Gas Phase Catalytic Growth (i.e., Chemical Vapor Deposition) Patents (Class 977/843)
  • Publication number: 20120134910
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing filamentary structures. The structures include single-walled nanotubes. The method includes combusting hydrocarbon fuel and oxygen to establish a non-sooting flame and providing an unsupported catalyst to synthesize the filamentary structure in a post-flame region of the flame. Residence time is selected to favor filamentary structure growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Murray J. Height, Jack B. Howard, John B. Vandersande
  • Publication number: 20120135598
    Abstract: A method for fabricating interconnections with carbon nanotubes of the present invention comprises the following steps: forming a dual-layer that contains a catalytic layer and an upper covering layer on the periphery of a hole connecting with a substrate; and growing carbon nanotubes on the catalytic layer with the upper covering layer covering the carbon nanotubes. The present invention grows the carbon nanotubes between the catalytic layer and the upper covering layer. The upper covering layer protects the catalytic layer from being oxidized and thus enhances the growth of the carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are respectively connected with the lower substrate and an upper conductive wire via the catalytic layer and the upper covering layer, which results in a lower contact resistance. Moreover, the upper covering layer also functions as a metal-diffusion barrier layer to prevent metal from spreading to other materials via diffusion or other approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Hsin-wei WU, Chung-Min Tsai, Tri-Rung Yew
  • Patent number: 8187566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube, and more specifically, to a continuous method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube by feeding functional compounds having one or more functional group into a functionalizing reactor into which a carbon nanotube mixture including oxidizer is fed under a pressure of 50 to 400 atm and a temperature of 100 to 600° C. to a subcritical water or supercritical water condition of a pressure of 50 to 40 atm by using a continuously functionalizing apparatus to obtain the functionalized products, such that the functional group of the functional compound can be easily introduced to the carbon nanotube, thereby increasing the functionalized effect of the carbon nanotube and increasing the dispersibility accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Seo Lee, Joo Hee Han, Seung-Hoe Do, Seong Cheol Hong
  • Publication number: 20120128880
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using a vapor phase catalyst of directly growing aligned carbon nanotubes on a metal surfaces. The method allows for fabrication of carbon nanotube containing structures that exhibit a robust carbon nanotube metal junction without a pre-growth application of solid catalytic materials to the metal surface or the use of solder or adhesives in a multi-step fabrication process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Saikat Talapatra, Swastik Kar, Sunil Pal, Robert Vajtai, Pulickel Ajayan
  • Publication number: 20120128878
    Abstract: A hybrid carbon nanotube and clay nanofiller is produced by a freeze-drying process performed on clay platelets, and carbon nanotubes grown on the clay platelets using a chemical vapor deposition process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: NANO-PROPRIETARY, INC.
    Inventors: Yunjun Li, James Novak
  • Publication number: 20120126199
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming the apparatus include nanoparticles, catalyst nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes generated from catalyst nanoparticles, and methods of fabrication of such nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Stephen O'Brien, Limin Huang, Brian Edward White, Samuel J. Wind
  • Publication number: 20120128573
    Abstract: There is provided a method for fabricating a three dimensional graphene structure using a catalyst template, in which the three dimensional graphene structure in various forms can be obtained through a simple process by using a metal catalyst in various forms as a template and growing graphene thereon. There is also provided a method for controlling length of a three dimensional graphene structure to be from a few nanometers to a few millimeters by controlling length of the metal catalyst template.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Jibeom Yoo, Shashikant P. Patole, Hyunmyoung Lee
  • Publication number: 20120112346
    Abstract: Provided are a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes: forming a passivation film by forming an insulating film on a substrate; forming a photoresist pattern by forming a photoresist film on the passivation film, exposing the photoresist film to light, and developing the photoresist film; performing a first dry-etching by dry-etching the passivation film using the photoresist pattern as an etch mask; performing a baking to reduce a size of the photoresist pattern; performing a second dry-etching to form a contact hole by dry-etching the passivation film again using the photoresist pattern as a mask; removing the photoresist pattern; and forming a pixel electrode of a carbon composition that includes carbon nanotubes and/or graphene on a top surface of the passivation film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Hong Long NING, Chang-Oh Jeong, Ji-Young Park, Sang-Gab Kim, Sung-Haeng Cho, Yeon-Hong Kim, Jin-Su Byun
