US20020018745A1 - Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes - Google Patents
Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020018745A1 US20020018745A1 US09/967,674 US96767401A US2002018745A1 US 20020018745 A1 US20020018745 A1 US 20020018745A1 US 96767401 A US96767401 A US 96767401A US 2002018745 A1 US2002018745 A1 US 2002018745A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- carbon
- based material
- carbon nanotubes
- unit
- predetermined
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B82—NANOTECHNOLOGY
- B82B—NANOSTRUCTURES FORMED BY MANIPULATION OF INDIVIDUAL ATOMS, MOLECULES, OR LIMITED COLLECTIONS OF ATOMS OR MOLECULES AS DISCRETE UNITS; MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT THEREOF
- B82B3/00—Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures by manipulation of individual atoms or molecules, or limited collections of atoms or molecules as discrete units
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B32/00—Carbon; Compounds thereof
- C01B32/15—Nano-sized carbon materials
- C01B32/158—Carbon nanotubes
- C01B32/16—Preparation
- C01B32/162—Preparation characterised by catalysts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B82—NANOTECHNOLOGY
- B82Y—SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MEASUREMENT OR ANALYSIS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF NANOSTRUCTURES
- B82Y30/00—Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B32/00—Carbon; Compounds thereof
- C01B32/05—Preparation or purification of carbon not covered by groups C01B32/15, C01B32/20, C01B32/25, C01B32/30
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B82—NANOTECHNOLOGY
- B82Y—SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MEASUREMENT OR ANALYSIS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF NANOSTRUCTURES
- B82Y40/00—Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S977/00—Nanotechnology
- Y10S977/70—Nanostructure
- Y10S977/734—Fullerenes, i.e. graphene-based structures, such as nanohorns, nanococoons, nanoscrolls or fullerene-like structures, e.g. WS2 or MoS2 chalcogenide nanotubes, planar C3N4, etc.
- Y10S977/742—Carbon nanotubes, CNTs
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S977/00—Nanotechnology
- Y10S977/70—Nanostructure
- Y10S977/734—Fullerenes, i.e. graphene-based structures, such as nanohorns, nanococoons, nanoscrolls or fullerene-like structures, e.g. WS2 or MoS2 chalcogenide nanotubes, planar C3N4, etc.
- Y10S977/742—Carbon nanotubes, CNTs
- Y10S977/743—Carbon nanotubes, CNTs having specified tube end structure, e.g. close-ended shell or open-ended tube
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S977/00—Nanotechnology
- Y10S977/70—Nanostructure
- Y10S977/832—Nanostructure having specified property, e.g. lattice-constant, thermal expansion coefficient
- Y10S977/833—Thermal property of nanomaterial, e.g. thermally conducting/insulating or exhibiting peltier or seebeck effect
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S977/00—Nanotechnology
- Y10S977/84—Manufacture, treatment, or detection of nanostructure
- Y10S977/842—Manufacture, treatment, or detection of nanostructure for carbon nanotubes or fullerenes
- Y10S977/843—Gas phase catalytic growth, i.e. chemical vapor deposition
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S977/00—Nanotechnology
- Y10S977/84—Manufacture, treatment, or detection of nanostructure
- Y10S977/888—Shaping or removal of materials, e.g. etching
Definitions
- This invention relates to manufacturing carbon based materials and, more particularly, to a method and system for net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes.
- Carbon nanotubes consist of two dimensional hexagonal sheets folded together and capped at both ends by a fullerene cap. There length can be millions of times greater than their small diameter. Thus, carbon nanotubes are effectively Buckyball structures extended out as long strands rather than spheres.
- Carbon nanotubes exhibit mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties which are in tuneable by varying the diameter, number of concentric shelves and orientation of the fibers.
- Practical carbon nanotube based materials require eliminating defects and other reaction products, maximizing the nanotube yield, and synthetically controlling the tube length and orientation.
- the Electric Arc Discharge process works by utilizing two carbon (graphite) electrodes in an arc welding type process.
- the welder is turned on and the rod ends are held against each other in an argon atmosphere to produce or grow carbon nanotubes.
- the yield rate of carbon nanotubes of this process is extremely low and the growth of the carbon nanotube orientation are random in nature delivering only undefined configurations of growth material.
- the flllerenes are formed when a carbon rod or carbon containing gas is dissociated by resistive heating under a controlled atmosphere.
- a resisted heating of the rod causes the rod to emit a faint gray white plum soot like material comprising fullerenes.
- the fallerenes collect on glass shields that surround the carbon rod and must be separated from non-desirable components in a subsequent process. Again, the yield rate ofthe carbon nanotubes is extremely low and orientation is random delivering only undefined configurations of growth material.
- the Laser Ablation batch type process works by ablating a graphite target containing a small metal particle concentration with a pulsed laser while providing a temperature controlled space for the carbon atoms and carbon vapor to combine to grow a fullerene structure such as a nanotube.
- the fallerene structure falls out in a type of carbon soot.
- the desired fullerene structure is subsequently extracted from the soot by an acid reflux cleaning system.
- this batch type process approach is uneconomical for use in industrial application because there currently exist no method for controlling the orientation and shaping of the carbon nanotubes. None of the above-mentioned batch methods are used to delivered large-scale production of carbon nanotubes or crystalline type carbon nanotubes with a defined orientation in a net shape type manufacturing arrangement.
- the present invention achieves technical advantages as a method and system for net shaped manufacturing using carbon nanotubes.
- An automatic control unit is used to place reaction units in the proper location to produce a component part of carbon nanotubes in a predetermined shape.
- the reaction units include a carbon vaporization unit, a carbon and catalyst feed/injection unit and a gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit.
- the carbon/catalyst feed/injection unit advantageously operates to inject carbon based materials (e.g., graphite powder, solid graphite or carbon based gas) into an reaction area at a predetermined rate in which the carbon vaporization unit provides energy capable of dissociating carbon atoms from the injected carbon based material to produce a predetermined concentration of carbon vapor within the reaction area.
- the gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit operates to control the pressure and temperature of the reaction area to promote the growth of carbon nanotubes.
- preferentially oriented carbon nanotubes can more economically be fabricated into component parts; And, since preferentially oriented carbon nanotubes exhibit both superior strength and electrical conductivity, stronger structural materials can be fabricated into a component which utilizes both structural advantages and electronic applications.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system architecture embodying the present invention
- FIG. 3. is an exemplary illustration of a synthesis head which can be used to implement the present invention.
- the process begins with an injection step 122 .
- carbon based material is injected into a reaction area for further operations to be performed.
- the reaction area is the area in which carbon nanotubes nucleate or grow.
- the carbon based material is the feed stock for carbon atoms necessary for the nucleation of carbon nanotubes.
- the carbon based material is a pure carbon molecule.
- the feed stock can be a combination of carbon and other types of material.
- the carbon based material can be, for example, apowder, solid or gaseous form (such as graphite powder, solid carbon rod or carbon gas).
- a dissociation step 124 carbon atoms are dissociated or vaporized from the carbon based feed stock which is injected into the reaction area. Dissociation is attained by heating the carbon based feed stock to a temperature sufficient to form a carbon vapor.
- the temperature will depend on the type of carbon based feed stock used, however, temperatures can range from 800° C. to 3000° C. These temperatures can be attained through the use of, for example, electric arc discharge electrodes, resistive heating elements, laser, electron beam or other heating type processes.
- the reaction area is maintained under a controlled pressure and temperature profile.
- the controlled pressure is used to control the location of the dissociated carbon atoms at an optimum distance from the nucleating carbon nanotubes.
