Abstract: A method is provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers including reacting a plurality of nanoscale fibers with at least one epoxide monomer to chemically bond the at least one epoxide monomer to surfaces of the nanoscale fibers to form functionalized nanoscale fibers. Functionalized nanoscale fibers and nanoscale fiber films are also provided.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube-based compositions and methods of making an electrode for a Li ion battery are disclosed. It is an objective of the instant invention to disclose a composition for preparing an electrode of battery, optionally a lithium ion battery, with incorporation of a bi-modal diameter distributed carbon nanotubes with more active material by having less total conductive filler loading, less binder loading, and better electrical contact between conductive filler with active battery materials such that battery performance is enhanced.

Abstract: Platinum nanocatalysts on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with citric acid (CA) are disclosed, along with methods for the synthesis thereof.

Abstract: Provided in this invention is a process for producing chemically functionalized nano graphene materials, known as nano graphene platelets (NGPs), graphene nano sheets, or graphene nano ribbons. Subsequently, a polymer can be grafted to a functional group of the resulting functionalized graphene. In one preferred embodiment, the process comprises a step of mixing a starting nano graphene material having edges and two primary graphene surfaces, an azide or bi-radical compound, and an organic solvent in a reactor, and allowing a chemical reaction between the nano graphene material and the azide compound to proceed at a temperature for a length of time sufficient to produce the functionalized nano graphene material.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to extract radionuclides such as various actinides and lanthanides from organic and/or aqueous solutions by utilizing extractant functionalized carbon nanotubes are disclosed. More particularly, phosphorous-containing (such as phosphine oxides, phosphoric acids or phosphates) organic extractants and other predesigned extractants (such as crown ethers, calncrown derivatives, malonamide and diglycolamide derivatives, polyethylene glycol derivatives, cobalt dicarbollide derivatives, and N-donating heterocyclic ligands) can be covalently and/or non-covalently employed on the surfaces and/or ends (tips) of carbon nanotubes for the purpose of removal radionuclides such as various actinides and lanthanides from organic and/or aqueous solutions. Extractant functionalized carbon nanotubes can be used for extracting radioactive nuclides from nuclear waste or spent nuclear fuel, which are produced and/or reprocessed from the nuclear power generation or other nuclear application.

Abstract: Techniques for providing heat to a small area and apparatus capable of providing heat to a small area are provided.

Abstract: New methods for preparing carbon nanotube films having enhanced properties are provided. The method broadly provides reacting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and compounds comprising a polyaromatic moieties in the presence a strong acid. During the reaction process, the polyaromatic moieties noncovalently bond with the carbon nanotubes. Additionally, the functionalizing moieties are further functionalized by the strong acid. This dual functionalization allows the CNTs to be dispersed at concentrations greater than 0.5 g/L in solution without damaging their desirable electronic and physical properties. The resulting solutions are stable on the shelf for months without observable bundling, and can be incorporated into solutions for printing conductive traces by a variety of means, including inkjet, screen, flexographic, gravure printing, or spin and spray coating.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube material is exposed to ultraviolet rays, and a silicon-containing compound capable of modifying the surface of the carbon nanotube material in combination with the ultraviolet rays is supplied to thereby modify the surface of the carbon nanotube material.

Abstract: Provided are aligned carbon nanotubes for a fuel cell having a large surface area, a nanocomposite that includes the aligned carbon nanotubes loaded with highly dispersed nanoparticles of a metallic catalyst, methods of producing the carbon nanotubes and the nanocomposite, and a fuel cell including the nanocomposite. In the nanocomposite, nanoparticles of the metallic catalyst are uniformly distributed on external walls of the nanotubes. A fuel cell including the nanocomposite exhibits better performance.

Abstract: A method for making a touch panel is disclosed. A substrate having a surface including a touch-view area and a trace area is provided. An adhesive layer is applied on the surface of the substrate. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is solidified. The carbon nanotube layer and the adhesive layer on the trace area are removed to expose the trace area. An electrode and a conductive trace are formed on the trace area.

Abstract: A method for making a patterned conductive element includes following steps. A substrate is provided. A patterned adhesive layer is applied on a surface of the substrate. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on a surface of the patterned adhesive layer. The patterned adhesive layer is solidified to obtain a fixed part of the carbon nanotube layer and a non-fixed part of carbon nanotube layer. The non-fixed part of carbon nanotube layer is removed.

Abstract: A method for making a graphene/carbon nanotube composite structure includes providing a metal substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, growing a graphene film on the first surface of the metal substrate by a CVD method, providing at least one carbon nanotube film structure on the graphene film, and combining the at least one carbon nanotube film structure with the graphene film, coating a polymer layer on the at least one carbon nanotube film structure, and combining the polymer layer with the at least one carbon nanotube film structure and the graphene film, and forming a plurality of stripped electrodes by etching the metal substrate from the second surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of carbon nanotubes having hydroxyalkyl ester groups by reacting carbon nanotubes which have carboxylic acid groups with one or more epoxides, and to dispersions and materials which contain the carbon nanotubes functionalized thus.

Abstract: A method comprises: physically attaching one or more of metals, metal compounds or oxides to walls of carbon nanotubes; treating the metals, metal compounds or oxides to bond the metals, metal compounds, or oxides chemically to the carbon nanotubes; removing the metals, metal compounds or oxides from the walls of the carbon nanotubes resulting in defected carbon nanotubes; and unzipping the defected carbon nanotubes into graphene sheets or ribbons.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanomaterials and/or carbon micromaterials, in particular multi-wall carbon nanotubes. This method is characterized according to the invention in that the materials, in particular the side walls of the materials, undergo microwave-assisted functionalization. In addition, a correspondingly modified material is described.

Abstract: Transparent conducting electrodes include a doped single walled carbon nanotube film and methods for forming the doped single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) by solution processing. The method generally includes depositing single walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in a solvent and a surfactant onto a substrate to form a single walled carbon nanotube film thereon; removing all of the surfactant from the carbon nanotube film; and exposing the single walled carbon nanotube film to a single electron oxidant in a solution such that one electron is transferred from the single walled carbon nanotubes to each molecule of the single electron oxidant.

Abstract: A process for the production of nano-scaled graphene platelets which comprises: a) putting a graphite material in contact with molecular or atomic oxygen or a substance capable of releasing molecular or atomic oxygen, obtaining a precursor consisting of graphite material functionalized with oxygen groups (FOG), characterized by a carbon/ oxygen molar ratio higher than 8:1 b) subsequently, reducing (chemically or physically) said FOG precursor obtaining nano-scaled graphene platelets characterized by a carbon/oxygen molar ratio higher than 20:1

Abstract: Functionalized carbon nanotubes and dispersions containing functionalized carbon nanotubes are provided. Exemplary functionalized carbon nanotubes include optionally substituted indene-based moieties. Methods of making functionalized carbon nanotubes and dispersions containing functionalized carbon nanotubes are provided. Methods of making conductive carbon nanotube dispersions, including films, are provided. Such methods include heating carbon nanotubes in a solvent in the absence of externally applied energy, to obtain an adduct that includes the solvent moiety bound to the carbon nanotube. Where the solvent includes an indene-based compound, the carbon nanotube thus prepared includes optionally indene-based moieties bound to the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Epoxy resins are chemically attached to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in a one-step process in which a reaction mixture comprising the epoxy polymer, the CNTs and a bridging agent which is a chemical compound capable of forming living polymers, e.g. styrene or MMA is formed and radical formation is initiated in the reaction mixture; the epoxy polymer or monomer grafts onto the CNTs through the intermediary block of the bridging agent.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for an electron conductive polymer capacitor may incorporate a conductive polymer mixture embedded with carbon nanoparticles between electrodes to rapidly charge and store large amounts of charge compared to conventional electrolytic capacitors. Such a capacitor may be constructed with a laminate sheet including layers of inner and outer electrodes, an electrolyte mixture between the electrodes, a conductive polymer mixture, and a composite mixture of carbon nanoparticles embedded in the conductive polymer between the inner electrodes. The laminate sheet may be wound into a roll and the inner and outer electrodes are coupled electrically. When an electric field is applied, cations within the electrolyte mixture move towards the outer electrodes and anions towards the inner electrodes.

Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-nanotube composite catalyst for an electro-chemical oxygen reduction reaction includes: debundling carbon nanotubes (CNTs); loading a carbon-containing polymeric material onto the surfaces of the nanotubes that have been debundled; carbonizing in situ the carbon-containing polymeric material on the carbon nanotubes to form carbon char layers surrounding the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes; and loading metal catalyst particles on the carbon nanotubes. The carbon char layers contain high amount of nitrogen and may be formed into a porous structure.

Abstract: The fullerenic structures include fullerenes having molecular weights less than that of C60 with the exception of C36 and fullerenes having molecular weights greater than C60. Examples include fullerenes C50, C58, C130, and C176. Fullerenic structure chemically bonded to a carbon surface is also disclosed along with a method for tethering fullerenes to a carbon material. The method includes adding functionalized fullerene to a liquid suspension containing carbon material, drying the suspension to produce a powder, and heat treating the powder.

Abstract: A method for forming a carbon nanotube composite includes the following steps. A substrate having a surface is provided. A carbon nanotube structure is disposed on the surface of the substrate. The carbon nanotube structure includes a number of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes define a number of micro gaps. The substrate and the carbon nanotube structure are disposed in an environment filled with electromagnetic waves such that the surface of the substrate is melted and is permeated into the micro gaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanomaterials and/or carbon micromaterials, in particular multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The method is characterized according to the invention in that at least one molecule that has a reactive group in terminal position is bound to the surface of the material. In addition, the invention also relates to a correspondingly modified material.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to stretchable conductive nanofibers including at least one stretchable nanofiber and a conductive layer on a structure of the stretchable nanofiber. The conductive layer may include carbon nanotubes and metal nanoparticles on the surface of the stretchable nanofiber. The carbon nanotubes and metal nanoparticles may form a percolation network. The stretchable nanofiber includes stretchable polymers.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes were prepared by coating a substrate with a coating solution including a suitable solvent, a soluble polymer, a metal precursor having a first metal selected from iron, nickel, cobalt, and molybdenum, and optionally a second metal selected from aluminum and magnesium, and also a binding agent that forms a complex with the first metal and a complex with the second metal. The coated substrate was exposed to a reducing atmosphere at elevated temperature, and then to a hydrocarbon in the reducing atmosphere. The result was decomposition of the polymer and formation of carbon nanotubes on the substrate. The carbon nanotubes were often in the form of an array on the substrate.

Abstract: An improved method for enriched chirality of single wall carbon nanotubes is described. Genomic DNA, particularly salmon DNA (SaDNA) is shown to sort out single wall carbon nanotubes of specific chirality by a process of solubilization (dissolving in solution) and separation (such as centrifuging), without requiring more complex processes such as anion exchange chromatography. A possible reason for enhanced chirality separation using DNA may be attributed to its lowered GC (guanine-cytosine) content.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube material is exposed to ultraviolet rays, and a silicon-containing compound capable of modifying the surface of the carbon nanotube material in combination with the ultraviolet rays is supplied to thereby modify the surface of the carbon nanotube material.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for fabricating a low electric resistance ohmic contact, or interface, between a Carbon Nanotube (CNT) and a desired node on a substrate. In one embodiment, the CNT is a Multiwalled, or Multiwall, Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT), and the interface provides a low electric resistance ohmic contact between all conduction shells, or at least a majority of conduction shells, of the MWCNT and the desired node on the substrate. In one embodiment, a Focused Electron Beam Chemical Vapor Deposition (FEB-CVD) process is used to deposit an interface material near an exposed end of the MWCNT in such a manner that surface diffusion of precursor molecules used in the FEB-CVD process induces lateral spread of the deposited interface material into the exposed end of the MWCNT, thereby providing a contact to all conduction shells, or at least a majority of the conduction shells, of the MWCNT.

