Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing aerogels of individualised carbon nanotubes and to the applications thereof, in particular in the production of composite aerogels and electrochemical compounds. The method of the invention is characterised in that it comprises the following steps carried out in an inert atmosphere: (a) reducing the carbon nanotubes using an alkaline metal in order to obtain a polyelectrolyte salt of carbon nanotubes; (b) exposing said polyelectrolyte salt of carbon nanotubes to an aprotic polar solvent in order to obtain a solution of individualised, reduced carbon nanotubes; (c) freezing said solution of individualised nanotubes; and (d) sublimating the solvent. The invention particularly relates to aerogels of individualised carbon nanotubes obtained by said method, and to the uses of said aerogels.

Abstract: Methods of preparing single walled carbon nanotubes are provided. An arrangement comprising one or more layers of fullerene in contact with one side of a metal layer and a solid carbon source in contact with the other side of metal layer is prepared. The fullerene/metal layer/solid carbon source arrangement is then heated to a temperature below where the fullerenes sublime. Alternatively, a non-solid carbon source may be used in place of a solid carbon source or the metal layer may simply be saturated with carbon atoms. A multiplicity of single walled carbon nanotubes are grown on the fullerene side of the metal layer, wherein at least 80% of the single walled carbon nanotubes in said multiplicity have a diameter within ±5% of a single walled carbon nanotube diameter D present in said multiplicity, said diameter D being in the range between 0.6-2.2 nm.

Abstract: A cylindrical screw feeder main body, catalyst feeding portions for introducing a catalyst into the screw feeder main body, low hydrocarbon feeding portions for introducing a low hydrocarbon into the screw feeder main body as a raw material, a screw for conveying the catalyst and nanocarbon produced by pyrolysis of the low hydrocarbon in the feeder main body, a solid matter discharging portion for discharging the catalyst and the nanocarbon conveyed by the screw out of the screw feeder main body and a gas discharging portion for discharging the unreacted low hydrocarbon and hydrogen produced by the pyrolysis of the low hydrocarbon out of the screw feeder main body are provided. Nanocarbon grown with the catalyst as top with time is continuously discharged out of the screw feeder main body while unused catalyst is being fed thereto at the same amount as that of nanocarbon, allowing efficient continuous reaction.

Abstract: To provide a simple process for producing graphene. A graphene production apparatus 100 has a vessel 10 and, attached thereto, an immersion electrode 20 and a non-immersion electrode 30. The immersion electrode has an electrode covering 20c and an electrode main body 20e, and the non-immersion electrode has a covering 30c and an electrode main body 30e. An argon-feeding conduit 40 is disposed so as to inject argon into the vessel 10 around the electrode main body 30e. Ethanol is supplied in such an amount that the liquid surface completely covers the electrode main body 20e of the immersion electrode 20 and does not reach the electrode main body 30e of the non-immersion electrode 30. The electrode main body 20e is formed from, for example, iron, nickel, or cobalt. Thus, a 60-Hz AC voltage is applied to the electrode main body 20e immersed in the liquid; i.e.

Abstract: A method of synthesis of a fulleride of metal nano-cluster is provided. The method is characterised in mechanically alloying metal nano-clusters with fullerene-type clusters. Fullerene molecules in the fulleride of metal nano-cluster are preserved. The alloying is done by milling in a planetary mill. A material including a fulleride of a metal nano-cluster is also provided.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is disclosed that includes graphene nanoplatelets dispersed in a metal matrix. The composite provides for improved thermal conductivity. The composite may be formed into heat spreaders or other thermal management devices to provide improved cooling to electronic and electrical equipment and semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a Light Emitting Diode with improved light extraction efficiency, comprising depositing a plurality of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanorods on one or more surfaces of a III-Nitride based LED, by growing the ZnO nanorods from an aqueous solution, wherein the surfaces are different from c-plane surfaces of III-Nitride and transmit light generated by the LED.

Abstract: Articles comprising neat, aligned carbon nanotubes and methods for production thereof are disclosed. The articles and methods comprise extrusion of a super acid solution of carbon nanotubes followed by removal of the super acid solvent. The articles may be processed by wet-jet wet spinning, dry-jet wet spinning, and coagulant co-flow extrusion techniques.

