Abstract: A nanocarbon aggregate including a graphite aggregate including a graphene sheet having a petal shape and a nanohorn. The petal-shaped graphite aggregate achieves a reduction in the particulate size and a higher dispersibility by allowing the edge of the petal shape to locally absorb a metal, a metal complex and a metal oxide. The nanocarbon aggregate is used for a catalyst support.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube based composite is provided. In the method, carriers, solution containing metal ions, and a carboxylic acid solution are mixed to form a mixed solution containing a complex compound. A reducing agent is added into the mixed solution. The metal ions are reduced to metal particles absorbed on the surface of the carriers. The carriers having the metal particles absorbed thereon are purified to obtain the carbon nanotube based composite.

Abstract: Methods and associated structures of forming microelectronic devices are described. Those methods may include method of forming a layered nanotube structure comprising a wetting layer disposed on a nanotube, a Shottky layer disposed on the wetting layer, a barrier layer disposed on the Shottky layer, and a matrix layer disposed on the barrier layer.

Abstract: Plasma-treating small particles, such as carbon nanotubes, are disclosed. The technical aim is to achieve a controllable degree of treatment which is reasonably uniform in the mass of particles treated. The proposed method uses a low-pressure plasma (glow discharge) generated in a rotating treatment drum (4). The drum (4) has an axial electrode (3), internal vanes (44) and a sealable cover or lid (5). It can be evacuated via a port (52) having a particle-retaining filter. Process gas can be fed into it to maintain the plasma, e.g. through a feed opening (32) in the central electrode (3). An outer electrode may be provided as a separate surround (8) or as a conductive outer cylinder wall of the drum (4). Glow discharge is created along the central electrode, and the drum rotation speed adjusted so that the particles fall through the plasma zone. The drum (4) may have a port (51) through which fluid can be introduced to disperse the particles safely.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the isolation, separation and chelation of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) using a cyclizable peptide.

Abstract: A thermally and electrically conductive structure comprises a carbon nanotube (110) having an outer surface (111) and a carbon coating (120) covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the carbon nanotube. The carbon coating may be applied to the carbon nanotube by providing a nitrile-containing polymer, coating the carbon nanotube with the nitrile-containing polymer, and pyrolyzing the nitrile-containing polymer in order to form the carbon coating on the carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube may further be coated with a low contact resistance layer (130) exterior to the carbon coating and a metal layer (140) exterior to the low contact resistance layer.

Abstract: A method of coating particles comprises providing a solution comprising reverse micelles. The reverse micelles define discrete aqueous regions in the solution. Hydrophobic nanoparticles are dispersed in the solution. Amphiphilic monomers are added to the solution to attach the amphiphilic monomers to individual ones of the nanoparticles and to dissolve the individual nanoparticles attached with amphiphilic monomers in the discrete aqueous regions. The monomers attached to the nanoparticles are polymerized to form a polymer layer on the individual nanoparticles within the discrete aqueous regions. The polymerization comprises adding a cross-linker to the solution to cross-link the monomers attached to the individual nanoparticles.

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.

