Patent ID: 8241602
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: B01J,B82Y,C01B,C01P

Abstract:
1. A method for the manufacture of carbon nanotubes by thermal decomposition of at least one gaseous hydrocarbon in the presence of a solid catalyst in a tubular reactor, comprising the steps of: i) introducing the hydrocarbon into the reactor, ii) introducing the catalyst into the reactor via an inlet lock chamber maintained under an inert atmosphere, iii) decomposing the hydrocarbon thermally into carbon and hydrogen, iv) crystallising the carbon upon contact with the catalyst to form the carbon nanotubes, and v) withdrawing the carbon nanotubes from the reactor into an outlet lock chamber which is flushed with a flow of inert gas; wherein said tubular reactor between the inlet lock chamber and the outlet lock chamber is inclined relative to a horizontal surface on which said tubular reactor is located and said tubular reactor is subjected to rotation during steps i)-v).