Nanomaterials and Process for Making the Same

Abstract

Process for producing nanomaterials such as graphenes, graphene composites, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxides and other nanomaterials by high heat vaporization and rapid cooling. In some of the preferred embodiments, the high heat is produced by an oxidation-reduction reaction of carbon dioxide and magnesium as the primary reactants, although additional materials such as reaction catalysts, control agents, or composite materials can be included in the reaction, if desired. The reaction also produces nanomaterials from a variety of other input materials, and by varying the process parameters, the type and morphology of the carbon nanoproducts and other nanoproducts can be controlled. The reaction products include novel nanocrystals of MgO (percilase) and MgAl 2 O 4 (spinels) as well as composites of these nanocrystals with multiple layers of graphene deposited on or intercalated with them.

1 . A composition of matter comprising a plurality of graphene platelets that adhere to each other and form the faces of a hollow body. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the hollow body is a cube. 
     
     
         3 . A process for creating a composition of matter, comprising the steps of forming graphene platelets on the faces of a magnesium oxide (MgO) crystal, and thereafter removing the MgO crystal, with the graphene platelets adhering to each other and forming the faces of a hollow body having a shape corresponding to the shape of the MgO crystal. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 3  wherein the MgO crystal is removed chemically. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 3  wherein the MgO crystal is dissolved in hydrochloric acid. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 3  wherein the MgO crystal is a cubic crystal, and the graphene platelets form the faces of a hollow cube. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 3  wherein the graphene platelets and the MgO crystal are formed by combusting carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and magnesium (Mg) together in a highly exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction that produces a reaction product containing carbon and magnesium oxide (MgO), and rapidly cooling the reaction product to form carbon graphenes and MgO nanoparticles.