Abstract: Process, apparatus, compositions and application modes are provided that relate to nanofiber spinning without the use of superacids in the spinning solution. The methods employ either acids or bases for a flocculation solution. The advances disclosed therein enable the use of nanofibers, including carbon nanotubes, for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, electromechanical actuators, supercapacitors, electronic textiles, and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to organized assemblies of carbon and non-carbon compounds and methods of making such organized structures. In preferred embodiments, the organized structures of the instant invention take the form of nanorods or their aggregate forms. More preferably, a nanorod is made up of a carbon nanotube filled, coated, or both filled and coated by a non-carbon material. This invention is further drawn to the separation of single-wall carbon nanotubes. In particular, it relates to the separation of semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes from conducting (or metallic) single-wall carbon nanotubes. It also relates to the separation of single-wall carbon nanotubes according to their chirality and/or diameter.

Abstract: The formation of arrays of fullerene nanotubes is described. A microscopic molecular array of fullerene nanotubes is formed by assembling subarrays of up to 106 fullerene nanotubes into a composite array.

Abstract: A simple, effective and scalable method for fabricating carbon nanotubes. The method has two simple steps: (a) producing the carbon precursors (i.e., nanotubes of conducting polymer) in water solution via a soft template method involving a fibrillar complex and (b) carbonizing the carbon precursors (i.e. the nanotubes of the conducting polymer) at a temperature between 900-2200° C. in a nitrogen atmosphere or under a vacuum condition.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method of generating a carbon nanotube (CNT), a process chamber is heated to a target temperature and a catalyst powder is supplied into the heated process chamber. The catalyst powder moves in a first direction in the process chamber. A source gas is supplied into the process chamber in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the source gas delays the movement of the catalyst powder in the first direction and is reacted with the catalyst powder in the process chamber to thereby produce the CNT in the process chamber. Accordingly, the flow of the source gas against the flow of the catalyst powder reduces the drop velocity of the catalyst powder. Therefore, the source gas and the catalyst powder may be reacted with each other for a sufficiently long time.

Abstract: The method for producing carbon nanotubes of the invention employs a carbon source that contains carbon and is decomposed when heated and a catalyst that serves as a catalyst for production of carbon nanotubes from the carbon source, to synthesize the carbon nanotubes on a heated support placed in a reactor, the method comprising a catalyst loading step in which the catalyst starting material, as the starting material for the catalyst, is distributed over the support to load the catalyst onto the support, a synthesis step in which the carbon source is distributed over the support to synthesize the carbon nanotubes on the support, and a separating step in which a separating gas stream is distributed over the support to separate the carbon nanotubes from the support, wherein the catalyst loading step, the synthesis step and the separating step are carried out while keeping the support in a heated state and switching supply of the catalyst starting material, the carbon source and the separating gas stream.

Abstract: The invention provides a carbon nanotube compound and method for producing the same. The method of the invention comprises the following steps. Firstly, Aniline-trimer and DMAc (dimethyl acetamide) solution are mixed to form a first solution. Secondly, Dianhydride and DMAc solution are mixed to form a second solution. The first solution and the second are mixed to form a third solution. Additionally, carboxyl-multiwall carbon nanotubes (c-MWNT), Diaminodiphenylether and DMAc solution are mixed to form a fourth solution. The third solution and the fourth are mixed to form a polyamic acid/CNT solution. Some polyamic acid/CNT solution is spread on a substrate and processed by a thermal treatment, and a carbon nanotube compound is eventually produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst system for the selective conversion of hydrocarbons into multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hydrogen comprising a compound of the formula: (Ni,Co)FeyOz(Al2O3)w wherein ‘y’ represents the molar fraction of Fe relative to Co and Ni and wherein 0.11?y?9.0, 1.12?z?14.5, and 1.5?w?64.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanostructures according to the invention includes injecting acetylene gas into a reactant liquid. The injected acetylene molecules are then maintained in contact with the reactant liquid for a period of time sufficient to break the carbon-hydrogen bonds in at least some of the acetylene molecules, and place the liberated carbon ions in an excited state. This preferred method further includes enabling the liberated carbon ions in the excited state to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and enter a collection area. Collection surfaces are provided in the collection area to collect carbon nanostructures.

Abstract: A rapid and inexpensive technique for generating nanotextured surfaces is disclosed. The technique involves the (1) creation of regular, nanometer-sized template by microwave assisted hydro- or solvo-thermal treatment of polymer films coated on surfaces followed by (2) coating of a layer of metal, metal oxides, polymers and inorganic materials. The nanometer-sized polymer template could be removed to create regularly shaped, hollow nanostructures (e.g., nano-bottles, nano-bowls, nano-holes etc.).

