Method and Apparatus for the Continuous Production and Functionalization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using a High Frequency Plasma Torch

Apparatus for the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes having a radio frequency (RF) inductively coupled plasma torch with a central hollow probe extending in an axial direction for axial delivery of a carrier gas and reactants to a plasma zone;

• a torch body disposed around the central probe having an induction coil for coupling to a power supply, the torch body being spaced from the central probe to define a plasma zone,
• a plasma confinement tube disposed adjacent to the torch body on an interior surface thereof and having a first pre-determined internal diameter ID1;
• an intermediate tube disposed between the plasma confinement tube and the central probe,
• first gas inlet means to deliver a stabilizing gas between the intermediate tube and the central probe,
• second gas inlet means to deliver a sheath gas between the plasma confinement tube and the intermediate tube,
• a reactor body having a second pre-determined internal diameter ID2 coupled to the torch body and extending in said axial direction, the reactor body being adapted to maintain a stable induction plasma favourable to the growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes, and
• a quenching body having a third pre-determined internal diameter ID3 commensurate with said second predetermined internal diameter ID2 coupled to the reactor body, the quenching body being adapted to terminate the growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes.