Apparatus and methods for synthesis of large size batches of carbon nanostructures

A method for synthesizing nanostructures, comprising the steps of:

• a. providing an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises:
• (i). a chamber having a first end, an opposite, second end, a body portion defined therebetween and defining a cavity with an axis, a first opening channel interconnecting through the first end in fluid communication with the cavity, and a second opening channel interconnecting through the second end in fluid communication with the cavity;
• (ii). a heating member formed on the exterior surface of the body portion of the chamber for substantially uniformly heating the chamber so as to create a reaction zone in the cavity;
• (iii). a honeycomb-like structure having an axis and positioned in the reaction zone with the axis being substantially coincident with the axis of the cavity of the chamber;
• and
• (iv). a porous plate having an axis and positioned in the reaction zone and between the honeycomb-like structure and the second end of the chamber with the axis being substantially coincident with the axis of the cavity of the chamber, wherein the porous plate is adapted for receiving and supporting a catalyst;
• b. introducing a gas mixture through the first opening channel into the cavity of the chamber;
• and
• c. generating nanostructures from the interaction of the gas mixture and the catalyst in the reaction zone,
• wherein the gas mixture after crossing the porous plate causes the catalyst to fluidize such that particles of the catalyst are suspended substantially individually in the gas stream of the gas mixture.