From Gaseous Reactants Patents (Class 423/447.3)
  • Publication number: 20120077031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for the synthesis of thin multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNT). More particularly, this invention relates to a multi-component metal catalyst composition comprising i) main catalyst of Co and Al, ii) inactive support of Mg and iii) optional co-catalyst at least one selected from Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, W, Pb, Ti, Sn, or Cu. Further, the present invention affords thin multi-walled carbon nanotube having 5˜20 nm of diameter and 100˜10,000 of aspect ratio in a high yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-Hyo RYU, Wan Sung LEE, Youngchan JANG
  • Patent number: 8137591
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for preparing carbon nanotube containing multi-component support materials of amorphous Si, Mg and Al as well as a bulk scale preparation process for preparing carbon nanotube using said catalyst composition. More specifically, this invention relates to a process for preparing carbon nanotube using the catalyst composition comprising a transition metal catalyst and support materials of amorphous Si, Mg and Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Hwan Kim, Sang-Hyo Ryu, Wan Sung Lee, Namsun Choi, Hyun-Kyung Sung, Youngchan Jang
  • Patent number: 8137653
    Abstract: A method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising, in a reaction chamber: evaporating at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst by an electrical arc discharge; condensing the evaporated catalyst vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst; and decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also a system for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising: a reactor comprising two electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst, the reactor adapted for evaporating the at least partially melted electrode by an electrical arc discharge and for condensing its vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a reaction chamber for decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: MCD Technologies S.A R.L.
    Inventors: Mikhail Rudolfovich Predtechensky, Oleg Mikhailovich Tukhto, Ilya Yurievich Koval
  • Patent number: 8138067
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for producing semiconductor nanowires, for example germanium or Silicon, grown by solution decomposition comprising the steps of heating at least one high boiling point solvent to its reaction temperature in a chamber and injecting a precursor directly into the chamber to react with the at least one high boiling solvent to produce a refluxing solvent. Subsequent vapour deposition of a monomer, achieved by the refluxing solvent, onto a locally heated substrate contained within the chamber produces the semiconductor nanowires. The system and method removes the dependency upon the incorporation of metal catalyst for the production of silicon and germanium nanowire, thereby nullifying the adverse effects of metal contamination in the resulting semiconductor nanowires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: University of Limerick
    Inventors: Kevin M. Ryan, Christopher Barrett
  • Patent number: 8128900
    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 yield contain no foreign substances and have satisfactory quality with few defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Toudai TLO, Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeo Maruyama, Masahito Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8124044
    Abstract: Carbon nanotubes, a method for preparing the same and an element using the same are provided. The method for preparing carbon nanotubes includes synthesizing carbon nanotubes from carbon source using an arc-discharge method in the presence of catalysts and promoter, wherein the promoter contains an element capable of reducing the surface energy of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes with high purity and narrow diameter distribution can thus be prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Kajiura, Yongming Li, Liping Huang, Yunqi Liu, Dacheng Wei, Yu Wang, Hongliang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8114373
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., graphite and graphite oxide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm, and often between 0.34 nm and 1.02 nm. The method comprises: (a) subjecting the layered material in a powder form to a halogen vapor at a first temperature above the melting point or sublimation point of the halogen at a sufficient vapor pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to cause the halogen molecules to penetrate an interlayer space of the layered material, forming a stable halogen-intercalated compound; and (b) heating the halogen-intercalated compound at a second temperature above the boiling point of the halogen, allowing halogen atoms or molecules residing in the interlayer space to exfoliate the layered material to produce the platelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventors: Bor Z. Jang, Aruna Zhamu
  • Publication number: 20120034150
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Dallas B. Noyes
  • Patent number: 8101150
    Abstract: The diameter of carbon nanotubes grown by chemical vapor deposition is controlled independent of the catalyst size by controlling the residence time of reactive gases in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Grill, Deborah Neumayer, Dinkar Singh
