Abstract: A filtration apparatus and filtration method can be used to reduce at least one contaminant (e.g., organic molecules, ions and/or biological microorganisms) in an aqueous fluid. The filtration apparatuses and methods of the invention can separate at least one contaminant from an aqueous fluid and/or oxidize at least one contaminant. In operation, an aqueous fluid is flowed through a filtration apparatus comprising a porous carbon nanotube filter material at an applied voltage.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to x-ray absorbing compositions that comprise a carbon material associated with an x-ray absorbing material. In some embodiments, the x-ray absorbing material is selected from the group consisting of lead-based compounds, bismuth-based compounds, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carbon material is selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes, graphenes, carbon fibers, amorphous carbons, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the carbon materials of the present invention may also be treated with a surfactant, an acid, polymers or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carbon materials of the present invention may be further associated with a metal oxide. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making the aforementioned x-ray absorbing compositions. Such methods generally include associating a carbon material with an x-ray absorbing material.

Abstract: A multi-pole switch comprising a conducting substrate; at least three field electrodes mounted above, and electrically isolated from, each other and from said conducting substrate; a conductive cantilever element having a first end portion secured to said conducting substrate, an opposite second free end portion positioned in spaced relation to said field electrodes and operable in response to an electrostatic or electrodynamic charge established between said cantilever element and said field electrodes to deflect in a direction towards said field electrodes; and a plurality of contact electrode poles mounted above, and electrically isolated from, said conducting substrate below the top of said cantilever element second free end portion and above said field electrodes and positioned to contact said cantilever element as said cantilever element is deflected in a direction defined by the net field applied by said field electrodes.

Abstract: The method of removing Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from an aqueous solution includes the step of mixing multi-walled carbon nanotubes into an aqueous solution containing E. coli bacteria. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes have an antimicrobial effect against the E. coli bacteria. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes may be mixed into the aqueous solution at a concentration of approximately 0.002 g of multi-walled carbon nanotubes per 100 ml of the aqueous solution. In order to enhance antimicrobial activity, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the solution may be treated with microwave radiation, thus generating heat to further destroy the bacteria. In order to further enhance antimicrobial activity, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes may be functionalized with a carboxylic (COOH) group, functionalized with a phenol (C5H5OH) group, functionalized with a C18 group, such as 1-octadecanol (C18H38O), or may be impregnated with silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.

Abstract: A resistance heating composition including carbon nanotubes, an ionic liquid, and a binder resin.

Abstract: A composite particle is disclosed. The composite particle includes a micron diamond particle. The composite particle also includes a nanoparticle, the nanoparticle attached to a surface of the micron diamond particle by an attachment comprising a covalent bond or an intermolecular force, or a combination thereof. A method of making a composite particle is also disclosed. The method includes providing a micron diamond particle. The method also includes providing a nanoparticle and attaching the nanoparticle to a surface of the micron diamond particle by an attachment comprising a covalent bond or an intermolecular force, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a nanotube-nanohorn complex having a high aspect ratio, also having high dispersibility, having controlled diameter, and having high durability at a low cost. According to the present invention, a carbon target containing a catalyst is evaporated with a laser ablation method to synthesize a structure including both of a carbon nanohorn aggregate and a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbonaceous nanocomposite including: a substrate; a graphene sheet formed on a top surface of the substrate in parallel with the substrate; and a carbonaceous nanomaterial provided on another surface of the graphene sheet, the nanomaterial having an aspect ratio of 2 to 75,000 to make a predetermined angle with the graphene sheet. The carbonaceous nanocomposite according to the present disclosure has excellent adhesivity to the substrate and can be attached to the substrate without undergoing a pasting process. Since a two-directional current flow is generated, the electrical resistance of the graphene and carbon nanotube is considerably reduced. In addition, the graphene allows the carbon nanotube to have a high current density and a high specific surface area, thereby accelerating a redox reaction. The excellent heat-radiating property of the graphene sheet allows fast transfer of heat generated in the carbon nanotube to outside, thereby avoiding degradation of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: This invention concerns a polymer coating composition for use as non-focal optical power limiting dye containing polymeric materials. This composition contains: (1) one or more Modified Polymers comprising a Polymer, such as a hyperbranched polymer family, especially HB—PCS, HB—PU, HB—PUSOX or PC with one or more of: a) reverse saturable dye (RSA), b) multi-photon absorption dye (MPA), c) an azo dye, or d) absorption dye, which dye is chemically bonded to the pendant groups of the Polymer (along its chain and/or termini) or which forms a part of the backbone of the Polymer; (2) carbon nanotubes (CNT) as optical power limiters (OPL); and (3) a self-focusing component. This Modified Polymer composition contains the dye incorporated into the polymer chain backbone or chemically bonded to the terminal groups at the ends or along the chain of the polymer, which provides efficient protection from laser beam damage along with its self-focusing mechanism.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for method and apparatus for separating ions, such as arsenic, from a fluid, such as water. The apparatus includes a capacitor. The capacitor includes a material having a nanoscale porous structure, such as a plurality of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and metal oxide nanoparticles, such as magnetite, disposed over the nanoscale porous structure. A portable water purifier employing the capacitor can effectively remove ions from water with a low voltage applied to the capacitor.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused ceramic fiber material, wherein the CNT-infused ceramic fiber material includes: a ceramic fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bonded to the ceramic fiber material. The CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. A continuous CNT infusion process includes (a) disposing a carbon-nanotube forming catalyst on a surface of a ceramic fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the ceramic fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: Provided is a composite material useful as a material for a thermal contact surface in a microprocessor which can express extremely high thermal diffusion property and extremely high conductivity, can express a sufficient adhesive strength in its surface, and is excellent in reworking property at the time of a bonding operation. The carbon nanotube aggregate of the present invention is a carbon nanotube aggregate where a plurality of carbon nanotubes each having a plurality of walls penetrate a resin layer in a thickness direction of the resin layer, in which both terminals of the carbon nanotube aggregate each have a shear adhesive strength for glass at 25° C. of 15 N/cm2 or more.