Abstract: A highly oxidized form of graphene oxide and methods for production thereof are described in various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the methods include mixing a graphite source with a solution containing at least one oxidant and at least one protecting agent and then oxidizing the graphite source with the at least one oxidant in the presence of the at least one protecting agent to form the graphene oxide. Graphene oxide synthesized by the presently described methods is of a high structural quality that is more oxidized and maintains a higher proportion of aromatic rings and aromatic domains than does graphene oxide prepared in the absence of at least one protecting agent. Methods for reduction of graphene oxide into chemically converted graphene are also disclosed herein. The chemically converted graphene of the present disclosure is significantly more electrically conductive than is chemically converted graphene prepared from other sources of graphene oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal clad laminate, a method of manufacturing the same and a heat-radiating substrate using the same. The metal clad laminate has increased adhesion because a layer of carbon nanoparticles is formed between bonding surfaces of upper and lower metal foils to a prepreg, and has improved heat conductive properties and mechanical properties because the prepreg has carbon fibers incorporated therein. Also, resin members having carbon nanofibers incorporated therein may be alternately stacked with metal layers, and metal layers may be inserted in the prepreg thus improving heat conductive properties, and the number of stacked layers may vary depending on the end use thereby controlling heat conductive properties and mechanical properties of the metal clad laminate.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes may be selectively opened and their exposed ends functionalized. Opposite ends of carbon nanotubes may be functionalized in different fashions to facilitate self-assembly and other applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for producing carbon materials which are modified at least on their surface with pyridinic, pyrrolic and/or quaternary nitrogen groups starting out from carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention describes novel polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes. These comprise a carbon nanotube, a first polymer that is adsorbed on the outer surface of a carbon nanotube and comprises amino groups, and a second polymer covalently bonded to the first polymer. The bond between the second polymer and the first polymer is formed by the reaction of amino groups from the first polymer with groups from the second polymer that are reactive with respect to amino groups. The invention further relates to a method for the production thereof, wherein carbon nanotubes are provided in an aqueous solution of a first polymer comprising amino groups and then a solution of a second polymer comprising groups that are reactive with respect to amino groups is added. The invention also relates to the use of the carbon nanotubes in dispersions, polymers and surface coatings.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed are graphene oxide membrane materials of high surface area, which membranes suitably have a surface area of above about 200 ?m and exhibit electrical conductivity in excess of about 200 S/m. Also provided are methods of synthesizing such membranes, as well as devices and sensors that incorporate these novel grapheme materials.

Abstract: There are provided methods for functionalizing a planar surface of a microelectronic structure, by exposing the surface to at least one vapor including at least one functionalization species, such as NO2 or CH3ONO, that non-covalently bonds to the surface while providing a functionalization layer of chemically functional groups, to produce a functionalized surface. The functionalized surface is exposed to at least one vapor stabilization species that reacts with the functionalization layer to form a stabilization layer that stabilizes the functionalization layer against desorption from the planar microelectronic surface while providing chemically functional groups. The stabilized surface is exposed to at least one material layer precursor species that deposits a material layer on the stabilized planar microelectronic surface. The stabilized planar microelectronic surface can be annealed at a peak annealing temperature that is less than about 700° C.

Abstract: A method for making a hydrophilic carbon nanotube film is provided. A reactor, an oxidative acid solution disposed in the reactor, and at least one primary carbon nanotube film are provided. The primary carbon nanotube film is set in the reactor disposed apart from the oxidative acid solution. The oxidative acid solution is then volatilized to form oxidative acid gas and the reactor is filled with the oxidative acid gas.

Abstract: A nanocomposite, comprising single-wall and/or multi-wall one-dimensional nanomaterials, and at least one nanooxide of at least one transition metal, said nanooxide filling said nanotubes and covering their walls. A process for preparing such a nanocomposite and an optical limiting device comprising such a nanocomposite in suspension in a medium that is transparent to visible and infrared radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods of attaching or grafting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to silicon surfaces. In some embodiments, such attaching or grafting occurs via functional groups on either or both of the CNTs and silicon surface. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention include: (1) reacting a silicon surface with a functionalizing agent (such as oligo(phenylene ethynylene)) to form a functionalized silicon surface; (2) dispersing a quantity of CNTs in a solvent to form dispersed CNTs; and (3) reacting the functionalized silicon surface with the dispersed CNTs. The present invention is also directed to the novel compositions produced by such methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sequential functionalization methodology for the covalent modification of nanotubes with between one and four repeat units of a polymer. Covalent attachment of oligomer units to the surface of nanotubes results in oligomer units forming an organic sheath around the nanotubes, polymer-functionalized-nanotubes (P-NTs). P-NTs possess chemical functionality identical to that of the functionalizing polymer, and thus provide nanoscale scaffolds which may be readily dispersed within a monomer solution and participate in the polymerization reaction to form a polymer-nanotube/polymer composite. Formation of polymer in the presence of P-NTs leads to a uniform dispersion of nanotubes within the polymer matrix, in contrast to aggregated masses of nanotubes in the case of pristine-NTs.

