Abstract: Disclosed herein are an activated carbon in which pores with pore sizes of 0.3˜5 nm account for 80% or higher based on an overall pore volume, a method for preparing the activated carbon, and an electrochemical capacitor including the activated carbon, so that, since the activated carbon has uniform sized fine pores, high-rate discharge characteristics, high-rate charging and discharging characteristics, and low-temperature characteristics can be improved; since the content of functional groups on the surface of the activated carbon is low, there can be provided a supercapacitor and a lithium ion capacitor, having improved high voltage and lifespan characteristics; and the time for preparing an active material can be significantly shortened and thus the material cost and the process cost can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing graphene, and more particularly to a method of preparing graphene sheets, which can prepare graphene sheets from a turbostratic graphitic structure such as carbon fiber in higher yield without using a strong oxidizing agent, and to graphene sheets prepared thereby.

Abstract: An amorphous carbon material for lithium-ion secondary battery negative electrode is capable of reducing capacity degradation due to repeated charge and discharge cycles, storage while being charged, or floating charge. A method for producing an amorphous carbon material for a negative electrode of a lithium-ion secondary battery includes the steps of: pulverizing and classifying a raw coke composition obtained from a heavy-oil composition undergone coking by delayed coking process to obtain powder of the raw coke composition, the raw coke composition having a H/C atomic ratio that is a ratio of hydrogen atoms H and carbon atoms C of 0.30 to 0.50 and having a micro-strength of 7 to 17 mass %; giving compressive stress and shear stress to the powder of the raw coke composition to obtain a carbonized composition precursor; and heating the carbonized composition precursor under an inert atmosphere at a temperature from 900° C. to 1,500° C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved methods for producing high-quality activated carbons from biochar. The invention also provides materials and methods for creation of activated carbons useful for purification of water, adsorption of gases or vapors, and catalyst supports. The methods include ash modification, physical activation, the addition of a catalyst, chemical activation, and removal and/or recycling of the catalyst. The usefulness of the present method is that it results in the production of a high-quality activated carbon from a waste product of the biofuel manufacturing process, thereby increasing the economic sustainability and viability of the biofuel production process itself.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate on which carbon nanotubes each having one end connected to the substrate can be formed at a high synthetic rate and from which the carbon nanotubes are less likely to be peeled off. The substrate is a substrate for forming the carbon nanotubes and includes a buffer layer 13 formed on at least one of surfaces of a substrate main body 14 and containing aluminum atoms and fluorine atoms. The carbon nanotube complex includes the substrate and a plurality of carbon nanotubes 11 each having one end connected to a surface of the buffer layer 13.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of making carbon foams. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: (a) dissolving a carbon source in a superacid to form a solution; (b) placing the solution in a mold; and (c) coagulating the carbon source in the mold. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure further comprise a step of washing the coagulated carbon source. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure further comprise a step of lyophilizing the coagulated carbon source. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure further comprise a step of drying the coagulated carbon source. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include steps of infiltrating the formed carbon foams with nanoparticles or polymers. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the carbon foams formed by the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: A method of forming and processing of graphene is disclosed based on exposure and selective intercalation of the partially graphene-covered metal substrate with atomic or molecular intercalation species such as oxygen (O2) and nitrogen oxide (NO2). The process of intercalation lifts the strong metal-carbon coupling and restores the characteristic Dirac behavior of isolated monolayer graphene. The interface of graphene with metals or metal-decorated substrates also provides for controlled chemical reactions based on novel functionality of the confined space between a metal surface and a graphene sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a carbide-derived carbon-based anode active material. The method includes preparing carbide-derived carbon, and expanding pores of the carbide-derived carbon. Here, expanding of pores is performed as an activation process of heating the prepared carbide-derived carbon in the air. The pores formed inside the carbide-derived carbon can be expanded during the activation process in the preparation of the carbide-derived carbon-based anode active material. In addition, by applying the carbide-derived carbon to an anode active material, lithium secondary battery having improved charge-discharge efficiency can be prepared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of graphene which can be used in the development of graphene paper or films, graphene-based composites and articles for nanoelectronics, nanocomposites, batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage and bioapplications. This process comprises reducing purified exfoliated graphite oxide in the presence of a base.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a two-phase liquid-liquid extraction process that enables sorting and separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes based on (n, m) type and/or diameter. The two-phase liquid extraction method of the invention is based upon the selective reaction of certain types of nanotubes with electron withdrawing functional groups as well as the interaction between a phase transfer agent and ionic moieties on the functionalized nanotubes when combined in a two-phase liquid solution. Preferably, the subject invention enables efficient, bulk separation of metallic/semi-metallic nanotubes from semi-conducting nanotubes. More preferably, the subject invention enables efficient, bulk separation of specific (n, m) types of nanotubes.

