Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for making carbon nanotubes from a flowing gaseous carbon-containing feedstock, such as CO, at superatmospheric pressure and at temperatures between about 500.degree. C. and about 2000.degree. C. utilizing a reactor wherein the flowing carbon-containing feedstock sequentially passes multiple points of catalyst injection, where the catalyst is provided by the decomposition of one or more catalyst precursor species, such as Fe(CO).sub.5. In one embodiment, a catalyst cluster nucleation agency is employed to facilitate metal catalyst cluster formation. The reactor permits broad control over the reaction conditions, and enables addition of controlled amounts of catalyst over the length of the conduit reactor. The invention provides higher catalyst productivity because more catalyst precursor is used to form small active catalyst clusters versus forming catalyst clusters that grow along the reactor into large clusters, which are inactive for carbon nanotube production.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim