METHOD FOR PRODUCING CARBON MATERIALS HAVING NITROGEN MODIFICATION STARTING FROM CARBON NANOTUBES

1 . Process for producing graphitic carbon materials comprising pyridinic, pyrrolic and/or quaternary nitrogen groups at least on their surface starting out from carbon nanotubes, wherein carbon nanotubes are milled under a nitrogen atmosphere.

2 . Process according to claim 1 , wherein the nitrogen atmosphere has a proportion of nitrogen of at least 90% by volume, preferably at least 99% by volume.

3 . Process according to claim 1 , wherein the milling is carried out in a milling media mill.

4 . Process according to claim 3 , wherein the milling is carried out in a planetary mill.

5 . Process according to claim 1 , wherein the milling is carried out for a period of from one minute to sixteen hour.

6 . Process according to claim 1 , wherein an amount of energy of from 5 kJ/g carbon nanotubes to 4000 kJ/g carbon nanotubes is introduced during milling.

7 . A method for carrying out chemical reactions, which comprises carrying out such chemical reactions in the presence of a graphitic carbon material of claim 1 as catalyst.

8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the chemical reaction is an electrochemical reaction.

9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the electrochemical reaction comprises a reduction of oxygen.

10 . Method of claim 8 wherein said graphitic carbon material is present as electrode material in fuel cells and electrolysis cells.

11 . Process of claim 5 , wherein the milling is carried out for a period of from four to eight hours.

12 . Process of claim 6 , wherein said amount of energy is in the range of from 500 kJ/g carbon nanotubes to 2500 kJ/g carbon nanotubes .