Abstract: Cohesive carbon assemblies are prepared by obtaining a carbon starting material in the form of powder, particles, flakes, or loose agglomerates, dispersing the carbon in a selected organic solvent by mechanical mixing and/or sonication, and substantially removing the organic solvent, typically by evaporation, whereby the cohesive assembly of carbon is formed. The method is suitable for preparing free-standing, monolithic assemblies of carbon nanotubes in the form of films, wafers, or discs, having high carbon packing density and low electrical resistivity. The method is suitable for preparing adherent cohesive carbon assemblies on substrates comprising various materials. The assemblies have various potential applications, such as electrodes or current collectors in electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells, and batteries, or as electromagnetic interference shielding materials.

Abstract: In the raw coke composition of the invention, as the starting material for a negative electrode material of a lithium ion secondary battery, the ratio of the crystallite size Lc(002) and lattice constant co(002) (Lc(002)/co(002)) on the 002 plane is no greater than 180, and the ratio of the crystallite size La(110) and the lattice constant ao(110) (La(110)/ao(110)) on the 110 plane is no greater than 1500, as determined by X-ray diffraction upon graphitizing in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature of 2800° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high surface area porous carbon material and a process for making this material. In particular, the carbon material is derived from biomass and has large mesopore and micropore surfaces that promote improved adsorption of materials and gas storage capabilities.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically conductive composite composition, which is particularly useful for fuel cell bipolar plate applications.

Abstract: An atomic carbon material and a preparation method thereof having ion adsorption ability superior to fullerenes and nano-tubes are provided. This atomic carbon material is in a state existing as an organic compound and in a state close to an atom with a diameter of 1 nm or less (theoretically about 1.66 angstrom), and is a bulk where they are congregated with each other with an interatomic force or a particle with a particle size of 1 nm or less. This atomic carbon material is manufactured by heating a raw material composed of an organic material which does not include carbon units in an inactive atmosphere at a predetermined temperature while sequentially increasing the temperature and by individually separating expected elements except for carbon in the aforementioned atmosphere and the organic material from being bonded with carbon by thermally decomposing in order from an element having a lower decomposition temperature at a temperature of 450 C or lower.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a carbon allotrope is disclosed. The method includes forming an intermediate carbon template from a carbon feedstock; and creating a pressure and temperature in the carbon template suitable for fabrication of the carbon allotrope from the intermediate carbon template. The pressure and temperature may be created from a shockwave resulting from collapse of a bubble formed during a bubble cavitation process.

Abstract: To provide a negative electrode carbon material capable of suppressing capacity degradation which will occur due to repetition of a charge/discharge cycle, storage under a charged state, float charging, or the like. An artificial graphite for a negative electrode of a lithium secondary battery having a c-axis crystallite size L (112) of from 2.0 to 4.2 nm as calculated from a (112) diffraction line obtained by X-ray wide-angle diffractometry and having a half-value width ??G of from 15 to 19 cm?1 for a peak appearing in a wavelength region of from 1580 cm?1±100 cm?1 in the Raman spectroscopy using an argon ion laser light having a wavelength of 5145 angstrom.

Abstract: A system for making low volatile carbonaceous material including a digestion vessel in communication with a carbonaceous material feedstock unit for producing a digested carbonaceous material; an extraction vessel in communication with the digestion vessel, the extraction vessel containing supercritical carbon dioxide fluid for extracting hydrocarbons from the digested carbonaceous material to produce an extract solvent and the low volatile carbonaceous material; and at least one separation vessel in communication with the extraction vessel for separating the extract solvent to a carbon dioxide gas and a stream of extracted hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Methods of processing particulate carbon material, such as graphic particles or agglomerates of carbon nanoparticles such as CNTs are provided. The starting material is agitated in a treatment vessel in the presence of low-pressure (glow) plasma generated between electrodes. The material is agitated in the presence of conductive contact bodies such as metal balls, on the surface of which plasma glow is present and amongst which the material to be treated moves. The methods effectively deagglomerate nanoparticles, and exfoliate graphitic material to produce very thin graphitic sheets showing graphene-type characteristics. The resulting nanomaterials used by dispersal in composite materials, e.g. conductive polymeric composites for electric or electronic articles and devices. The particle surfaces can be functionalized by choosing appropriate gas in which to form the plasma.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating graphene ribbons, comprising: preparing a graphitic material comprising stacked graphene helices; and cutting the graphitic material in a short form by applying energy to the graphitic material; and simultaneously or afterward, decomposing the graphitic material into short graphene ribbons. This method provides a mass production route to graphene ribbons.