  • Publication number: 20120114941
    Abstract: A synthesis method containing core-shell heterostructure nanowires (or lateral heterostructure nanowires) surrounding alloy in shell and longitudinal metal oxide heterostructure nanowires, and a reversible synthesis method thereof are provided. According to the present invention, core-shell heterostructure nanowires and longitudinal metal oxide nanowires comprised of various substances using the simple process can be produced in volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Nam Jo Jeong, Jeong Gu Yeo, Dong Kook Kim
  • Publication number: 20120111730
    Abstract: A composite electrode and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. By using a composite electrode that includes a porous support made of ceramic or metal and a conductive polymer or a metal oxide formed on a surface of the porous support, a capacitor or secondary cell that provides increased charge/discharge capacity and increased energy/output density, as well as high-temperature stability and high reliability, can be manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-Sung Choi, Young-Kwan Lee
  • Publication number: 20120114550
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: King Abdulaziz City Science and Technology
    Inventors: Mohammed Abdullah Bahattab, Ibrahim M. Al-Najjar, Abdulaziz A. Bagabas
  • Patent number: 8173212
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon nano tube by a CVD method includes: supplying a carbon atom to a catalyzer for forming the carbon nano tube; and controlling an amount of carbon supply with time. In this method, super saturation of the carbon atom in the catalyzer is controlled appropriately. Thus, a caulking layer is prevented from being formed on the catalyzer, and therefore, the carbon nano tube having a sufficient length is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Oshima, Shinichi Mukainakano
  • Patent number: 8173096
    Abstract: A carbon nanosphere has at least one opening. The carbon nanosphere is obtained by preparing a carbon nanosphere and treating it with an acid to form the opening. The carbon nanosphere with at least one opening has higher utilization of a surface area and electrical conductivity and lower mass transfer resistance than a conventional carbon nanotube, thus allowing for higher current density and cell voltage with a smaller amount of metal catalyst per unit area of a fuel cell electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyuk Chang, Chan-ho Pak, Jian Nong Wang
  • Publication number: 20120107610
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: MATERIALS AND ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander P. MORAVSKY, Raouf O. LOUTFY
  • Publication number: 20120107221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes on the surface of a material. The invention more particularly relates to a method for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (or CNT) at the surface of a material using a carbon source comprising acetylene and xylene, and a catalyst containing ferrocene. The method of the invention has the advantage, amongst others, of enabling the continuous synthesis of nanotubes when desired. Also, the method of the invention is carried out at temperatures lower than those of known methods and on materials on which the growth of carbon nanotubes is difficulty reproducible and/or difficulty homogenous in terms of CNT diameter and density (number of CNT per surface unit). Said advantages, amongst others, make the method of the invention particularly useful at the industrial level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE - CNRS -
    Inventor: Jinbo Bai
  • Publication number: 20120107220
    Abstract: Provided is a production apparatus (100) for continuously producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates on a substrate supporting a catalyst while continuously transferring the substrate. The production apparatus (100) includes gas mixing prevention means (12, 13) for preventing gas present outside a growth furnace (3a) from flowing into the growth furnace (3a). The gas mixing prevention means (12, 13) includes a seal gas ejection section (12b, 13b) so that the seal gas does not flow into the growth furnace through the openings of the growth furnace. The production apparatus prevents the outside air from flowing into the production apparatus, uniformly controls, within a range suitable to production of CNTs, a concentration distribution(s) and a flow rate distribution(s) of a raw material gas and/or a catalyst activation material on the substrate, and does not disturb gas flow as much as possible in the growth furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Shibuya, Kenji Hata, Motoo Yumura
  • Patent number: 8163263
    Abstract: Methods and processes for synthesizing single-wall carbon nanotubes are provided. A carbon precursor gas is contacted with metal catalysts deposited on a support material. The metal catalysts are preferably nanoparticles having diameters less than about 3 nm. The reaction temperature is selected such that it is near the eutectic point of the mixture of metal catalyst particles and carbon. Further, the rate at which hydrocarbons are fed into the reactor is equivalent to the rate at which the hydrocarbons react for given synthesis temperature. The methods produce carbon single-walled nanotubes having longer lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., The Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Avetik R. Harutyunyan, Toshio Tokune, Elena Mora
  • Publication number: 20120094479
