Continuous Mass Production of Carbon Nanotubes by 3-Phase AC Plasma Processing

摘要

For the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the plasma process is an original new approach. Hereby, the carbon mass flow is no longer limited by a physical ablation rate (which is the limiting step in the production rate of the classical nanotube processes), but is freely adjustable. Moreover, the process is operated at atmospheric pressure and the NT rich soot is extracted continuously. The feasibility for producing a large variety of different nanostructures at high selectivity including Carbon MWNTs, SWNTs, nanofibers and necklaces nanostructures is well established. From the characteristics observed, 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 nanostructures. In this paper, the plasma process for continuous nanotube synthesis, typical process conditions prevailing and products are presented.