separating gas stream is distributed over the support to separate the carbon nanotubes from the support, wherein the catalyst loading step, the synthesis step and the separating step are carried out while keeping the support in a heated state and switching supply of the catalyst starting material, the carbon source and the separating gas stream.

Abstract: Small crystal size is the issue of a conventional method for formation of a film of graphene by a thermal CVD technique using a copper foil as a substrate. A carbon film laminate is described in which graphene having a larger crystal size is formed. The carbon film laminate is configured to include a sapphire single crystal having a surface composed of terrace surfaces which are flat at the atomic level, and atomic-layer steps, a copper single crystal thin film formed by epitaxial growth on the substrate, and graphene deposited on the copper single crystal thin film, and thus enabling formation of graphene having a large crystal size.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming a battery-active material are described. An apparatus includes a first processing section that raises the temperature of a precursor material to a reaction threshold temperature, a second processing section that converts the precursor material to a battery-active material, and a third processing section that cools the resulting battery-active material. Each of the processing sections may be a continuous flow tubular component. The first and third processing sections may be metal, and the second processing section may be a refractory material for high temperature service. The battery-active material is collected using a solids collector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to generate carbon nanostructures from organic materials are described. Certain embodiments provide solid waste materials into a furnace, that pyrolyzes the solid waste materials into gaseous decomposition products, which are then converted to carbon nanostructures. Methods and apparatuses described herein provide numerous advantages over conventional methods, such as cost savings, reduction of handling risks, optimization of process conditions, and the like.

Abstract: A production method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of: providing a catalyst support layer by applying, to a substrate, a catalyst support layer coating agent obtained by dissolving in an organic solvent (i) an organometallic compound containing aluminum and/or a metal salt containing aluminum and (ii) a stabilizer for inhibiting a condensation polymerization reaction of the organometallic compound and/or the metal salt; providing a catalyst formation layer by applying, to the catalyst support layer, a catalyst formation layer coating agent obtained by dissolving in an organic solvent (a) an organometallic compound containing iron and/or a metal salt containing iron and (b) a stabilizer for inhibiting a condensation polymerization reaction of the organometallic compound and/or the metal salt; and growing an aligned carbon nanotube aggregate on the substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for forming carbon allotropes. An exemplary method includes treating a carbonaceous compound to form a feedstock that includes at least about 10 mol % oxygen, at least about 10 mol % carbon, and at least about 20 mol % hydrogen. Carbon allotropes are formed from the feedstock in a reactor in a Bosch reaction at a temperature of at least about 500° C. The carbon allotropes are separated from a reactor effluent stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising a catalyst particle forming step of heating and reducing a catalyst raw material to form catalyst particles and a carbon nanotube synthesizing step of flowing a raw material gas onto the heated catalyst particles to synthesize carbon nanotubes, wherein a carbon-containing compound gas without an unsaturated bond is flowed onto the catalyst raw material and/or the catalyst particles in at least one of the catalyst particle forming step and the carbon nanotube synthesizing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal catalyst particles for carbon nanotube synthesis, comprising carbon-containing regions on their surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition. The system has a first chamber comprising at least one cathode and at least one anode, a gas supply source, at least one activation energy source, at least one alignment energy source, a second chamber situated within said first chamber, said second chamber comprising: a target growth plate, comprising a catalyst and a substrate, a second cathode configured to support said target growth plate, a movable platform configured to support said second cathode, and a gas permeable barrier vertically opposed from said second cathode.

Abstract: Mass production of carbon nanotubes (CNT) are facilitated by methods and apparatus disclosed herein. Advantageously, the methods and apparatus make use of a single production unit, and therefore provide for uninterrupted progress in a fabrication process. Embodiments of control systems for a variety of CNT production apparatus are included.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making carbon nanotube structure. A substrate having a growing surface is provided. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the growing surface of the substrate. Part of the growing surface is exposed from the carbon nanotube layer. A number of first catalysts are deposited on surface of the carbon nanotube layer and a number of second catalysts are deposited on the growing surface. A carbon nanotube array is grown on the growing surface and a carbon nanotube cluster is grown on surface of the carbon nanotube layer.

Abstract: A deposition method of fine particles, includes the steps of irradiating a fine particle beam formed by size-classified fine particles to an irradiated subject under a vacuum state, and depositing the fine particles on a bottom part of a groove structure formed at the irradiated subject.

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: Disclosed are carbon nanotubes and a method for manufacturing the same. Advantageously, the method provides a high yield of potato or sphere-shaped non-bundled carbon nanotubes having a bulk density of 80 to 250 kg/m3, an ellipticity of 0.9 to 1.0 and a particle diameter distribution (Dcnt) of 0.5 to 1.0 using a two-component carbon nanotube catalyst comprising a catalyst component and an active component.

Abstract: A polymeric composite comprises a polymeric resin; an electrically conductive filler; and a polycyclic aromatic compound, in an amount effect to increase the electrical conductivity of the polymeric composition relative to the same composition without the polycyclic aromatic compound. The addition of the polycyclic aromatic compound in addition to a conductive filler imparts improved electrical and mechanical properties to the compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are carbon nanotubes and a method of manufacturing the same. The carbon nanotubes include at least one element selected from aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) and at least one metal selected from cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo), and have an intensity ratio (ID/IG) of about 1.10 or less as measured by Raman spectroscopy and a carbon purity of about 98% or higher. The carbon nanotubes prepared by the method can be controlled in terms of carbon purity and preparation yield while eliminating the need for post-refining treatment.

