Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of an electrically conductive polycarbonate composite on the basis of thermoplastic polycarbonate and carbon nanotubes, wherein acid-functionalized carbon nanotubes are dispersed with molten polycarbonate.

Abstract: A transition metal/carbon nanotube composite includes a carbon nanotube and a transition metal oxide coating layer disposed on the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Novel proton exchange membrane fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells with nanostructured components are configured with higher precious metal utilization rate at the electrodes, higher power density, and lower cost. To form a catalyst, platinum or platinum-ruthenium nanoparticles are deposited onto carbon-based materials, for example, single-walled, dual-walled, multi-walled and cup-stacked carbon nanotubes. The deposition process includes an ethylene glycol reduction method. Aligned arrays of these carbon nanomaterials are prepared by filtering the nanomaterials with ethanol. A membrane electrode assembly is formed by sandwiching the catalyst between a proton exchange membrane and a diffusion layer that form a first electrode. The second electrode may be formed using a conventional catalyst. The several layers of the MEA are hot pressed to form an integrated unit.

Abstract: Methods of improving a performance parameter of a microbial fuel cell are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include heating an electrode and exposing the heated electrode to ammonia gas to produce a treated electrode characterized by an increased positive surface charge on the electrode surface.

Abstract: In the present invention an electron-emitting material is provided wherein the field emission initiation voltage or work function is smaller than that of conventional materials. That is, the present invention relates to an electron-emitting sheet material which is a material comprising a substrate 102 and a graphite sheet 101 laminated on the top of the substrate 102, wherein (1) the graphite sheet 101 has a layered structure of layers of graphenes consisting of a plurality of carbon hexagonal networks, (2) the graphenes are layered relative to one another so that the c-axial direction of each graphene is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 102, (3) the graphite sheet 101 is laminated on top of the substrate 102 so that the c-axial direction of each graphene is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 102, and (4) the graphite sheet 101 comprises an element other than carbon as a second element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional organic particles having functional nanoparticles dispersed in an organic polymeric matrix, wherein the distribution of the functional nanoparticles is increased in the direction toward increasing the particle diameter from the center of the functional organic particles, and to a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A diamond substrate having a contact, wherein the contact comprises a diamond-like-carbon (DLC) layer on at least part of a surface of the diamond substrate; and at least one metal layer on at least part of the surface of the DLC layer. Methods for producing the same and devices comprising such a substrate are also described.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials comprising a metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene material. The nanocomposite materials exhibit a specific capacity of at least twice that of the metal oxide material without the graphene at a charge/discharge rate greater than about 10C.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin film, includes the steps of: mixing a thin-film forming material and a surfactant to prepare a dispersion in which the thin-film forming material is dispersed; forming a dispersion film from the dispersion at an inner circumference side of ring-shaped holding means; relatively moving a cylindrical supporter and the dispersion film while being in contact with each other so that the dispersion is transferred on a surface of the supporter to have a film shape, the supporter being disposed between a central portion of an inside space of the holding means and an outer circumference thereof and along an inner circumference of the holding means; drying the dispersion having a film shape formed on the surface of the supporter to form the thin film.

Abstract: A planar heating element using for carbon micro-fibers and its manufacturing method have developed. The high-resistant carbon micro-fibers and carbon powder are efficiently coated to completely replace a conventional heating element using resistance heat of a nichrome wire. A single heating element is possibly formed to have a large width and an ultra thin heating element without temperature restriction by overcoming drawbacks of a carbon powder printed heating element serving as an initial module of the planar heating element. Thus, it is possible to produce the various convenient heating elements or heating modules using DC and AC electricity without restriction by solving problems in installation and use, for example, space restriction, thereby various convenient heating elements.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the electrical conductivity of the nodes of a nanotube net and related materials. A method for adding material to the nodes of a nanotube net that provides more pathways and connections to guarantee good electrical conductance between one electrode and another and speeds the transmission of charge carriers by providing alternative pathways. These improvements may include an enhanced overall thermal conductivity of the CNT net and enhanced mechanical performance of the CNT net. The present disclosure improves, either independently or jointly, electrical, thermal, or mechanical properties of CNT nets. Further, optical transmission does not worsen significantly.

