Method and apparatus for generating a carbon nanotube

Abstract

In an apparatus and method of generating a carbon nanotube (CNT), a process chamber is heated to a target temperature and a catalyst powder is supplied into the heated process chamber. The catalyst powder moves in a first direction in the process chamber. A source gas is supplied into the process chamber in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the source gas delays the movement of the catalyst powder in the first direction and is reacted with the catalyst powder in the process chamber to thereby produce the CNT in the process chamber. Accordingly, the flow of the source gas against the flow of the catalyst powder reduces the drop velocity of the catalyst powder. Therefore, the source gas and the catalyst powder may be reacted with each other for a sufficiently long time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 2007-83758, filed on Aug. 21, 2007 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus of generating a carbon nanotube (CNT). More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus of generating a CNT by use of a catalyst powder.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon with a nanostructure in which carbon atoms are combined with one another in a hexagonal structure, similar to a beehive, into a cylindrical tube of which the diameter is in the order of a few nanometers. Since the CNTs have excellent mechanical properties, superior field-emission characteristics and electrical selecti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a catalyst powder and a source gas. The method involves heating the process chamber and supplying the catalyst powder and source gas into the chamber in opposite directions, allowing the source gas to delay the movement of the catalyst powder and react with it to produce CNTs. The apparatus includes a catalyst supplier and a source gas supplier, with various methods for dispersing and heating the catalyst powder and source gas. The technical effects of this invention include improved efficiency in generating CNTs and better control over the reaction process.

Problems solved by technology

However, the process chamber 1 is partially enclosed by the heater in the conventional apparatus, because the heat generated from the heater 3 may have undesired effects on other elements of the apparatus around the process chamber 1 when the whole surface of the process chamber 1 is enclosed by the heater 3.

For that reason, the substrate is positioned only in a portion of the process chamber that is sufficiently enclosed by the heater 3, which reduces the space efficiency of the process chamber 1.

Further, the reduction of the space efficiency of the process chamber 1 may prevent larger apparatuses from being used.

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