Process for the separation of carbon nanotubes from graphite
US5695734A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/888
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for the isolation of carbon nanotubes from a mixture containing carbon nanotubes and graphite is disclosed, which includes the steps of: PA1 (a) reacting the mixture with a metal compound to intercalate the metal compound into the graphite; PA1 (b) reducing the reaction mixture obtained in step (a) to convert the intercalated metal compound to elemental metal; PA1 (c) heating the reduction mixture obtained in step (b) at a temperature of 450-600.degree. C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to selectively oxidize the graphite and the elemental metal; and PA1 (d) contacting the heated mixture obtained in step (c) with a liquid to dissolve the oxidized metal in the liquid and to separate the carbon nanotubes as a solid phase from the oxidized metal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.