    Abstract: A method for making electrical interconnections of carbon nanotubes, including a) depositing an ionic liquid including nanoparticles of at least one suspended electrically conducting material, covering at least one surface of an element configured to be used as a support for carbon nanotubes, b) forming a deposit of the nanoparticles at least against the surface of the element, c) removing the remaining ionic liquid, d) growing carbon nanotubes from the deposited nanoparticles, and further including between the c) removing the remaining ionic liquid and the d) growing carbon nanotubes, passivating the deposited nanoparticles not found against the surface of the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Paul-Henri Haumesser, Jean-Marie Basset, Paul Campbell, Simon Deleonibus, Thibaut Gutel, Gilles Marchand, Catherine Santini
  • Patent number: 8148212
    Abstract: A plurality of nanowires is grown on a first substrate in a first direction perpendicular to the first substrate. An insulation layer covering the nanowires is formed on the first substrate to define a nanowire block including the nanowires and the insulation layer. The nanowire block is moved so that each of the nanowires is arranged in a second direction parallel to the first substrate. The insulation layer is partially removed to partially expose the nanowires. A gate line covering the exposed nanowires is formed. Impurities are implanted into portions of the nanowires adjacent to the gate line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon-Sook Lee
  • Patent number: 8148708
    Abstract: A resistive memory device includes a first conductive line on a substrate, a vertical selection diode comprising a nanowire or a nanotube and being arranged over the first conductive line, a resistive element including a resistive layer arranged over the vertical selection diode; and a second conductive line arranged over the resistive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Yun-Taek Hwang, Yu-Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20120077031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for the synthesis of thin multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNT). More particularly, this invention relates to a multi-component metal catalyst composition comprising i) main catalyst of Co and Al, ii) inactive support of Mg and iii) optional co-catalyst at least one selected from Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, W, Pb, Ti, Sn, or Cu. Further, the present invention affords thin multi-walled carbon nanotube having 5˜20 nm of diameter and 100˜10,000 of aspect ratio in a high yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-Hyo RYU, Wan Sung LEE, Youngchan JANG
  • Publication number: 20120077020
    Abstract: (Problem) In conventional method for producing artificial graphite, in order to obtain a product having excellent crystallinity, it was necessary to mold a filler and a binder and then repeat impregnation, carbonization and graphitization, and since carbonization and graphitization proceeded by a solid phase reaction, a period of time of as long as 2 to 3 months was required for the production and cost was high and further, a large size structure in the shape of column and cylinder could not be produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials such as carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber and carbon nanohorn could not be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Kazuo Muramatsu, Masahiro Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20120077715
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube array is provided. The carbon nanotube array includes at least two isotope-doped carbon nanotube sub-arrays. Each isotope-doped carbon nanotube sub-array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in different isotope-doped carbon nanotube sub-array are composed of different kinds of carbon isotopes. The present disclosure also provides a method for making the carbon nanotube arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: LIANG LIU, KAI-LI JIANG, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Publication number: 20120076718
    Abstract: A method for forming a carbon nanotube array is related. A substrate with a catalyst layer on a surface of the substrate is provided and placed into a reaction device. At least two kinds of carbon source gases including different kinds of single carbon isotope are introduced into the reaction device at the same time. The reaction device is heated to different reaction temperatures to react the carbon source gases under different temperatures to grow a carbon nanotube array on a surface of the catalyst layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: LIANG LIU, KAI-LI JIANG, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Patent number: 8137653
    Abstract: A method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising, in a reaction chamber: evaporating at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst by an electrical arc discharge; condensing the evaporated catalyst vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst; and decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also a system for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising: a reactor comprising two electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst, the reactor adapted for evaporating the at least partially melted electrode by an electrical arc discharge and for condensing its vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a reaction chamber for decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: MCD Technologies S.A R.L.