  • Patent number: 8093174
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Yuge, Masako Yudasaka, Sumio Iijima
  • Patent number: 8092775
    Abstract: Provided is a continuous method and apparatus for purifying carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotube is fed together with solvent into a preheater via a heat exchanger to produce a carbon nanotube mixture. The carbon nanotube mixture is preheated at 100 to 370° C. Then, the carbon nanotube mixture is purified in a purifying reactor under a subcritical water condition of 50 to 400 atm. The resulting purified product is cooled down to 0 to 100° C. and depressurized into 1 to 10 atm by feeding the purified product into a cooling down and depressurizing part via the heat exchanger. Finally, the cooled and depressurized product is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Joo Hee Han, Jin Seo Lee, Seung-Hoe Do, Seong Cheol Hong
  • Patent number: 8092754
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mass production system and method of synthesized carbon nanotubes. The system is configured to completely open the reaction chamber to an outside during synthesis of the carbon nanotubes in the reaction chamber while allowing a specific gas to occupy a predetermined region within the reaction chamber, thereby blocking introduction of external air into the reaction chamber which is opened to external air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: CNT Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yong Hoon Park
  • Publication number: 20110318256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously synthesizing oriented carbon nanotubes, with which oriented carbon nanotubes can be stably synthesized in large quantities, is presented. The method and apparatus for continuously synthesizing oriented carbon nanotubes comprise: a coating and drying step in which a catalyst liquid is applied and dried to form a catalyst layer on a substrate surface; a catalyst substrate formation step in which the catalyst layer is heated to form a catalyst substrate having a catalyst particle layer on the substrate surface; a synthesis step in which a raw material gas heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a synthesis temperature for the oriented carbon nanotubes is brought into contact with the surface of the catalyst substrate to synthesize oriented carbon nanotubes; and a collection step in which the oriented carbon nanotubes are collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicants: TAIYO NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION, OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nakayama, Toru Sakai, Takeru Yajima, Yoichi Urakawa, Kenichi Kon, Takeshi Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 8084011
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube manufacturing method wherein a catalyst is heated in a reaction chamber while the reaction chamber is filled with argon gas containing hydrogen. When a predetermined temperature is reached in the reaction chamber, the reaction chamber is evacuated. Then a raw material gas as a carbon source is charged and sealed in the reaction chamber whereupon the synthesis of carbon nanotube begins. Subsequently, when a condition in which the synthesis of carbon nanotubes has proceeded to a predetermined level is detected, gases in the reaction chamber are exhausted. Then, the raw material gas is changed and sealed in the reaction tube again. Thereafter, the charging (synthesizing) operation and the exhausting operation are repeated until the carbon nanotube with a desired film thickness are synthesized. A carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suzuki, Shinichi Mukainakano, Kenji Okeyui, Toshiyuki Morishita, Hisayoshi Ooshima
  • Patent number: 8084927
    Abstract: A thermal electron emitter includes at least one carbon nanotube twisted wire and a plurality of electron emission particles mixed with the twisted wire. The carbon nanotube twisted wire comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes. A work function of the electron emission particles is lower than the work function of the carbon nanotubes. A thermal electron emission device using the thermal electron emitter is also related.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Xiao, Liang Liu, Chang-Hong Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8083905
    Abstract: The internal and external walls of the carbon nanotubes are doped with nano-sized metallic catalyst particles uniformly to a degree of 0.3-5 mg /cm2. The carbon nanotubes are grown over a carbon substrate using chemical vapor deposition or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Since the carbon nanotubes have a large specific surface area, and metallic catalyst particles are uniformly distributed over the internal and external walls thereof, the reaction efficiency in an electrode becomes maximal when the carbon nanotubes are used for the electrode of a fuel cell. The carbon nanotubes fabricated using the method can be applied to form a large electrode. The carbon nanotubes grown over the carbon substrate can be readily applied to an electrode of a fuel cell, providing economical advantages and simplifying the overall electrode manufacturing process. A fuel cell using as the carbon nanotubes for its electrode provides improved performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-bong Choi, Jae-uk Chu, Chan-ho Pak, Hyuk Chang
