Systems and methods for formation and harvesting of nanofibrous materials

摘要

A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system include a housing coupled to a synthesis chamber within which nanotubes are produced. A spindle may extend from within the housing, across the inlet, and into the chamber for collecting nanotubes and twisting them into a yarn. A body portion may be positioned at an intake end of the spindle. The body portion may include a pathway for imparting a twisting force onto the flow of nanotubes and guide them into the spindle for collection and twisting into the nanofibrous yarn. Methods and apparatuses for forming nanofibrous are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method for forming a nanofibrous yarn, the method comprising:
synthesizing, in a hot zone of a synthesis chamber, a volume of free-flowing nanotubes formed within the hot zone from a carbon source; directing the volume of free-flowing nanotubes downstream and away from the hot zone; and funneling, at a location downstream from the hot zone, the synthesized volume of free-flowing nanotubes moving away from the hot zone as a twisting force is imparted onto the funneled volume of free-flowing nanotubes while pulling the twisted volume of nanotubes, downstream therefrom, together into a yarn.