Abstract: The invention is directed, in an embodiment, to an inherently conductive polymer comprising a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, and dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid. The conductive polymer may comprise polyaniline. The invention is also directed to polymeric films and supercapacitors comprising the inherently conductive polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the exfoliation and dispersion of carbon nanotubes resulting in high aspect ratio, surface-modified carbon nanotubes that are readily dispersed in various media. A method is disclosed for their production in high yield. Further modifications by surface active or modifying agents are also disclosed. Application of the carbon nanotubes of this invention as composites with materials such as elastomers, thermosets and thermoplastics are also described.

Abstract: A single step process for degrading plastic waste by converting the plastic waste into carbonaceous products via thermal decomposition of the plastic waste by placing the plastic waste into a reactor, heating the plastic waste under an inert or air atmosphere until the temperature of about 700° C. is achieved, allowing the reactor to cool down, and recovering the resulting decomposition products therefrom. The decomposition products that this process yields are carbonaceous materials, and more specifically carbon nanotubes having a partially filled core (encapsulated) adjacent to one end of the nanotube. Additionally, in the presence of a transition metal compound, this thermal decomposition process produces multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Methods and systems of preparing a catalyst to be used in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes through Chemical Vapor Depositions are disclosed. The method may include a mixture comprising at least one of an iron catalyst source and a catalyst support. In another aspect, a method of synthesizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes using the catalyst is disclosed. The method may include driving a reaction in a CVD furnace and generating at least one multi-walled carbon nanotube through the reaction. The method also includes depositing the catalyst on the CVD furnace and driving a carbon source with a carrier gas to the CVD furnace. The method further includes decomposing the carbon source in the presence of the catalyst under a sufficient gas pressure for a sufficient time to grow at least one multi-walled carbon nanotube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing stretchable electrodes, where electrically conductive carbon particles, especially carbon nanotubes, are introduced into a coating comprising an elastomer. In said method, a preparation of non-aggregated carbon particles having an average particle diameter ranging from=0.3 nm to=3000 nm in a solvent acts upon a coating comprising an elastomer. The solvent can cause a coating comprising an elastomer to swell. The duration of the action is calculated so as to be insufficient to dissolve the elastomer. Optionally, another electrically conductive layer is applied. The invention also relates to a stretchable electrode obtained in said manner and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compound materials comprising a metal and nanoparticles, in particular carbon nano tubes (CNT), characterized in that the compound has a metal crystallite structure of crystallites having an average size which is in the range of higher than 100 nm and up to 200 nm, preferably between 120 nm and 200 nm.