  • Patent number: 8075863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis and processing of materials, including nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Methods and devices are presented for controlling the growth and/or assembly of nanostructures, in some cases using small channel-type environments (e.g., microfluidic channels). In these micro-scale environments, forces can be applied to nanostructures during their growth process, for instance, to control the rate and/or direction of growth of the nanostructures. These forces can also be used to direct the assembly of nanostructures into ordered configurations such as strands or other assemblies having micro- and macroscopic length scales. In some embodiments, multiple forces are applied simultaneously to direct the growth and/or assembly of nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Anastasios J. Hart, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Patent number: 8071906
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes. The apparatus comprises a plasma torch having a plasma tube adapted to receive an inert gas and form an inert gas plasma; a feeder adapted to direct a carbon-containing substance and a metal catalyst towards said inert gas plasma so that the carbon-containing substance and the metal catalyst contact said inert gas plasma downstream of where said inert gas is introduced in said plasma tube, to thereby form a plasma comprising atoms or molecules of carbon and the atoms of said metal; and a condenser for condensing the atoms or molecules of carbon and the atoms of said metal to form single-wall carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Institut National De La Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Olivier Smiljanic, Barry L. Stansfield, Frederic Larouche
  • Publication number: 20110293504
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing substantially uniform-sized carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the process includes the step of contacting methane with catalytic particles at a temperature of between 650 to 850° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Siang Piao Chai
  • Publication number: 20110280792
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. -PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Alexandre Taschetto De Castro, Luiz Depine De Castro, Adelci Menezes De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 8057778
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for forming a carbon nanotube array. In the method a tubular substrate is provided. The tubular substrate includes an outer sidewall with a catalyst layer located on the outer sidewall. The heating member, and the tubular substrate with the catalyst layer is received in a reacting chamber. The tubular substrate is heated by the heating member. A carbon source gas is supplied into the reacting chamber to grow the carbon nanotube array on the tubular substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Feng, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8057777
    Abstract: A system is provided that can be utilized to generate nanotubes with substantially similar chirality. The system provides a resonant frequency, keyed to a desired radial breathing mode linked to the desired chirality, that causes a template of catalysts particles or nanotubes to oscillate at the provided resonant frequency, so as to stimulate growing nanotubes to oscillate at a corresponding resonant frequency. This resonant frequency can be a result of a high frequency field or the natural heat radiation generated by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Nanocomp Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Lashmore, Craig Lombard
  • Patent number: 8052940
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Heon Jeong, Jong-Kwan Jeon, Suk-Won Jang
  • Patent number: 8052951
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Menchhofer, Frederick C. Montgomery, Frederick S. Baker
  • Patent number: 8048396
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a process of producing single-walled carbon nanotubes, capable of producing single-walled carbon nanotubes with high purity. A process of producing single-walled carbon nanotubes according to the present invention includes feeding a feedstock including a hydrocarbon source, a metallocene, and a sulfur compound in a state of mist to a feeding zone where hydrogen gas flows at a linear velocity of 1-50 m/second wherein the amount of the hydrocarbon source is 0.01-0.2% by mass and the amount of the metallocene is 0.001-0.2% by mass based on the total amount of the hydrogen gas and the feedstock, and the amount by mass of the sulfur compound is ?-4 times as much as that of the metallocene; and making the hydrogen gas and the fed feedstock flow through a reaction zone with a temperature of 800-1000° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Nikkiso Company Limited, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Morio Yumura, Satoshi Ohshima, Junzo Yana, Kaori Fukuma
  • Patent number: 8048397
