Patent ID: 7153398
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: B01J,B82Y,C01B,H05H

Abstract:
1. A method of continuously manufacturing fullerene-containing soot by vaporizing graphite in an electric arc maintained between two axially aligned graphite electrodes in an inert gas atmosphere by means of a hermetically sealed cylindrical chamber, removing the products formed in the electric arc with a stream of inert gas and their subsequent deposition in the form of the fullerens-containing soot, wherein at least one of the graphite rods is movable along the axis of said chamber, comprising the steps of: passing the graphite electrode being fed into the electric arc zone through a glow discharge zone, applying to the graphite electrode being fed into said electric arc zone a d.c. electrical voltage, alternating its polarity between positive and negative for predetermined time intervals enough to burn the carbon deposit formed on said electrodes during vaporization in said chamber, and removing said products from the electric arc zone by an annular stream of inert gas blown in said electric arc zone by means of an annular nozzle having a specified radius R, wherein said annular nozzle is substantially aligned coaxially with said electrodes.