Abstract: A system and methods for forming carbon allotropes are described. The system includes a reactor configured to use a catalyst to form a carbon allotrope from a feed stock in a Bosch reaction. The catalyst includes a roughened metal surface.

Abstract: [Subject] Manufacturing onion-like carbon at a low cost. [Means for Realizing Subject] According to the invention, DLC powder, which is hard carbon powder, is produced by plasma CVD using a hydrocarbon gas as a material gas, in a first step, i.e. a DLC powder producing processing step. Then, in a second step, i.e. a DLC-to-OLC converting processing step, the DLC powder is heated in a vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere to thereby convert the DLC powder into OLC. Like this, according to the invention, since a hydrocarbon gas can be used as a starting material to manufacture OLC, OLC can be manufactured at a significantly low cost.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon fibers, in which the producing method comprises allowing a supported type catalyst and a carbon atom-containing compound to come in contact with each other in a heating zone, wherein the supported type catalyst is prepared by a method comprising impregnation of a powdery carrier with colloid containing catalyst to support particles of the catalyst on the powdery carrier having a specifically developed crystal plane such as a powdery carrier being 4 or more in the ratio (I1/I2) of the intensity I1 of the strongest peak to the intensity I2 of the second strongest peak observed in X-ray diffraction, or a powdery carrier having the ratio (I1/I2) of the intensity I1 of the strongest peak to the intensity I2 of the second strongest peak observed in X-ray diffraction of 1.5 times or more the ratio (I1s/I2s) of the intensity I1s of the strongest peak to the intensity I2s of the second strongest peak described in JCPDS.

Abstract: A polymer composite composed of a polymerized mixture of functionalized carbon nanotubes and monomer which chemically reacts with the functionalized nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are functionalized by reacting with oxidizing or other chemical media through chemical reactions or physical adsorption. The reacted surface carbons of the nanotubes are further functionalized with chemical moieties that react with the surface carbons and selected monomers. The functionalized nanotubes are first dispersed in an appropriate medium such as water, alcohol or a liquefied monomer and then the mixture is polymerized. The polymerization results in polymer chains of increasing weight bound to the surface carbons of the nanotubes. The composite may consists of some polymer chains imbedded in the composite without attachment to the nanotubes.

Abstract: In the present invention, a starting material liquid including a carbon compound and a catalyst or a catalyst precursor, and a reaction vessel having a high-temperature zone heated to 900-1,300° C. are prepared. The starting material liquid is introduced into the reaction vessel, and a mixture is generated which comprises a gas including a carbon source, and catalyst microparticles dispersed in the gas. A carrier gas is then introduced in pulses into the reaction vessel, and the mixture is pushed out to the high-temperature zone. The carbon source and catalyst microparticles included in the mixture are then brought into contact with each other in the high-temperature zone, initial fibers are grown, and carbon fibers are subsequently grown in an environment in which the carrier gas is retained.

Abstract: A method of reducing a gaseous carbon oxide includes reacting a carbon oxide with a gaseous reducing agent in the presence of a steel catalyst. The reaction proceeds under conditions adapted to produce solid carbon of various allotropes and morphologies the selective formation of which can be controlled by means of controlling reaction gas composition and reaction conditions including temperature and pressure. A method for utilizing a steel catalyst for reducing carbon oxides includes placing the steel catalyst in a suitable reactor and flowing reaction gases comprising a carbon oxide with at least one gaseous reducing agent through the reactor where, in the presence of the steel catalyst, at least a portion of the carbon in the carbon oxide is converted to solid carbon and a tail gas mixture containing water vapor.

Abstract: Methods of capturing or sequestering carbon include introducing a reaction gas stream to a catalytic converter to convert a portion of the carbon in the carbon oxide to solid carbon and a tail gas stream containing water vapor, removing the solid carbon from the catalytic converter for use, disposal, or storage, and recycling at least a portion of the tail gas stream to the catalytic converter. Methods may also include removing a portion of the water from the tail gas stream. The tail gas stream includes a portion of the initial process gas stream and at least a portion of water vapor produced in the catalytic converter. Methods may also include removing water vapor from various streams and reacting the carbon oxide with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. Systems for capturing or sequestering carbon from a gaseous source containing carbon oxides are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to carbon nanostructures, e.g., carbon nanotubes, methods of covalently functionalizing carbon nanostructures, and methods of separating and isolating covalently functionalized carbon. In some embodiments, carbon nanotubes are reacted with alkylating agents to provide water soluble covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes. In other embodiments, carbon nanotubes are reacted with a thermally-responsive agent and exposed to light in order to separate carbon nanotubes of a specific chirality from a mixture of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A composition comprising a mixture of carbon nanotubes having a bi-modal size distribution are produced by reducing carbon oxides with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting mixture of nanotubes include a primary population of multiwall carbon nanotubes having characteristic diameters greater than 40 nanometers, and a secondary population of what are apparently single wall nanotubes with characteristic diameters of less than 30 nanometers. The resulting mixture may also contain one or more other allotropes and morphologies of carbon in various proportions.