Abstract: A high power density photo-electronic and photo-voltaic material comprising a bio-inorganic nanophotoelectronic material with a photosynthetic reaction center protein encapsulated inside a multi-wall carbon nanotube or nanotube array. The array can be on an electrode. The photosynthetic reaction center protein can be immobilized on the electrode surface and the protein molecules can have the same orientation. A method of making a high power density photo-electronic and photo-voltaic material comprising the steps of immobilizing a bio-inorganic nanophotoelectronic material with a photosynthetic reaction center protein inside a carbon nanotube, wherein the immobilizing is by passive diffusion, wherein the immobilizing can include using an organic linker.

Abstract: The present invention features in preferred aspects a method of fabricating nano composite powder consisting of carbon nanotubes and metal matrix powder is disclosed. The method includes a low-speed milling process of milling and mixing the carbon nanotubes and the metal matrix powder, and a high-speed milling process of milling the carbon nanotubes and the metal matrix powder which are homogenously mixed in the low-speed milling process to homogenously disperse the carbon nanotubes in the metal matrix powder. In certain preferred aspects, the method can prevent damage of the carbon nanotube and can homogenously disperse the carbon nanotubes in the metal matrix.

Abstract: The method for forming nano size turfs on a surface of a transparent polymer film used in a solar cell is disclosed, which comprises a first step for attaching a transparent polymer film on a glass, a second step for installing the glass prepared in the first step on an upper side of the electrodes provided in the interior of a chamber and forming either a vacuum environment or an atmospheric environment, and a third step for supplying an electric power to the electrodes under the environment formed in the second step, etching the transparent polymer film attached on the surface of the glass and forming nano size turfs in circular cone shapes.

Abstract: Provided is a carbon nanotube field effect transistor manufacturing method wherein carbon nanotube field effect transistors having excellent stable electric conduction property are manufactured with excellent reproducibility. After arranging carbon nanotubes to be a channel on a substrate, the carbon nanotubes are covered with an insulating protection film. Then, a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed on the insulating protection film. At this time, a contact hole is formed on the protection film, and the carbon nanotubes are connected with the source electrode and the drain electrode. Then, a wiring protection film, a conductive film and a plasma CVD film are sequentially formed on the insulating protection film, the source electrode and the drain electrode. In the field effect transistor thus manufactured, since the carbon nanotubes to be the channel are not contaminated and not damaged, excellent stable electric conductive property is exhibited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing carbon nanotubes comprising (a) providing a substrate; (b) coating a catalyst layer on said substrate; (e) heating the substrate from step (b); (d) continuously supplying a carbon source to grow carbon nanotubes; (e) interrupting the supplement of the carbon source and supplying an oxidizing gas; and (f) resupplying the carbon source to make the carbon nanotubes obtained from step (d) to re-grow at a higher growth rate. The present invention also provides carbon nanotubes fabricated by the above-mentioned method. The carbon nanotubes have extremely excellent field emission properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for production of nanoscale materials is disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, the invention is scalable and tunable to reliably produce nanoscale materials of specifically desired qualities and at relatively high levels of purity. In a preferred embodiment, combustible gas is discharged onto a substrate through a multi-zone flame facilitating the formation of nanoscale materials such as single and multi-wall nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanostructures according to the invention includes injecting acetylene gas into a reactant liquid. The injected acetylene molecules are then maintained in contact with the reactant liquid for a period of time sufficient to break the carbon-hydrogen bonds in at least some of the acetylene molecules, and place the liberated carbon ions in an excited state. This preferred method further includes enabling the liberated carbon ions in the excited state to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and enter a collection area. Collection surfaces are provided in the collection area to collect carbon nanostructures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanotube heat sink. The apparatus includes a board, and a plurality of first and second carbon nanotubes formed on the board. The first carbon nanotubes and the second nanotubes are grown along a substantially same direction from the board. A height difference exists between a common free end of the first carbon nanotubes and a common free end of the second carbon nanotubes. A method for manufacturing multiple carbon nanotube heat sinks is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocapsule-type structure having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 nm, said nanocapsule-type structure comprising an aqueous solution of a metal compound encapsulated in the inside thereof. Preferably, the nanocapsule-type structure is such that the nanocapsule structure is formed by self-organization of a surfactant in an organic solvent. This nanocapsule structure is in a nanometer size, and high in dispersibility even in a high-concentration region in an organic solvent, and does not undergo aggregation, and it is useful as a catalyst for a CVD method.

