Methods and systems are described for processing cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials into useful intermediates and products, such as energy and fuels. For example, conveying systems and methods, such as highly efficient vibratory conveyors, are described for the processing of the cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials.

An apparatus of the present invention for producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates is an apparatus for producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates, the apparatus being configured to grow the aligned carbon nanotube aggregate by: causing a catalyst formed on a surface of a substrate to be surrounded by a reducing gas environment constituted by a reducing gas; heating at least either the catalyst or the reducing gas; causing the catalyst to be surrounded by a raw material gas environment constituted by a raw material gas; and heating at least either the catalyst or the raw material gas, at least either an apparatus component exposed to the reducing gas or an apparatus component exposed to the raw material gas being made from a heat-resistant alloy, and having a surface plated with molten aluminum.

An apparatus of the present invention for producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates is an apparatus for producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates, the apparatus being configured to grow the aligned carbon nanotube aggregate by: causing a catalyst formed on a surface of a substrate to be surrounded by a reducing gas environment constituted by a reducing gas; heating at least either the catalyst or the reducing gas; causing the catalyst to be surrounded by a raw material gas environment constituted by a raw material gas; and heating at least either the catalyst or the raw material gas, at least either an apparatus component exposed to the reducing gas or an apparatus component exposed to the raw material gas being made from a heat-resistant alloy, and having a surface plated with molten aluminum.

A method for forming graphene includes providing a substrate, subjecting the substrate to a reduced pressure environment, and providing a carrier gas and a carbon source. The method also includes exposing at least a portion of the substrate to the carrier gas, the carbon source, and at least one atmospheric gas and performing a CMOS compatible etching process on the at least a portion of the substrate. The method further includes performing, concurrently with the performing the CMOS compatible etching process, a CMOS compatible graphene growth process to convert a portion of the carbon source to graphene on the at least a portion of the substrate.

A reactor for producing a solid carbon material comprising at least one reaction chamber configured to produce a solid carbon material and water vapor through a reduction reaction between at least one carbon oxide and at least one gaseous reducing material in the presence of at least one catalyst material. Additional reactors, and related methods of producing a solid carbon material, and of forming a reactor for producing a solid carbon material are also described.

A reactor for producing a solid carbon material comprising at least one reaction chamber configured to produce a solid carbon material and water vapor through a reduction reaction between at least one carbon oxide and at least one gaseous reducing material in the presence of at least one catalyst material. Additional reactors, and related methods of producing a solid carbon material, and of forming a reactor for producing a solid carbon material are also described.

Methods and systems are described for processing cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials into useful intermediates and products, such as energy and fuels. For example, conveying systems and methods, such as highly efficient vibratory conveyors, are described for the processing of the cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials.

In one embodiment, a fine-dispersion compounding apparatus includes a closed container into which solid material is fed; a boiler configured to introduce high-pressure steam into inside of the closed container; a rotating body configured to knead the solid material with liquid medium generated from condensed high-pressure steam by rotating inside the closed container; an open port configured to set internal pressure of the closed container to atmospheric pressure level by releasing a closed state of the closed container; a conveying port configured to convey kneaded mixture of the solid material and liquid medium from inside to outside of the closed container; a mixed dispersion unit configured to disperse the conveyed kneaded mixture and compounding material; a liquid-medium ejection unit configured to eject the liquid medium contained in the kneaded mixture; and an extraction unit configured to extract a composite compound of the compounding material and the solid material.

A standalone precursor is for synthesizing nanomaterials such as boron nitride nanotubes. The standalone precursor includes a pillar. Pores and through-holes are defined in the pillar. Each of the through-holes extends continuously from a first opening on an outer surface of the standalone precursor to a second opening on the outer surface of the standalone precursor. The first opening is diametrically opposite to the second opening across the standalone precursor.

A polymerization reactor for production of a super absorbent polymer according to the present disclosure includes: a composition supply part for supplying a monomer composition solution; a central pipe connected to the composition supply part; a composition distribution part including a water storage tank located at a discharge port of the central pipe; a distribution pipe connected to the water storage tank; and an ultrasonic device installed inside the water storage tank, a conveyor belt located under the composition distribution part and on which the composition solution is dropped, and an energy supply part for supplying polymerization energy to the composition solution on the conveyor belt, wherein the ultrasonic device supplies bubbles to the composition solution flowing into the water storage tank.