Process and apparatus for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes
Patent 6919064 Issued on July 19, 2005. Estimated Expiration Date: November 28, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
423/447.3, From gaseous reactants428/367, Including free carbon or carbide or therewith (not as steel)204/173, Carbon502/174, Inorganic carbon containing423/461, Recovery or purification502/180, Elemental carbon423/210, MODIFYING OR REMOVING COMPONENT OF NORMALLY GASEOUS MIXTURE502/416, Free carbon containing428/364, Rod, strand, filament or fiber427/216, Metal base423/344, Binary compound (e.g., silicide, etc.)428/408, SELF-SUSTAINING CARBON MASS OR LAYER WITH IMPREGNANT OR OTHER LAYER423/249, RADIOACTIVE (AT. NO. 84+ OR RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPE OF ANOTHER ELEMENT)73/105Roughness
A process and apparatus for catalytic production of single walled carbon nanotubes. Catalytic particles are exposed to different process conditions at successive stages wherein the catalytic particles do not come in contact with reactive (catalytic) gases until preferred process conditions have been attained, thereby controlling the quantity and form of carbon nanotubes produced. The reaction gas is preferably provided at a high space velocity to minimize CO2 build-up. The process also contemplates processes and apparatus which recycle and reuse the gases and catalytic particulate materials, thereby maximizing cost efficiency, reducing wastes, reducing the need for additional raw materials, and producing the carbon nanotubes, especially SWNTs, in greater quantities and for lower costs.
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