Separating Carbon Nanotubes from Ceramic Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating and recovering carbon nanotubes from particulate ceramic support substrates are complex and inefficient, requiring simpler techniques to separate these composite particles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an external force and fluid flow, such as air vortex, to separate particulate ceramic support substrates from fibrous carbon nanostructures by applying a centrifugal force and airflow, allowing the nanostructures to pass through a fibrous carbon nanostructure path for recovery while the substrate is directed away, with a fluid containing air or inert gas to prevent reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional separation methods are used to separate carbon nanotubes from particulate ceramic support substrates, then separation can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using air flow as a drag force against the centrifugal force. A fluid (air or inert gas) flows toward the inlet of the fibrous carbon nanostructure path, creating a drag force that acts on the composite particles. This pneumatic approach simplifies the separation process by using natural fluid dynamics rather than complex mechanical separation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the separation process into distinct functional zones: a separation step where composite particles are subjected to centrifugal force and fluid flow drag, and a recovery step where separated fibrous carbon nanostructures are transferred to the interior of the path for recovery. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, improving overall efficiency.
2Productivity
If fluid flow is used to separate composite particles, then separation can be achieved, but the fluid may react with the composite particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the fluid used in the separation process should contain air and/or inert gas. The inert gas component creates an inert atmosphere that prevents chemical reactions between the fluid and the composite particles (particulate ceramic support substrate and fibrous carbon nanostructures). This ensures that the separation process is purely physical, avoiding any harmful chemical interactions.
3Ease of operation
If external force is applied to separate composite particles, then separation can be achieved, but the external force must be greater on the substrate than on the nanostructures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits parameter changes in the external force application. By controlling the fluid flow parameters (velocity, pressure) and the centrifugal force parameters (rotation speed), the system creates a force differential where the external force on the particulate ceramic support substrate is greater than on the fibrous carbon nanostructures. This parameter control enables simple operation while achieving effective separation based on the different responses of the two materials to the applied forces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables a simpler and more efficient separation and recovery of fibrous carbon nanostructures from composite particles, improving the recovery rate and preventing substrate contamination, with a high ratio of fluid flow to substrate density enhancing the process.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid flowing toward the inlet of the fibrous carbon nanostructure path and an external force including a component of a direction opposite to the direction in which the fluid flows are applied to the composite particles to separate the fibrous carbon nanostructures and the particulate ceramic support substrate
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an external force and a fluid flow as a drag against the centrifugal force (e.g., air vortex formed by a centrifugal force and airflow as a drag against the centrifugal force)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed method includes a separation step wherein composite particles are transferred to a vicinity of an inlet of a fibrous carbon nanostructure path configured to recover fibrous carbon nanostructures by allowing the fibrous carbon nanostructures to pass therethrough, and a fluid flowing toward the inlet of the path and an external force including a component of a direction opposite to the direction in which the fluid flows are applied to the composite particles to separate the fibrous carbon nanostructures and a particulate ceramic support substrate; and a recovery step wherein the separated fibrous carbon nanostructures are transferred to an interior of the path for recovery by a flow of the fluid, with the separated substrate transferred away from the fibrous carbon nanostructure path for recovery, wherein, in the separation step, the external force applied to the substrate is greater than that applied to the fibrous carbon nanostructures.