Abstract: A composite foam including a carbon foam material comprising a network of pores and a plurality of discontinuities and a secondary material deposited on at least some of the plurality of discontinuities of the carbon foam material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode active material, comprising: (a) a carbonaceous material; and (b) a carbide coating layer partially or totally formed on a surface of the carbonaceous material, the carbide coating layer comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of metals and metalloids. An anode obtained by using the anode active material and an electrochemical device comprising the anode are also disclosed. The carbonaceous material comprises a coating layer of metal-/metalloid-carbide obtained by treating it at high temperature under inert atmosphere, wherein the coating layer has increased interfacial boding force to the carbonaceous material and thus shows minimized reactivity to lithium. The carbonaceous material as anode active material can minimize the irreversible anode capacity needed for the formation of an SEI film during the first charge/discharge cycle, thereby providing high capacity, high efficiency and significantly improved anode qualities.

Abstract: Disclosed are a negative electrode active material and a lithium rechargeable battery. The negative electrode active material may include a graphite core being configured to absorb and release lithium. The graphite core may include pores extending from an outer surface of the graphite core to the inside of the graphite core. The pores may include metal nano-particles and amorphous carbon. The lithium rechargeable battery may include a positive electrode plate including a positive electrode active material configured to absorb and release lithium ions, a negative electrode plate including the negative electrode active material configured to absorb and release lithium ions, a separator interposed between the positive electrode and negative electrode plates and electrolyte configured to transport the lithium ions.

Abstract: A lightweight, durable lead-acid battery is disclosed. Alternative electrode materials and configurations are used to reduce weight, to increase material utilization and to extend service life. The electrode can include a current collector having a buffer layer in contact with the current collector and an electrochemically active material in contact with the buffer layer. In one form, the buffer layer includes a carbide, and the current collector includes carbon fibers having the buffer layer. The buffer layer can include a carbide and/or a noble metal selected from of gold, silver, tantalum, platinum, palladium and rhodium. When the electrode is to be used in a lead-acid battery, the electrochemically active material is selected from metallic lead (for a negative electrode) or lead peroxide (for a positive electrode).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphite particle and a carbon-graphite composite particle both suitable for use in electrode for lithium ion secondary battery, as well as to processes for producing these particles. The graphite particle of the present invention has an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 ?m, wherein one or more recesses having a depth of 0.1 to 10 ?m are formed in the surface. The graphite particle is produced by a mixing step for mixing raw material graphite particles and recess-forming particles, a press molding step for press-molding the mixture composed of the raw material graphite particles and the recess-forming particles to obtain a molded article, a pulverization step for pulverizing the molded article, and a separation step for separating and removing the recess-forming particles from the pulverized molded article.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a process for electroless deposition of metal atoms on an electrode. The process includes treating a carbon-containing support by contacting the carbon-containing support with a treatment, impregnating the carbon-containing support with a precursor metal component to form seed sites on the carbon-containing support, and depositing metal atoms on the seed sites through electroless deposition by contacting the carbon-containing support with a metal salt and a reducing agent.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a temperature-sensitive aluminum phosphate solution, characterized in that, composition of the aluminum phosphate is within such ranges that 3Al2O3/P2O5 (molar ratio) is from 1.2 to 1.5, M2O/P2O5 (molar ratio) (M is an alkali metal) is from 0.02 to 0.15 and concentration of Al2O3 is from 2 to 8% by mass and the sensing temperature is within a temperature range of from 20 to 100° C. The solution is particularly useful as an antioxidant for carbon materials.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube composite structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of carbon nanotubes; and forming at least one conductive coating on a plurality of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube structure to achieve a carbon nanotube composite structure, wherein the conductive coating comprises of a conductive layer.

Abstract: A method for making a coaxial cable, the method comprises the steps of: providing a carbon nanotube structure; and forming at least one conductive coating on a plurality of carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube structure; a carbon nanotube wire-like structure from the carbon nanotubes with at least one conductive coating; at least one layer of insulating material on the carbon nanotube wire-like structure; at least one layer of shielding material on the at least one layer of insulating material; and one layer of sheathing material on the at least one layer of shielding material.

