Preparation and applications of hydrophilic nano-carbon particles

Abstract

We have produced nanocarbon suspension in pure water, which is named as Nanocaloid ®, by a simple DC electrolysis from a synthetic graphite plates as anodes and SUS plates as cathodes in purified water at room temperature. The amount of carbon nano-particles was monitored by the conductivity and pH value of the electrolyte solution, and also by a simple gravimetric way after drying the solution. If the current density increases, the diameter of the carbon particles becomes larger and the amount of precipitates becomes also large. It takes about six weeks to obtain about 0.4 wt% carbon suspension solution under the normal electrolysis conditions. Characterization of Nanocaloid ® has been conducted to show unique properties and promising epoch-making applications such as solid lubricants for non-oily cutting fluids and conductive agents for reuse of deteriorated Pb-acid batteries. The performance of nanocarbon particles in oil lubricants in addition to the preparation will be reported.