Graphite Patents (Class 423/448)
  • Patent number: 9099745
    Abstract: A graphite carbon composite material including a graphite material having diversity in the sizes of optical anisotropic structure and optical isotropic structure, the ratio thereof, and crystal direction, and a carbon material on the way to a graphitized structure of easily-graphitizable carbon. Also disclosed is a carbon material for a battery electrode, a past for an electrode, an electrode, a battery, a lithium ion secondary battery and a method of producing the graphite carbon composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nishimura, Akinori Sudoh, Shunsuke Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 9056778
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-graphite plate structure with N graphene layers stacked together, where N is 30 to 300. The nanometer nano-graphite structure has a tap density of 0.1 g/cm3 to 0.01 cm3, a thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm, and a lateral dimension of 1 ?m to 100 ?m. The ratio of the lateral dimension to the thickness is between 10 and 10,000. The oxygen content is less than 3 wt %, and the carbon content is larger than 95 wt %. The nano-graphite plate structure has both the excellent features of the graphene and the original advantages of easy processability of the natural graphite so as to be broadly used in various application fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Enerage Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Y. Wu, Cheng-Yu Hsieh, Geng-Wei Lin, Ping-Yun Yeh
  • Publication number: 20150144884
    Abstract: A reliable graphene film that provides complete semiconductive properties without mixing of metallic properties, redacts an off current, achieves a high current on/off ratio of 105 or more sufficient for practical use, and prevents variations in electric properties is obtained. In a grapheme film 3, a plurality of ribbon-shaped graphenes 3a having a longitudinal edge structure of as arm chair type constitute a network structure, and the grapheme 3a includes three or more six-membered rings of carbon atoms bonded in parallel in a short direction and has a width of 0.7 nm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Junichi YAMAGUCHI, Shintaro SATO
  • Publication number: 20150147657
    Abstract: A graphite material for a negative electrode of a lithium-ion secondary battery is provided. A ratio Lc(112)/Lc(006) defined as a ratio of expansion of graphene sheets to sheet displacement ranges from 0.08 to 0.11, both inclusive. A crystallite size Lc(006) calculated from a wide-angle X-ray diffraction line ranges from 30 nm to 40 nm, both inclusive. An average particle size ranges from 3 ?m to 20 ?m, both inclusive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Yohei Yagishita, Kohei Yamaguchi, Miwa Katayama, Wataru Oda, Akemi Inami, Yoshiki Kubo, Seiji Okazaki, Akio Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20150144831
    Abstract: Biogenic activated carbon compositions disclosed herein comprise at least 55 wt % carbon, some of which may be present as graphene, and have high surface areas, such as Iodine Numbers of greater than 2000. Some embodiments provide biogenic activated carbon that is responsive to a magnetic field. A continuous process for producing biogenic activated carbon comprises countercurrently contacting, by mechanical means, a feedstock with a vapor stream comprising an activation agent including water and/or carbon dioxide; removing vapor from the reaction zone; recycling at least some of the separated vapor stream, or a thermally treated form thereof, to an inlet of the reaction zone(s) and/or to the feedstock; and recovering solids from the reaction zone(s) as biogenic activated carbon. Methods of using the biogenic activated carbon are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daniel J. Despen
  • Patent number: 9040014
    Abstract: Providing a roaster that operates at temperatures in the range of 800° Celsius to 2000° Celsius with inert, optional oxidizing and reducing gases to treat graphite contaminated with radionuclides including tritium, carbon-14, and chlorine-36. The combination of temperatures and gases allow for the removal of most to substantially all the carbon-14 within the graphite while substantially limiting gasifying the bulk graphite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventors: J. Bradley Mason, Thomas Brown, Sahar Torabzadeh, Jonathan Olander
  • Patent number: 9040013
    Abstract: A method of preparing functionalized graphene, comprises treating graphene with an alkali metal in the presence of an electron transfer agent and coordinating solvent, and adding a functionalizing compound. The method further includes quenching unreacted alkali metal by addition of a protic medium, and isolating the functionalized graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Anil K. Sadana
  • Patent number: 9034297
    Abstract: A process for the production of nano-structures is presented, involving providing a graphite flake comprising graphene layers; intercalating the graphite flake to form a graphite intercalation compound exhibiting Stage I, II or III intercalation; and exfoliating the graphite intercalation compound by exposing it to a temperature between about 1600° C. and about 2400° C. such that a plurality of individual graphene layers are separated from the graphite intercalation compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DIRECTA PLUS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Robert Angelo Mercuri