Abstract: A composite electrode is created by forming a thin conformal coating of mixed metal oxides on a highly porous carbon structure. The highly porous carbon structure performs a role in the synthesis of the mixed oxide coating and in providing a three-dimensional, electronically conductive substrate supporting the thin coating of mixed metal oxides. The metal oxide mixture shall include two or more metal oxides. The composite electrode, a process for producing said composite electrode, an electrochemical capacitor and an electrochemical secondary (rechargeable) battery using said composite electrode are disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayered membrane for use with fuel cells and related applications. The multilayered membrane includes a carrier film, at least one layer of an undoped conductive polymer electrolyte material applied onto the carrier film, and at least one layer of a conductive polymer electrolyte material applied onto the adjacent layer of polymer electrolyte material. Each layer of conductive polymer electrolyte material is doped with a plurality of nanoparticles. Each layer of undoped electrolyte material and doped electrolyte material may be applied in an alternating configuration, or alternatively, adjacent layers of doped conductive polymer electrolyte material is employed.

Abstract: A method and system for improving conductivity and mechanical performance of carbon nanotube nets and related materials.

Abstract: Provided is a novel electronic device that comprises graphite, graphene or the like. An electronic device having a substrate, a layer comprising a 6-member ring-structured carbon homologue as the main ingredient, a pair of electrodes, a layer comprising aluminium oxide as the main ingredient and disposed between the pair of electrodes, and a layer comprising aluminium as the main ingredient, wherein the layer comprising aluminium oxide as the main ingredient is disposed between the layer comprising a 6-member ring-structured carbon homologue as the main ingredient and the layer comprising aluminium as the main ingredient so as to be in contact with the two layers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a process for electroless deposition of metal atoms on an electrode to form a core and shell structure. The process includes treating a carbon-containing support by contacting the carbon-containing support with a treatment. The carbon-containing support is impregnated with a core component metal to form at least one seed site on the carbon-containing support. A predetermined amount of shell component metal is deposited on the at least one seed site of the core component through electroless deposition by contacting the carbon-containing support with a metal salt and a reducing agent. The shell component forms at least one complete monolayer on the core component. The amount of the shell component deposited is predetermined by using the surface area of the core component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly. The proton exchange membrane includes two opposite surfaces. The two electrodes are separately disposed on the two opposite surfaces of the proton exchange membrane. The two electrodes are separately disposed on two opposite surfaces of the proton exchange membrane. Further, each electrode includes a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer is configured for being sandwiched between the gas diffusion layer and the proton exchange membrane. The gas diffusion layer includes a carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes, which are selected from the group consisting of the carbon nanotubes isotropically arranged, arranged along a fixed direction, or arranged along different directions. And a method for making the membrane electrode assembly is also included.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrode for capacitive deionization device including an active material, a waterborne polyurethane, and a conducting agent. Disclosed herein too is a method of manufacturing the electrode and a capacitive deionization device employing the electrode.

Abstract: In a method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube surface, the nanotube surface is exposed to at least one vapor including at least one functionalization species that non-covalently bonds to the nanotube surface, providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a functionalized nanotube surface. A functionalized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one vapor stabilization species that reacts with the functionalization layer to form a stabilization layer that stabilizes the functionalization layer against desorption from the nanotube surface while providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a stabilized nanotube surface. The stabilized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one material layer precursor species that deposits a material layer on the stabilized nanotube surface.

Abstract: A method of modifying the surface of carbon materials such as vapor grown carbon nanofibers is provided in which silicon is deposited on vapor grown carbon nanofibers using a chemical vapor deposition process. The resulting silicon-carbon alloy may be used as an anode in a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A thermal interface material includes an array of carbon nanotubes with interspaces defined therebetween; and a low melting point metallic material filled in the interspaces. A method for fabricating a thermal interface material, the method includes (a) providing an array of carbon nanotubes with interspaces defined therebetween; and (b) depositing a low melting point metallic material on the carbon nanotubes in the interspaces therebetween to form a metallic layer with the array of carbon nanotubes embedded therein, and thereby, achieving the thermal interface material.

Abstract: A current collector for use in an electric double layer electrochemical capacitor having a sulfuric acid electrolyte. The current collector uses a conducting carbon (e.g., graphite foil) basis with p-type conductivity. A protective film covers at least a portion of the graphite foil basis. The protective film is comprised of a conducting composite material made with a conducting carbon and a conducting organic polymer with p-type conductivity. The protective film is grown on the current collector basis such that it preferably fills the pores of the current collector basis. A lug portion of the current collector basis may be protected with an insulating polymer material.