    Abstract: A method for making a field emission cathode includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface opposite to the first substrate surface; (b) forming a conductive film on the first substrate surface; (c) forming a catalyst film on the conductive film, the catalyst film including carbonaceous material; (d) flowing a mixture of a carrier gas and a carbon source gas over the catalyst film; (e) focusing a laser beam on the catalyst film and/or on the second substrate surface to locally heat the catalyst to a predetermined reaction temperature; and (f) growing an array of the carbon nanotubes via the catalyst film to form a field emission cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhuo Chen, Chun-Xiang Luo, Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8048821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for the synthesis of thin multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and a method for manufacturing a catalyst composition. More particularly, this invention relates to a multi-component metal catalyst composition comprising i) main catalyst of Fe and Al, ii) inactive support of Mg and iii) optional co-catalyst at least one selected from Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, W, V, Sn, or Cu. Further, the present invention affords thin multi-walled carbon nanotube having 5˜20 nm of diameter and 100˜10,000 of aspect ratio in a high yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Hyo Ryu, Dong Hwan Kim, Wan Sung Lee, Namsun Choi, Hyun-Kyung Sung, Youngchan Jang
  • Patent number: 8033887
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a field emitter, includes the steps of: providing a CNT yarn segment; attaching the CNT yarn segment to a heat conductor; and burning the CNT yarn segment thereby yielding a remaining portion of the CNT yarn segment for use as a field emitter. It is proper to manufacture a plurality of field emitters with essentially even field emission properties using the present method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan-Chao Yang, Liang Liu, Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8029760
    Abstract: According to a method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes, minute concavities and convexities are formed at a surface of a substrate, a catalyst metal layer having a predetermined film thickness is formed on the surface having the concavities and convexities, the substrate is subject to a heat treatment at a predetermined temperature to change the catalyst metal layer into a plurality of isolated fine particles. The catalyst metal fine particles have a uniform particle diameter and uniform distribution. Then, the substrate supporting the plurality of fine particles is placed in a carbon-containing gas atmosphere to grow carbon nanotubes on the catalyst metal fine particles by a CVD method using the carbon-containing gas. The carbon nanotubes can be formed to have a desired diameter and a desired shell number with superior reproducibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Daiyu Kondo, Akio Kawabata, Shintaro Sato, Taisuke Iwai, Mizuhisa Nihei
  • Publication number: 20110229402
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is carbon nanofibers mainly characterized by their high specific volume of mesopores, their high gas adsorption capacity and presenting a graphitic hollow structure. A second object of this invention is a procedure for obtaining such carbon nanofibers, which makes use of a metallic nickel catalyst and specific process furnace parameters that combined with the chemical composition of the furnace atmosphere and the fluidodynamic conditions of the gas stream inside the furnace, result in a faster growth of the carbon nanofibers and also in a higher quality of the carbon nanofibers obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: GRUPO ANTONLIN -INGENIERIA, S.A.
    Inventors: José Luis GONZALEZ MORAL, José VERA AGULLO, Merino SÁNCHEZ, Ignacio MARTÍN GULLÓN
  • Patent number: 8012585
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube composite film includes a carbon nanotube film and at least one conductive coating. The carbon nanotube film includes an amount of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are parallel to a surface of the carbon nanotube film. The least one conductive coating is disposed about the carbon nanotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai Liu, Kai-Li Jiang, Liang Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8012447
    Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition processes. In some aspects, single-walled carbon nanotubes having narrow distribution of diameters are formed by contacting a carbon precursor gas with a catalyst on a support, wherein the catalyst has an average diameter of less than about 2 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Avetik Harutyunyan, Toshio Tokune, Elena Mora Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20110212016
    Abstract: The present invention provides a supported catalyst for synthesizing carbon nanotubes. The supported catalyst includes a metal catalyst supported on a supporting body and a water-soluble polymer, and has an average diameter of about 30 to about 100 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: CHEIL INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Yun Tack LEE, Byeong Yeol KIM, Seung Yong BAE, Young Kyu CHANG, Young Sil LEE
  • Patent number: 8007755
    Abstract: A method for forming a carbon fibrous structure having a plurality of granular parts, to which a plurality of carbon fibers are bound, includes heating a mixture of a carbon source and a catalyst at a temperature between 800 ° C. and 1300 ° C. to produce aggregates of a first intermediate, heating the aggregates of the first intermediate to remove hydrocarbons, at a temperature between 800 ° C. and 1200 ° C. to produce aggregates of a first product, heating the aggregates of the first product at a temperature between 2400 ° C. and 3000 ° C. to produce aggregates of a final product; and pulverizing the aggregates of the final product such that area-based circle-equivalent mean diameter of each aggregate of the carbon fibrous structure of the product is 50-100 ?m, bulk density of the carbon fibrous structure is 0.0001-0.02 g/cm3, and powder resistance under pressed density of 0.8g/cm3 is not more than 0.02 ?·cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Tsukada, Jiayi Shan
  • Patent number: 7998450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method and apparatus of functionalizing a carbon nanotube, and more specifically, to a continuous method of functionalizing a carbon nanotube under subcritical water or supercritical water conditions without additional functionalizing processes, comprising: a) continuously feeding the carbon nanotube solution and an oxidizer under a pressure of 50 to 400 atm, respectively or together, and then preheating the mixture of said carbon nanotube solution and said oxidizer; b) functionalizing the carbon nanotube in the preheated said mixture under the subcritical water or the supercritical water condition of 50 to 400 atm; c) cooling down the functionalized product into 0 to 100° C. and depressurizing the functionalized product into 1 to 10 atm; and d) recovering the cooled down and depressurized product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Joo Hee Han, Jin Seo Lee, Seung-Hoe Do, Seong Cheol Hong
  • Publication number: 20110195013
    Abstract: The present invention provides a supported catalyst for synthesizing carbon nanotubes. The supported catalyst includes a metal catalyst supported on a supporting body, and the supported catalyst has a surface area of about 15 to about 100 m2/g. The supported catalyst for synthesizing carbon nanotubes according to the present invention can lower production costs by increasing surface area of a catalytic metal to thereby allow production of a large amount of carbon nanotubes using a small amount of the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: CHEIL INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Seung Yong BAE, Byeong Yeol KIM, Yun Tack LEE, Young Kyu CHANG, Young Sil LEE
  • Patent number: 7993524
    Abstract: Membranes for filtration by size exclusion are formed from open-ended nanotubes embedded in a polymeric matrix. The matrix forms a layer whose thickness is substantially less than the average length of the nanotubes, allowing the nanotubes to be randomly oriented throughout the matrix while providing channels extending through the layer for the selective passage of molecular species or particles based on size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: NanOasis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy V. Ratto, Jason K. Holt, Alan W. Szmodis
  • Patent number: 7993594
    Abstract: The present application provides multistage and multilayer reactors useful for the efficient and continuous production of carbon nanotubes and methods of using the apparatus in the preparation of carbon nanotubes. In one aspect, the multistage reactors include an array of interconnected fluidized-bed reactors. The multilayer reactors include a plurality of reaction zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Fei Wei, Yi Liu, Weizhong Qian, Guohua Luo
  • Patent number: 7988941
    Abstract: An economical method of preparing a large-sized graphene sheet having a desired thickness includes forming a film, the film comprising a graphitizing catalyst; heat-treating a gaseous carbon source in the presence of the graphitizing catalyst to form graphene; and cooling the graphene to form a graphene sheet. A graphene sheet prepared according to the disclosed method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-young Choi, Hyeon-Jin Shin, Seon-mi Yoon
  • Patent number: 7981396
    Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. Metal catalysts having small diameter and narrow distribution of particle sizes are prepared and continuously injected as aerosols into a reactor. The metal catalysts are supported on supports that are substantially free of carbon, and the reactor is configured to control the flow of the gases such that the reaction time and contact of the reactants with the reactor walls can be controlled. Single-walled carbon nanotubes can be synthesized at a large scale and with high yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Avetik Harutyunyan
  • Patent number: 7976893
    Abstract: A heavily boron-doped diamond thin film having superconductivity is deposited by chemical vapor deposition using gas mixture of at least carbon compound and boron compound, including hydrogen. An advantage of the diamond thin film deposited by the chemical vapor deposition is that it can contain boron at high concentration, especially in (111) oriented films. The boron-doped diamond thin film deposited by the chemical vapor deposition shows the characteristics of typical type II superconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Takano, Masanori Nagao, Minoru Tachiki, Hiroshi Kawarada, Hitoshi Umezawa, Kensaku Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7976950
    Abstract: The transparent conductive film according to the present invention comprises graphene platelets which overlap one another to form a multilayer structure. The average size of the graphene platelets is 50 nm or more and the number of layers of the graphene platelets is 9 or less. The transparent conductive film has an electrical resistivity of 1.0×10?6 (?m) or less and a light transmission at a wavelength of 550 nm of 80% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Okai, Motoyuki Hirooka
  • Patent number: 7976815
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing nanostructures is presented. A growth substrate including at least one reaction site is provided as is a device disposed proximate the growth substrate. Energy is provided to the reaction site and a reaction species is introduced to the growth substrate. This results in a nanostructure growing from the reaction site wherein the growth process of the nanostructure is controlled by providing a force to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Anastasios John Hart, Alexander Henry Slocum
  • Publication number: 20110165058
    Abstract: A method for synthesizing carbon nanotubes having a narrow distribution of diameter and/or chirality is presented. The method comprises providing catalyst particles to a reactor for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes, wherein the catalyst particles are characterized by a narrow distribution of catalyst-particle diameters and a narrow distribution of catalyst-particle compositions. Preferably, the catalyst particles are characterized by a mean catalyst-particle diameter of 2.6 nm or less and a composition of NixFe1-x, wherein x is less than or equal to 0.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: R. Mohan Sankaran, Wei-Hung Chiang
  • Patent number: 7972536
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Jr., Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
  • Patent number: 7972571
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The apparatus includes: a vertical reaction chamber; a mixer which is disposed within the vertical reaction chamber and mixes a catalyst supplied from above; and a plurality of dispersion plates which vertically partition a space inside the vertical reaction chamber into a plurality of sections and uniformly disperse a source gas, which is supplied from above, into the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Suk-Won Jang, Jong-Kwan Jeon, Chung-Heon Jeong
  • Patent number: 7968013
    Abstract: Nicotinamide and/or a compound which is chemically combined with nicotinamide may be used as a carbon nanotube (“CNT”) n-doping material. CNTs n-doped with the CNT n-doping material may have long-lasting doping stability in the air without de-doping. Further, CNT n-doping state may be easily controlled when using the CNT n-doping material. The CNT n-doping material and/or CNTs n-doped with the CNT n-doping material may be used for various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaeyoung Choi, Hyeon Jin Shin, Seonmi Yoon, Boram Kang, Young Hee Lee, Un Jeong Kim
  • Publication number: 20110150746
    Abstract: A novel continuous process is used for production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) of methane on iron floating catalyst in-situ deposited on MgO in a fluidized bed reactor. In the hot zone of the reactor, sublimed ferrocene vapors were contacted with MgO powder fluidized by methane feed to produce Fe/MgO catalyst in-situ. An annular tube was used to enhance the ferrocene and MgO contacting efficiency. Multi-wall as well as single-wall CNTs were grown on the Fe/MgO catalyst while falling down the reactor. The CNTs were continuously collected at the bottom of the reactor, only when MgO powder was used. The annular tube enhanced the contacting efficiency and improved both the quality and quantity of CNTs. The SEM and TEM micrographs of the products reveal that the CNTs are mostly entangled bundles with diameters of about 20 nm. Raman spectra show that the CNTs have low amount of amorphous carbon with IG/ID ratios as high as 10.2 for synthesis at 900° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Abbas Ali Khodadadi, Yadollah Mortazavi
  • Patent number: 7964174
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming catalyst particles to grow nanotubes is disclosed. In addition, an apparatus and method for forming nanotubes using the catalytic particles is also disclosed. The particles formed may have different diameters depending upon how they are formed. Once formed, the particles are deposited on a substrate. Once deposited, the mobility of the particles is restricted and nanotubes and/or nanotube portions are grown on the particles. Nanotube portions having different diameters may be formed and the portions may be connected to form nanotubes with different diameters along the length of the nanotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Valery M. Dubin, Juan E. Dominguez, Chin-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 7964151
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes, that is provided with a reaction chamber and a dispersion plate. The dispersion plate is provided with a plate and a gas guiding portion provided on an edge of the plate, and a catalyst supply hole is defined in the central portion of the plate, through which metal catalysts are supplied. The gas guiding portion guides source gas to the central portion of the plate and suspends the metal catalysts discharged from the catalyst supply hole in a specific direction. Thus, the apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes can prevent loss of metal catalysts and improve space utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Kwan Jeon