Abstract: Provided is a process for economically preparing a graphene shell having a desired configuration which is applicable in various fields wherein in the process the thickness of the graphene shell can be controlled, and a graphene shell prepared by the process.

Abstract: A polyamide composition contains the following components: (a) at least 40 parts by weight PA12; (b) 0.1-15 parts by weight of at least one salt with a non-metallic cation; (c) 0.1-25% by weight of at least one dispersant based on esters or amides; (d) a quantity of carbon nanotubes that produces in the molding compound a specific surface resistance according to IEC standard 60167 of maximum 10?1-1010?; (e) 0-5 parts by weight of at least one metal salt; and optionally (f) conventional auxiliary substances and additives, the sum of the parts by weight of components (a) to (f) amounting to 100. The polyamide composition can be used for manufacturing moldings with improved electrical conductivity and improved surface quality.

Abstract: A polyamide composition comprising the following components: a) at least 40 parts by weight of a polyamide whose monomer units contain an arithmetic average of at least 7.5 carbon atoms, b) 0.1 to 15 parts by weight of at least one salt with a non-metallic cation, c) 0.1 to 25 parts by weight of at least one dispersant based on esters or amides and d) an electrically conductive carbon selected from the group of carbon black, graphite powder, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes and/or graphene, in an amount which results in a specific surface resistance of the polymer composition to IEC 60167 of 10?1 to 1010?, e) 0 to 5 parts by weight of at least one metal salt, and optionally f) customary assistants and additives, where the polyamide of component a) is not a PA12 if carbon nanotubes are present as component d), and where the sum of the parts by weight of components a) to f) is 100, can be used for production of mouldings with improved electrical conductivity and improved surface quality.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube suspensions or dispersions include carbon nanotubes and a functionalized non-native polycyclic aromatic group attached to a surface of the carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in the suspensions or dispersions are pretreated by exposing the carbon nanotubes to a solvent (such as N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone), an acid (such as concentrated sulfuric acid), and a non-native polycyclic aromatic group. The carbon nanotubes pretreated according to this method can be dispersed or suspended in a solvent to prepare high concentration suspensions, dispersions and/or inks for various applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing graphene from a biomass-derived carbonaceous mesophase, which includes: soaking a base substance into an ethanol solution of a biomass-derived carbonaceous mesophase; after a certain period of time, taking out and drying the base substance, a layer of biomass-derived carbonaceous mesophase film being attached to the surface of the base substance; subjecting the base substance to a heat treatment under the protection of a hydrogen atmosphere, then a stacked graphene film was formed on the surface of the base substance; and further subjecting the base substance to ultrasonic dispersion in an alcohol solvent to separate the graphene film and the base substance, then a graphene alcosol was formed. The preparation process of the present invention is easy to implement. The raw material biomass-derived carbonaceous mesophase has abundant sources and is low in cost. The preparation process has low energy consumption, and is applicable to mass production.

Abstract: A method for producing a solution of dispersed graphenes comprising contacting graphite having a dimension in the a-b plane of 10 ?m or less with an electronic liquid comprising a metal and a polar aprotic solvent, and solutions of dispersed graphenes which may be obtained by such a method are described.

Abstract: A process for dispersing agglomerates or clusters of particles utilizing pressure generated from volatilization of an interstitial liquid. More particularly, the method relates to infusing the particles with a first liquid, placing the infused particles in a second liquid or fluid having a higher boiling point than the first liquid and heating the composition to a temperature above the boiling point of the first liquid thereby resulting in breakage of the particles. Compositions including particles dispersed by interstitial liquid vaporization are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressurized water nuclear reactor (PWNR) includes a core having a containment shield surrounding a reactor vessel having fuel assemblies that contain fuel rods filled with fuel pellets, and control rods, and a steam generator thermally coupled to the reactor vessel. A flow loop includes the steam generator, a turbine, and a condenser, and a pump for circulating a water-based heat transfer fluid in the loop. The heat transfer fluid includes a plurality of nanoparticles having at least one carbon allotrope or related carbon material dispersed therein, such as diamond nanoparticles.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present provides a heat transfer medium that includes, but is not limited to a base fluid, a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes, and a gelling formulation formed of an amine surfactant, an intercalating agent, and an oxygen-bearing solvent. The heat transfer medium is adapted for improved thermal conductivity with respect to the base fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dispersing method of a carbon nanotube comprising: the first step of mixing a carbon nanotube aggregate, a magnetic material and a dispersant; and the second step of applying a magnetic field to the mixture obtained in the first step to disperse the carbon nanotube aggregate, a dispersing apparatus of a carbon nanotube, and a carbon nanotube dispersion obtained thereby. A carbon nanotube aggregate can be more effectively dispersed without damaging a carbon nanotube by the dispersing method of a carbon nanotube according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: Liquefied petroleum coke (LPC) comprises diesel engine fuel grade petroleum coke that is produced by subjecting crude oil refinery feedstock to de-salting, coking, micronization, de-ashing, and slurrification processes to reduce impurities such as metallic components and make the LPC suitable for use in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engine systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dispersant for carbon nanotubes having excellent dispersion ability and to a carbon nanotube composition including the dispersant. In the dispersant, the heads and tails of the dispersant are regioregularly arranged in one direction, and the structural properties of the dispersant are controlled such that the ratio of heads to tails is 1 or more, thereby effectively stabilizing and dispersing carbon nanotubes in various dispersion media, such as an organic solvent, water, a mixture thereof and the like, compared to conventional dispersants.

Abstract: A method of producing a multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon is provided herein by preparing a solution comprising a polymer precursor, mixing an additional material with the polymer precursor in the solution, cross-linking the polymer precursor with the additional material mixed therein, carbonizing the mixture of the polymer precursor and the additional material, and activating the carbonized mixture to form a multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon. The multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon can include pores less than 20 ? and greater than 30 ? or 500 ? depending upon the sorption properties desired, wherein the pore distribution of the activated carbon can be tailored to provide predetermined kinetics and/or gaseous constituent equilibrium isotherms.

Abstract: The particle sizes of agglomerates of carbon nanospheres are reduced by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in an organic solvent. The carbon nanospheres are multi-walled, hollow, graphitic structures with an average diameter in a range from about 10 nm to about 200 nm, more preferably about 20 nm to about 100 nm. Spectral data shows that prior to being dispersed, the carbon nanospheres are agglomerated into clusters that range in size from 500 nm to 5 microns. The clusters of nanospheres are reduced in size by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in an organic solvent containing at least one heteroatom (e.g., NMP) using ultrasonication. The combination of organic solvent and ultrasonication breaks up and disperses agglomerates of carbon nanospheres.

Abstract: A dispersant for a more concentrated carbon nanotube solution, and a composition including the same are provided. The dispersant may have a hydrophobic chain structure with head groups capable of surrounding carbon nanotube particles. The dispersant may adsorbed onto the carbon nanotube particles. The composition may include the dispersant, an aqueous liquid medium and a carbon nanotube. The composition may further include an additive. It may be possible to produce a more concentrated carbon nanotube solution exhibiting an increase in dispersion of the carbon nanotube particles and/or more stability.

Abstract: A system for shielding personnel and/or equipment from radiation particles. In one embodiment, a first substrate is connected to a first array or perpendicularly oriented metal-like fingers, and a second, electrically conducting substrate has an array of carbon nanostructure (CNS) fingers, coated with an electro-active polymer extending toward, but spaced apart from, the first substrate fingers. An electric current and electric charge discharge and dissipation system, connected to the second substrate, receives a current and/or voltage pulse initially generated when the first substrate receives incident radiation. In another embodiment, an array of CNSs is immersed in a first layer of hydrogen-rich polymers and in a second layer of metal-like material. In another embodiment, a one- or two-dimensional assembly of fibers containing CNSs embedded in a metal-like matrix serves as a radiation-protective fabric or body covering.

