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