US Patent 7041620 - Single Wall Nanotube Growth Using Group VI Metal Catalyst

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7041620.html

Carbon Nanotubes are probably the most talked about type of nanostructure and are starting to see some near term applications in field emission displays, memory devices, and polymer composites. However, none of these applications would be possible without the research and development of scientists such as Richard Smalley, one of the inventors of this patent and numerous other patents on nanotube manufacturing. This particular patent employs catalytic group VI metals such as chromium and tungsten to produce single walled nanotubes of greater purity and homogeneity. The method is cited to produce compositions of matter comprising at least 80% by weight single walled nanotubes and macroscopic carbon fibers containing on the order of 1,000,000 single walled nanotubes in parallel orientation.