- the absolute pressure of the atmosphere selected to form carbon nanotubes can be a minimum of 0.001 Torr and can range up to a maximum of 20,000 Torr. Lower pressures produce carbon vapors having a lower carbon concentration, which allows production of carbon nanotubes with predetermined orientations. Smaller diameter carbon nanotubes can be attained at higher pressures.
- the dissociated carbon vapor will initially reside at very high temperatures, the carbon vapor needs to be cooled at a controlled rate to reach an energy state to allow the vapor to form into a predetermined solid nanotube structure.
- the pressure controlled area can be temperature controlled to allow a gradual cooling from the initial temperature needed to dissociated the carbon atoms.
- a controlling step 128 the above-mentioned reaction components (i.e., injection step 122 , dissociation step 124 and isolating step 126 ) are precisely and accurately placed in a location predetermined by the configuration of a component part to be fabricated.
- a component part is fabricated by stacking multiple cross-sectional layers of carbon nanotubes until the component part is completed in a predetermined physical shape.
- this control type system is based upon material additive layer manufacturing. The process can be computer aided by first decomposing the predetermined shape into very thin cross-sectional layers and subsequently placing the reaction components in the proper locations to fabricate each cross-sectional layer from carbon nanotubes. Subsequent cross-sectional layers are stacked on the previous cross-sectional layer. The growth of previously deposited carbon nanotubes can be continued with each subsequent cross-sectional layer.
- a catalyst or metal compound or material can be combined with the carbon based feed stock.
- the carbon based feed stock and the metal material when used, is combined prior to dissociation step 124 .
- the combination can be made, for example, by mixing graphite with the metal material and then processing the relatively homogenous mixture into a rod in accordance with methods known in the art.
- the rod containing the combination carbon and metal material is then utilized in the dissociation step 124 described herein.
- a carbon based feed stock and a metal based feed stock can be dissociated in separate steps and subsequently placed in the reaction area.
- the type and concentration of metal material can be varied during the fabrication process of the component part to allow further variance of the physical properties of the carbon nanotubes.
- the process works by injecting methane gas into the reaction area and dissociating the methane gas into ionized hydrogen and carbon atoms.
- the ionized carbon atoms cover the surface area of the metallic particle.
- the carbon atoms on the metallic particle come in contact with each other, they form covalent bonds in the most energetically stable formation.
- carbon nanotubes form with defined diameters and physical properties. As a carbon nanotube is formed and it separates from the metallic particle, the carbon on the surface area of the metallic particle is replaced with more ionized carbon.
- the reaction can continue indefinitely until one of the following occurs: 1) the carbon feed stock is withheld from the reaction area; 2) the reaction isolation conditions are changed so that the formation of carbon nanotubes is no longer favorable; or 3) the concentration ofmetallic particles are increased to allow the metallic particles to come in contact with each other and grow to a size or shape that does not allow further growth of the carbon nanotubes.
- In situ diagnostics can be used to evaluate the carbon nanotube growth process.
- the nucleation of the carbon nanotubes can be varied to allow custom tailoring of the physical properties in real time.
- In situ diagnostics is the process of evaluating chemical reactions as they occur to determine their exact conditions in terms of their energy, chemical reactants, growth orientation, etc.
- the system 200 comprises an automatic control unit 210 and reaction units which includes a carbon feed/injection unit 230 , a carbon dissociation unit 220 and a gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit 240 .
- the carbon feed/injection unit 230 is used to inject a carbon based material into a predetermined area for further operations to be performed.
- the arbon based material is the feed stock for carbon atoms necessary for the nucleation ofcarbon nanotubes.
- the injection rate is controlled by and through communication with the automatic control unit 210 .
- the carbon based material is a pure carbon molecule.
- the feed stock can be a combination of carbon and other types of material.
- the carbon based material can be, for example, a powder, solid or gaseous form (e.g., graphite powder, solid carbon rod or carbon gas).
- the carbon feed/injection unit 230 can be equipped with a type of hopper which allows the continuous injection of feed stock without requiring the manufacturing system to slow or pause for the reloading of feed stock.
- the carbon dissociation unit 220 dissociates carbon atoms from the feed stock which is injected into the predetermined area. Dissociation is attained by heating the carbon based feed stock to a temperature sufficient to form a carbon vapor.
- the carbon dissociation unit 220 is capable of providing enough energy to vaporizing the feed stock into carbon molecules.
- the carbon dissociation unit 220 can comprise, for example, electric arc discharge electrodes, resistive heating elements, laser, electron beam or other heating type process. Energy level output, of the carbon dissociation unit 220 , is controlled and varied by and through communication with the automatic control unit 210 .
- the gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit 240 is capable of varying the pressure and temperature of an predetermined area. Varying the pressure is effectuated by evacuating or pumping a gas, preferably an inert gas, into the predetermined area. Inert gases include, for example, helium, argon and xenon. Other gases, which are not reactive with the vaporized carbon can be used.
- the pressure can be varied from about 0.001 Torr to 20,000 Torr. Pressure and temperature, of the gas pressure/temperature control unit 240 , is controlled and varied through communication with the automatic control unit 210 .
- the gas pressure/temperature control unit 240 comprises a heating device (not shown) to heat the pressure controlled area at temperatures which allow a gradual cooling from the initial temperature needed to dissociated the carbon atoms.
- the automatic control unit 210 precisely and accurately places the above-mentioned reaction units 220 , 230 , 240 in a predetermined area to nucleate carbon nanotubes into the configuration of a component part.
- the component part is fabricated by stacking multiple cross-sectional layers of carbon nanotubes until the component part is completed in apredetermined physical shape.
- the automatic control unit 210 can be computer aided to allow the configuration of the component part to be decomposed into very thin cross-sectional layers. Subsequently, the automatic control unit 210 places the reaction units 220 , 230 , 240 in apattern of reaction areas determined by the decomposed cross-sectional layers.
- Carbon nanotubes are nucleated in the multiple reaction areas to form the shape of each cross-sectional layer pattern. Each subsequent cross-section is stacked upon the previous cross-sectional layer. Thus, the component part is fabricated by multiple stacked cross-sectional layers of nucleated carbon nanotubes. Growth of previously deposited carbon nanotubes can be continued with the stacking of each subsequent cross sectional layer and additional layers of newly nucleated carbon nanotubes can also be added.
- the net shape manufacturing system 200 can include a substrate (not shown) to support the nucleating carbon nanotubes. Layers of sacrificial substrates can also be simultaneously built up to support more complex comiponent part configurations.
- the substrate can be embedded with seed particles to assist the growth of the nanotubes.
- the seed particles such as carbon nanotubes or selected metal particles, are arranged in a pattern consistent with the predetermined configuration of the component part to be fabricated.
- the strength of the component part can be improved by defining the orientation of the nucleating nanotubes.
- the bonds that hold the individual carbon nanotubes together in the bundles are week Van der Waals bonds. Essentially, these lateral bonds form slip planes in which bulk material failure could occur.
- the automatic control unit 210 is capable of placing and controlling the reaction units 220 , 230 , 240 to nucleated helical growth of short length carbon nanotubes such that each successive layer of the helix blocks the slip plane of the previous layer.
- the growth direction vector of the crystal can be changed (either allowed to happen randomly or in a controlled manner) such that dislocation between individual carbon nanotubes are not allowed to propagate through out the crystal.
- the growth properties are maintained to ensure uniform mechanical and electrical properties.
- the problems encountered with slip planes can be reduced or eliminated by using the above-described net shape manufacturing system to control the carbon nanotube growth in a component part.