Abstract: A system includes a carbon nanotube and a torsion device. The torsion device is coupled to the carbon nanotube. The torsion device is configured to apply torsion to the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The plurality of carbon nanotubes is arranged approximately along a same first direction. The plurality of carbon nanotubes are joined end to end by van der Waals attractive force therebetween. The carbon nanotube film has a uniform width. The carbon nanotube film has substantially the same density of the carbon nanotubes along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The change in density across the width is within 10 percent. The present application also relates to a carbon nanotube film precursor and a method for making the carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: A process for the production of carbon nanostructures by an oxidation-reduction method is described. The growth of carbon nanorods, nanotubes, and nanoclusters on planar and non planar substrates, and free standing is demonstrated. In one embodiment a reactive gas is generated in situ and reacted with a carbide while the byproducts are removed, thereby adjusting the equilibrium to favor the formation of the carbon nanostructured product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a conductive polymer composition comprising the steps of A) providing a latex containing a conductive polymer; B) mixing the latex from A with either an aqueous latex of a polymer, or with (a) water-soluble precursor(s) of a polymer; C) removing water from the so obtained mixture; D) heating the product from step C) to a temperature at which the polymer added in step B flows or where the polymer introduced in step B is formed from out of its precursor(s); and E) processing and/or solidifying the product of step D) into a desired form, wherein the amount of conductive polymer is between 0.1 and 10 wt % relative to the total of the total of components in step A and B. In step A optionally carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an aqueous medium are preferably added to the latex containing conductive polymer. In that case the conductive polymer may behave as a conductive polymeric surfactant for the CNTs dispersed in water.

Abstract: A method of realizing selective separation of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes from bundled carbon nanotubes; and obtaining of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes separated at high purity through the above method. Metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes are dispersed one by one from bundled carbon nanotubes not only by the use of a difference in interaction with amine between metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes due to a difference in electrical properties between metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes but also by the use of the fact that an amine is an important factor in SWNTs separation. The thus dispersed carbon nanotubes are subjected to centrifugation, thereby attaining separation from non-dispersed semiconducting carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Separation of carbon nanotubes or fullerenes according to diameter through non-covalent pi-pi interaction with molecular clips is provided. Molecular clips are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of polyacenes with a variety of dienophiles. The pi-pi complexes of carbon nanotubes with molecular clips are also used for selective placement of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on substrates.

Abstract: Nanoelements such as single walled carbon nanotubes are assembled in three dimensions into a nanoscale template on a substrate by means of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis at ambient temperature. The current-voltage relation indicates that strong substrate-nanotube interconnects carrying mA currents are established inside the template pores. The method is suitable for large-scale, rapid, three-dimensional assembly of 1,000,000 nanotubes per square centimeter area using mild conditions. Circuit interconnects made by the method can be used for nanoscale electronics applications.

Abstract: A method includes a providing a molten glass fiber core and disposing a plurality of nanoparticles that include a transition metal oxide on the molten glass fiber core at or above the softening temperature of the glass fiber core, thereby forming a nanoparticle-laden glass fiber. The plurality of nanoparticles are embedded at the surface of said glass fiber core. A method includes providing a mixture of molten glass and a plurality of nanoparticles. The plurality of nanoparticles include a transition metal. The method further includes forming nanoparticle-laden glass fibers, in which the plurality of nanoparticles are embedded throughout the glass fibers.

Abstract: A multi-wall carbon nanotube field emitter and method of producing the same is disclosed. The multi-wall carbon nanotube field emitter comprises a nanotube having a diameter between approximately 1 nanometer and approximately 100 nanometers with an integrally attached outer layer of graphitic material that is approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 10 micrometers in diameter attached to an etched tip of a wire. The tip of the wire is etched to form a tip and a slot is fabricated in the tip for alignment and attachment of the carbon nanotube. A focus ion beam is used to weld the nanotube to the tungsten tip for electron field emission applications.

Abstract: Separation of carbon nanotubes or fullerenes according to diameter through non-covalent pi-pi interaction with molecular clips is provided. Molecular clips are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of polyacenes with a variety of dienophiles. The pi-pi complexes of carbon nanotrubes with molecular clips are also used for selective placement of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on substrates.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming carbon nanotubes comprising growing carbon nanotubes using a hot filament CVD system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making Ru—Se and Ru—Se—W catalyst. In the method, carrier is processed with strong acid and poured into first ethylene glycol solution. Ultra-sonication and high-speed stirring are conducted on the first ethylene glycol solution, thus forming carbon paste. The carbon paste is mixed with second ethylene glycol solution containing at least one nanometer catalyst precursor and an additive. High-speed stirring is conducted to form mixture. The mixture is heated so that Ru—Se catalyst is reduced. The mixture is filtered to separate the carrier. Then, the carrier is washed with de-ionized water. Conducting drying and hydrogen reduction are conducted to make the Ru—Se catalyst on the carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of obtaining vinyl alcohol homo- or copolymer-based conductive composite fibres with a high proportion of nanotubes, particularly carbon nanotubes, which are capable of ensuring thermal and/or electric conduction. It likewise relates to the conductive composite fibres obtainable by this method as well as the uses thereof.

