Synthesis of branched carbon nanotubes
US7144563B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/298
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention discloses a relatively simple CVD method for forming branched carbon nanotubes. In general, the method includes adding a dopant to the precursor materials. The dopant can be a material that has a thermodynamically more favorable carbide-forming reaction at the reactor conditions than does the catalyst that is provided to the reactor by a second precursor material. The doped nanoparticles formed in the reactor can adhere to the walls of the developing nanotubes and provide a nucleation site for the development of one or more branches on the nanotube. The nanotubes formed according to the invention can be recognized as such due to the presence of the doped nanoparticles adhered along the walls of the branched nanotubes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.