- the automatic control unit 210 can use in situ diagnostics to evaluate the carbon nanotube growth in real time and adjust during processing to control and vary the physical properties of the carbon nanotubes.
- FIG. 3 there is illustrated a synthesis head 300 which can be used in net shape manufacture using carbon nanotubes in accordance with the present inventor
- a control arm 310 is coupled to the reaction units 220 , 230 , 240 .
- the control aim 310 can be, for example, a 5 or 6 axis rotating type arm.
- the movement of the control arm 310 is controlled by the automatic control unit 210 (FIG. 2) through a wireline or wireless type connection.
- the automatic control unit 210 instructs the control arm to place the reaction units 220 , 230 , 240 such that carbon nanotube nucleation is effectuated in the reaction area 320 .
- the reaction area 320 can be continuously maneuvered in the pattern determined by the decomposed cross-sectional layers.
- carbon nanotubes add tremendous capability and functionality to materials and systems.
- carbon nanotubes for use as structural materials show strength to weight ratios of up to 126 to 1 over titanium and 142 to 1 over aluminum. Economic analysis indicates that this weight savings translates into large production cost reductions depending on the production rate.
- carbon nanotubes have many other attributes that increase the capabilities ofmaterials and systems.
- the carbon atomic bonds of carbon nanotubes can be arranged in a multitude of ways giving the nucleated carbon nanotubes conductivities ranging from an insulator to a semiconductor to a metallic conductor. This range of conductivity is due to the helical symmetry or chirality of the nanotubes.
- the present invention can be used to integrate both structural and electronic advantageous characteristics at the same time or within the same component part.
- physical properties can be varied by individual control of the reaction units 220 , 230 , 240 .
- custom tailoring physical properties of individual or groups of carbon nanotubes multi-functionality can be achieved for applications such as electronics, electrical routing, piezoelectric and power storage systems.
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and systems for net shaped manufacturing using carbon nanotubes. Generally, an automatic control unit is used to place reaction units in the proper location to produce a component part of carbon nanotubes in a predetermined configuration. The reaction units include a carbon vaporization unit, a carbon feed/injection unit and a gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit. The carbon feed/injection unit advantageously operates to inject carbon based materials (e.g., graphite powder, solid graphite or carbon based gas) into an reaction area at a predetermined rate in which the carbon vaporization unit provides energy capable of dissociating carbon atoms from the injected carbon based material to produce a predetermined concentration of carbon vapor within the reaction area. The gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit operates to control the pressure and temperature of the reaction area to promote the growth of carbon nanotubes.
Description
- 1. Technical Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to manufacturing carbon based materials and, more particularly, to a method and system for net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes.
- 2. Background of the Invention
- In addition to the more common allotropes of carbon, namely diamond and graphite, there exist a third form which forms a network of structures called fallerenes. The best known, discovered in 1985, is called the Buckyball or to give its technical name Buck minster fullerene. ABuckyball structure is a pure carbon molecule comprising exactly sixty carbon atoms. Generally, each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms in the form of a spherical structure. Recent research has identified another type of fallerene which appears as a hollow tubular structure known as the nanotube. The carbon nanotube appears as an elongated fiber and yet it is hollow and inherits the perfection of atomic arrangements made famous by its predecessor the Buckyball. Carbon nanotubes consist of two dimensional hexagonal sheets folded together and capped at both ends by a fullerene cap. There length can be millions of times greater than their small diameter. Thus, carbon nanotubes are effectively Buckyball structures extended out as long strands rather than spheres.
- Development of carbon molecular growth began with the manufacture of carbon fibers and, while these conventional carbon fibers are readily made very long, the graphite sheets within the carbon fibers are either not closed tubes or do not extend continuously along the length of the fiber. The result is sharply decreased tensile strength, electrical conductivity and chemical resistance compared to a carbon nanotube. Thus, development of fullerenes, such as carbon nanotubes, has continued in an effort to develop materials with improved physical properties.
- Carbon nanotubes exhibit mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties which are in tuneable by varying the diameter, number of concentric shelves and orientation of the fibers. Practical carbon nanotube based materials require eliminating defects and other reaction products, maximizing the nanotube yield, and synthetically controlling the tube length and orientation. Currently there exist three primary methods for producing carbon nanotubes. These methods include, for example, Electric Arc Discharge, Resistive Heating and Laser Ablation.
- The Electric Arc Discharge process works by utilizing two carbon (graphite) electrodes in an arc welding type process. The welder is turned on and the rod ends are held against each other in an argon atmosphere to produce or grow carbon nanotubes. The yield rate of carbon nanotubes of this process is extremely low and the growth of the carbon nanotube orientation are random in nature delivering only undefined configurations of growth material.
- In Resistive Heating type processes, the flllerenes are formed when a carbon rod or carbon containing gas is dissociated by resistive heating under a controlled atmosphere. A resisted heating of the rod causes the rod to emit a faint gray white plum soot like material comprising fullerenes. The fallerenes collect on glass shields that surround the carbon rod and must be separated from non-desirable components in a subsequent process. Again, the yield rate ofthe carbon nanotubes is extremely low and orientation is random delivering only undefined configurations of growth material.
- The Laser Ablation batch type process works by ablating a graphite target containing a small metal particle concentration with a pulsed laser while providing a temperature controlled space for the carbon atoms and carbon vapor to combine to grow a fullerene structure such as a nanotube. The fallerene structure falls out in a type of carbon soot. The desired fullerene structure is subsequently extracted from the soot by an acid reflux cleaning system. Although the Laser Ablation process has experienced an improved yield rate, relative to the above-mentioned processes, this batch type process approach is uneconomical for use in industrial application because there currently exist no method for controlling the orientation and shaping of the carbon nanotubes. None of the above-mentioned batch methods are used to delivered large-scale production of carbon nanotubes or crystalline type carbon nanotubes with a defined orientation in a net shape type manufacturing arrangement.
- The above-mnentioned and other disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention, for example, by providing a method and system for net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes.
- The present invention achieves technical advantages as a method and system for net shaped manufacturing using carbon nanotubes. An automatic control unit is used to place reaction units in the proper location to produce a component part of carbon nanotubes in a predetermined shape. The reaction units include a carbon vaporization unit, a carbon and catalyst feed/injection unit and a gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit. The carbon/catalyst feed/injection unit advantageously operates to inject carbon based materials (e.g., graphite powder, solid graphite or carbon based gas) into an reaction area at a predetermined rate in which the carbon vaporization unit provides energy capable of dissociating carbon atoms from the injected carbon based material to produce a predetermined concentration of carbon vapor within the reaction area. The gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit operates to control the pressure and temperature of the reaction area to promote the growth of carbon nanotubes.
- Among the new advantages of the present invention are: First, preferentially oriented carbon nanotubes can more economically be fabricated into component parts; And, since preferentially oriented carbon nanotubes exhibit both superior strength and electrical conductivity, stronger structural materials can be fabricated into a component which utilizes both structural advantages and electronic applications.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system architecture embodying the present invention; and
- FIG. 3. is an exemplary illustration of a synthesis head which can be used to implement the present invention.
- The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that this class of embodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous uses of innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily delimit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others.
- Referring now to the Drawings, and more particularly, to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a method of manufacturing using carbon nanotubes in accordance with the present invention, The process begins with an
injection step 122. In theinjection step 122, carbon based material is injected into a reaction area for further operations to be performed. The reaction area is the area in which carbon nanotubes nucleate or grow. The carbon based material is the feed stock for carbon atoms necessary for the nucleation of carbon nanotubes. In a preferred embodiment, the carbon based material is a pure carbon molecule. However, the feed stock can be a combination of carbon and other types of material. The carbon based material can be, for example, apowder, solid or gaseous form (such as graphite powder, solid carbon rod or carbon gas). - Next, in a
dissociation step 124, carbon atoms are dissociated or vaporized from the carbon based feed stock which is injected into the reaction area. Dissociation is attained by heating the carbon based feed stock to a temperature sufficient to form a carbon vapor. The temperature will depend on the type of carbon based feed stock used, however, temperatures can range from 800° C. to 3000° C. These temperatures can be attained through the use of, for example, electric arc discharge electrodes, resistive heating elements, laser, electron beam or other heating type processes. - In an
isolating step 126, the reaction area is maintained under a controlled pressure and temperature profile. The controlled pressure is used to control the location of the dissociated carbon atoms at an optimum distance from the nucleating carbon nanotubes. The absolute pressure of the atmosphere selected to form carbon nanotubes can be a minimum of 0.001 Torr and can range up to a maximum of 20,000 Torr. Lower pressures produce carbon vapors having a lower carbon concentration, which allows production of carbon nanotubes with predetermined orientations. Smaller diameter carbon nanotubes can be attained at higher pressures. Also, although the dissociated carbon vapor will initially reside at very high temperatures, the carbon vapor needs to be cooled at a controlled rate to reach an energy state to allow the vapor to form into a predetermined solid nanotube structure. In the isolatingstep 126, the pressure controlled area can be temperature controlled to allow a gradual cooling from the initial temperature needed to dissociated the carbon atoms. - Finally, in a
controlling step 128, the above-mentioned reaction components (i.e.,injection step 122,dissociation step 124 and isolating step 126) are precisely and accurately placed in a location predetermined by the configuration of a component part to be fabricated. A component part is fabricated by stacking multiple cross-sectional layers of carbon nanotubes until the component part is completed in a predetermined physical shape. Thus, this control type system is based upon material additive layer manufacturing. The process can be computer aided by first decomposing the predetermined shape into very thin cross-sectional layers and subsequently placing the reaction components in the proper locations to fabricate each cross-sectional layer from carbon nanotubes. Subsequent cross-sectional layers are stacked on the previous cross-sectional layer. The growth of previously deposited carbon nanotubes can be continued with each subsequent cross-sectional layer. - In another embodiment, to control nucleation of carbon nanotubes with a predetermined physical properties, a catalyst or metal compound or material can be combined with the carbon based feed stock. The carbon based feed stock and the metal material, when used, is combined prior to
dissociation step 124. The combination can be made, for example, by mixing graphite with the metal material and then processing the relatively homogenous mixture into a rod in accordance with methods known in the art. The rod containing the combination carbon and metal material is then utilized in thedissociation step 124 described herein. However, a carbon based feed stock and a metal based feed stock can be dissociated in separate steps and subsequently placed in the reaction area. Additionally, the type and concentration of metal material can be varied during the fabrication process of the component part to allow further variance of the physical properties of the carbon nanotubes. - For example, the process works by injecting methane gas into the reaction area and dissociating the methane gas into ionized hydrogen and carbon atoms. When this is done in the presence of a metallic particle the ionized carbon atoms cover the surface area of the metallic particle. When the carbon atoms on the metallic particle come in contact with each other, they form covalent bonds in the most energetically stable formation. By choosing a metallic particle of the predetermined shape and size, carbon nanotubes form with defined diameters and physical properties. As a carbon nanotube is formed and it separates from the metallic particle, the carbon on the surface area of the metallic particle is replaced with more ionized carbon. Thus, the reaction can continue indefinitely until one of the following occurs: 1) the carbon feed stock is withheld from the reaction area; 2) the reaction isolation conditions are changed so that the formation of carbon nanotubes is no longer favorable; or 3) the concentration ofmetallic particles are increased to allow the metallic particles to come in contact with each other and grow to a size or shape that does not allow further growth of the carbon nanotubes. Also, In situ diagnostics can be used to evaluate the carbon nanotube growth process. Thus, the nucleation of the carbon nanotubes can be varied to allow custom tailoring of the physical properties in real time. In situ diagnostics is the process of evaluating chemical reactions as they occur to determine their exact conditions in terms of their energy, chemical reactants, growth orientation, etc.
- Now referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a
system 200 for net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes in accordance with the present invention. Thesystem 200 comprises anautomatic control unit 210 and reaction units which includes a carbon feed/injection unit 230, acarbon dissociation unit 220 and a gas pressure/temperaturecontrol isolation unit 240. - The carbon feed/
injection unit 230 is used to inject a carbon based material into a predetermined area for further operations to be performed. The arbon based material is the feed stock for carbon atoms necessary for the nucleation ofcarbon nanotubes. The injection rate is controlled by and through communication with theautomatic control unit 210. In a preferred embodiment, the carbon based material is a pure carbon molecule. However, the feed stock can be a combination of carbon and other types of material. The carbon based material can be, for example, a powder, solid or gaseous form (e.g., graphite powder, solid carbon rod or carbon gas). The carbon feed/injection unit 230 can be equipped with a type of hopper which allows the continuous injection of feed stock without requiring the manufacturing system to slow or pause for the reloading of feed stock. - The
carbon dissociation unit 220 dissociates carbon atoms from the feed stock which is injected into the predetermined area. Dissociation is attained by heating the carbon based feed stock to a temperature sufficient to form a carbon vapor. Thecarbon dissociation unit 220 is capable of providing enough energy to vaporizing the feed stock into carbon molecules. Thecarbon dissociation unit 220 can comprise, for example, electric arc discharge electrodes, resistive heating elements, laser, electron beam or other heating type process. Energy level output, of thecarbon dissociation unit 220, is controlled and varied by and through communication with theautomatic control unit 210. - The gas pressure/temperature
control isolation unit 240 is capable of varying the pressure and temperature of an predetermined area. Varying the pressure is effectuated by evacuating or pumping a gas, preferably an inert gas, into the predetermined area. Inert gases include, for example, helium, argon and xenon. Other gases, which are not reactive with the vaporized carbon can be used. The pressure can be varied from about 0.001 Torr to 20,000 Torr. Pressure and temperature, of the gas pressure/temperature control unit 240, is controlled and varied through communication with theautomatic control unit 210. - Although the dissociated carbon vapor will initially reside at very high temperatures, the carbon vapor needs to be cooled at a controlled rate to reach an energy state to allow the vapor to form into a predetermined solid nanotube structure. The gas pressure/
temperature control unit 240 comprises a heating device (not shown) to heat the pressure controlled area at temperatures which allow a gradual cooling from the initial temperature needed to dissociated the carbon atoms. - Finally, the
automatic control unit 210 precisely and accurately places the above-mentionedreaction units automatic control unit 210 can be computer aided to allow the configuration of the component part to be decomposed into very thin cross-sectional layers. Subsequently, theautomatic control unit 210 places thereaction units - In another embodiment, the net
shape manufacturing system 200 can include a substrate (not shown) to support the nucleating carbon nanotubes. Layers of sacrificial substrates can also be simultaneously built up to support more complex comiponent part configurations. The substrate can be embedded with seed particles to assist the growth of the nanotubes. The seed particles, such as carbon nanotubes or selected metal particles, are arranged in a pattern consistent with the predetermined configuration of the component part to be fabricated. - The strength of the component part can be improved by defining the orientation of the nucleating nanotubes. When large bundles of carbon nanotubes grow together, they eventually form amacroscopic crystal. However, this type of crystal is not expected to have good bulk mechanical strength when compared to single carbon nanotubes. The bonds that hold the individual carbon nanotubes together in the bundles are week Van der Waals bonds. Essentially, these lateral bonds form slip planes in which bulk material failure could occur. The
automatic control unit 210 is capable of placing and controlling thereaction units automatic control unit 210 can use in situ diagnostics to evaluate the carbon nanotube growth in real time and adjust during processing to control and vary the physical properties of the carbon nanotubes. - Now referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a
synthesis head 300 which can be used in net shape manufacture using carbon nanotubes in accordance with the present inventorA control arm 310 is coupled to thereaction units control arm 310 is controlled by the automatic control unit 210 (FIG. 2) through a wireline or wireless type connection. Theautomatic control unit 210 instructs the control arm to place thereaction units reaction area 320. Thus, thereaction area 320 can be continuously maneuvered in the pattern determined by the decomposed cross-sectional layers. - Preferentially grown carbon nanotubes add tremendous capability and functionality to materials and systems. For example, carbon nanotubes for use as structural materials show strength to weight ratios of up to 126 to 1 over titanium and 142 to 1 over aluminum. Economic analysis indicates that this weight savings translates into large production cost reductions depending on the production rate. Along with use as a structural material, carbon nanotubes have many other attributes that increase the capabilities ofmaterials and systems.
