Process utilizing pre-formed cluster catalysts for making single-wall carbon nanotubes
US6913789B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/843
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A gas-phase method for producing high yields of single-wall carbon nanotubes with high purity and homogeneity is disclosed. The method involves using preformed metal catalyst clusters to initiate and grow single-wall carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, multi-metallic catalyst precursors are used to facilitate the metal catalyst cluster formation. The catalyst clusters are grown to the desired size before mixing with a carbon-containing feedstock at a temperature and pressure sufficient to initiate and form single-wall carbon nanotubes. The method also involves using small fullerenes and preformed sections of single-wall carbon nanotubes, either derivatized or underivatized, as seed molecules for expediting the growth and increasing the yield of single-wall carbon nanotubes. The multi-metallic catalyst precursors and the seed molecules may be introduced into the reactor by means of a supercritical fluid. In addition the seed molecules may be introduced into the reactor via an aerosol or smoke.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.