▎ 摘　　要

NOVELTY - Production of nano-structures, involves providing a graphite flake comprising graphene layers; intercalating the graphite flake by contacting the graphite flake with a gaseous or vapor form of intercalant to form a graphite intercalation compound exhibiting Stage I, II or III intercalation; and exfoliating the graphite intercalation compound by exposing it to a temperature of 1600-2400 degrees C such that several individual graphene layers are separated from the graphite intercalation compound. USE - For production of nano-structures (i.e. nano-tubes, Buckminster fullerenes (claimed), and nano-plates) useful as nanoscale wires and electrical components, and as battery fillers and fillers for polymeric materials or rubbers (such as for tires). ADVANTAGE - The process prepares nano-structures in large, commercially-significant volumes, cost-effective and commercially feasible manner than conventional nano-structure production processes; enables the production of nano-structures in quantities sufficient for industry-scale uses without the requirement of exotic equipment, unusual raw materials or extreme process parameters; and is capable of efficient production of commercial quantities of the nano-structures, using natural graphite starting materials.