  • Publication number: 20150132654
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preparing porous graphene from porous graphite, including 1) thermochemically reacting a highly crystalline carbide compound with a halogen element-containing gas to give a porous carbide-derived carbon; 2) treating the carbide-derived carbon with an acid, thus preparing a carbide-derived carbon oxide; and 3) reducing the carbide-derived carbon oxide. An anode mixture for a secondary battery including the graphene and an anode for a secondary battery including the anode mixture are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Sun-Hwa Yeon, Kyoung-Hee Shin, Chang-Soo Jin, Kyu-Nam Jung, Jae-Deok Jeon, Joonmok Shim, Jung-Hoon Yang, Bum-Suk Lee, Myung Seok Jeon, Wook Ahn
  • Patent number: 9028790
    Abstract: Provided is an aggregate of carbon nanotubes wherein a mixture of 10 mg of aggregate of carbon nanotubes, 30 mg of sodium polystyrene sulfonate and 10 mL of water is subjected to ultrasonic homogenizer treatment, subsequently subjected to centrifugal treatment at 20000 G, then 9 mL of supernatant is sampled, and the content of aggregate of carbon nanotubes in the supernatant is 0.6 mg/mL or more. The aggregate of carbon nanotubes of the present invention can provide a dispersion of an aggregate of carbon nanotubes having a high concentration through very good dispersibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sato, Masahito Yoshikawa, Shuko Ikeuchi
  • Publication number: 20150125694
    Abstract: A nanocomposite for the reverse storage of hydrogen based on monolayer sheets of polycrystalline or monocrystalline grapheme having a form of a cylindrical spiral roll of polycrystalline or monocrystalline graphene with a preferably constant spacing in the range from 0.2 to 2 nm, whereby the said spiral roll of polycrystalline graphene has grains with a minimum diameter of 50 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicants: POLITECHNIKA LODZKA, SECO/WARWICK S.A.
    Inventors: Piotr KULA, Antoni RZEPKOWSKI, Robert PIETRASIK, Radomir ATRASZKIEWICZ, Konrad DYBOWSKI, Lukasz KACZMAREK, Wojciech MODRZYK
  • Patent number: 9023477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermally conductive pad and a method for producing the same. The thermally conductive pad includes an array of carbon nanotubes and a polymer matrix. The array of carbon nanotubes has a density in the approximate range from 0.1 g/cm3 to 2.2 g/cm3. The array of carbon nanotubes is incorporated in the polymer matrix by way of polymerization of a pre-polymer of the polymer matrix in situ. Moreover, the method for producing the thermally conductive pad is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Xiang Luo, Liang Liu, Kai-Li Jiang, Chang-Hong Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20150114456
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the preparation of low-dimensional materials, comprising mixing a pristine material to be abraded with an organic solvent to form a mixture, abrading the material to be abraded by bead-milling, obtaining a suspension comprising the material of low dimension and the organic solvent, and removing the organic solvent from the suspension to obtain the low-dimensional material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Academia Sinica
    Inventors: Chih Wei CHU, Mohammed Aziz IBRAHEM
  • Publication number: 20150118143
    Abstract: A simple and easy method for fabricating graphene quantum dots with uniformed size and high quality of emission property comprises steps of, mixing graphite powders with metallic hydrate salts, forming an intercalation compound of graphite wherein metal ions are inserted by heating the mixed solution, and removing the metal ions from the intercalation compound of graphite. The graphene quantum dots is applicable to the development of electronic products in next generation such as display devices, recording devices, various sensors and nanocomputers and is applicable to biological and medicinal field as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: SeokWoo JEON, SungHo Song, BoHyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9017639
    Abstract: In the method for making graphene, an electrolyte solution is formed by dissolving an electrolyte lithium salt in an organic solvent. Lithium ions are separated out from the electrolyte lithium salt in the electrolyte solution. Metal lithium and graphite are disposed in the electrolyte solution, and the metal lithium and the graphite are in contact with each other. In the electrolyte solution, lithium ions and organic solvent molecules jointly insert between adjacent layers of the graphite to form a graphite intercalation compound. The graphene is peeled off from the graphite intercalation compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiang-Ming He, Li Wang, Jian-Jun Li, Jian-Wei Guo, Wen-Ting Sun, Jian-Guo Ren
  • Patent number: 9017867