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: Hybrid conductors capable of achieving enhanced conductivity and current capacity over a wide range of frequencies are disclosed. The hybrid conductors may be used in electrical or thermal applications, or combinations of both. One method of fabricating such hybrid conductors includes complexing conductive metal elements (e.g., silver, gold, copper), transition metal elements, alloys, wires, or combinations thereof, with carbon nanotube materials. In the alternative, the hybrid conductors may be formed by doping the carbon nanotube materials in salt solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for preparing a carbon nanotube having desired apparent density by controlling the adding amount of co-precipitating agent in the process of preparing a catalyst in order to obtain a catalyst having a minimized particle size. More specifically, this invention relates to a catalyst for preparing carbon nanotube having desired apparent density based upon the reverse-correlation between the amount of co-precipitating agent added in the process of preparing catalyst and the apparent density of catalyst. The carbon nanotube prepared by the catalyst having low apparent density shows excellent electrical conductivity and highly uniformed dispersion in the polymer/carbon nanotube composite.

Abstract: Methods of preparing single walled carbon nanotubes are provided. An arrangement comprising one or more layers of fullerene in contact with one side of a metal layer and a solid carbon source in contact with the other side of metal layer is prepared. The fullerene/metal layer/solid carbon source arrangement is then heated to a temperature below where the fullerenes sublime. Alternatively, a non-solid carbon source may be used in place of a solid carbon source or the metal layer may simply be saturated with carbon atoms. A multiplicity of single walled carbon nanotubes are grown on the fullerene side of the metal layer, wherein at least 80% of the single walled carbon nanotubes in said multiplicity have a diameter within ±5% of a single walled carbon nanotube diameter D present in said multiplicity, said diameter D being in the range between 0.6-2.2 nm.

Abstract: The disclosed is a redispersible agglomerate of fine carbon fibers, which is obtained by adding the fine carbon fibers and a dispersing agent which shows solid state at least at ordinary temperature (20±10° C.) into an aqueous dispersion medium, and then removing the dispersion medium from a dispersion system where the carbon fibers are isolated individually and dispersed in the dispersion medium; and in which the carbon fibers are got together and solidified in the agglomerate while each carbon fiber maintains its isolated dispersibility; wherein the carbon content is in the range of 0.01-99.5% by weight, the dispersing agent content is in the range of 0.1-99.5% by weight, and the moisture content is in the range of less than.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon composite is provided. The method includes providing a carbon-containing resin material to which an appropriate concentration of catalyst particles may be added. Thereafter, the catalyzed resin may be subject to a high temperature range, at which point carbon in the resin to begins to couple to the catalyst particles. Continual exposure to high temperature leads to additional attachment of carbon to existing carbon on the particles. Subsequently growth, within the resin material, of an array of carbon nanotubes occurs, as well as the formation of the composite material.

Abstract: Facile ways towards the integration of the regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s onto carbon nanotubes, providing multifunctional materials that combine the extraordinary properties of the carbon nanotubes with those of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s, are presented.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus comprising a substrate, and a plurality of carbon nanotubes (semiconducting nano-elements) disposed and fixed with said substrate. The nanotubes are disposed and fixed on said substrate such that they define a carbon nanotube network substantially at the percolation threshold of the network. As the network is at the percolation threshold, this provides for one or more signal paths extending from an input region to an output region. The apparatus is configured to, upon receiving particular input signalling via the input region, provide particular predefined output signalling at the output via the one or more signal paths, the particular output signalling being predefined according to the one or more one signal paths.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube bulk material is provided. The carbon nanotube bulk material includes carbon nanotubes constituting a matrix and a polymer binder interposed between the carbon nanotubes. The polymer binder includes a polymer backbone and at least one organic moiety grafted to a terminal or a side of the polymer backbone. The organic moiety has a C3-C24 aromatic functional group having at least one hydroxy group.

Abstract: Tin powder is heated in a flowing stream of an inert gas, such as argon, containing a small concentration of carbon-containing gas, at a temperature to produce metal vapor. The tin deposits as liquid on a substrate, and reacts with the carbon-containing gas to form carbon nanotubes in the liquid tin. Upon cooling and solidification, a composite of tin nanowires bearing coatings of carbon nanotubes is formed.