Yale university control number 3387-2085 project title ''rapid, direct, catalyst-free synthesis of high-performance carbon allotropes using an ultrahigh- temperature stable plasma platform'' yale…

The Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded Yale University a $4 million cooperative agreement on December 23, 2025, to develop and deploy a uniform, ultrahigh-temperature stable plasma (USP) process for rapid, catalyst-free synthesis of high-performance carbon allotropes from biomass, plastic waste, and carbon black, with primary output being carbon nanotubes and graphite. The work is funded under ARPA-E (CFDA 81.135), which supports high-potential energy technologies too early for private-sector investment.

Yale will operate the bench-scale USP system and provide characterization data to sub-recipients. USPlasma, Inc. will design and build a pilot-scale USP reactor for continuous fly-through synthesis in close collaboration with equipment supplier Abbott Furnace Company, targeting production rates of 100 kilograms per day of graphite and 10 kilograms per day of carbon nanotubes. USPlasma and Abbott will conduct pilot optimization trials and partner with US-based customers in the graphite and carbon nanotube supply chain for qualification testing. Truenorth Collective LLC will conduct life cycle assessment methodology and technology-to-market analysis to support deployment planning.

Performance occurs in New Haven, Connecticut, with a period of performance extending through December 22, 2028. The obligation of $4 million covers the full cooperative agreement term.

Yale university control number 3387-2085 project title ''rapid, direct, catalyst-free synthesis of high-performance carbon allotropes using an ultrahigh- temperature stable plasma platform'' yale university proposes to deploy our newly invented uniform, ultrahigh temperature, and stable plasma (USP) process (nature 2023, 623, 964) for the rapid (< 1 second) and continuous synthesis of converting biomass, plastic waste, and carbon black to carbon allotropes, including catalyst-free carbon nanotubes (cnts) and graphite.