- Additionally, the carbon atomic bonds of carbon nanotubes can be arranged in a multitude of ways giving the nucleated carbon nanotubes conductivities ranging from an insulator to a semiconductor to a metallic conductor. This range of conductivity is due to the helical symmetry or chirality of the nanotubes. Thus, the present invention can be used to integrate both structural and electronic advantageous characteristics at the same time or within the same component part. As the cross-sectional layers are added, physical properties can be varied by individual control of the
reaction units - Although a preferred embodiment of the method and system of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanied drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method of manufacturing a component part having a predetermined configuration using carbon nanotubes, comprising the steps of:
injecting carbon based material into a reaction area at a predetermined rate;
dissociating carbon atoms from said carbon based material at a predetermined rate;
isolating the reaction area at a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure, wherein said carbon nanotubes nucleate in said reaction area; and
dynamically locating said injecting, dissociating and isolating steps to nucleate said carbon nanotubes in said predetermined configuration.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
decomposing said predetermined configuration into multiple cross-sectional layers; and
repeating said step of dynamically locating said injecting, dissociating and isolating steps for each said multiple cross-sectional layer, wherein each successive cross-sectional layer is stacked on a previous cross-sectional layer.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of dynamically varying a rate of injection of said carbon based material.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of dynamically varying a rate of dissociation from said carbon based material.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step dynamically varying said predetermined pressure and predetermined temperature.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of dissociating is effectuated by a laser, an electron beam, or an electrical arc discharge unit.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said carbon based material further comprises a metal based material.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising the step of dynamically varying a concentration of said metal based material.
9. The method of claim I further comprising the steps of:
injecting a carbon based material having a first metal based material; and
injecting a second carbon based material having a second metal based material.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of adjusting a growth direction of said carbon nanotube during a growth period.
11. A system of manufacturing a component part having a predetermined configuration using carbon nanotubes, comprising:
carbon injection unit, said carbon injection unit injecting a carbon based material into a reaction area;
carbon dissociation unit, said carbon dissociation unit dissociating carbon from said carbon based material;
isolation unit, said isolation unit controlling the pressure and temperature of said reaction area, wherein said carbon nanotubes nucleate within said reaction area; and
control unit in communication with and capable of dynamically locating said carbon injection unit, carbon dissociation unit and isolation unit in a predetermined pattern to nucleate said carbon nanotubes in said predetermined configuration.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein said control unit further decomposing said predetermined configuration into multiple cross-sectional layers, wherein nucleation of said carbon nanotubes is repeated for each said multiple cross-sectional layer, and wherein each successive layer of carbon nanotubes is stacked on a previous layer.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein said control unit further dynamically varies carbon based material injection rate.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein said control unit further dynamically varies dissociation rate.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein said control unit further dynamically varies said pressure and temperature of said reaction area.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein said carbon dissociation unit comprises a laser, an electron beam and an electrical arc discharge unit.
17. The system of claim 11 , wherein said carbon based material further includes at least one type of metal based material.
18. The system of claim 17 , wherein said control unit further dynamically varies an amount and type of metal based material within said carbon based material.
19. The system of claim 12 further including a substrate capable of providing an initial nucleation surface for said carbon nanotubes.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein said substrate includes seed material arranged in a predetermined pattern consistent with a first cross-sectional layer of said multiple cross-sectional layers.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/967,674 US20020018745A1 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2001-09-27 | Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/546,081 US6495116B1 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2000-04-10 | Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes |
US09/967,674 US20020018745A1 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2001-09-27 | Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/546,081 Division US6495116B1 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2000-04-10 | Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020018745A1 true US20020018745A1 (en) | 2002-02-14 |
Family
ID=24178780
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/546,081 Expired - Lifetime US6495116B1 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2000-04-10 | Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes |
US09/967,674 Abandoned US20020018745A1 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2001-09-27 | Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/546,081 Expired - Lifetime US6495116B1 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2000-04-10 | Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6495116B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1272426B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003530235A (en) |
KR (1) | KR100496222B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE354539T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001253355A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2395243A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60126752T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001077015A2 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030211030A1 (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2003-11-13 | Smiljanic Olivier | Method and apparatus for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes |
US20040247515A1 (en) * | 2003-06-05 | 2004-12-09 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Pure carbon isotropic alloy of allotropic forms of carbon including single-walled carbon nanotubes and diamond-like carbon |
US6831232B2 (en) | 2002-06-16 | 2004-12-14 | Scott Henricks | Composite insulator |
US20060118327A1 (en) * | 2000-12-26 | 2006-06-08 | S&C Electric Company And Maclean Power, L.L.C. | Method and arrangement for providing a gas-tight joint |
US20060165914A1 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2006-07-27 | John Abrahamson | Continuous method for producing inorganic nanotubes |
US20070148962A1 (en) * | 2004-03-09 | 2007-06-28 | Kauppinen Esko I | Single, multi-walled, functionalized and doped carbon nanotubes and composites thereof |
US20090169825A1 (en) * | 2006-09-05 | 2009-07-02 | Airbus Uk Limited | Method of manufacturing composite material |
US20100004388A1 (en) * | 2006-09-05 | 2010-01-07 | Airbus Uk Limited | Method of manufacturing composite material |
US20110286490A1 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2011-11-24 | John Abrahamson | Method of Producing Activated Carbon Material |
US20140166959A1 (en) * | 2005-04-05 | 2014-06-19 | Nantero Inc. | Carbon based nonvolatile cross point memory incorporating carbon based diode select devices and mosfet select devices for memory and logic applications |
US10403683B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2019-09-03 | Nantero, Inc. | Methods for forming crosspoint arrays of resistive change memory cells |