Abstract: An electrochemical device includes an electrode formed using an electrode active material that includes: a carbon material having a crystal structure in which a plurality of graphite layers (31) are stacked; and a conductive polymer or conductive oligomer (32) which is intercalated between at least part of the graphite layers (31) and in which electron transfer takes place along with redox reaction.

Abstract: In a method of forming carbon nano-tubes, a catalytic film is formed on a substrate. The catalytic film is then transformed into preliminary catalytic particles. Thereafter, the preliminary catalytic particles are transformed into catalytic particles. Carbon nano-tubes then grow from the catalytic particles. The carbon nano-tubes have relatively high conductivity and high number density.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for producing high-surface-area three-dimensional electrodes for electrochemical applications. In one embodiment, sheets of precursor material are interleaved with sheets of a sacrificial material and then bonded to a base comprising a precursor material with a precursor bonding material. The precursor sheets, base and bonding material preferably formed from the same precursor material. The bonded structure is then pyrolyzed to create a lithium intercalating structure and remove the sacrificial material. In another embodiment, a reactive-ion etching process is used to pattern 3D structures into a sheet of precursor material. The 3D structure is then converted into a lithium intercalating structure through pyrolysis. In both embodiments, the components of the structure to be heat treated preferably comprise the same lithium intercalating precursor materail. As a result, micro-scale high-aspect-ratio 3D electrode features having very fine structures can be patterned and created.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative active material for a lithium rechargeable battery and a method of preparing the same, and the negative active material prepared by coating a carbon source with a coating liquid, and drying the carbon source, and the negative active material comprises a core having a carbon source with surface-treatment layer formed on the surface of the core, the surface-treatment layer having at least one compound of coating element selected from the group cosnsisting of amorphous, semi crystalline, or crystalline hydroxides, oxyhydroxides, oxycarbonates, and hydroxidecarbonates.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a heat sink includes preparing a surface of a graphite-based substrate and removing particulate matter generated from the preparation of the surface of the substrate. A metal-based coating is applied at the surface of the prepared substrate. The prepared substrate having the metal-based coating is arranged to form a heat sink structure.

Abstract: Metal catalyst particles are deposited on carbon nanotubes by preparing a silane solution of a metal catalyst salt, e.g. platinum or ruthenium chloride, immersing an electrically conducting substrate carrying nanotubes in the silane solution to yield a composite structure of substrate, nanotubes and catalyst, and reducing the composite structure to yield a composite of substrate, carbon nanotubes and metallic catalyst particles.

Abstract: A new ramming paste for aluminum reduction cell cathodes is a high swelling cold ramming paste made of a blend of pitch, light oil diluent and an aggregate comprising a mixture of anthracite and crushed anode butts or calcined coke. The presence of the crushed anode butts or calcined coke increases the sodium swelling index of the paste by about four times higher than that of regular ramming pastes. This new high swelling cold ramming paste may also contain an amount of a refractory hard material, such as TiB2.

Abstract: The present invention provides conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode materials comprising aligned CNT substrates coated with an electrically conducting polymer, and the fabrication of electrodes for use in high performance electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the present invention provides conductive CNTs electrode material whose electrical properties render them especially suitable for use in high efficiency rechargeable batteries. The present invention also provides methods for obtaining surface modified conductive CNT electrode materials comprising an array of individual linear, aligned CNTs having a uniform surface coating of an electrically conductive polymer such as polypyrrole, and their use in electrical energy storage devices.

Abstract: A carbon anode active material for lithium secondary battery comprising a cluster or thin film layer of a metal or metal oxide coated onto the surface of the carbon active material, a preparation method thereof, and a metal-carbon hybrid electrode and a lithium secondary battery comprising the same. The carbon active material is prepared through a gas suspension spray coating method. An electrode comprising the carbon active material according to the present invention shows excellent conductivity, high rate charge/discharge characteristics, cycle life characteristics and electrode capacity close to theoretical value.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an item comprises the steps of: controlling a printer means to print a layer of retaining material in a predetermined pattern onto a substrate; applying a manufacturing material to be retained by the retaining material in substantially the predetermined pattern; treating the manufacturing material so that it forms a continuous solid piece in substantially the predetermined shape of the pattern, or, where the pattern is made up of distinct parts, in substantially the predetermined shape of each distinct part of the pattern.