Abstract: A method of co-functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes for gas sensors, which includes the steps of: fabricating single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects; synthesizing tin oxide onto the single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects; and synthesizing metal nanoparticles onto the tin oxide coated single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon nanotube-rich resin composition containing a granulated carbon nanotube in a large amount, in which the scattering property of the carbon nanotube is greatly reduced, the workability (such as processibility and handlability) is improved, and other physical properties such as wettability/dispersibility (with polymer matrix), conductivity and mechanical properties are significantly improved. The disclosed carbon nanotube-rich resin composition contains a carbon nanotube coated with a thermoplastic resin as a binder, wherein a carbon nanotube in an amount of 100 to 1500 parts by weight is combined with respect to 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of functionalizing the sidewalls of a plurality of carbon nanotubes with oxygen moieties, the method comprising: exposing a carbon nanotube dispersion to an ozone/oxygen mixture to form a plurality of ozonized carbon nanotubes; and contacting the plurality of ozonized carbon nanotubes with a cleaving agent to form a plurality of sidewall-functionalized carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Composites comprising at least one graphite-carbon nanofiber (GCNF) and a polymer phase covalently linked to a surface thereof.

Abstract: Methods for adjusting and/or limiting the conductivity range of a nanotube fabric layer are disclosed. In some aspects, the conductivity of a nanotube fabric layer is adjusted by functionalizing the nanotube elements within the fabric layer via wet chemistry techniques. In some aspects, the conductivity of a nanotube fabric layer is adjusted by functionalizing the nanotube elements within the fabric layer via plasma treatment. In some aspects, the conductivity of a nanotube fabric layer is adjusted by functionalizing the nanotube elements within the fabric layer via CVD treatment. In some aspects, the conductivity of a nanotube fabric layer is adjusted by functionalizing the nanotube elements within the fabric layer via an inert ion gas implant.

Abstract: Chemically modified carbon nanotubes composed of carbon nanotubes (such as multiwall carbon nanotubes) having carboxyl groups on the surface thereof and polymeric aniline (such as 3- to 300-meric aniline) bonding thereto through the amide linkage. The chemically modified carbon nanotubes exhibit good affinity with organic solvents and readily disperse into organic solvents.

Abstract: A process for producing functionalized carbon nanotubes, which can organically modify carbon nanotubes with high efficiency, and in particular, can introduce different organic groups into carbon nanotubes with high efficiency through a series of chemical reactions, is provided. Carbon nanotubes are allowed to react with at least one reagent selected from a silyl-substituted organometallic compound and an organometallic compound to obtain a functionalized carbon nanotube reductant, and this functionalized carbon nanotube reductant is then allowed to react with at least one reagent selected from a silyl halide compound and an organohalogen compound to obtain functionalized carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device, e.g., a field effect transistor (FET), that includes at least one one-dimensional nanostructure that is typically a carbon-based nanomaterial, as the device channel, and a metal carbide contact that is self-aligned with the gate region of the device is described. The present invention also provides a method of fabricating such a CMOS device.