Families Citing this family (90)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6949216B2 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2005-09-27 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Rapid manufacturing of carbon nanotube composite structures |
US6574130B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2003-06-03 | Nantero, Inc. | Hybrid circuit having nanotube electromechanical memory |
US6835591B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2004-12-28 | Nantero, Inc. | Methods of nanotube films and articles |
US6643165B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2003-11-04 | Nantero, Inc. | Electromechanical memory having cell selection circuitry constructed with nanotube technology |
US6919592B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2005-07-19 | Nantero, Inc. | Electromechanical memory array using nanotube ribbons and method for making same |
US6706402B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2004-03-16 | Nantero, Inc. | Nanotube films and articles |
US7259410B2 (en) * | 2001-07-25 | 2007-08-21 | Nantero, Inc. | Devices having horizontally-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making the same |
US7563711B1 (en) * | 2001-07-25 | 2009-07-21 | Nantero, Inc. | Method of forming a carbon nanotube-based contact to semiconductor |
US6784028B2 (en) | 2001-12-28 | 2004-08-31 | Nantero, Inc. | Methods of making electromechanical three-trace junction devices |
FR2841233B1 (en) | 2002-06-24 | 2004-07-30 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PYROLYSIS DEPOSITION OF CARBON NANOTUBES |
JP3829789B2 (en) * | 2002-10-22 | 2006-10-04 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Multi-tube carbon nanotube manufacturing method |
CA2512387A1 (en) * | 2003-01-13 | 2004-08-05 | Nantero, Inc. | Methods of using thin metal layers to make carbon nanotube films, layers, fabrics, ribbons, elements and articles |
US8937575B2 (en) | 2009-07-31 | 2015-01-20 | Nantero Inc. | Microstrip antenna elements and arrays comprising a shaped nanotube fabric layer and integrated two terminal nanotube select devices |
US9422651B2 (en) | 2003-01-13 | 2016-08-23 | Nantero Inc. | Methods for arranging nanoscopic elements within networks, fabrics, and films |
US9574290B2 (en) | 2003-01-13 | 2017-02-21 | Nantero Inc. | Methods for arranging nanotube elements within nanotube fabrics and films |
US7858185B2 (en) | 2003-09-08 | 2010-12-28 | Nantero, Inc. | High purity nanotube fabrics and films |
ES2291859T3 (en) * | 2003-03-07 | 2008-03-01 | Seldon Technologies, Llc | PURIFICATION OF FLUIDS WITH NANOMATERIALS. |
US7419601B2 (en) | 2003-03-07 | 2008-09-02 | Seldon Technologies, Llc | Nanomesh article and method of using the same for purifying fluids |
WO2005019793A2 (en) * | 2003-05-14 | 2005-03-03 | Nantero, Inc. | Sensor platform using a horizontally oriented nanotube element |
US7375369B2 (en) | 2003-09-08 | 2008-05-20 | Nantero, Inc. | Spin-coatable liquid for formation of high purity nanotube films |
US7416993B2 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2008-08-26 | Nantero, Inc. | Patterned nanowire articles on a substrate and methods of making the same |
KR20060133974A (en) * | 2003-10-16 | 2006-12-27 | 더 유니버시티 오브 아크론 | Carbon nanotubes on carbon nanofiber substrate |
US6885010B1 (en) * | 2003-11-12 | 2005-04-26 | Thermo Electron Corporation | Carbon nanotube electron ionization sources |
US7709880B2 (en) | 2004-06-09 | 2010-05-04 | Nantero, Inc. | Field effect devices having a gate controlled via a nanotube switching element |
WO2006121461A2 (en) | 2004-09-16 | 2006-11-16 | Nantero, Inc. | Light emitters using nanotubes and methods of making same |
TWI348169B (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2011-09-01 | Nantero Inc | Resistive elements using carbon nanotubes |
US7567414B2 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2009-07-28 | Nantero, Inc. | Nanotube ESD protective devices and corresponding nonvolatile and volatile nanotube switches |
WO2006065937A2 (en) * | 2004-12-16 | 2006-06-22 | Nantero, Inc. | Aqueous carbon nanotube applicator liquids and methods for producing applicator liquids thereof |
CA2500766A1 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2006-09-14 | National Research Council Of Canada | Method and apparatus for the continuous production and functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes using a high frequency induction plasma torch |
US9287356B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2016-03-15 | Nantero Inc. | Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same |
US8941094B2 (en) | 2010-09-02 | 2015-01-27 | Nantero Inc. | Methods for adjusting the conductivity range of a nanotube fabric layer |
EP1885652A4 (en) * | 2005-05-03 | 2010-02-24 | Nanocomp Technologies Inc | Carbon composite materials and methods of manufacturing same |
US8013363B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2011-09-06 | Nantero, Inc. | Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same |
US9196615B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2015-11-24 | Nantero Inc. | Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same |
US9911743B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2018-03-06 | Nantero, Inc. | Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same |
US8217490B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2012-07-10 | Nantero Inc. | Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same |
US8183665B2 (en) | 2005-11-15 | 2012-05-22 | Nantero Inc. | Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same |
US7781862B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2010-08-24 | Nantero, Inc. | Two-terminal nanotube devices and systems and methods of making same |
US8513768B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2013-08-20 | Nantero Inc. | Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same |
US7479654B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2009-01-20 | Nantero, Inc. | Memory arrays using nanotube articles with reprogrammable resistance |
US7835170B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2010-11-16 | Nantero, Inc. | Memory elements and cross point switches and arrays of same using nonvolatile nanotube blocks |
US7782650B2 (en) * | 2005-05-09 | 2010-08-24 | Nantero, Inc. | Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same |
US7598127B2 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2009-10-06 | Nantero, Inc. | Nanotube fuse structure |
TWI264271B (en) * | 2005-05-13 | 2006-10-11 | Delta Electronics Inc | Heat sink |
US7898079B2 (en) * | 2005-05-26 | 2011-03-01 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Nanotube materials for thermal management of electronic components |
US7915122B2 (en) * | 2005-06-08 | 2011-03-29 | Nantero, Inc. | Self-aligned cell integration scheme |
US7538040B2 (en) * | 2005-06-30 | 2009-05-26 | Nantero, Inc. | Techniques for precision pattern transfer of carbon nanotubes from photo mask to wafers |
JP4864093B2 (en) | 2005-07-28 | 2012-01-25 | ナノコンプ テクノロジーズ インコーポレイテッド | Systems and methods for the formation and harvesting of nanofibrous materials |
EP1922743A4 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2008-10-29 | Nantero Inc | Method and system of using nanotube fabrics as joule heating elements for memories and other applications |
CA2621103C (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2015-11-03 | Nantero, Inc. | Nanotube fabric-based sensor systems and methods of making same |
WO2008054364A2 (en) | 2005-09-06 | 2008-05-08 | Nantero, Inc. | Carbon nanotubes for the selective transfer of heat from electronics |
WO2008048313A2 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2008-04-24 | Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. | Production of carbon nanotubes |
JP4900791B2 (en) * | 2006-09-21 | 2012-03-21 | 株式会社豊田中央研究所 | CNT manufacturing apparatus, CNT manufacturing method, and CNT manufacturing program |
WO2008127780A2 (en) * | 2007-02-21 | 2008-10-23 | Nantero, Inc. | Symmetric touch screen system with carbon nanotube-based transparent conductive electrode pairs |
WO2008112764A1 (en) | 2007-03-12 | 2008-09-18 | Nantero, Inc. | Electromagnetic and thermal sensors using carbon nanotubes and methods of making same |
TWI461350B (en) * | 2007-05-22 | 2014-11-21 | Nantero Inc | Triodes using nanofabric articles and methods of making the same |
US9061913B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2015-06-23 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Injector apparatus and methods for production of nanostructures |
