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Carbon Nanostructures from Coal-Derived Liquid Feedstocks--TDA Research, Inc., 12345 West 52nd Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1917; 303-940-2300
Dr. Michael D. Diener, Principal Investigator
Mr. John D. Wright, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82692
Amount: $750,000
While nano-structured carbons (fullerenes, buckytubes, etc.) have tremendous commercial potential, their high price and limited quantities have prevented applications from developing. The traditional problems arise from relatively expensive feedstocks, low yields, and methods unsuitable for scale-up. This project will develop a synthesis method for these nano-structured carbons, based on the use of certain distilled fractions of coal tar, produced as a by-product of the coal carbonization process, as a low-cost feedstock. Phase I demonstrated that usage of coal-derived feedstocks in the nano-carbon production process could significantly lower the price of nano-structured carbons. Phase II technology development will continue, including actual testing in a pilot plant. By the end of Phase II, the plant will produce a ton or more of structured carbon per day at a cost 100 times less than the current price.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by he awardee: Applications for nanostructured carbons are being developed for use in medicine as antioxidants, in catalysis as a structural support, as structural materials with superior properties over carbon fibers, and electronics, as organic transistors for flat panel displays.