System and method for controlling hydrogen elimination during carbon nanotube synthesis from hydrocarbons
AssigneeUT-Battelle, LLC
InventorPeter T. A. Reilly
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for producing carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition includes a catalyst support having first and second surfaces. The catalyst support is capable of hydrogen transport from the first to the second surface. A catalyst is provided on the first surface of the catalyst support. The catalyst is selected to catalyze the chemical vapor deposition formation of carbon nanotubes. A fuel source is provided for supplying fuel to the catalyst.
Claims14
A system for producing carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition, comprising:
- a tubular catalyst support having first and second sides, said catalyst support being capable of hydrogen transport from said first to said second side;
- a catalyst on said first side of said catalyst support, said catalyst selected to catalyze the chemical vapor deposition formation of carbon nanotubes;
- a reactor jacket, said reactor jacket forming with said second side of said catalyst support an enclosed space for controlling partial pressure of hydrogen at the second side of the catalyst support;
- a pressure regulator for adjusting the partial pressure of hydrogen gas in said enclosed space;
- and
- a fuel source for supplying fuel to said catalyst,
- wherein said first side is an inside surface of said tubular catalyst support.
A reactor for the formation of carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition, comprising:
- an inner conduit comprising a hydrogen permeable material;
- an outer conduit;
- the inner conduit being at least partially within said outer conduit;
- wherein said outer conduit forming with an outside of said inner conduit an enclosed space for controlling partial pressure of hydrogen;
- and
- (i) a pressure regulator arranged for adjusting the partial pressure of hydrogen gas in said enclosed space,
- (ii) wherein said tubular catalyst support comprises a proton conductive membrane comprising electrode surfaces on each side of the proton conductive membrane, said electrode surfaces being provided to control current across said proton conductive membrane, or
- (iii) both.
A system for producing carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition, comprising:
- a tubular catalyst support having first and second sides, said catalyst support being capable of hydrogen transport from said first to said second side, wherein said tubular catalyst support comprises a proton conductive membrane comprising electrode surfaces on each side of the proton conductive membrane, said electrode surfaces being provided to control current across said proton conductive membrane;
- a catalyst on said first side of said catalyst support, said catalyst selected to catalyze the chemical vapor deposition formation of carbon nanotubes;
- a reactor jacket, said reactor jacket forming with said second side of said catalyst support an enclosed space for controlling partial pressure of hydrogen at the second side of the catalyst support;
- and
- a fuel source for supplying fuel to said catalyst,
- wherein said first side is an inside surface of said tubular catalyst support.
A method of making carbon nanotubes, comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular catalyst support having first and second sides, said catalyst support being capable of hydrogen transport from said first side through said catalyst support to said second side;
- providing a catalyst on said first side of said support, said catalyst selected to catalyze the CVD formation of carbon nanotube from a hydrocarbon fuel;
- supplying a fuel to the catalyst;
- and
- transporting hydrogen from said first side to said second side during carbon nanotube synthesis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.