    Abstract: Nanocomposite materials having at least two layers, each layer consisting of one metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene layer were developed. The nanocomposite materials will typically have many alternating layers of metal oxides and graphene layers, bonded in a sandwich type construction and will be incorporated into an electrochemical or energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignees: Battelle Memorial Institute, The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Ilhan A. Aksay, Daiwon Choi, Rong Kou, Zimin Nie, Donghai Wang, Zhenguo Yang
  • Patent number: 9017638
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing graphene functionalized at its edge positions of graphite. Organic material having one or more functional groups is reacted with graphite in reaction medium comprising methanesulfonic acid and phosphorus pentoxide, or in reaction medium comprising trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, to produce graphene having organic material fuctionalized at edges. And then, high purity and large scaled graphene and film can be obtained by dispersing, centrifugal separating the functionalized graphene in a solvent and reducing, in particular heat treating the graphene. According to the present invention graphene can be produced inexpensively in a large amount with a minimum loss of graphite. (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Unist Academy-Industry Research Corp
    Inventors: Jong Beom Baek, Eun Kyoung Choi, In Yup Jeon, Seo Yun Bae
  • Patent number: 9017813
    Abstract: Transparent conducting electrodes include a doped single walled carbon nanotube film and methods for forming the doped single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) by solution processing. The method generally includes depositing single walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in a solvent and a surfactant onto a substrate to form a single walled carbon nanotube film thereon; removing all of the surfactant from the carbon nanotube film; and exposing the single walled carbon nanotube film to a single electron oxidant in a solution such that one electron is transferred from the single walled carbon nanotubes to each molecule of the single electron oxidant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Egypt Nanotechnology Center
    Inventors: Mostafa M. El-Ashry, Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Bhupesh Chandra, George S. Tulevski
  • Publication number: 20150108411
    Abstract: A method for preparing graphene nanoplate (GNP) is provided and includes preparing expanded graphite (EG) and exfoliating, grinding, or cracking the expanded graphite to crack the EG induced by gas-phase-collision. A graphene nanoplate paste and a conductive coating layer formed of the graphene nanoplate paste are provided and are prepared by the method for preparing graphene nanoplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicants: Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Kwang Il Chang, Chul Kyu Song, Dha Hae Kim, Seung Hun Hur
  • Publication number: 20150110706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogen surface-treated graphene, a formation method thereof, and an electronic device including the same. The graphene according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be useful in preparing hydrogen surface-treated graphene having a band gap using simple methods through indirect hydrogen plasma treatment. Also, the graphene according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be useful in forming two regions having different band gaps through the indirect hydrogen plasma treatment, and thus can be useful in reducing the processing time and the processing cost since the graphene is directly applicable to electronic devices such as transistors, and touch panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jongill Hong, Jangyup Son
  • Publication number: 20150103469
    Abstract: A method of producing interlayer distance controlled graphene, an interlayer distance controlled graphene composition, and a supercapacitor are provided. A method of producing an interlayer distance controlled graphene involves dispersing a graphene oxide in a solution by using a surfactant, forming a reduced graphene oxide by adding a reducing agent into the solution containing the dispersed graphene oxide, and adding a pillar material that is activated at its both ends by a N2+ group into the solution containing the reduced graphene oxide to control an interlayer distance of the reduced graphene oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: RESEARCH & BUSINESS FOUNDATION SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hyoyoung LEE, Keun Sik LEE
  • Patent number: 9005565
    Abstract: A method of forming graphene comprises supplying energy to at least a portion of an organic material monolayer disposed on a substrate. The energy is sufficient to carbonize the at least a portion of the monolayer exposed thereto to form a layer of graphene on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Hamid-Reza Jahangiri-Famenini
  • Publication number: 20150098891
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing graphene is provided, comprising (1) introducing a supporting substrate in a reactor; (2) preparing (nano) crystalline alumina catalyst having catalytic activity on the supporting substrate to prepare an insulating substrate; (3) growing nano graphenes on the insulating substrate to manufacture graphene film comprising graphene layer of the nano graphenes, which are grown without use of metal catalyst substantially. The graphene layer composed of the nano graphene has spatially homogeneous structural and electrical properties even in synthesis as large area and can be applied to flexible electronic devices. In addition, as it has easy detachment of the substrate and the graphene film and can detach the graphene film without damage of the substrate, leaving no residual graphene on the substrate, it is possible to grow the nano graphene by reusing the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Yong Won SONG, Jae Hyun PARK
  • Patent number: 8999286
    Abstract: A graphite film with fewer wrinkles and/or undulations is obtained providing two or more stages of heating space and carrying out continuous baking. Especially when a cooling space is provided between each of the heating spaces and another, a graphite film can be obtained which is excellent in flatness and has a high thermal diffusivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Ohta, Takashi Inada, Makoto Mishiro, Yasushi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8999200
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sabic Global Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Sumanda Bandyopadhyay, Darren Clark, Soumyadeb Ghosh
  • Patent number: 8999580
    Abstract: The invention provides composite graphite particles, comprising a core material consisting of graphite having a interlayer distance d(002) of 0.337 nm or less and a surface layer consisting of graphite in which the intensity ratio ID/IG (R value) between the peak intensities (ID) in a range of 1300 to 1400 cm?1 and ( IG) in a range of 1580 to 1620 cm?1 as measured by Raman scattering spectroscopy is 0.3 or higher, wherein the peak intensity ratio I110/I004 between the peak intensities (I110)of face (110) and (I004)of face (004) obtained by XRD measurement on the graphite crystal is 0.15 or higher when the graphite has been mixed with a binder and pressure-molded to a density of 1.55 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Show A Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Chiaki Sotowa, Masataka Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20150093324
    Abstract: Compositions comprising graphene and methods for preparing graphene are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Arockiadoss Thevasaharam
  • Patent number: 8993113
    Abstract: Graphene aerogels with high conductivity and surface areas including a method for making a graphene aerogel, including the following steps: (1) preparing a reaction mixture comprising a graphene oxide suspension and at least one catalyst; (2) curing the reaction mixture to produce a wet gel; (3) drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel; and (4) pyrolyzing the dry gel to produce a graphene aerogel. Applications include electrical energy storage including batteries and supercapacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Pauzauskie, Marcus A. Worsley, Theodore F. Baumann, Joe H. Satcher, Jr., Juergen Biener
  • Patent number: 8993170
    Abstract: A composite carbon material of negative electrode in lithium ion, which is made of composite graphite, includes a spherical graphite and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer is pyrolytic carbon of organic substance. Inserted transition metal elements are contained between layers of graphite crystal. Preparation of the negative electrode includes the steps of: crushing graphite, shaping to form a spherical shape, purifying treatment, washing, dewatering and drying, dipped in salt solution doped by transition metal in multivalence, mixed with organic matter, covering treatment, and carbonizing treatment or graphitization treatment. The negative electrode provides advantages of reversible specific capacity larger than 350 mAh/g, coulomb efficiency higher than 94% at first cycle, conservation rate for capacity larger than 8-% in 500 times of circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: BTR New Energy Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Min Yue, Wanhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8992807
    Abstract: A graphene sheet and a method of manufacturing the graphene sheet are provided. The method includes: growing a graphene sheet on a graphene growth support by applying carbon sources and heat to the graphene growth support, the graphene growth support including a carbonization catalyst; and forming at least one ripple on the graphene sheet by cooling at least one of the graphene growth support and the graphene sheet, wherein the graphene growth support and the graphene sheet have different thermal expansion coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd., Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Keun-soo Kim, Jong-hyun Ahn, Byung-hee Hong
  • Patent number: 8992881
