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Method and apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes

Patent 6955800 Issued on October 18, 2005. Estimated Expiration Date: Icon_subject May 13, 2022. 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.

Patent References

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Method and device for the production of carbon nanotubes
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Inventors

Assignee

Application

No. 10145193 filed on 05/13/2002

US Classes:

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 LAYER423/249RADIOACTIVE (AT. NO. 84+ OR RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPE OF ANOTHER ELEMENT)

Examiners

Primary: Hendrickson, Stuart L.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Foreign Patent References

  • 0 945 402 EP 09/01/1999
  • 01 93 9821 EP 06/01/2004
  • WO 97/09272 WO 03/01/1997
  • WO 98/39250 WO 09/01/1998
  • WO 98/42620 WO 10/01/1998
  • WO 00/17102 WO 03/01/2000
  • PCT/US00/15362 WO 10/01/2000
  • WO 00/73205 WO 12/01/2000
  • WO 03/048038 WO 06/01/2003
  • PCT/US02/23155 WO 07/01/2003
  • WO 04/001107 WO 12/01/2003
  • PCT/US03/19664 WO 03/01/2004

International Class

D01F009/12

Abstract

A method and apparatus for catalytic production of 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 method also contemplates methods 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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