Device for producing carbon nanotube fibers and method for producing carbon nanotube fibers using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a carbon nanotube fiber. The apparatus includes: a vertical reactor having a reaction zone; a concentric double-pipe inlet tube disposed on top of the reaction zone and consisting of an inner pipe through which a spinning feedstock including a spinning solution and a first gas is introduced into the reaction zone and an outer pipe defining a concentric annular portion surrounding the inner pipe and through which a second gas is introduced into the reaction zone; heating means for heating the reaction zone; and a discharge unit disposed under the bottom of the reaction zone to discharge a carbon nanotube fiber therethrough. The spinning feedstock entering the reaction zone through the inner pipe of the inlet tube is carbonized and graphitized while flowing from the top to the bottom of the reaction zone to form a carbon nanotube fiber consisting of a continuous sock (or aggregates) of carbon nanotubes. The second gas entering the reaction zone through the outer pipe of the inlet tube forms a gas curtain surrounding the circumference of the continuous sock of carbon nanotubes while flowing from the top to the bottom of the reaction zone. The gas curtain minimizes the contamination of the inner wall of the reactor and facilitates the discharge of the carbon nanotube fiber. Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention is suitable for the production of a carbon nanotube fiber in a continuous manner.