Abstract: A carbon-supported platinum catalyst obtained by chemical reduction of in situ-formed platinum dioxide on a carbon support and a method of production thereof.

Abstract: A solid acid including a carbon nanotube (CNT), a spacer group combined with the CNT and an ionically conductive functional group connected to the spacer group. A polymer electrolyte membrane may include the same composition, and may be used in a fuel cell. The polymer electrolyte membrane using the solid acid has excellent ionic conductivity and suppresses the cross-over of methanol. The polymer electrolyte membrane is used as an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for isolating and purifying single wall carbon nanotubes from contaminant matrix material, methods for forming arrays of substantially aligned nanotubes, and products and apparatus comprising a plurality of nanotube structures.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of ultralow density, high specific surface area gel products is provided which comprises providing, in an enclosed chamber, a mixture made up of small particles of material suspended in gas; the particles are then caused to aggregate in the chamber to form ramified fractal aggregate gels. The particles should have a radius (a) of up to about 50 nm and the aerosol should have a volume fraction (fv) of at least 10?4. In preferred practice, the mixture is created by a spark-induced explosion of a precursor material (e.g., a hydrocarbon) and oxygen within the chamber. New compositions of matter are disclosed having densities below 3.0 mg/cc.

Abstract: In the present invention, a nonionic surfactant is noticed for a function of dispersing a carbon nanotube, and it is found that a mixture solution of an amide-based organic solvent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or of the amide-based organic solvent, the nonionic surfactant, and the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has an excellent function as a dispersant for the carbon nanotube. Ultrasonication is required for dispersing a carbon nanotube in the dispersant. The ultrasonication may be carried out in the step of dispersing the carbon nanotube in the nonionic surfactant and/or the amide-based polar organic solvent, and then the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) may be mixed with the resultant dispersion. Alternatively, a mixture solution of the nonionic surfactant and/or the amide-based polar organic solvent, and the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is prepared, and then the ultrasonication may be carried out in the step of dispersing the carbon nanotube therein.

Abstract: The particle sizes of agglomerates of carbon nanospheres are reduced by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in a polar solvent. The carbon nanospheres are multi-walled, hollow, graphitic structures with an average diameter in a range from about 10 nm to about 200 nm, more preferably about 20 nm to about 100 nm. Spectral data shows that prior to being dispersed, the carbon nanospheres are agglomerated into clusters that range in size from 500 nm to 5 microns. The clusters of nanospheres are reduced in size by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in the polar solvent (e.g., water) using a surface modifying agent (e.g., glucose) and ultrasonication. The combination of polar solvent, surface modifying agent, and ultrasonication breaks up and disperses agglomerates of carbon nanospheres.

Abstract: The particle sizes of agglomerates of carbon nanospheres are reduced by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in a polar solvent. The carbon nanospheres are multi-walled, hollow, graphitic structures with an average diameter in a range from about 10 nm to about 200 nm, more preferably about 20 nm to about 100 nm. Spectral data shows that prior to being dispersed, the carbon nanospheres are agglomerated into clusters that range in size from 500 nm to 5 microns. The clusters of nanospheres are reduced in size by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in the polar solvent (e.g., water) using a surface modifying agent (e.g., glucose) and ultrasonication. The combination of polar solvent, surface modifying agent, and ultrasonication breaks up and disperses agglomerates of carbon nanospheres.

Abstract: An emulsifier containing a modified graphite oxide material, which is a thermally exfoliated graphite oxide with a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2600 m2/g.

Abstract: The introduction of nanostructures in a liquid provides a means for changing the physical and/or chemical properties of the liquid. Improvements in heat transfer, electrical properties, viscosity, and lubricity can be realized upon dispersion of nanotubes in liquids. Stable dispersions of nanostructures are described and surfactants/dispersants are identified which can disperse nanostructures in petroleum liquid medium. The appropriate dispersant is chosen for the selected nanostructure material and the oil based medium and the dispersant is dissolved into the liquid medium to form a solution. The nanostructure is added to the dispersant containing the solution with agitation, ultrasonication, and/or combinations thereof. Nanostructures dispersed in a fluid form a nanofluid utilized as a shock absorber oil whereby the nanostructures serve to improve the viscosity index of the fluid or more particularly the shock absorber oil in the form of a lubricant additive.