    Inventors: Mikhail Rudolfovich Predtechensky, Oleg Mikhailovich Tukhto, Ilya Yurievich Koval
  • Publication number: 20120064246
    Abstract: Ultralong carbon nanotubes can be formed by placing a secondary chamber within a reactor chamber to restrict a flow to provide a laminar flow. Inner shells can be successively extracted from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) such as by applying a lateral force to an elongated tubular sidewall at a location between its two ends. The extracted shells can have varying electrical and mechanical properties that can be used to create useful materials, electrical devices, and mechanical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: Pohang University of Science and Technology, The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Philip Kim, Byung Hee Hong, Ju Young Lee, Kwang S. Kim
  • Publication number: 20120064258
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes includes providing a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, forming a catalyst film on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the catalyst film comprises a carbonaceous material, flowing a mixture of a carrier gas and a carbon source gas across the catalyst film, and irradiating a focused laser beam on the substrate to grow a carbon nanotube array from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: CHUN-XIANG LUO, KAI-LI JIANG, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Publication number: 20120058352
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for growing carbon nanotubes on metal substrates. The methods include depositing a catalytic material on a metal substrate to form a catalyst-laden metal substrate; optionally depositing a non-catalytic material on the metal substrate prior to, after, or concurrently with the catalytic material; conveying the catalyst-laden metal substrate through a carbon nanotube growth reactor having carbon nanotube growth conditions therein; and growing carbon nanotubes on the catalyst-laden metal substrate. The catalyst-laden metal substrate can optionally remain stationary while the carbon nanotubes are being grown. The catalytic material can be a catalyst or a catalyst precursor. The catalytic material and the optional non-catalytic material can be deposited on the metal substrate from one or more solutions by, for example, spray coating or dip coating techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: APPLIED NANOSTRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Tushar K. SHAH, Brandon K. Malet, Jigar M. Patel
  • Patent number: 8128900
    Abstract: An atmosphere of a carbon source comprising an oxygenic compound is brought into contact with a catalyst with heating to yield single-walled carbon nanotubes. The carbon source comprising an oxygenic compound preferably is an alcohol and/or ether. The catalyst preferably is a metal. The heating temperature is preferably 500 to 1,500° C. The single-walled carbon nanotubes thus yield contain no foreign substances and have satisfactory quality with few defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Toudai TLO, Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeo Maruyama, Masahito Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20120048195
    Abstract: A method for mass production of graphene and carbon tubes is presented. A carbon-containing gas (CCG) inside a set of thin gaps formed by an array of flat plates, or small multiple bores in a cylindrical shell, is maintained under free molecular conditions at all times. A train of intermittent light pulses of a tunable high power laser beam compatible with the CCG's major absorption bands is sent through the CCG inside the gaps, or bores, to cause dissociation of the carbon atoms from the CCG molecules in said molecules' one mean free path of flight and deposition of said atoms onto the adjacent solid surfaces (plate or bore walls) during each pulse, and after a pre-determined number of pulses to form a one-atom-thick layer of hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms. Said carbon atom layers on the flat plate surfaces are graphene, those on the shell bore walls carbon tubes. Large quantity and size, and predicted high quality of products are special features of this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Jaw Tian Lin
  • Publication number: 20120045572
    Abstract: A substrate 10 that selectively allows hydrogen to permeate therethrough is formed with a catalyst thin layer 20 on a first side 11 thereof and is heated in a furnace tube 110, which functions as a reactor, of a heating furnace 100 while a raw material gas to the catalyst thin layer 20 is fed. Hydrogen produced on the first side 11 of the substrate 10 as a result of the formation of carbon nanotubes 5 is separated from the raw material gas and is allowed to permeate to a second side 12 thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Imanishi, Naoki Ito, Shigeaki Murata, Keisuke Nagasaka, Hiroyuki Kawai, Satoshi Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20120040145
    Abstract: A structure, method of manufacturing a structure, and methods of using a structure including a graphene sheet is disclosed. According to one aspect, the grapheme sheet is provided, on one of the faces of the structure, with a plurality of metal pins. The metal pins being separated from one another by a dielectric medium chosen from air and dielectric materials. The method including the steps of synthesizing, by vapor phase catalytic growth, the graphene sheet on a plurality of metal pins that are disposed on a membrane made from dielectric material or integrated in the membrane. The growth being catalysed by the metal pins. According to some aspects, the membrane is removed from the structure. The structure may be used, for example, in the fields of micro- and nanoelectronics, micro- and nanoelectronic engineering, spintronics, photovoltaics, light emitting diode display, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Aziz Zenasni, Johann Coraux, Valentina Ivanova-Hristova, Stefan Landis, Carole Pernel
  • Patent number: 8110167
    Abstract: Methods of the present invention can be used to synthesize nanowires with controllable compositions and/or with multiple elements. The methods can include coating solid powder granules, which comprise a first element, with a catalyst. The catalyst and the first element should form when heated a liquid, mixed phase having a eutectic or peritectic point. The granules, which have been coated with the catalyst, can then be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the eutectic or peritectic point. During heating, a vapor source comprising the second element is introduced. The vapor source chemically interacts with the liquid, mixed phase to consume the first element and to induce condensation of a product that comprises the first and second elements in the form of a nanowire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Jiguang Zhang, Jun Liu, Zhenguo Yang, Guanguang Xia, Leonard S Fifield, Donghai Wang, Daiwon Choi, Gordon Graff, Larry R Pederson
  • Patent number: 8101150
    Abstract: The diameter of carbon nanotubes grown by chemical vapor deposition is controlled independent of the catalyst size by controlling the residence time of reactive gases in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Grill, Deborah Neumayer, Dinkar Singh
  • Patent number: 8092775
    Abstract: Provided is a continuous method and apparatus for purifying carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotube is fed together with solvent into a preheater via a heat exchanger to produce a carbon nanotube mixture. The carbon nanotube mixture is preheated at 100 to 370° C. Then, the carbon nanotube mixture is purified in a purifying reactor under a subcritical water condition of 50 to 400 atm. The resulting purified product is cooled down to 0 to 100° C. and depressurized into 1 to 10 atm by feeding the purified product into a cooling down and depressurizing part via the heat exchanger. Finally, the cooled and depressurized product is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Joo Hee Han, Jin Seo Lee, Seung-Hoe Do, Seong Cheol Hong
  • Patent number: 8093174
    Abstract: A carbon nanohorn (CNH) is oxidized to make an opening in the side of the CNH. A substance to be included, e.g., a metal, is introduced through the opening. The inclusion substance is moved to a tip part of the carbon nanohorn through heat treatment in vacuum or an inert gas. The CNH is further heat treated in an atmosphere containing oxygen in a low concentration to remove the carbon layer in the tip through catalysis of the inclusion substance. This exposes the inclusion substance. If the inclusion substance is a metal which is not moved to a tip part by the heat treatment in vacuum or an inert gas, the carbon part surrounding the fine catalyst particle is specifically burned by a heat treatment in an low oxygen concentration atmosphere, while utilizing the catalysis. Thus, the fine catalyst particle is fixed to the tip part of the CNH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Yuge, Masako Yudasaka, Sumio Iijima
  • Publication number: 20120003895
    Abstract: Provided are a field emission electrode, a method of manufacturing the field emission electrode, and a field emission device including the field emission electrode. The field emission electrode may include a substrate, carbon nanotubes formed on the substrate, and a conductive layer formed on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. Conductive nanoparticles may be attached to the external walls of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Yo-sep Min, Eun-ju Bae, Wan-jun Park
  • Patent number: 8088707
    Abstract: A supported catalyst with a solid sphere structure of the present invention includes an oxide supporting body and a metal such as Ni, Co, Fe, or a combination thereof distributed on the surface and inside of the supporting body. The supported catalyst with a solid sphere structure can maintain a spherical shape during heat treatment and can be used with a floating bed reactor due to the solid sphere structure thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cheil Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Byeong Yeol Kim, Yun Tack Lee, Seung Yong Bae, Young Sil Lee
