This invention is directed to the production of carbon nanotubes, e.g., single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), using plant fiber material as a unique starting carbon source. One of the advantages of using plant fiber material is that lower temperatures can be used to produce carbon nanotubes when compared to other conventional methods of carbon nanotube production which include arc-discharge, chemical vapor deposition, and laser-ablation. The ability to use cellulosic plant fibers as raw materials to produce carbon nanotubes also has the potential to dramatically reduce costs and improve the processing performance of these carbon nano-materials.
US Patent 8,080,227 and 8,632,744