Abstract: The invention concerns a carbonaceous sorbent in powder or grain form for the dry cleaning of waste gases from thermal processes. The sorbent includes carbon adsorbents from the group of activated carbon and/or brown coal cokes which are modified with sulfur and/or sulfur compounds. The sorbent is distinguished in that the specific surface area of the carbon adsorbents in m2/g in relation to the pore volume of the micropores in cm3/g is between 2400 and 2700.

Abstract: The invention is directed, in part, to stable compositions of suspended carbon nanotubes, methods of making them, and uses thereof. The invention provides methods of producing high and low concentrations of highly dispersed carbon nanotubes suspended in a liquid. The carbon nanotube suspensions are of use in generating products with improved strength, weight, strength to weight ratio, electrical and thermal versatility, radiation shielding, capacitance, dielectric properties, selective ion flow, catalytic activity and biological applications. The invention provides for industrial processing of materials comprising carbon nanotubes such as, but not limited to, fibers, films, synthetic membranes, coatings, drug delivery systems, and molecular circuitry components.

Abstract: The invention is directed, in part, to stable compositions of suspended carbon nanotubes, methods of making them, and uses thereof. The invention provides methods of producing high and low concentrations of highly dispersed carbon nanotubes suspended in a liquid. The carbon nanotube suspensions are of use in generating products with improved strength, weight, strength to weight ratio, electrical and thermal versatility, radiation shielding, capacitance, dielectric properties, selective ion flow, catalytic activity and biological applications. The invention provides for industrial processing of materials comprising carbon nanotubes such as, but not limited to, fibers, films, synthetic membranes, coatings, drug delivery systems, and molecular circuitry components.

Abstract: Ultradispersed ones of primary particles of nanometer-sized carbon are obtained by applying a wet-type milling method and/or a wet dispersion method to an aggregate structure of the primary particles to overcome van der Waals forces, by which forces the primary particles are held together to form the aggregate structure, whereby the ultradispersed primary particles are obtained in a colloidal dispersion on a large-scale basis at low cost without using any additive. In a method of manufacturing the ultradispersed primary particles, the wet-type milling method is carried out in a ball mill, preferably in combination with a high-energy ultrasonic-wave process carried out in a dispersing medium such as pure water, whereby a colloidal solution or slurry with a low-concentration of the primary particles ultradispersed in the dispersing medium is obtained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing carbon nanotube paste first dissolves or disperses carbon nanotube into a large amount of solvent of low boiling point to prepare carbon nanotube diluted solution. The carbon nanotube diluted solution is then mixed with carbon nanotube paste liquid for mesh-printing. A concentration step removes the solvent of low boiling point from the mixed solution. Therefore, the carbon nanotube can be uniformly dispersed in the carbon nanotube paste and the viscosity of the carbon nanotube paste can be well controlled.

Abstract: A highly stabilized colloidal system is disclosed comprising (a) 30 to 45 volume percent of a liquid phase comprising C15–C20 saturated hydrocarbons, C18–C25 unsaturated hydrocarbons and paraffinic mineral oil; and (b) 55 to 70 volume percent of a solid phase comprising a carbon fraction, a thickener, calcium carbonate and alumina. The highly stabilized colloidal system is used for improving the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of building materials.

Abstract: The introduction of nanotubes in a liquid provides a means for changing the physical and/or chemical properties of the liquid. Improvements in heat transfer, electrical properties, viscosity, and lubricity can be realized upon dispersion of nanotubes in liquids; however, nanotubes behave like hydrophobic particles and tend to clump together in liquids. Methods of preparing stable dispersions of nanotubes are described and surfactants/dispersants are identified which can disperse carbon nanotubes in aqueous and petroleum liquid medium. The appropriate dispersant is chosen for the carbon nanotube and the water or oil based medium and the dispersant is dissolved into the liquid medium to form a solution. The carbon nanotube is added to the dispersant containing the solution with agitation, ultrasonication, and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A new and useful nonaqueous liquid pigment dispersion is provided which is easy to handle and produces thorough and effective colorations within target media, particularly as compared to standard solid pigments or high-viscosity liquid pigment dispersions. More specifically, the present invention relates to liquid pigment dispersions possessing viscosities of at most 5,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure. Such a low viscosity is obtained through the addition of relatively low amounts of aprotic viscosity modifiers possessing dipole moments of at between about 1.0 and 5.0, alternatively measured in terms of a flash point between about −20° C. and 180°, such as, most preferably cyclic carbonates.

Abstract: A new and useful nonaqueous liquid pigment dispersion is provided which is easy to handle and produces thorough and effective colorations within target media, particularly as compared to standard solid pigments or high-viscosity liquid pigment dispersions. More specifically, the present invention relates to liquid pigment dispersions possessing viscosities of at most 5,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure. Such a low viscosity is obtained through the addition of relatively low amounts of aprotic viscosity modifiers possessing dipole moments of at between about 1.0 and 5.0, alternatively measured in terms of a flash point between about −20° C. and 180°, such as, most preferably cyclic carbonates.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are dissolved in organic solutions by attaching an aliphatic carbon chain (which may contain aromatic residues) so as to render the carbon nanotubes soluble.

Abstract: High solubility of pristine single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes using electron donors as solubilizers has been observed. The resulting carbon nanotube solution can be readily diluted with other organic solvents, such as acetone, toluene and methanol. SEM after solvent evaporation clearly shows that nanotubes are still present after being subjected to this procedure. Electronic absorption of these solutions is observed in both the UV and visible region. Strong light emission (=0.30) was observed at 561 nm for dilute solutions of aniline-dissolved carbon nanotubes diluted with acetone.

Abstract: A process to purify and classify a dispersion containing stabilized particles having counterions and ions as well as free species is disclosed. The solution may comprise an aqueous media, a solvent media, or a combination of both and can include more than one type of aqueous and/or solvent solutions. The process includes at least the steps, in any order, of substantially removing the particles having sizes above about 1 micron, preferably above 0.5 micron; substantially removing the free species; and exchanging at least a portion of the counterions that are a part of the stabilized particles. The process disclosed is especially useful in purifying dispersions where the ionic stabilized colloidal particles are carbon black having attached organic groups comprising at least one ionic group, or at least one ionizable group, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are dissolved in organic solutions by attaching an aliphatic carbon chain (which may contain aromatic residues) so as to render the carbon nanotubes soluble.

Abstract: Naked single-walled nanotube carbon metals and semiconductors are dissolved in organic solutions by direct functionalization with amines or alkylaryl amines having an uninterrupted carbon chain of at least 5 and more preferably 9 carbon atoms in length.

Abstract: A flexible coating composition of hard ceramic particles, a binder and a polymer, and a method of making the same is disclosed. The coating composition can withstand an animal attack with pressures.gtoreq.22,000 psi.

Abstract: A silver sol comprises silver particles having a particle size ranging from 1 to 100 nm and a silver solid content ranging from 1 to 80% by weight. The silver sol can be prepared by a method comprising the steps of reacting a solution of a silver compound with a reducing agent at a temperature ranging from 5 to 50.degree. C. and a stirring speed falling within the range of from 1,000 to 10,000 rpm to form silver fine particles; recovering the resulting silver fine particles using a centrifugal separator; and then dispersing the silver fine particles in a medium to give a silver sol having a silver solid content ranging from 1 to 80% by weight. The silver sol or a coating material obtained by diluting the sol to a desired silver solid content and, if desired, adding a binder permits the formation of a transparent conductive film on, for instance, a cathode-ray tube while reducing the production cost.