Abstract: Methods and processes for synthesizing high quality carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are provided. The method provides the means for optimization of amount of carbon precursor and transport gas per unit weight of catalyst. In certain aspects, methods are provided wherein a supported metal catalyst is contacted with a carbon precursor gas at about one atmosphere pressure, wherein SWNTs are synthesized at a growth rate of about 0.002 ?m/sec to about 0.003 ?m/sec and the SWNTs have a ratio of G-band to D-band in Raman spectra (IG:ID) of greater than about 4. Efficiencies of about 20% can be achieved when contacting the catalyst deposited on a support with a carbon precursor gas with a flow rates of about 4.2×10?3 mol CH4/sec·g (Fe) at 780° C. Hydrocarbon flow rates of about 1.7 10?2 mol CH4/sec·g (Fe) and higher result in faster carbon SWNTs growth with improved quality. Slower rates of carbon atoms supply (˜4.5×1020 C atoms/s·g Fe or 6.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a carbon aerogel from agglomerated carbon nanotubes, that comprises the following steps: (A) preparing an aqueous dispersion of carbon nanotubes in water in the presence of a dispersing agent; (B) forming a foam from the nanotubes aqueous dispersion of step (A) by bulking under the action of a gas in the presence of a foaming agent; and (C) freezing the foam obtained in step (B) and removing the water by sublimation. The invention also relates to the carbon aerogels thus obtained, and to their use essentially as partition materials or biomaterials.

Abstract: A graphite material and corresponding methods of fabricating the graphite material from graphene nanoribbons are described. The graphite material is composed of a multiplicity of graphene nanoribbons which are randomly layered on each other. The graphene nanoribbons are less than 0.4 nm thick, 5 nm wide, and 20 nm long. One variant of the method of fabricating the graphite material includes preparing graphene nanoribbons, suspending the graphene nanoribbons in a solvent, and then drying the suspension to fabricate the graphite material and to drive off the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the synthesis of porous carbon materials and their use in the manufacture of electrodes with a double electric layer (DEL) for electrochemical capacitors having an aqueous and organic electrolyte having high specific energy parameters. The synthesis technology makes it possible to manufacture porous carbon powders made of carbohydrate substances with a low content of ash and metals in the powders with high specific capacitances and low specific electrical resistances.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a composition including at least one water-soluble complex having a water-soluble separation agent including a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group; and a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube in an aqueous solution. Further embodiments describe a method of separating metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes including providing carbon nanotubes having an admixture of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes; and combining the admixture with a water-soluble separation agent in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, in which the water-soluble separation agent includes a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group.

Abstract: A negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, comprises: a carbon material having a sphericity of at least 0.8, and exhibiting an average (002) interlayer spacing d002 of 0.365-0.400 nm, a crystallite size in a c-axis direction Lc(002) of 1.0-3.0 nm, as measured by X-ray diffractometry, a hydrogen-to-carbon atomic ratio (H/C) of at most 0.1 as measured by elementary analysis, and an average particle size Dv50 of 1-20 ?m. The negative electrode material is spherical and exhibits excellent performances including high output performance and durability.

Abstract: An activated carbon catalyst is described which is sufficiently active in the presence of catalytic poisons in crude gas to convert nitrogen oxides to nitrogen in the presence of ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the separation of one or more populations of nanostructures from one or more other populations of nanostructures based upon differences in density. An overall mixture of very similar or identical nanostructures may be exposed to a set of conditions under which one population of the nanostructures is affected differently than the other, allowing separating on the basis of differences in density.

Abstract: A gold-carbon compound that is a reaction product of gold and carbon, wherein the gold and the carbon form a single phase material that is meltable. The compound is one in which the carbon does not phase separate from the gold when the single phase material is heated to a melting temperature.

Abstract: A method of refining carbon parts for the production of polycrystalline silicon, comprises the steps of, replacing an inside gas of a reactor, in which the carbon parts are placed, with an inert gas, drying the carbon parts by raising a temperature in the reactor to a drying temperature of the carbon parts while flowing an inert gas through the reactor, raising a temperature in the reactor to a purification temperature higher than the drying temperature while flowing chlorine gas through the reactor, reducing a pressure in the reactor, maintaining the inside of the reactor in a reduced pressure, pressurizing the inside of the reactor by introducing chlorine gas for bringing the inside of the reactor into a pressurized state, and cooling the inside of the reactor.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube structure is introduced. The method includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube precursor including a number of carbon nanotubes is provided. The carbon nanotube precursor is placed in a chamber with low oxygen environment. The carbon nanotube precursor is heated in the chamber.

Abstract: An amorphous carbon material for lithium-ion secondary battery negative electrode is capable of reducing capacity degradation due to repeated charge and discharge cycles, storage while being charged, or floating charge. A method for producing an amorphous carbon material for a negative electrode of a lithium-ion secondary battery includes the steps of: pulverizing and classifying a raw coke composition obtained from a heavy-oil composition undergone coking by delayed coking process to obtain powder of the raw coke composition, the raw coke composition having a H/C atomic ratio that is a ratio of hydrogen atoms H and carbon atoms C of 0.30 to 0.50 and having a micro-strength of 7 to 17 mass %; giving compressive stress and shear stress to the powder of the raw coke composition to obtain a carbonized composition precursor; and heating the carbonized composition precursor under an inert atmosphere at a temperature from 900° C. to 1,500° C.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for attaining short carbon nanotubes utilizing electron beam irradiation, for example, of a carbon nanotube sample. The sample may be pretreated, for example by oxonation. The pretreatment may introduce defects to the sidewalls of the nanotubes. The method is shown to produces nanotubes with a distribution of lengths, with the majority of lengths shorter than 100 tun. Further, the median length of the nanotubes is between about 20 nm and about 100 nm.

Abstract: A method of producing nano-scaled graphene platelets with an average thickness smaller than 30 nm from a layered graphite material. The method comprises (a) forming a carboxylic acid-intercalated graphite compound by an electrochemical reaction; (b) exposing the intercalated graphite compound to a thermal shock to produce exfoliated graphite; and (c) subjecting the exfoliated graphite to a mechanical shearing treatment to produce the nano-scaled graphene platelets. Preferred carboxylic acids are formic acid and acetic acid. The exfoliation step in the instant invention does not involve the evolution of undesirable species, such as NOx and SOx, which are common by-products of exfoliating conventional sulfuric or nitric acid-intercalated graphite compounds. The nano-scaled platelets are candidate reinforcement fillers for polymer nanocomposites. Nano-scaled graphene platelets are much lower-cost alternatives to carbon nano-tubes or carbon nano-fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for fabricating a mesoporous carbon material, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic compound or material, (iii) a crosslinkable aldehyde component, and (iv) at least 0.5 M concentration of a strong acid having a pKa of or less than ?2, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a mesoporous carbon material. The invention is also directed to a mesoporous carbon material having an improved thermal stability, preferably produced according to the above method.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods for preparation of polymer particles in gel form and carbon materials made therefrom. The carbon materials can have enhanced electrochemical properties and find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, as electrode material in ultracapacitors or batteries.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a process that unexpectedly can produce very inexpensive graphene and a new compound called graphenol in particulate or dispersions in solvents. The process can also produce graphene layers on metallic and nonmetallic substrates. Further, the graphenol and graphene can be utilized to form nanocomposites that yield property improvements exceeding anything reported previously.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a particulate active carbon, in particular in the form of active carbon particles, preferably active carbon beads, for the field of medicine and/or for the production of a medicament, wherein the active carbon employed has a large micropore volume content, based on the total pore volume of the active carbon. A microporous active carbon of this type if particularly suitable for medicinal use.

Abstract: Provided is a method of modifying carbon nanotubes, the method including: preparing a mixed solution in which a radical initiator and a carbon nanotube are dispersed; applying energy to the mixed solution to decompose the radical initiator into a radical; and reacting the decomposed radical with a surface of the carbon nanotube, wherein the radical which has reacted with the carbon nanotube is detached from the carbon nanotube after the reaction with the carbon nanotube. In the method of modifying carbon nanotube, a radical is reacted with a carbon nanotube and then separated from the carbon nanotube to thus modify the surface of the carbon nanotube without chemical bonding. Accordingly, the conductivity of the carbon nanotube can be increased.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for separating single-walled carbon nanotubes from double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes by using the difference in the buoyant density of Single-Walled versus Multi-Walled carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a vessel with first and second solutions. The first solution comprises a quantity of carbon nanotubes, including single-walled carbon nanotubes and double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The single walled nanotubes have a first density, the double and multi-walled nanotubes having a second density. The second solution in the vessel has a third density between said first and second densities. The vessel is centrifuged to form first and second layers in the vessel, with the second solution between said first and second layers. The single-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the first layer, and the second and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the second layer.

Abstract: Cohesive assemblies comprising carbon are prepared by obtaining carbon in the form of powder, particles, flakes, or loose agglomerates, dispersing the carbon in a liquid halogen by mechanical mixing and/or sonication, and substantially removing the liquid halogen, typically by evaporation, whereby the cohesive assembly of carbon is formed. The method is especially suitable for preparing free-standing, monolithic assemblies of carbon nanotubes in the form of films, wafers, or discs, having high carbon packing density and low electrical resistivity. The assemblies have various potential applications, such as electrodes in batteries or supercapacitors or as electromagnetic interference shielding materials.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the purification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous liquid extraction are disclosed. Carbon nanotubes are introduced to a flow of liquid that enables the separation of CNTs from impurities due to differences in the dispersibility of the CNTs and the impurities within the liquid. Examples of such impurities may include amorphous carbon, graphitic nanoparticles, and metal containing nanoparticles. The continuous extraction process may be performed in one or more stages, where one or more of extraction parameters may be varied between the stages of the continuous extraction process in order to effect removal of selected impurities from the CNTs. The extraction parameters may include, but are not limited to, the extraction liquid, the flow rate of the extraction liquid, the agitation of the liquid, and the pH of the liquid, and may be varied, depending on the impurity to be removed from the CNTs.

Abstract: A method for forming polymer carbon nanotube composites, the method comprising: contacting carbon nanotubes with ozone to functionalize the sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes with at least one oxygen moiety; and reacting the functionalized carbon nanotubes with at least one monomer or at least one polymer or copolymer to attach polymer chains to the sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for activating carbon via alkali activation processes includes the introduction of water vapor during the activation phase to control the formation of highly reactive by-products. The method includes heating the mixture of a carbon-containing first material and a alkali-containing second material, introducing water vapor at a first threshold temperature and stopping water vapor introduction at a second threshold temperature. The activated carbon material is suitable for carbon-based electrodes and for use in high energy density devices.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing hydrogen spillover and storage are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes doping a hydrogen receptor with metal particles, and exposing the hydrogen receptor to ultrasonication as doping occurs. Another embodiment of the method includes doping a hydrogen receptor with metal particles, and exposing the doped hydrogen receptor to a plasma treatment.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an activated carbon for an electric double layer capacitor electrode comprising adjusting a carbon material (including a calcined product of a carbon material) in particle size, followed by mixing the carbon material with an alkali activator, and then activating the mixture, wherein the mixing is carried out so that the particle size distribution composed of particles with a size of 300 ?m or greater in the mixture of the carbon material and alkali activator is 5 percent or less so that the mixing state of the carbon material and alkali activator can be improved, resulting in a reduction in the ratio of the alkali activator.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a process that unexpectedly can produce very inexpensive graphene and a new compound called graphenol in particulate or dispersions in solvents. The process can also produce graphene layers on metallic and nonmetallic substrates. Further, the graphenol and graphene can be utilized to form nanocomposites that yield property improvements exceeding anything reported previously.

Abstract: A method for producing an activated carbon material includes heating a non-lignocellulosic carbon precursor to form a carbon material and reacting the carbon material with steam to form an activated carbon material. The activated carbon material is suitable to form improved carbon-based electrodes for use in high energy density devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a carbon brush in a commutator for transmitting current in an electric motor, wherein the carbon brush is subjected to an artificial aging process after being produced and prior to being installed in the commutator, wherein the carbon brush is stored at an increased temperature for a defined period of time.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention relates to new processes to simultaneously shorten and functionalize raw or purified carbon nanotubes to improve their dispersity and processibility, and the short functionalized nanotubes that may be made by the processes. This present invention also relates to new compositions of matter using short functionalized carbon nanotubes with thermoset, thermoplastic polymers, high temperature polymers, and other materials; the processes for making such composite materials; and the products of said processes.