  • Publication number: 20110318256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously synthesizing oriented carbon nanotubes, with which oriented carbon nanotubes can be stably synthesized in large quantities, is presented. The method and apparatus for continuously synthesizing oriented carbon nanotubes comprise: a coating and drying step in which a catalyst liquid is applied and dried to form a catalyst layer on a substrate surface; a catalyst substrate formation step in which the catalyst layer is heated to form a catalyst substrate having a catalyst particle layer on the substrate surface; a synthesis step in which a raw material gas heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a synthesis temperature for the oriented carbon nanotubes is brought into contact with the surface of the catalyst substrate to synthesize oriented carbon nanotubes; and a collection step in which the oriented carbon nanotubes are collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicants: TAIYO NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION, OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nakayama, Toru Sakai, Takeru Yajima, Yoichi Urakawa, Kenichi Kon, Takeshi Nagasaka
  • Publication number: 20110315951
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method for forming a catalyst nanoparticle on a metal surface, the nanoparticle being suitable for growing a single nanostructure, in particular a carbon nanotube, the method comprising at least the steps of: providing a substrate, having a metal layer on at least a portion of the substrate surface, depositing a sacrificial layer at least on the metal layer, producing a small hole in the sacrificial layer, thereby exposing the metal layer, providing a single catalyst nanoparticle into the hole, removing the sacrificial layer. The disclosure is further related to growing a carbon nanotube from the catalyst nanoparticle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicants: Katholieke Universiteit Leven, K.U.LEUVEN R&D, IMEC
    Inventors: Hari Pathangi Sriraman, Ann Witvrouw, Philippe M. Vereecken
  • Patent number: 8083905
    Abstract: The internal and external walls of the carbon nanotubes are doped with nano-sized metallic catalyst particles uniformly to a degree of 0.3-5 mg /cm2. The carbon nanotubes are grown over a carbon substrate using chemical vapor deposition or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Since the carbon nanotubes have a large specific surface area, and metallic catalyst particles are uniformly distributed over the internal and external walls thereof, the reaction efficiency in an electrode becomes maximal when the carbon nanotubes are used for the electrode of a fuel cell. The carbon nanotubes fabricated using the method can be applied to form a large electrode. The carbon nanotubes grown over the carbon substrate can be readily applied to an electrode of a fuel cell, providing economical advantages and simplifying the overall electrode manufacturing process. A fuel cell using as the carbon nanotubes for its electrode provides improved performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-bong Choi, Jae-uk Chu, Chan-ho Pak, Hyuk Chang
  • Patent number: 8084011
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube manufacturing method wherein a catalyst is heated in a reaction chamber while the reaction chamber is filled with argon gas containing hydrogen. When a predetermined temperature is reached in the reaction chamber, the reaction chamber is evacuated. Then a raw material gas as a carbon source is charged and sealed in the reaction chamber whereupon the synthesis of carbon nanotube begins. Subsequently, when a condition in which the synthesis of carbon nanotubes has proceeded to a predetermined level is detected, gases in the reaction chamber are exhausted. Then, the raw material gas is changed and sealed in the reaction tube again. Thereafter, the charging (synthesizing) operation and the exhausting operation are repeated until the carbon nanotube with a desired film thickness are synthesized. A carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suzuki, Shinichi Mukainakano, Kenji Okeyui, Toshiyuki Morishita, Hisayoshi Ooshima
  • Publication number: 20110308462
    Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention for producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates is an apparatus for producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates, the apparatus being configured to grow the aligned carbon nanotube aggregate by: causing a catalyst formed on a surface of a substrate to be surrounded by a reducing gas environment constituted by a reducing gas; heating at least either the catalyst or the reducing gas; causing the catalyst to be surrounded by a raw material gas environment constituted by a raw material gas; and heating at least either the catalyst or the raw material gas, at least either an apparatus component exposed to the reducing gas or an apparatus component exposed to the raw material gas being made from a heat-resistant alloy, and having a surface plated with molten aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Shibuya, Keiichi Kawata, Kenji Hata, Motoo Yumura
  • Publication number: 20110311763
