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FRINATEK-Fri prosj.st. mat.,naturv.,tek

Properties of carbon cone particles and nanocarbon materials

Awarded: NOK 5.5 mill.

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Carbon Cones (CCs) have a perfect conical structure with symmetry fundamentally different from other known carbon materials, including nanotubes and buckyballs. There is only one known way to produce CCs at industrial scale, via the patented Kværner CB&H process in Norway. Theoretical calculations as well as preliminary experimental results, e.g. on large H2 uptake in this material, point to unusual functional properties of CCs, different from those of other carbon materials. Thorough investigation of thi s new behaviour by a range of experimental methods will allow for a basic understanding of the unusual properties of CCs, leading at the same time to new perspectives beyond the current state of the art. Material production, purification and separation of the five different cones and theoretical modelling are already addressed in a complementary EU STREP project denoted HYCONES and the outcome from this can be utilized in the present project. This project will focus on a thorough characterization of stru ctural, mechanical, electric/electronic and optical properties using various techniques including e.g. SEM, TEM, AFM, neutron- and X-ray scattering. The CCs are expected to exhibit exceptional electronic-, chemical- and mechanical functional properties th at stem from their unique topology as expected from computer modelling. This opens a wide range of new spin-off applications in several areas that will be further explored.

Funding scheme:

FRINATEK-Fri prosj.st. mat.,naturv.,tek