Method for preparing catalyst supports and supported catalysts from single walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

A new method for preparing a supported catalyst is herein provided. A carbon nanotube structure such as a rigid porous structure is formed from single walled carbon nanotubes. A metal catalyst is then loaded or deposited onto the carbon nanotube structure. The loaded carbon nanotube is preferably ground to powder form.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of preparing a rigid porous carbon structure having a surface area greater than at least 800 m 2 /gm, comprising the steps of:
 a) dispersing a plurality of single walled carbon nanotubes in a medium to form a suspension;   b) using a kneader to obtain a uniform, thick paste of the nanotube suspension;   c) extruding or pelletizing the paste;   d) separately said medium from said suspension to form said structure,   wherein said nanotubes are intertwined to form said rigid structure of intertwined nanotubes bonded at the nanotube intersections within the structure.   
     
     
         19 . A method of preparing a rigid porous carbon structure having a surface area greater than at least 800 m 2 /gm, comprising the steps of:
 a) dispersing a plurality of mixed multi wall and single walled carbon nanotubes in a medium to form a suspension;   b) using a kneader to obtain a uniform, thick paste of the nanotube suspension;   c) extruding or pelletizing the paste;   d) separately said medium from said suspension to form said structure,   wherein said nanotubes are intertwined to form said rigid structure of intertwined nanotubes bonded at the nanotube intersections within the structure.   
     
     
         20 . A method of preparing a supported catalyst comprising the steps of:
 forming a rigid porous structure comprising intertwined single walled carbon nanotubes, and   loading a metal catalyst onto said rigid porous structure.   
     
     
         21 . A method of preparing a supported catalyst comprising the steps of:
 forming a rigid porous structure comprising intertwined single walled carbon nanotubes,   loading a metal catalyst onto said rigid porous structure. and   grounding said loaded rigid porous structure.   
     
     
         22 . A method of preparing a supported catalyst comprising the steps of:
 oxidizing single walled carbon nanotubes to form oxidized single walled carbon nanotubes,   extruding said oxidized single walled carbon nanotubes to form a rigid porous structure comprising said oxidized single walled carbon nanotubes, and   loading metal catalysts onto said rigid porous structure.   
     
     
         23 . A method of preparing a supported catalyst comprising the steps of:
 oxidizing single walled carbon nanotubes to form oxidized single walled carbon nanotubes,   extruding said oxidized single walled carbon nanotubes to form a rigid porous structure comprising said oxidized single walled carbon nanotubes,   loading metal catalysts onto said rigid porous structure, and   grounding said loaded rigid porous structure.