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for producing a carbon nanotube (CNT) whereby, in the local synthesis of CNTs, a high resolution, a low cost, easiness in production and mass production capability can be established at the same time; and a two-dimensionally patterned CNT obtained thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Shigeo Maruyama, Rong Xiang
  • Publication number: 20110311427
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes carbon nanotube arrays having carbon nanotubes grown directly on a substrate and methods for making such carbon nanotube arrays. In various embodiments, the carbon nanotubes may be covalently bonded to the substrate by nanotube carbon-substrate covalent bonds. The present carbon nanotube arrays may be grown on substrates that are not typically conducive to carbon nanotube growth by conventional carbon nanotube growth methods. For example, the carbon nanotube arrays of the present disclosure may be grown on carbon substrates including carbon foil, carbon fibers and diamond. Methods for growing carbon nanotubes include a) providing a substrate, b) depositing a catalyst layer on the substrate, c) depositing an insulating layer on the catalyst layer, and d) growing carbon nanotubes on the substrate. Various uses for the carbon nanotube arrays are contemplated herein including, for example, electronic device and polymer composite applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Robert H. Hauge, Cary L. Pint, Noe Alvarez, W. Carter Kittrell
  • Patent number: 8080289
    Abstract: A method for making an aligned carbon nanotube includes the steps of a) applying a layer of a ferrosilicon alloy film onto a substrate, b) etching the layer of the ferrosilicon film to form a plurality of fine ferrosilicon alloy particles that are distributed properly on the substrate, and c) placing the substrate of step (b) into a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system, and supplying a mixture of a carbon-containing reaction gas and a balance gas at a predetermined flow ratio so as to grow carbon nanotubes on the fine ferrosilicon alloy particles, wherein said ferrosilicon alloy of step (a) comprises silicon ranging from 15 wt % to 25 wt %; and step (c) is conducted at a temperature ranging from 300 to 380° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Jyh-Ming Ting, Kun-Hou Liao
  • Patent number: 8075863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis and processing of materials, including nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Methods and devices are presented for controlling the growth and/or assembly of nanostructures, in some cases using small channel-type environments (e.g., microfluidic channels). In these micro-scale environments, forces can be applied to nanostructures during their growth process, for instance, to control the rate and/or direction of growth of the nanostructures. These forces can also be used to direct the assembly of nanostructures into ordered configurations such as strands or other assemblies having micro- and macroscopic length scales. In some embodiments, multiple forces are applied simultaneously to direct the growth and/or assembly of nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Anastasios J. Hart, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Publication number: 20110293504
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing substantially uniform-sized carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the process includes the step of contacting methane with catalytic particles at a temperature of between 650 to 850° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Siang Piao Chai
  • Patent number: 8067062
    Abstract: A platinum-based nano catalyst supported carbon nano tube electrode and a manufacturing method thereof, more particularly to a manufacturing method of a carbon nano tube electrode and a carbon nano tube electrode supported with the platinum-based catalyst by growing the carbon nano tube on the surface of the carbon paper and using a CVD method on the surface of the carbon nano tube. By growing the carbon nano tube directly, the broad surface area and excellent electric conductivity of the carbon nano tube can be utilized maximally, and especially, the nano catalyst particles with minute sizes on the surface of the carbon nano tube by using the CVD method as a supporting method of the platinum-based catalyst on the surface of the carbon nano tube, the amount of the platinum can be minimized and still shows an efficient catalyst effect and by improving the catalyst activity by increasing the distribution, so academic and industrial application in the future is highly expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Hee-Yeon Kim, Nam-Jo Jeong, Seung-Jae Lee, Kwang-Sup Song
  • Publication number: 20110280794
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for separate heating of substrate, catalyst and feedstock/transport gases for the controllable CVD synthesis of various carbon nanotubes and nanostructures, and particularly for CVD growth of oriented forests of multi-wall CNT forests, which are highly dry-spinnable into sheets and yarns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Solarno, Incorporated
    Inventor: William A. Holmes