Abstract:
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for production of nanostmctures using a plasma generator. In an embodiment, a system for use with a reactor for synthesis of nanostmctures may include a chamber defining a pathway for directing a fluid mixture for the synthesis of nanostmctures through the chamber. The system may further include one or more heating zones disposed along the chamber to provide a temperature gradient in the chamber to form catalyst particles upon which nanostmctures can be generated from the components of the fluid mixture. The system may also include a plasma generator for generating a plasma flame in a conduit through which the fluid mixture may be passed to decompose a carbon source in the fluid mixture into its constituent atoms before proceeding into the reactor for formation of nanostmctures.
Abstract:
A heating device having a thermally conducting member made from a matrix of carbon nanotubes and having opposing ends. A connector portion can be positioned at each end of the conducting member, and can be capable of receiving a current from an external source to permit the conducting member to generate heat. A coupling mechanism can be included and associated with the connector portion so as to provide the connector portion with substantially uniform contact across a contact surface area with the conducting member. Methods of using the heating device are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.
Abstract:
An apparatus having a conductive body defined by a plurality of nanotubes forming a planar structure. The apparatus further includes a plurality of junctions, formed by adjacent nanotubes, and a plurality of conductive deposits positioned at the junctions to electrically join the adjacent nanotubes at the junctions and reduce electrical resistance between the nanotubes, thereby increasing overall conductivity of the body.
Abstract:
A nanostructured sheet that can include a substantially planar body, a plurality of nanotubes defining a matrix within the body, and a protonation agent that can be dispersed throughout the matrix of nanotubes for enhancing proximity of adjacent nanotubes to one another. A method of making such a nanostructured sheet is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A thermoelectric device that can exhibit substantially high specific power density is provided. The device includes core having a p-type element made from carbon nanotube and an n-type element. The device also includes a heat plate in and a cool plate, between which the core can be positioned. The design of the thermoelectric device allows the device to operate at substantially high temperature and to generate substantially high power output, despite being light weight. A method for making the thermoelectric device is also provided.
Abstract:
An apparatus for use with a reactor for synthesis of nanostructures is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having one end in fluid communication with the reactor and defining a pathway along which a fluid mixture for the synthesis of nanostructures can be injected Into the reactor. The apparatus also has a tube In fluid communication with an opposite of the chamber to impart a venturi effect in order to generate from the fluid mixture small droplets prior to Introducing the fluid mixture into the chamber. A heating zone is situated downstream from the tube to provide a temperature range sufficient to permit the formation, from contents within the fluid mixture, of catalyst particles upon which nanostructures can be generated. A method for synthesis of nanostructures is also provided.
Abstract:
A capacitor is provided. The capacitor includes opposing electrodes fabricated from a non-woven carbon nanotube sheet bonded to opposing noble metal foils. The capacitor also includes a non-porous casing within which the opposing electrodes are placed. The capacitor further includes electrically conductive contacts extending from the noble metal foils through an opening in the casing. The capacitor can be a portable capacitor. A method of manufacturing the capacitor is also provided.
Abstract:
Methods for manufacturing nanotube composite materials are provided. One method includes providing a nonwoven sheet of nanotubes (11) and infiltrating the sheet with a resin material. The infiltrated sheet is subsequently heated to pyrolize the resin. Another method includes providing a carbon-containing resin material and adding an appropriate concentration of catalyst particles. Thereafter, the catalyzed resin may be subject to a high temperature range, at which point carbon in the resin begins to couple to the catalyst particles. Continual exposure to high temperature leads to additional attachment of carbon to existing carbon on the particles, producing an array of multi wall carbon nanotubes (31) and composite material. A stent (40) may be manufactured from the composite material.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for applying a lubricant to an interior surface of a powder press die cavity (103) is provided. The apparatus includes at least one lubricant reservoir (121) operatively connected to a meter. There is a pump (102) for delivering and removing lubricant from the interior of the die cavity and a sequencing device (130) for sequencing the delivery and removal of the lubricant from the powder press die operatively connected thereto. At least one bore (111) goes through a wall of the press die and extends from the exterior of the die to the die cavity. The lubricant flows through this bore which openly communicates with the pump.