Title

Three-Dimensional Carbon Fibers and Method and Apparatus and For Their Production

Abstract

This invention relates to novel three-dimensional (3D) carbon fibers which are original (or primary) carbon fibers (OCF) with secondary carbon filaments (SCF) grown thereon, and, if desired, tertiary carbon filaments (TCF) are grown from the surface of SCF forming a filamentous carbon network with high surface area. The methods and apparatus are provided for growing SCF on the OCF by thermal decomposition of carbonaceous gases (CG) over the hot surface of the OCF without use of metal-based catalysts. The thickness and length of SCF can be controlled by varying operational conditions of the process, e.g., the nature of CG, temperature, residence time, etc. The optional activation step enables one to produce 3D activated carbon fibers with high surface area. The method and apparatus are provided for growing TCF on the SCF by thermal decomposition of carbonaceous gases over the hot surface of the SCF using metal catalyst particles.

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

6787229

Application Serial Number

10/338,436

Issue Date

9-7-2004

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Department

FSEC

Allowance Date

5-23-2004

Filing Date

1-8-2003

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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