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes processes for preparing functionalized graphene nanoribbons from carbon nanotubes. In general, the processes include exposing a plurality of carbon nanotubes to an alkali metal source in the absence of a solvent and thereafter adding an electrophile to form functionalized graphene nanoribbons. Exposing the carbon nanotubes to an alkali metal source in the absence of a solvent, generally while being heated, results in opening of the carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to their longitudinal axis, which may occur in a spiralwise manner in an embodiment. The graphene nanoribbons of the present disclosure are functionalized on at least their edges and are substantially defect free. As a result, the functionalized graphene nanoribbons described herein display a very high electrical conductivity that is comparable to that of mechanically exfoliated graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Dmitry Kosynkin
  • Publication number: 20150086977
    Abstract: A device including a composition formed by oxidation of graphene oxide to form holey graphene oxide having defects therein and reduction of the holey graphene oxide. A composition includes graphene oxide sheets including holes therein formed by oxidation to form a network of interconnected graphene oxide nanoribbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: ALEXANDER STAR, NARASIMHA HARINDRA VEDALA, GREGG PETER KOTCHEY
  • Patent number: 8986641
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides amphiphilic nanosheets that comprise lamellar crystals with at least two regions: a first hydrophilic region, and a second hydrophobic region. In some embodiments, the amphiphilic nanosheets of the present invention also comprise a plurality of functional groups that are appended to the lamellar crystals. In some embodiments, the functional groups are hydrophobic functional groups that are appended to the second region of the lamellar crystals. In some embodiments, the lamellar crystals comprise ?-zirconium phosphates. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making the aforementioned amphiphilic nanosheets. Such methods generally comprise appending one or more functional groups to a stack of lamellar crystals; and exfoliating the stack of lamellar crystals for form the amphiphilic nanosheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Zhengdong Cheng, Andres F. Mejia, Agustin Diaz, Abraham Clearfield, Mahboobul S Mannan, Ya-Wen Chang
  • Publication number: 20150079352
    Abstract: Graphene layers made of primarily sp2 bonded atoms and associated methods are disclosed. In one aspect, for example, a method of forming a graphite film can include heating a solid substrate under vacuum to a solubilizing temperature that is less than a melting point of the solid substrate, solubilizing carbon atoms from a graphite source into the heated solid substrate, and cooling the heated solid substrate at a rate sufficient to form a graphite film from the solubilized carbon atoms on at least one surface of the solid substrate. The graphite film is formed to be substantially free of lattice defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Chien-Min Sung
  • Patent number: 8980217
    Abstract: Provided is a graphene substrate, which is manufactured by: bringing a metal layer into contact with a carbon-containing layer and heating the metal layer to dissolve carbon in the carbon-containing layer into the metal layer; and cooling the metal layer to precipitate the carbon in the metal layer as graphene on any substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Hidefumi Hiura, Kazuhito Tsukagoshi
  • Publication number: 20150068113
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) and methods for processing biomass to produce charcoal, bio-oil(s) activated carbon, recarburiser carbon, or nut coke by means of microwave energy. The apparatus has a rotatable tube (5) for receiving biomass (108), an electromagnetic generator (7). One method provides applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass (108) and an absorbing material (109). An alternative method provides allowing an indirect, black body radiation field to develop, and exposing the biomass (108) to the black body radiation field and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides allowing plasma to form and exposing the biomass to the plasma and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides introducing the biomass to a second container (205), introducing the second container to a first reaction container (5), applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass and an absorbing material (109), allowing a plasma to form in the first container, which heats the biomass in the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Conner, Forrest John Tyrrell-Baxter
  • Patent number: 8974904
    Abstract: A nanocomposite dry adhesive. The nanocomposite dry adhesive includes a substrate; and an array of vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes or vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the substrate, wherein the nanocomposite dry adhesive utilizes the array of single-walled carbon nanotubes or multi-walled carbon nanotubes as synthesized, the as synthesized single-walled carbon nanotubes being substantially free of randomly entangled nanotube segments on top of the vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes, the as synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes having randomly entangled nanotube segments on top of the vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes; wherein the dry adhesive has a normal adhesion strength of at least about 5 N·cm?2, and a shear adhesion strength of at least about 13 N·cm?2. Methods of making a nanocomposite dry adhesive are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Dayton
    Inventors: Liming Dai, Liangti Qu, Morley O. Stone
  • Publication number: 20150064098
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a two-dimensional nanomaterial by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), the process comprising contacting a substrate in a reaction chamber with a first flow which contains hydrogen and a second flow which contains a precursor for said material, wherein the contacting takes place under conditions such that the precursor reacts in the chamber to form said material on a surface of the substrate, wherein the ratio of the flow rate of the first flow to the flow rate of the second flow is at least 5:1. Two-dimensional nanomaterials obtainable by said process are also provided, as well as devices comprising said nanomaterials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Nicole Grobert, Adrian Timothy Murdock, Antal Adolf Koós
  • Publication number: 20150059527
    Abstract: A method of treating an offgas includes purifying the offgas to remove particulate matter, water, undesirable gaseous components and inert gases to produce a dried carbon oxide gas feedstock, and converting at least a portion of carbon oxides in the dried carbon oxide gas feedstock into solid carbon. In other embodiments, a method includes passing a dried carbon oxide gas feedstock through a multi-stage catalytic converter. A first stage is configured to catalyze methane-reforming reactions to convert methane into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen with residual methane. A second stage is configured to catalyze the Bosch reaction and convert carbon oxides and hydrogen to solid carbon and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Dallas B. Noyes
  • Patent number: 8968695
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing nano-size graphene-based material and an equipment for producing the same. The present invention provides a method of producing graphitic oxide by forcing graphite sulfuric slurry and KMnO4 sulfuric solution into a lengthy micro-channel and by sustaining the mixture of the said graphite sulfuric slurry and the said KMnO4 sulfuric solution in the said micro-channel at predetermined temperatures, by putting the said aqua solution of hydrogen peroxide to the reaction mixture to terminate oxidation, and by washing and drying the reaction mixture. The present invention provides a method of producing nano-size graphene-based material by exfoliating graphitic oxide by thermal shock in a vertical fluidized furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: IDT International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Jin Kwon, Ja Woon Gu, Won Hyung Park, Cheol Min Shin, Byoung Kyu Ji, Doo Hyo Kwon
  • Patent number: 8957406
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses involve the provision of graphitic material. As consistent with one or more aspects herein, an organic material template is used to restrict growth, in a width dimension, of graphitic material grown from the organic material template. Graphitic material is therein provided, having a set of characteristics including electrical behavior and shape, with a representative width defined by the width dimension, based on the organic material template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Anatoliy N. Sokolov, Fung Ling Yap, Zhenan Bao, Nan Liu
  • Patent number: 8951451
    Abstract: (Problem) In conventional method for producing artificial graphite, in order to obtain a product having excellent crystallinity, it was necessary to mold a filler and a binder and then repeat impregnation, carbonization and graphitization, and since carbonization and graphitization proceeded by a solid phase reaction, a period of time of as long as 2 to 3 months was required for the production and cost was high and further, a large size structure in the shape of column and cylinder could not be produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials such as carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber and carbon nanohorn could not be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Incubation Alliance, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Muramatsu, Masahiro Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20150030841
    Abstract: When a raw material graphite film bad in flatness is laminated onto another material, creases and other defects may be caused. In particular, when a graphite film having a large area is laminated, defects such as creases may be often caused. In order to solve such defects, a flatness correction treatment step is performed wherein a raw material graphite film is subjected to heat treatment up to 2000° C. or higher while a pressure is applied thereto. This flatness correction treatment gives a graphite film good in flatness. Furthermore, when the flatness of the raw material graphite film is corrected by use of a thermal expansion of a core, a graphite film small in sagging can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Yusuke OHTA, Takashi INADA, Makoto MISHIRO, Takashi INADA, Yasushi NISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20150023858
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of forming a reinforcing material by: (1) depositing a first material onto a catalyst surface; and (2) forming a second material on the catalyst surface, where the second material is derived from and associated with the first material. In some embodiments, the first material includes, without limitation, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoribbons, boron nitride nanotubes, chalcogenide nanotubes, carbon onions, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the formed second material includes, without limitation, graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, chalcogenides, and combinations thereof. In additional embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of separating the formed reinforcing material from the catalyst surface, and transferring the separated reinforcing material onto a substrate without the use of polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Zheng Yan, Zhiwei Peng, Robert H. Hauge, Yilun Li
  • Patent number: 8932673
    Abstract: A method for fabricating large-area, high-quality Graphene product. Specifically, the fabrication method uses a seed layer of exfoliated Graphene in combination with a substrate and a catalyst metal layer and introduces Carbon atoms to the Graphene seed, causing growth of high-quality Graphene product. The method of the invention combines some steps of current mechanical exfoliation techniques with other steps of the CVD process and adds a new technique to the fabrication method involving seed-based catalyst of large-area Graphene product growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Vikram Patil
  • Publication number: 20150010825
    Abstract: A method for making graphene-based material is disclosed. A graphene oxide dispersion includes graphene oxide dispersed in solvent. A hydrogen sulfide gas is introduced to the graphene oxide dispersion at a reacting temperature to achieve a graphene dispersion. The hydrogen sulfide reduces graphene oxide into graphene, and elemental sulfur produced from the hydrogen sulfide is deposited on surfaces of the graphene. The solvent is removed to achieve a graphene composite material. Further, a graphene composite material and a lithium sulfur battery using the graphene composite material are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: QUAN-HONG YANG, CHEN ZHANG, WEI LV, XIAO-YU ZHENG, WEI WEI, YING TAO, BAO-HUA LI, FEI-YU KANG
  • Patent number: 8926935
    Abstract: Processes for preparing or handling graphene sheets wherein low bulk density graphene sheets are compressed. The graphene sheets may be produced by a thermal treatment such as exfoliation of precursor or reduction or annealing of previously existing graphene sheets and conveyed in a closed system to a compression apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Vorbeck Materials Corp.
    Inventors: Gautham Krishnaiah, John Lettow
  • Patent number: 8920765
    Abstract: A graphite material suitable as an electrode material for non-aqueous electrolytic secondary batteries; a method for producing the same and a carbon material for battery electrodes; and a secondary battery. The graphite material includes crystallite graphite particles wherein an oxygen amount (a) (mass %) in a region from a particle surface of the graphite material to a depth of 40 nm is within a range of 0.010?(a)?0.04 as determined by a peak intensity of O1s obtained by HAX-PES measurement using a hard X-ray of 7,940 eV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Akinori Sudoh, Yuuichi Kamijou, Masako Tanaka, Tomohiro Abe
  • Patent number: 8920764
    Abstract: A method of forming a composition includes oxidation of graphene oxide to form holey graphene oxide having defects therein and reduction of the holey graphene oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alexander Star, Narasimha Harindra Vedala, Gregg Peter Kotchey
  • Publication number: 20140377160
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for the combustion synthesis (CS) of graphene by a novel exothermic self-sustained reaction between a refractory ceramic compound and a carbon-containing polymer under an inert gas atmosphere. The synthesis of graphene was confirmed by both transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The graphene produced has very low (<1 wt. %) oxygen content. Fluorocarbon gases released due to decomposition of the carbon-containing polymer in the combustion wave can reduce the ceramic to a gas and mesoporous carbon particles and graphene layers. The method does not require an external energy source because it occurs in a self-sustained synergetic manner after ignition. The methods are flexible in terms of tuning the synthesis conditions for desired products, and the method can be scaled to provide kilogram quantities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC
    Inventors: Alexander Mukasyan, Khachatur Manukyan