Abstract: A method for fabricating carbon electrode coated with a porous metal film includes the steps of: positioning a roll of carbon material within a vacuum chamber; winding the carbon material off the roll at a certain speed, winding the carbon material on a different roll while coating a porous metal to a thickness of a few Řa few &mgr;m on the carbon material between the two rolls from a metal evaporation source; and stabilizing the thusly coated carbon material under a vacuum. The coated porous metal film is of Li, Al, Sn, Bi, Si, Sb, Ni, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Mo, W, Ag, Au, Pt, Ru, Ir, In or their alloys. Since the stable film is formed on the surface of the carbon material, when the thusly coated carbon material is use for forming a cathode electrode of a secondary battery, the reversibility and high rate charging and discharging characteristics of the carbon electrode can be improved.

Abstract: A negative active material of a rechargeable lithium battery includes a crystalline carbon core having an intensity ratio Ra I(1360)/I(1580) of a Raman Spectroscopy peak intensity I(1360) at a (1360) plane to an Raman Spectroscopy peak intensity I(1580) at a (1580) plane of 0.01 to 0.45 and a shell with a turbostratic or half-onion ring structure coated on the core, the shell including crystalline micro-particles and a semi-crystalline carbon, the shell having an intensity ratio Ra I(1360)/I(1580) of a Raman Spectroscopy peak intensity I(1360) at a (1360) plane to a Raman Spectroscopy peak intensity I(1580) at a (1580) plane of 0.46 to 1.5.

Abstract: The present methods make fluid diffusion layers having reduced surface roughness. The methods used for adhering the loading material to the substrate surface can reduce the average surface roughness of the fluid diffusion layers, thereby reducing leaks in and damage to ion exchange membranes. When fluid diffusion layers and electrodes having reduced surface roughness are employed in membrane electrode assemblies, better reliability and performance are obtained. A method of calculating the surface roughness of a fluid diffusion layer may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides anode material consisting of anode active material having a great charge-discharge capacity, a high charge-discharge efficiency, a flat discharge curve and good charge-discharge cycle properties, and provides the anode material for a lithium secondary battery consisting of being coated with an amorphous metal compound formed by a metal capable of alloying with lithium on at least one part of the surface of a carbon material capable of absorbing and releasing lithium ion.

Abstract: A carbon anode active material for lithium secondary battery comprising a cluster or thin film layer of a metal or metal oxide coated onto the surface of the carbon active material, a preparation method thereof, and a metal-carbon hybrid electrode and a lithium secondary battery comprising the same. The carbon active material is prepared through a gas suspension spray coating method. An electrode comprising the carbon active material according to the present invention shows excellent conductivity, high rate charge/discharge characteristics, cycle life characteristics and electrode capacity close to theoretical value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a negative active material for a lithium rechargeable battery comprising a core having a carbon source with a surface-treatment layer formed on the surface of the core. The surface-treatment layer has at least one amorphous, semi crystalline, or crystalline coating element compound selected from the group consisting of coating-element-included hydroxides, coating-element-included oxyhydroxides, coating-element-included-oxycarbonates, and coating-element-included hydroxidecarbonates. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a negative active material for a lithium rechargeable battery comprising coating a carbon source with a coating liquid, and drying the carbon source. The coating liquid comprises a solute of a coating element source and a solvent of a mixture of an organic solvent and water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for applying a protective layer (42) to the cathode (40) of an electrolysis cell (10), where the cell also contains inert anodes (50) and the protective layer (42) can comprise a plurality of layers (70, 72, 74) with an inner layer (70) of TiB2 being preferred, and the protective layer (42) protects the cathode (40)from hot gases (64) used to pre-heat the cell (10).

Abstract: Energy devices such as batteries and methods for fabricating the energy devices. The devices are small, thin and lightweight, yet provide sufficient power for many handheld electronics.

Abstract: An anode material for lithium secondary battery, which comprises graphite particles and a crystalline carbon coating layer formed thereon, wherein each graphite particle has a bent laminate structure inside, is produced by grinding a graphite of 5 mm or less in average particle diameter using an impact grinder to produce graphite particles of 100 &mgr;m or less in average particle diameter having a bent laminate structure inside each particle and then subjecting the graphite particles to chemical vapor deposition in a fluidized bed type reaction furnace to form a crystalline carbon coating layer on the graphite particles.