Large-Volume Production of Monodisperse Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-073 Topic Title: Large-Volume Production of Monodisperse Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Proposal No.: N091-073-1176 Firm: Voxtel Inc. 12725 SW Millikan Way Suite 230 Beaverton, Oregon 97005 Contact: David Schut Phone: (971) 223-5646 Web Site: www.voxtel-inc.com Abstract: A prototype high-volume continuous-flow carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis process will be developed to implement a process that has demonstrated >95% yields of high-purity CNTs. The reactor's multi-zone furnace and direct-injection catalyst delivery system will be placed under computer control, and the product stream will be delivered to a modified version of an existing flow-synthesis reactor. This system will be used to provide the capability to deagglomerate, purify, functionalize, stabilize, and characterize the CNTs. In-line product characterization and control monitoring will be integrated, including UV-VIS-NIR photoluminescence, Raman, pH, and time-resolved fluorescence. In-line centrifuging and size-exclusion chromatography will be used to sort the CNT product. The product will be analyzed using X-ray, electron-microscope, and thermal gravitational methods. The flexibility and control of the continuous-flow system will allow statistically significant measure of the process quality - allowing for efficient scaling. Life-cycle cost, including capital requirements, for a multi-ton/day factory will be performed alongside an environmental impact analysis. The results of the Phase I program will result in a complete end-to-end demonstration of the prototype system. These results will be used in Phase II to optimize the CNT manufacturing, and scale to moderate-volume production. Benefits: Opportunities exist to leverage the innovation to become a high-volume CNT material supplier, or to license our technology to CNT suppliers and users. CNT applications exist in sensing applications such as biosensors, and chemical and pressure sensors. CNTs also have potential use across biomedical, energy, adhesive, and textile sectors. Carbon nanotubes just 10-50 nm in size spun in a yarn have great potential for use within textiles. Such yarns are strong, durable, and flexible, and retain the electrical properties of the nanotubes. Return