Introduction

This book is meant to be an easy read. I wanted to give the reader a perspective from a different vantage point; a holistic view that encompasses sufficient information on the science, engineering, and economics of an often misunderstood field. It is light in all three disciplines, but hopefully descriptive enough to get the point across, without extensive discussions of any one topic. I like thin books that get to the point, yet are not very esoteric, so I have endeavored to keep this one short and simple.

If the reader desires detailed derivations, mathematical theories, and models, this is not the book, though some are discussed in great detail, when necessary. Neither is it for someone who desires detailed engineering design or Wall Street style financial analyses. It is a simple book from an author with a simple mind, and an average IQ. The ultimate goal is to show how some basic, yet remarkable materials have been ignored because of their lack of complexity and hype potential. In some instances, where not relevant, I expect the reader to find other sources for more detailed historical aspects of discovery, first applications, etc., which is generally covered by most technical articles and books, all too redundantly, in my opinion. Instead, I shall give very brief backgrounds and jump straight into a discussion of the characteristics at hand.

Having said that, the nature of the subject still demands a grasp on the basic physical chemistry concepts if the reader wants to understand my deductions for substitution of graphitic nanofibers (GN) for the more exotic materials. Those who are looking at the gist of things will also be able to achieve their objective by reading the summary following most chapters.

In Chapter 1, Brief Overview of Carbon and Its Cousins, some relevant chemistry and physics is reviewed.

The substitution argument to use GN in place of other exotic materials requires a some understanding of the special role of the electronic structure of elemental carbon, and the presence of reactive sites, and the special role these qualities play at the nano level and make things possible that macro materials cannot.

In Chapter 2, Review of Carbonaceous Nanomaterials and Graphite, having laid out the basics of atomic structure, I will expand on the characteristics of GN as well as those of the other carbonaceous materials starting with graphite, then carbon nanotubes (CNTs), GO, and Graphene.

This chapter will therefore give specific insight into these characteristics and set the stage again, for the comparison between the materials and then the substitution argument to follow.

From Chapter 3, Graphitic Nanofibers—The Path to Manufacturing, I focus on different aspects of GN, presenting the process from start to finish. I will start with various catalysts, followed by a look at the reaction mechanisms driving the formation of nanomaterials. This discussion will give us some insight into factors that may affect design of reactors. I end that chapter with an interesting reference that discusses growth rates to give food for thought for designers.

Chapter 4, Manufacturing, will delve into the synthesis of GN.

Different types of commercially operating reactors and designs will be discussed in relevant detail. Nanomaterials have raised questions about health effects. Since health concerns are mostly based on manufacturing environments, health effects about nanomaterials, concerns, and status are also covered in this chapter.

In Chapter 5, Costs of Manufacturing, I present a detailed look at the cost of manufacturing CNTs, GO, and GN and derive a comparison table. The cost derivation follows a real-world business approach to determine costs incurred by manufacturers. With the costs established for each material, economic viability will be determined for some applications promoted currently, sometimes with just a back of the napkin calculation.

Chapter 6, Functionalization and In Situ Polymerization, is a prelude to our discussion of applications, with some thought given to the functionalization of GN, and the possibility that GN being viable in many types of in situ polymerization reactions, where the other famous materials do not appear realistic for use by industry, especially due to their costs.

Chapter 7, Applications, will be dedicated to a few applications that I feel practical to consider today, if GN were to be substituted for graphene, graphene oxide, and other materials.

Lithium–ion batteries, catalysis, water and wastewater treatment, gas purification, heat transfer, lubrication and drilling fluids are discussed with this objective in mind.

Finally, I will attempt to summarize the material covered in the book, and some thoughts and opinions.

I hope this book provides some guidance to the curious minds with a simple but comprehensive view of the path to commercialization and what can be possible in the near future. I reiterate. It is important for the reader to understand the intent of this book, which is to provide tools for and to encourage novelty, cross-pollination, and original thought to further the use of nanomaterials in industry. It is not a technology recipe book, neither is it an attempt to show academic prowess. I offer my thoughts for the possibilities of the use of GN in the applications discussed. The source of material for the subject matter in this book varies: