Patented Technology

This technology allows carbon nanotubes to be generated from a carbon source,
water and a finely tuned power source. The power source is the reactor. In this case,
the carbon acts as an electrode and the reactant. The water serves as a coolant and a
catalyst.

Patent Abstract

A non-catalytic process for the production of carbon nanotubes includes supplying an electric current to a carbon anode and a carbon cathode which have been securely positioned in the open atmosphere with a gap between them. The electric current creates an electric arc between the carbon anode and the carbon cathode, which causes carbon to be vaporized from the carbon anode and a carbonaceous residue to be deposited on the carbon cathode. Inert gas is pumped into the gap to flush out oxygen, thereby preventing interference with the vaporization of carbon from the anode and preventing oxidation of the carbonaceous residue being deposited on the cathode. The anode and cathode are cooled while electric current is being supplied thereto. When the supply of electric current is terminated, the carbonaceous residue is removed from the cathode and is purified to yield carbon nanotubes.

The full text of the patent is available here at the United States Patent & Trademark Office's website.