Breakthrough Approach to Carbon Nanotube Production
- IP Title
- Production of Carbon Nanostructures from Functionalized Fullerenes
- Detailed Technology Description
- None
- Industry
- Chemical/Material
- Sub Category
- Chemical/Material Application
- Application Date
- Jul 12, 2011
- Application No.
- 8,709,217
- Others
-
- *Abstract
-
Utilizes Low-Intensity, Low-Power Lasers to Greatly Reduce the Amount of Energy Needed
This highly efficient technique for creating carbon nanotubes can be utilized for in-situ generation of carbon nanotube reinforced polymers as well as catalyst-free synthesis and welding of nanotubes. Carbon nanostructures are an integral aspect of many applications, including electronics, therapeutics and mechanical devices. One potential application for carbon nanotubes is solar cells, a burgeoning area of the rapidly growing field of renewable energy. Carbon nanotubes can be produced with a variety of techniques, but existing methods of production require high temperatures or high-power lasers. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a technique for manufacturing carbon nanotubes which uses low-power lasers in an oxygen-free environment and does not require a catalyst. This unique approach also allows for production of other carbon nanostructures, such as nano onions, without the need for high electrical currents.Application
Low-power, efficient approach to developing carbon nanotubes for a variety of applications in the fields of medicine and engineering
Advantages
- Nanotubes are created with low intensity and/or low-power lasers, greatly reducing the energy and laser requirements compared to existing methods
- Allows for in-situ production of electrical connects between electronic components
- Allows for facile production of carbon nanotube composites
- Allows for joining of materials without the need for high electrical currents, in either oxygen-containing or oxygen free environments
Technology
Functionalized fullerenes, when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation in an oxygen-free environment or under vacuum, undergo molecular reconstruction to form carbon nanotubes, onions and schwarzites. This technique can be utilized for in situ generation of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymers, aligned carbon nanotubes with controlled length and number of walls , catalyst-free synthesis and welding of nanotubes. This unique approach to carbon nanotube development utilizes low-power lasers and low-intensity electrical currents, providing a more efficient and less expensive method of production.
Related to technology 15143
- *IP Issue Date
- Apr 29, 2014
- *IP Publication Date
- Oct 27, 2011
- *Principal Investigator
-
Name: Brij Moudgil
Department:
Name: Ben Koopman
Department:
Name: Vijay Krishna
Department:
- Country/Region
- USA