Abstract: A tunable nanostructure such as a nanotube is used to make an electromechanical oscillator. The mechanically oscillating nanotube can be provided with inertial clamps in the form of metal beads. The metal beads serve to clamp the nanotube so that the fundamental resonance frequency is in the microwave range, i.e., greater than at least 1 GHz, and up to 4 GHz and beyond. An electric current can be run through the nanotube to cause the metal beads to move along the nanotube and changing the length of the intervening nanotube segments. The oscillator can operate at ambient temperature and in air without significant loss of resonance quality. The nanotube is can be fabricated in a semiconductor style process and the device can be provided with source, drain, and gate electrodes, which may be connected to appropriate circuitry for driving and measuring the oscillation. Novel driving and measuring circuits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods functionalizing a planar surface of a graphene layer, a graphite surface, or microelectronic structure. The graphene layer, graphite surface, or planar microelectronic structure surface is exposed to at least one vapor including at least one functionalization species that non-covalently bonds to the graphene layer, a graphite surface, or planar microelectronic surface while providing a functionalization layer of chemically functional groups, to produce a functionalized graphene layer, graphite surface, or planar microelectronic surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process of ozonolysis of carbon nanotubes assisted by water vapour. The improved methodology provides an eco-friendly, cheaper, practical and efficient approach to functionalize carbon nanotubes with oxygen-containing moieties for further chemical functionalization and composite dispersion.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses novel responsive polymers that comprise a rod segment and (or) a coil segment. This disclosure also discloses nanomaterial-polymer composite comprising the responsive polymers that are covalently linked with nanomaterials. Also disclosed are polymeric transducer materials and sensor systems that comprise the nanomaterial-polymer composite.

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: A method for removing vinyl monomers from a gas stream comprises steps of: irradiating a photoactive-inorganic medium by a light emitting unit to activate the photoactive-inorganic medium; and pumping a gas stream including vinyl monomers to contact with the activated photoactive-inorganic medium to make the vinyl monomers in the gas stream to polymerize on the photoactive-inorganic medium to jointly form a polymeric nano-composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon nanotubes comprising hydroxy groups, wherein the surface thereof comprises hydroxy alkyl ester groups covalently bound thereon, chosen from the group according to the general formula (1) and/or the general formula (2), wherein (CNT) stands for the surface of the carbon nanotube and R1 and R2 are independently from each other hydrocarbon, an alkyl radical or an aryl radical. The invention further relates to a method for the production thereof by means of reaction of carbon acid groups of the carbon nanotubes with an epoxy, furthermore a polyurethane polymer, wherein said carbon nanotubes are covalently bound, a method for producing a polymer of said kind and use of the carbon nanotubes for producing polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a carbon-based particle/copper composite material in which carbon-based particles such as graphite and copper are mixed, the method including mixing a solution of a polymer organic compound having a main chain of carbon and a copper precursor in a solvent, with a dispersion solution of carbon-based particles in a first dispersion medium to produce a mixture, adding a first reducing agent to the mixture to form composite particles in which copper (I) oxide particles are attached to the surface of the carbon-based particles, and sintering the composite particles under a non-oxidizing atmosphere. According to the preparing method, a composition material is obtained, in which carbon-based particles and copper are well mixed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting even a very small amount of a target substance by mixing a linker and a spacer at a suitable ratio and immobilizing the mixture on the surface of carbon nanotubes in a carbon nanotube-based biosensor. This method detects a specific substance at the level of femtomoles and lowers the detection limit of conventional carbon nanotube transistor sensors. Accordingly, the method detects even a very small amount of a target substance, and thus the carbon nanotube-based biosensor is a highly useful sensor which can be used either as a medical sensor for diagnosing diseases or as an environmental sensor.