Abstract: A thing or fluid, e.g., but not limited to a fraccing fluid, bodily fluid, or slurry with drill cuttings, the fluid with an identifier, the identifier including a unique identifying signature including nanomaterial. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: This invention concerns a polymer coating material composition (PCM) comprising as components a Polymer Matrix, carbon nanotubes (CNT) as optical power limiters (OPL), and carbon-rich molecules. One aspect of the invention is where the Polymer Matrix is a hyperbranched polymer, such as a hyperbranched polycarbosiloxane polymer. Another aspect of the invention is where the CNT is a short multiwall carbon nanotube (sMWNT). A further aspect of the invention is where the carbon-rich molecules are triethoxysilyl anthracene derivatives. The composition wherein the ratio in weight percent of Polymer Matrix to CNT to carbon-rich molecule is from 94:3:3 to 99.8:0.1:0.1. The composition can further contain one or more of multi-photon absorbers (MPA) chromophores or reverse saturable absorbers (RSA) chromophores. These compositions can be used as: a) a film, b) a coating, c) a liquid, d) a solution, or e) a sandwiched film between two transparent substrates.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide composite materials used for fixing members that can include silsesquioxane-based particles and/or carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Direct resistive heating is used to grow nanotubes out of carbon and other materials. A growth-initiated array of nanotubes is provided using a CVD or ion implantation process. These processes use indirect heating to heat the catalysts to initiate growth. Once growth is initiated, an electrical source is connected between the substrate and a plate above the nanotubes to source electrical current through and resistively heat the nanotubes and their catalysts. A material source supplies the heated catalysts with carbon or another material to continue growth of the array of nanotubes. Once direct heating has commenced, the source of indirect heating can be removed or at least reduced. Because direct resistive heating is more efficient than indirect heating the total power consumption is reduced significantly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid by passing fluid through a treatment structure, the fluid containing undesirable living things, the treatment structure containing electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver, flowing an electric current in the fluid in the treatment structure via the electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver or silver material to kill undesirable living things in the treatment structure, and killing undesirable things in the treatment structure.

Abstract: Underfill materials include inorganic fill materials (e.g., functionalized CNT's, organo clay, ZnO) that are functionalized reactive with other organic constituents (e.g., organics with epoxy groups, amine groups, or PMDA). The underfill materials also beneficially include polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and/or dendritic siloxane groups that are functionalized with a reactive group (e.g., glycidyl) that reacts with other components of an epoxy system of the underfill.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising and methods for forming functionalized carbon-based nanostructures.

Abstract: A surface-enabled, metal ion-exchanging battery device comprising a cathode, an anode, a porous separator, and a metal ion-containing electrolyte, wherein the metal ion is selected from (A) non-Li alkali metals; (B) alkaline-earth metals; (C) transition metals; (D) other metals such as aluminum (Al); or (E) a combination thereof; and wherein at least one of the electrodes contains therein a metal ion source prior to the first charge or discharge cycle of the device and at least the cathode comprises a functional material or nano-structured material having a metal ion-capturing functional group or metal ion-storing surface in direct contact with said electrolyte, and wherein the operation of the battery device does not involve the introduction of oxygen from outside the device and does not involve the formation of a metal oxide, metal sulfide, metal selenide, metal telluride, metal hydroxide, or metal-halogen compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polyolefin blends and nanocomposites and methods for their production. In embodiments, a blend or nanocomposite of the present disclosure may include at least one polyolefin and at least one ionic liquid and/or one modified carbon nanofiller. In embodiments, the at least one modified carbon nanotube may be treated with at least one ionic compound.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanotubes uses a polymer as a raw material to undergo in situ thermal decomposition. The method includes steps of mixing the polymer and metallic catalyst through a multiple heating stage process of in-situ thermal decomposition to carbonize the polymer and release carbon elements to produce carbon nanotubes. Advantages of the present invention include easy to prepare, low temperature in manipulation, low production cost, and high safety.

