Method and apparatus for carbon nanotube production
US6451175B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/844
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes are produced by depositing carbon material from an electrical arc established between a cathode and a carbon anode. A vibrational driver is coupled to the cathode to vibrate the cathode in a manner which enhances the proportion of carbon nanotubes deposited on the face of the cathode as compared to other carbon materials. The vibration of the cathode may also stabilize the arc to enhance the formation of longer nanotubes than are otherwise possible. The vibrational driver may also be operated to periodically apply a stress pulse of high amplitude to the cathode to dislodge the entire boule of carbon materials which has been deposited on the cathode, allowing a new boule to be formed. In this manner, continuous production of nanotubes can be carried out without the need to periodically halt the arc process to remove carbon material from the cathode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.