Abstract: The invented ink-jet printing method for the construction of thin film transistors using all SWNTs on flexible plastic films is a new process. This method is more practical than all of existing printing methods in the construction TFT and RFID tags because SWNTs have superior properties of both electrical and mechanical over organic conducting oligomers and polymers which are often used for TFT. Furthermore, this method can be applied on thin films such as paper and plastic films while silicon based techniques cannot be used on such flexible films. These are superior to the traditional conducting polymers used in printable devices since they need no dopant and they are more stable. They could be used in conjunction with conducting polymers, or as stand-alone inks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar or shaped textile material comprising or constituted of fibers, at least part of the fibers being coated with a hydrolytically condensed inorganic/organic hybrid material having single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes which are embedded therein, optionally covalently bound thereto. The carbon nanotubes are preferably functionalized, especially with carboxylic acid groups or sulfanilic acid groups. The textile material is suitable for producing protective clothing, barrier materials or the like. The invention further relates to the use of the above-defined hybrid material as a coating material which imparts stain-resistance and/or antimicrobial properties to the coated substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides high efficient dye-sensitized solar cells using tio2-carbon nano tube (MWCNT) nanocomposite. More particularly, the invention provides TiO2-MWCNT nanocomposites prepared by hydrothermal route which result in higher efficiency of the dye sensitized solar cell.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube structure is introduced. The method includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube precursor including a number of carbon nanotubes is provided. The carbon nanotube precursor is placed in a chamber with low oxygen environment. The carbon nanotube precursor is heated in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively placing carbon nanotubes on a substrate surface by using functionalized carbon nanotubes having an organic compound that is covalently bonded to such carbon nanotubes. The organic compound comprises at least two functional groups, the first of which is capable of forming covalent bonds with carbon nanotubes, and the second of which is capable of selectively bonding metal oxides. Such functionalized carbon nanotubes are contacted with a substrate surface that has at least one portion containing a metal oxide. The second functional group of the organic compound selectively bonds to the metal oxide, so as to selectively place the functionalized carbon nanotubes on the at least one portion of the substrate surface that comprises the metal oxide.

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.

Abstract: This invention is related to preparation of photosensitive ruthenium based aminoacid monomers and oligomers, aminoacid monomer-protein cross-linking using photo sensitat ion and conjugation on micro and nano-structures by ruthenium-chelate based monomers. Its vast range biotechnolgy applications of multifunctional, biocompatible, stabilE and specific micro and nanobio-conjugates, which will stand-alone or simultaneously enable (i) both purification and determination, (ii) both targeting and imaging and theranostics and (iii) catalysis and determination. The construction and method of preparation is applicable to silica materials, superparamagnetic particles, QDs, CNTs, Ag/Au nanoparticles and Au surfaces and polymeric materials. The photosensitive aminoacid monomer linkers can react via chemically and biocompatible to a lot of different micro and nano-surface and then to the protein when they act as a single-step cross-linking reaction using irradiation.

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: Dispersible single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are prepared by dissolving surfactants in water to form a solution; adding carbon nanotubes to the solution to form a mixture; sonicating and agitating the mixture to form a carbon-nanotube/water dispersion; centrifuging the dispersion to remove un-dispersed carbon nanotubes and impurities; repeatedly freezing and heating the CNT dispersion; and, sublimating water in the CNT dispersion by freezing and evacuating the dispersion to obtain carbon nanotubes coated with surfactant. The carbon nanotubes prepared by the method of the invention are dry, amphiphilic, and surfactant-coated powders that can be dispersed in both aqueous and organic solvents to form stable and uniform dispersions having a high concentration of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A composite includes a thermoplastic matrix material and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused fiber material dispersed through at least a portion of the thermoplastic matrix material.

Abstract: In various embodiments, exfoliated carbon nanotubes are described in the present disclosure. The carbon nanotubes maintain their exfoliated state, even when not dispersed in a medium such as a polymer or a liquid solution. Methods for making the exfoliated carbon nanotubes include suspending carbon nanotubes in a solution containing a nanocrystalline material, precipitating exfoliated carbon nanotubes from the solution and isolating the exfoliated carbon nanotubes. Nanocrystalline materials may include nanorods, hydroxyapatite and various hydroxyapatite derivatives. In some embodiments, methods for making exfoliated carbon nanotubes include preparing a solution of carbon nanotubes in an acid and filtering the solution through a filter to collect exfoliated carbon nanotubes on the filter. In some embodiments, a concentration of carbon nanotubes in the acid is below the percolation threshold.