Abstract: Nanostructures comprising carbon and metal catalyst that are formed on a substrate, such as a silicon substrate, are contacted with a composition that, among other useful modifications, protects the nano structures and renders them stable in the presence of oxidizing agents in an aqueous environment. The protected nano structures are rendered stable over an extended period of time and thereby remain useful during such period as components of an electrode, for example, for detecting electrochemical species such as free chlorine, total chlorine, or both in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides single-walled carbon nanotubes and systems and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: A method of increasing the conductivity and/or transparency of a transparent, conductive film using short carbon nanotubes (?600 nm) is provided. Methods of forming flexible, transparent, conductive films and the resulting structures thereby formed are also provided.

Abstract: A positive electrode (10) for a lithium secondary battery, including a positive electrode collector (20), and a positive electrode active substance layer (30) that is supported on the positive electrode collector (20) and includes carbon nanowalls (32) which are formed on the positive electrode collector (20), and a positive electrode active substance (36) which is supported on the carbon nanowalls (32).

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 fabricated electromechanical device is disclosed herein. An exemplary device includes, a substrate, at least one layer of a high-transconductance material separated from the substrate by a dielectric medium, a first electrode in electrical contact with the at least one layer of a high-transconductance material and separated from the substrate by at least one first supporting member, a second electrode in electrical contact with the layer of a high-transconductance material and separated from the substrate by at least one second supporting member, where the first electrode is electrically separate from the second electrode, and a third electrode separated from the at least one layer of high-transconductance material by a dielectric medium and separated from each of the first electrode and the second electrode by a dielectric medium.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a plurality of carbon nanotube-bundle probes on a substrate are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes the following: providing a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; forming an array of electrically conductive pads on the top surface, the array of electrically conductive pads being formed to minor an array of pads on an integrated circuit that is to be tested; applying a catalyst for promoting growth of carbon nanotubes on each of the array of electrically conductive pads; heating the substrate in a carbon-rich environment thereby growing nanotubes extending upwardly from each of the array of electrically conductive pads and above the top surface of the substrate thereby forming a plurality of carbon nanotube-bundle probes extending upwardly above the top surface of the substrate; and capping each of the plurality of carbon nanotube-bundle probes with an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing nano-size graphene-based material and an equipment for producing the same. The present invention provides a method of producing graphitic oxide by forcing graphite sulfuric slurry and KMnO4 sulfuric solution into a lengthy micro-channel and by sustaining the mixture of the said graphite sulfuric slurry and the said KMnO4 sulfuric solution in the said micro-channel at predetermined temperatures, by putting the said aqua solution of hydrogen peroxide to the reaction mixture to terminate oxidation, and by washing and drying the reaction mixture. The present invention provides a method of producing nano-size graphene-based material by exfoliating graphitic oxide by thermal shock in a vertical fluidized furnace.

Abstract: A method for forming a nerve graft includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube structure is provided. A hydrophilic layer is formed on a surface of the carbon nanotube structure. The hydrophilic layer is polarized to form a polar surface on the hydrophilic layer. A number of neurons are formed on the polar surface of the hydrophilic layer to form a nerve network. The neurons connect with each other.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a graphene thin film by reducing graphene oxide and a method for fabricating an optoelectronic device using the same are provided. The method for fabricating a graphene thin film comprises: (a) preparing graphene oxide; (b) preparing graphene through reducing the graphene oxide by a sulfonyl hydrazide-based reducing agent; (c) preparing a graphene dispersed solution by dispersing the graphene into an organic solvent; and (d) fabricating a graphene thin film by applying the graphene dispersed solution. The sulfonyl hydrazide-based reducing agent may be a compound having a sulfonyl hydrazide substituent of Chemical Formula 1 in the present disclosure in which A may be any one in Chemical Formula 2 in the present disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a flexible board using carbon nanotubes. The method includes applying a carbon nanotube-containing ink onto a substrate to form a deposited layer, and coating a polymeric or monomeric solution on the deposited carbon nanotube layer to form a thin film layer. In accordance with the method, the spin-coated carbon nanotube layer is coated with the polymeric or monomeric chemical solution to minimize an area where the base substrate contacts the polymeric film and thereby to advantageously form a flexible board readily separable from the substrate without applying any external stress or laser.

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: Provided herein are water-soluble, functionalized fullerenes, and processes for producing water-soluble, functionalized fullerenes. The process includes sulfonating a fullerene in an acidic solution comprising sulfuric acid to produce a sulfonated fullerene, isolating the sulfonated fullerene from the acidic solution without neutralizing the acidic solution, reacting the sulfonated fullerene with hydrogen peroxide to form a reaction product, and isolating a polyhydroxylated fullerene from the reaction product produced from reacting the sulfonated fullerene with the hydrogen peroxide. The process of producing water-soluble fullerenes further includes functionalizing a polyhydroxylated fullerene with one or more pendant functional groups by reacting the polyhydroxylated fullerene with one or more functional group precursors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying electrical properties of carbon nanotubes by subjecting a composition of carbon nanotubes to one or more radical initiator(s). The invention also relates to an electronic component such as field-effect transistor comprising a carbon nanotube obtained using the method of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of the modified carbon nanotubes in conductive and high-strength nanotube/polymer composites, transparent electrodes, sensors and nanoelectromechanical devices, additives for batteries, radiation sources, semiconductor devices (e.g. transistors) or interconnects.

Abstract: A method for forming a tip for a carbon nanotube wire is introduced. The method includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube wire is provided. A laser beam irradiates the carbon nanotube wire until the carbon nanotube wire is broken off such that the carbon nanotube wire forms a taper-shaped tip. A scan power of the laser beam is in a range from about 1 watt to about 10 watts. A scan speed of the laser beam is equal to or less than 200 millimeters per second.

Abstract: A graphene-iron oxide complex consists of graphene and needle-like iron oxide nanoparticles grown on a surface of the graphene, and a fabricating method thereof includes (A) preparing a reduced graphene dispersed solution, (B) mixing the dispersed solution with a solution containing iron oxide precursors to prepare a mixture, (C) stirring the mixture to prepare a graphene-iron oxide dispersed solution containing the graphene-iron oxide complex that needle-like iron oxide nanoparticles are grown on the surface of the graphene, and (D) separating the graphene-iron oxide complex from the graphene-iron oxide complex dispersed solution.

Abstract: A method for forming a recess defect on a carbon nanotube is introduced. The method includes the following steps. A substrate with a surface is provided. A first carbon nanotube is deposed on the surface of the substrate. A second carbon nanotube is crossed with the first carbon nanotube. The second carbon nanotube crosses the first carbon nanotube and is in contact with the first carbon nanotube. A mask is deposited on substrate, the first carbon nanotube, and the second carbon nanotube. The substrate is etched to remove the second carbon nanotube and form a recess defect on the first carbon nanotube at a crossing position.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions including carbon-containing molecules, and related methods. In some cases, the present invention relates to aromatic molecules comprising functional groups bonded to the aromatic portion of the molecule, including nonplanar portions of the molecules. Methods of the invention may provide the ability to introduce a wide range of functional groups to carbon-containing molecules. In some cases, methods of the invention may be performed using relatively mild reaction conditions, such as relatively low temperature, low pressure, and/or in the absence of strong acids or strong bases. The present invention may provide a facile and modular approach to synthesizing molecules that may be useful in various applications including photovoltaic devices, sensors, and electrodes (e.g., for electrocatalysis).

Abstract: The present teachings provide a fuser member comprising a substrate and a release layer. The release layer is disposed on the substrate and includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes have a hydroxyphenylmaleimide group covalently bonded to an outer surface of the plurality of carbon nanotubes and a fluoroelastomer shell layer covalently bonded to the hydroxyphenylmaleimide. The plurality of carbon nanotubes are in dispersed one or more fluoro-materials. There is also described the carbon nanotubes and a method of making the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating pillared graphene assembles alternate layers of graphene sheets and fullerenes to form a stable protostructure. Energy is added to the protostructure to break the carbon-carbon bonds at the fullerene-to-graphene attachment points of the protostructure and allow the bonds to reorganize and reform into a stable lower energy unitary pillared graphene nanostructure in which open nanotubes are conjoined between graphene sheets. The attachment points may be functionalized using tether molecules to aid in attachment, and add chemical energy to the system. The arrangement and attachment spacing of the fullerenes may be determined using spacer molecules or an electric potential.