US8246886B2 (en) | 2007-07-09 | 2012-08-21 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Chemically-assisted alignment of nanotubes within extensible structures |
WO2009048672A2 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2009-04-16 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Systems and methods for controlling chirality of nanotubes |
CA2695853A1 (en) | 2007-08-07 | 2009-02-12 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Electrically and thermally non-metallic conductive nanostructure-based adapters |
GB0715990D0 (en) * | 2007-08-16 | 2007-09-26 | Airbus Uk Ltd | Method and apparatus for manufacturing a component from a composite material |
EP2062515B1 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2012-08-29 | So, Kwok Kuen | Bowl and basket assembly and salad spinner incorporating such an assembly |
WO2009137722A1 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-12 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Carbon nanotube-based coaxial electrical cables and wiring harness |
CA2723619A1 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-12 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Nanostructure-based heating devices and method of use |
US20100122980A1 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2010-05-20 | Tsinghua University | Carbon nanotube heater |
US20100126985A1 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2010-05-27 | Tsinghua University | Carbon nanotube heater |
US20100000669A1 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2010-01-07 | Tsinghua University | Carbon nanotube heater |
US8587989B2 (en) * | 2008-06-20 | 2013-11-19 | Nantero Inc. | NRAM arrays with nanotube blocks, nanotube traces, and nanotube planes and methods of making same |
US7915637B2 (en) * | 2008-11-19 | 2011-03-29 | Nantero, Inc. | Switching materials comprising mixed nanoscopic particles and carbon nanotubes and method of making and using the same |
DE102009018762B4 (en) | 2009-04-27 | 2011-06-22 | EADS Deutschland GmbH, 85521 | A method of producing a metallic composite with carbon nanotubes and a near-net shape component of this composite material |
US8354593B2 (en) * | 2009-07-10 | 2013-01-15 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Hybrid conductors and method of making same |
US8574673B2 (en) | 2009-07-31 | 2013-11-05 | Nantero Inc. | Anisotropic nanotube fabric layers and films and methods of forming same |
US8128993B2 (en) * | 2009-07-31 | 2012-03-06 | Nantero Inc. | Anisotropic nanotube fabric layers and films and methods of forming same |
US20110034008A1 (en) * | 2009-08-07 | 2011-02-10 | Nantero, Inc. | Method for forming a textured surface on a semiconductor substrate using a nanofabric layer |
US8351239B2 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2013-01-08 | Nantero Inc. | Dynamic sense current supply circuit and associated method for reading and characterizing a resistive memory array |
US8895950B2 (en) | 2009-10-23 | 2014-11-25 | Nantero Inc. | Methods for passivating a carbonic nanolayer |
US8551806B2 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2013-10-08 | Nantero Inc. | Methods for passivating a carbonic nanolayer |
US8222704B2 (en) | 2009-12-31 | 2012-07-17 | Nantero, Inc. | Compact electrical switching devices with nanotube elements, and methods of making same |
WO2011100661A1 (en) | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Nantero, Inc. | Methods for controlling density, porosity, and/or gap size within nanotube fabric layers and films |
US20110203632A1 (en) * | 2010-02-22 | 2011-08-25 | Rahul Sen | Photovoltaic devices using semiconducting nanotube layers |
US10661304B2 (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2020-05-26 | Nantero, Inc. | Microfluidic control surfaces using ordered nanotube fabrics |
US9650732B2 (en) | 2013-05-01 | 2017-05-16 | Nantero Inc. | Low defect nanotube application solutions and fabrics and methods for making same |
WO2014204561A1 (en) | 2013-06-17 | 2014-12-24 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Exfoliating-dispersing agents for nanotubes, bundles and fibers |
US10654718B2 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2020-05-19 | Nantero, Inc. | Scalable nanotube fabrics and methods for making same |
US9299430B1 (en) | 2015-01-22 | 2016-03-29 | Nantero Inc. | Methods for reading and programming 1-R resistive change element arrays |
JP6821575B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2021-01-27 | ナノコンプ テクノロジーズ,インク. | Carbon Nanotube Structures and Methods for Their Formation |
US9934848B2 (en) | 2016-06-07 | 2018-04-03 | Nantero, Inc. | Methods for determining the resistive states of resistive change elements |
US9941001B2 (en) | 2016-06-07 | 2018-04-10 | Nantero, Inc. | Circuits for determining the resistive states of resistive change elements |
US10581082B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2020-03-03 | Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. | Systems and methods for making structures defined by CNT pulp networks |
US11517949B2 (en) | 2020-10-12 | 2022-12-06 | Henry Crichlow | Systems and methods for low level waste disposal |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4258425A (en) * | 1979-03-08 | 1981-03-24 | A. O. Smith Corporation | Self-programmed mechanical working apparatus |
US4430974A (en) * | 1981-12-05 | 1984-02-14 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection pump for internal combustion engines |
US4653739A (en) * | 1986-01-23 | 1987-03-31 | Machine Research Company, Inc. | Work positioner |
US4657472A (en) * | 1983-08-03 | 1987-04-14 | Kuka Schweissanlagen+Roboter Gmbh | Manipulator head assembly |
US4662815A (en) * | 1983-08-03 | 1987-05-05 | Kuka Schweissanlagen+Roboter Gmbh | Manipulator head assembly |
US4675164A (en) * | 1984-09-05 | 1987-06-23 | J. M. Huber Corporation | Reactor feed tube adjustable mounting assembly and method |
US5482601A (en) * | 1994-01-28 | 1996-01-09 | Director-General Of Agency Of Industrial Science And Technology | Method and device for the production of carbon nanotubes |
US5591312A (en) * | 1992-10-09 | 1997-01-07 | William Marsh Rice University | Process for making fullerene fibers |
US5876684A (en) * | 1992-08-14 | 1999-03-02 | Materials And Electrochemical Research (Mer) Corporation | Methods and apparati for producing fullerenes |
US6063243A (en) * | 1995-02-14 | 2000-05-16 | The Regents Of The Univeristy Of California | Method for making nanotubes and nanoparticles |
US6331690B1 (en) * | 1997-12-22 | 2001-12-18 | Nec Corporation | Process for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes uniform in diameter and laser ablation apparatus used therein |
US6756026B2 (en) * | 1996-08-08 | 2004-06-29 | William Marsh Rice University | Method for growing continuous carbon fiber and compositions thereof |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR20010074667A (en) * | 1998-06-19 | 2001-08-08 | 추후보정 | Free-standing and aligned carbon nanotubes and synthesis thereof |
WO2000019494A1 (en) | 1998-09-28 | 2000-04-06 | Xidex Corporation | Method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes as functional elements of mems devices |
AUPP976499A0 (en) | 1999-04-16 | 1999-05-06 | Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation | Multilayer carbon nanotube films |
DE19918753C2 (en) | 1999-04-24 | 2002-02-28 | Nokia Networks Oy | Power supply unit and method for generating protective currents for protecting metallic lines against corrosion |
-
2000
- 2000-04-10 US US09/546,081 patent/US6495116B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-04-10 EP EP01926845A patent/EP1272426B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-04-10 WO PCT/US2001/011777 patent/WO2001077015A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-04-10 CA CA002395243A patent/CA2395243A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-04-10 KR KR10-2002-7013549A patent/KR100496222B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-04-10 AU AU2001253355A patent/AU2001253355A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-04-10 AT AT01926845T patent/ATE354539T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-04-10 DE DE60126752T patent/DE60126752T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-04-10 JP JP2001575498A patent/JP2003530235A/en active Pending
- 2001-09-27 US US09/967,674 patent/US20020018745A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4258425A (en) * | 1979-03-08 | 1981-03-24 | A. O. Smith Corporation | Self-programmed mechanical working apparatus |
US4430974A (en) * | 1981-12-05 | 1984-02-14 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection pump for internal combustion engines |
US4657472A (en) * | 1983-08-03 | 1987-04-14 | Kuka Schweissanlagen+Roboter Gmbh | Manipulator head assembly |
US4662815A (en) * | 1983-08-03 | 1987-05-05 | Kuka Schweissanlagen+Roboter Gmbh | Manipulator head assembly |
US4675164A (en) * | 1984-09-05 | 1987-06-23 | J. M. Huber Corporation | Reactor feed tube adjustable mounting assembly and method |
US4653739A (en) * | 1986-01-23 | 1987-03-31 | Machine Research Company, Inc. | Work positioner |
US5876684A (en) * | 1992-08-14 | 1999-03-02 | Materials And Electrochemical Research (Mer) Corporation | Methods and apparati for producing fullerenes |
US5591312A (en) * | 1992-10-09 | 1997-01-07 | William Marsh Rice University | Process for making fullerene fibers |
US5482601A (en) * | 1994-01-28 | 1996-01-09 | Director-General Of Agency Of Industrial Science And Technology | Method and device for the production of carbon nanotubes |
US6063243A (en) * | 1995-02-14 | 2000-05-16 | The Regents Of The Univeristy Of California | Method for making nanotubes and nanoparticles |
US6756026B2 (en) * | 1996-08-08 | 2004-06-29 | William Marsh Rice University | Method for growing continuous carbon fiber and compositions thereof |
US6331690B1 (en) * | 1997-12-22 | 2001-12-18 | Nec Corporation | Process for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes uniform in diameter and laser ablation apparatus used therein |
Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060118327A1 (en) * | 2000-12-26 | 2006-06-08 | S&C Electric Company And Maclean Power, L.L.C. | Method and arrangement for providing a gas-tight joint |
US20060165914A1 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2006-07-27 | John Abrahamson | Continuous method for producing inorganic nanotubes |
US20090291042A1 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2009-11-26 | John Abrahamson | Continuous Method for Producing Inorganic Nanotubes |
US7923077B2 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2011-04-12 | Canterprise Ltd. | Continuous method for producing inorganic nanotubes |
US20100300358A1 (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2010-12-02 | Olivier Smiljanic | Apparatus for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes |
US20030211030A1 (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2003-11-13 | Smiljanic Olivier | Method and apparatus for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes |
US20080124482A1 (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2008-05-29 | Olivier Smiljanic | Method and apparatus for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes |
US20080226536A1 (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2008-09-18 | Olivier Smiljanic | Method and apparatus for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes |
US8071906B2 (en) | 2002-05-09 | 2011-12-06 | Institut National De La Recherche Scientifique | Apparatus for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes |
US6831232B2 (en) | 2002-06-16 | 2004-12-14 | Scott Henricks | Composite insulator |
US20040247515A1 (en) * | 2003-06-05 | 2004-12-09 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Pure carbon isotropic alloy of allotropic forms of carbon including single-walled carbon nanotubes and diamond-like carbon |
US7097906B2 (en) | 2003-06-05 | 2006-08-29 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Pure carbon isotropic alloy of allotropic forms of carbon including single-walled carbon nanotubes and diamond-like carbon |
US20070148962A1 (en) * | 2004-03-09 | 2007-06-28 | Kauppinen Esko I | Single, multi-walled, functionalized and doped carbon nanotubes and composites thereof |
US20140166959A1 (en) * | 2005-04-05 | 2014-06-19 | Nantero Inc. | Carbon based nonvolatile cross point memory incorporating carbon based diode select devices and mosfet select devices for memory and logic applications |
US9390790B2 (en) * | 2005-04-05 | 2016-07-12 | Nantero Inc. | Carbon based nonvolatile cross point memory incorporating carbon based diode select devices and MOSFET select devices for memory and logic applications |
US9783255B2 (en) * | 2005-04-05 | 2017-10-10 | Nantero Inc. | Cross point arrays of 1-R nonvolatile resistive change memory cells using continuous nanotube fabrics |
US9917139B2 (en) * | 2005-04-05 | 2018-03-13 | Nantero Inc. | Resistive change element array using vertically oriented bit lines |
US20100004388A1 (en) * | 2006-09-05 | 2010-01-07 | Airbus Uk Limited | Method of manufacturing composite material |
US20090169825A1 (en) * | 2006-09-05 | 2009-07-02 | Airbus Uk Limited | Method of manufacturing composite material |
US8182877B2 (en) | 2006-09-05 | 2012-05-22 | Airbus Operations Limited | Method of manufacturing composite material |
US20110286490A1 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2011-11-24 | John Abrahamson | Method of Producing Activated Carbon Material |
US10403683B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2019-09-03 | Nantero, Inc. | Methods for forming crosspoint arrays of resistive change memory cells |
US20190378879A1 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2019-12-12 | Nantero, Inc. | Non-Linear Resistive Change Memory Cells and Arrays |
US10700131B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2020-06-30 | Nantero, Inc. | Non-linear resistive change memory cells and arrays |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6495116B1 (en) | 2002-12-17 |
AU2001253355A1 (en) | 2001-10-23 |
EP1272426A2 (en) | 2003-01-08 |
CA2395243A1 (en) | 2001-10-18 |
DE60126752T2 (en) | 2007-10-31 |
WO2001077015A3 (en) | 2002-04-25 |
DE60126752D1 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
WO2001077015A2 (en) | 2001-10-18 |
KR20030011822A (en) | 2003-02-11 |
JP2003530235A (en) | 2003-10-14 |
ATE354539T1 (en) | 2007-03-15 |
EP1272426B1 (en) | 2007-02-21 |
KR100496222B1 (en) | 2005-06-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1272426B1 (en) | Net shape manufacturing using carbon nanotubes | |
CN1290763C (en) | Process for preparing nano-carbon tubes | |
EP1644287B1 (en) | Method, and apparatus for continuous synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes | |
Baddour et al. | Carbon nanotube synthesis: a review | |
Purohit et al. | Carbon nanotubes and their growth methods | |
US6884404B2 (en) | Method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes and/or fullerenes, and manufacturing apparatus for the same | |
US7097906B2 (en) | Pure carbon isotropic alloy of allotropic forms of carbon including single-walled carbon nanotubes and diamond-like carbon | |
US7713589B2 (en) | Method for making carbon nanotube array | |
US9776865B2 (en) | Induction-coupled plasma synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes | |
US20050260412A1 (en) | System, method, and apparatus for producing high efficiency heat transfer device with carbon nanotubes | |
CN1290764C (en) | Method for producing Nano carbon tubes in even length in large quantities | |
Amadi et al. | Nanoscale self-assembly: concepts, applications and challenges | |
US20100233065A1 (en) | Device and method for production of carbon nanotubes, fullerene and their derivatives | |
US20060269668A1 (en) | Method for making carbon nanotube array | |
JP2001020072A (en) | Method of low temperature synthesis of carbon nanotube using catalyst metal film for decomposition of carbon source gas | |
WO2002068754A9 (en) | Carbon tips with expanded bases | |
Liu et al. | Advances of microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition in fabrication of carbon nanotubes: a review | |
US8038795B2 (en) | Epitaxial growth and cloning of a precursor chiral nanotube | |
KR100676496B1 (en) | A method for fabrication of highly crystallized carbon nanotube using the thermal plasma chemical vapor deposition method | |
KR100468845B1 (en) | Method of fabricating carbon nano tube | |
KR100669394B1 (en) | Carbon nano tube comprising magnet metal rod and method of preparing same | |
Shanmugam et al. | Carbon Nanotubes: synthesis and characterization | |
US6613198B2 (en) | Pulsed arc molecular beam process | |
KR20050097089A (en) | Method for forming of powder of carbon nano tube | |
JP2009046325A (en) | Carbon nanotube and manufacturing method thereof |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HERMAN, FREDERICK JAMES;REEL/FRAME:017342/0236 Effective date: 20060321 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |