Researchers at Princeton have developed a new method of manufacture of carbon nanotubes using a modified carbon arc discharge process that promises to be lower cost and easier to fabricate than current methods of production. Princeton is seeking an industrial partner to commercialize this technology.
Current carbon arc discharge methods require the use of powdered catalyst mixtures packed into a hollow graphite anode, a time consuming process that entails some manufacturing risks regarding toxicity and flammability. Pre-manufactured electrodes increase costs significantly. This new method employs commonly used manufacturing techniques and non-exotic catalyst materials to separate the feeding of the catalyst into the arc from the feeding of the graphite powder. It is anticipated that this will result in considerable cost and time savings
For more information please contact:
William H. Gowen
Office of Technology Licensing and Intellectual Property
Princeton University
4 New South Building
Princeton, NJ 08544-0036
(609) 258-6762
(609) 258-1159 fax
wgowen@princeton.edu