Abstract: A process for forming a functionalized sensor for sensing a molecule of interest includes providing at least one single or multi-wall carbon nanotube having a first and a second electrode in contact therewith on a substrate; providing a third electrode including a decorating material on the substrate a predetermined distance from the at least one single or multi-wall carbon nanotube having a first and a second electrode in contact therewith, wherein the decorating material has a bonding affinity for a bioreceptors that react with the molecule of interest; and applying a voltage to the third electrode, causing the decorating material to form nanoparticles of the decorating material on the at least one single or multi-wall carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Provided are inks and coatings including carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention is directed, in an embodiment, to an inherently conductive polymer comprising a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, and dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid. The conductive polymer may comprise polyaniline. The invention is also directed to polymeric films and supercapacitors comprising the inherently conductive polymer.

Abstract: Nano-composite structures are formed by pre-loading carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into at least one of a plurality of channels running the length of a cartridge, placing the pre-loaded cartridge in a piston chamber of a die-casting machine, creating a vacuum therein, and filing the piston chamber with molten metal to soak the pre-loaded cartridge and fill empty cartridge channels. Pressure is applied via the piston to eject the carbon nanotubes and molten metal from the cartridge channels and inject the nano-composite mixture into a rod-shaped die cavity. The internal diameter of the cavity is equal to or less than the final diameter of the nozzle. The nano-composite mixture is cooled to form a solid nano-composite rod having the first predetermined diameter, wherein the carbon nanotubes are aligned in a non-random manner. Furthermore, drawing down the nano-composite rod to smaller diameter wire further disperses the nanotubes along the length of the wire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid conductive composite made from carbon nanotubes and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene-sulfonate) to reduce the surface resistivity of a transparent thermoplastic substrate. The inventive composites, which may find use in capacitive touch screen displays, require no special treatment or precautions, and are not limited by minimum or maximum component ratios. A wide variation the amounts of carbon nanotube and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene-sulfonate) allows a minimization of the adverse carbon nanotube effects on the composite transparency while producing a stable, low sheet resistance material.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube inkjet solutions and methods for jetting are described.

Abstract: Provided are a conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite including a carbon nanotube and a conductive polymer filled therein, and a method of manufacturing the same. The conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite where a conductive polymer is filled in a carbon nanotube is manufactured by introducing a monomer of the conductive polymer into the carbon nanotube using a supercritical fluid technique and polymerizing the monomer. The conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite is a novel nano-structure material which can overcome limitations that conventional materials may have, and thus can be applied to various applications such as sensors, electrode materials, nanoelectronic materials, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite blend membranes formed from blends of one or more polyelectrolytes, and one or more types of nanoparticles. Preferably the blend also includes one or more fluoropolymers. The addition of the nanoparticles was found to enhance the conductivity and mechanical properties of the membranes.

Abstract: There are provided a flexible nanocomposite generator and a method of manufacturing the same. A flexible nanocomposite generator according to the present invention includes a piezoelectric layer formed of a flexible matrix containing piezoelectric nanoparticles and carbon nanostructures; and electrode layers disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of both sides of the piezoelectric layer, in which according to a method for manufacturing a flexible nanocomposite generator according to the present invention and a flexible nanogenerator, it is possible to manufacture a flexible nanogenerator with a large area and a small thickness. Therefore, the nanogenerator may be used as a portion of a fiber or cloth. Accordingly, the nanogenerator according to the present invention generates power in accordance with bending of attached cloth, such that it is possible to continuously generate power in accordance with movement of a human body.

Abstract: Certain spin-coatable liquids and application techniques are described, which can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. A spin-coatable liquid for formation of a nanotube film includes a liquid medium containing a controlled concentration of purified nanotubes, wherein the controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity, and wherein the spin-coatable liquid comprises less than 1×1018 atoms/cm3 of metal impurities. The spin-coatable liquid is substantially free of particle impurities having a diameter of greater than about 500 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated fullerenes comprising a layer of at least one inorganic material covering at least a portion of at least one surface of a fullerene and methods for making. The present invention further relates to composites comprising the coated fullerenes of the present invention and further comprising polymers, ceramics, and/or inorganic oxides. A coated fullerene interconnect device where at least two fullerenes are contacting each other to form a spontaneous interconnect is also disclosed as well as methods of making. In addition, dielectric films comprising the coated fullerenes of the present invention and methods of making are further disclosed.

