High temperature high pressure capsule for processing materials in supercritical fluids

• Main Authors: D'Evelyn, Mark Philip, Narang, Kristi Jean, Giddings, Robert Arthur, Tysoe, Steven Alfred, Lucek, John William, Vagarali, Suresh Shankarappa, Leonelli, Jr, Robert Vincent, Dysart, Joel Rice
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2009

A capsule for containing at least one reactant and a supercritical fluid in a substantially air-free environment under high pressure, high temperature processing conditions. The capsule includes a closed end, at least one wall adjoining the closed end and extending from the closed end; and a sealed end adjoining the at least one wall opposite the closed end. The at least one wall, closed end, and sealed end define a chamber therein for containing the reactant and a solvent that becomes a supercritical fluid at high temperatures and high pressures. The capsule is formed from a deformable material and is fluid impermeable and chemically inert with respect to the reactant and the supercritical fluid under processing conditions, which are generally above 5 kbar and 550° C. and, preferably, at pressures between 5 kbar and 80 kbar and temperatures between 550 ° C. and about 1500° C. The invention also includes methods of filling the capsule with the solvent and sealing the capsule, as well as an apparatus for sealing the capsule.