Methods and apparatus for the production of carbon-containing materials

摘要

The present invention provides various methods and apparatus for the production of fullerenes and other carbon-containing materials. In some aspects, the invention provides an arc chamber comprising a graphite element support, wherein the support comprises a rotatable frame adapted for moving each graphite element towards and away from an arc discharge position. In other aspects, the invention provides a collection chamber for collecting carbon-containing materials produced in an arc chamber, wherein the collection chamber comprises an inlet and a rotatable element arranged to direct the carbon-containing material to a wall of the collection chamber, wherein the sectional area occupied by the rotatable element increases with distance from the inlet. In other aspects, the invention provides a collection chamber comprising means for isolating the collection chamber from an arc discharge apparatus and an inlet for the introduction of solvent into the collection chamber.

主权项

1. An apparatus for the production of fullerenes, the apparatus comprising:
an arc chamber; a graphite element support for supporting a plurality of graphite elements in the arc chamber, wherein the graphite element support comprises a rotatable frame adapted for moving each graphite element towards and away from an arc discharge position; means for forming an arc in the arc chamber to effect vaporisation of material of a graphite element in the arc discharge position; a collection chamber in communication with the arc chamber, wherein the collection chamber comprises an inlet for receiving fullerenes from the arc chamber and a rotatable element configured to rotate and direct the fullerenes to a wall of the collection chamber, wherein the inlet of the collection chamber is located above the arc chamber, and wherein the rotatable element is a conical element arranged with its apex facing the inlet; and means for supplying a gas to the arc chamber.