Abstract: A bondable conductive ink comprising carbon nanotubes, larger diameter conductive particles having at least one dimension of at least 100 nanometers which are not carbon nanotubes, a polymer, and a solvent, and a method of producing this bondable conductive ink. The ink is highly suitable for producing circuit assemblies having non-conductive substrates upon which printed conductors, formed from the bondable conductive ink, may be easily and selectively interconnected to another circuit assembly device, and/or apparatus.

Abstract: A phase change ink including (a) a phase change ink carrier and (b) a colorant comprising a carbon allotrope.

Abstract: Methods and systems of preparing a catalyst to be used in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes through Chemical Vapor Depositions are disclosed. The method may include a mixture comprising at least one of an iron catalyst source and a catalyst support. In another aspect, a method of synthesizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes using the catalyst is disclosed. The method may include driving a reaction in a CVD furnace and generating at least one multi-walled carbon nanotube through the reaction. The method also includes depositing the catalyst on the CVD furnace and driving a carbon source with a carrier gas to the CVD furnace. The method further includes decomposing the carbon source in the presence of the catalyst under a sufficient gas pressure for a sufficient time to grow at least one multi-walled carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming conductive materials. The conductive materials can be applied using a printer in single or multiple passes onto a substrate. The conductive materials are composed of electrical conductors such as carbon nanotubes (including functionalized carbon nanotubes and metal-coated carbon nanotubes), grapheme, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. pentacene and bisperipentacene), metal nanoparticles, an inherently conductive polymer (ICP), and combinations thereof. Once the conductive materials are applied, the materials are dried and sintered to form adherent conductive materials on the substrate. The adherent conductive materials can be used in applications such as damage detection, particle removal, and smart coating systems.

Abstract: A multifunctional paradigm is disclosed of “Strength Power to Weight”. Carbon tow is measured in individual fiber count per cross section. In terms of electrical conductivity, the individual fiber count total is analogous to a cross sectional wire gauge for corresponding metal (i.e. gold, copper, aluminum, silver, etc.). Tow segments are constructed/assembled/situated as being part of an electric circuit as well as being part of a laminated composite structure. For the electrical circuit, necessary electrical components are fixed to the carbon tow conductor using any of “soldering” (adhesive), “welding” (cohesion), or held in contact with mechanical force. The circuit is wetted out, allowed to cure (either before or along with the rest of the background laminate), and ultimately becomes a heterogeneous extremely light solid that conducts electrical power and provides additional structure to the composite as well.

Abstract: Provided area carbon nanotube composite material obtained by treating a mixture including carbon nanotubes, at least one carbon compound other than carbon nanotubes and a dispersion medium under a sub-critical or super-critical condition of 50-400 atm, and a method for producing the same. More particularly, the method for producing a carbon nanotube composite material, includes: introducing a mixture including carbon nanotubes, at least one carbon compound other than carbon nanotubes and a dispersion medium into a preheating unit under a pressure of 1-400 atm to preheat the mixture; treating the preheated mixture under a sub-critical or super-critical condition of 50-400 atm; cooling and depressurizing the resultant product to 0-1000 C and 1-10 atm; and recovering the cooled and depressurized product. Provided also is an apparatus for producing a carbon nanotube composite material in a continuous manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid by passing fluid through a treatment structure, the fluid containing undesirable living things, the treatment structure containing electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver, flowing an electric current in the fluid in the treatment structure via the electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver or silver material to kill undesirable living things in the treatment structure, and killing undesirable things in the treatment structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.

Abstract: A nanomatrix carbon composite is disclosed. The nanomatrix carbon composite includes a substantially-continuous, cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The composite also includes a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a particle core material that comprises an allotrope of carbon dispersed in the nanomatrix and a bond layer extending throughout the nanomatrix between the dispersed particles. The nanomatrix carbon composites are uniquely lightweight, high-strength, high thermal conductivity materials that also provide uniquely selectable and controllable corrosion properties, including very rapid corrosion rates, useful for making a wide variety of degradable or disposable articles, including various downhole tools and components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fullerene carbon nanotubes having a cylindrical wall comprising a double layer of carbon atoms and methods for the production and application of these double-wall carbon nanotubes; and, more particularly, to nanotubes with controlled number of carbon layers and methods for the production of macroscopic amounts of these nanotubes and there application as cathode materials in the cold field electron emission devices, notable such devices comprising light emitting CRT's.