[nanoPost] monoblocs of carbon nanotubes

A French laboratory has developed a method (patent pending) for producing monoblocs of carbon nanotubes

CNTs are grown in large scale by catalytic decomposition of gas in the presence of supported transition metal catalysts. These obtained CNT or nanofibers may be dangerous if used “as produced” ie in the form of a carbon dust. Some producers include them directly in solutions or compound to avoid their staff to be in contact with these fibers. Furthermore the small size of these structures prevent their use in fixed reactor beds although their catalysis properties would be very interesting.

We aim to provide an easy way to manipulate these CNTS and carbon nanofibers with no danger for the operator and retain the high specific surface area of the CNT. By growing the CNT/ CNF in a reactor which form and dimensions are predefined regarding the application, one obtain a monobloc solid made of entangled CNT/CNF which retrain their individual properties (specific surface area, mechanical properties…). Density of such structures varies from 0.10 to 0.75 g/c m³  and specific surface area from 1 to 1000m²/g.

Furthermore the invention concerns the use of these products to capture hydrophobic (aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon like benzene, toluene…) organic pollutants in liquids as the reaction between them and the support is instantaneous. In addition the products can be “washed “ by a pollutant solvent and reused. Monoblocs (cm dimension) are available.