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 . A macroscopic rigid porous carbon structure which comprises intertwined, interconnected single walled carbon nanotubes, said rigid porous carbon structure having a surface area greater than about 800 m 2 /gm, being substantially free of micropores and having a crush strength greater than about 5 lb/in 2 . 
     
     
         2 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein less than 1% of said surface area is attributed to micropores. 
     
     
         25 . The structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said structure has a carbon purity greater than 95%. 
     
     
         26 . The structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said structure has a density greater than 0.3 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
         27 . The structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said structure has a density greater than 1.0 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
         28 . A macroscopic rigid porous carbon structure which comprises a mixture of intertwined, interconnected single walled and multi walled carbon nanotubes, said rigid porous carbon structure having a surface area greater than about 800 m 2 /gm, being substantially free of micropores and having a crush strength greater than about 5 lb/in 2 .