Thomas M. Gruenberger

Production of Carbon Nanotubes and Other Nanostructures Via Continuous 3‐Phase AC Plasma Processing

Abstract The highly flexible plasma system allows the independent flow control of plasma gas, carbonaceous feedstock and metal catalyst. Further important control parameters include current intensity and product quenching rate yielding in an excellent control of the thermal history of the carbon products. Temperature profiles measured along the reactive flow of carbon particles are presented, mapping time–temperature relations for typical operating conditions. In addition, the principle product families are presented. From the characteristics observed and NT product analysis, it is concluded that the AC plasma technology shows a significant potential for the continuous production of bulk quantities of carbon‐based nanotubes of controlled properties and novel tube‐like nanostructures.

Continuous production of Fullerenes and other carbon nanomaterials on a semi-industrial scale using plasma technology

A new production method is presented allowing the production of bulk quantities of fullerenes and other carbon nanomaterials using a 3‐phase thermal plasma (260 kW). The main characteristics of this method lie in the independent control of the carbon throughput by injection of a solid carbon feedstock, and the immediate extraction of the synthesised product from the reactor, allowing production on a continuous basis. The currently investigated plasma facility is of an intermediate scale between lab‐size and an industrial pilot plant, ready for further up scaling to an industrial size. The influence of a large number of different carbon precursors, plasma gases and operating conditions on the fullerene yield has been studied. At this state, quantities of up to 1 kg of carbon can be processed per hour with further scope for increase, leading to production rates for this type of materials not achievable with any other technology at present.

Tailor-made carbon nanomaterials for bulk applications via high-intensity arc plasma

Abstract Different families of carbon nanostructures produced by a continuous plasma process are presented. Due to the flexibility of this original technology, properties of classical carbon black products can be adjusted more freely during synthesis and an even wider range of parameters is accessible. Novel products with distinctive characteristics are observed when treating nanostructured material in the high‐temperature plasma. Evaluation of the application properties of selected materials indicates in certain cases an excellent performance. Plasma‐synthesised or plasma‐treated carbon nanomaterials have an important potential to improve the performance of carbon‐black‐containing materials.