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WO2025158152A1 - Article - Google Patents

Article

Info

Publication number
WO2025158152A1
WO2025158152A1 PCT/GB2025/050122 GB2025050122W WO2025158152A1 WO 2025158152 A1 WO2025158152 A1 WO 2025158152A1 GB 2025050122 W GB2025050122 W GB 2025050122W WO 2025158152 A1 WO2025158152 A1 WO 2025158152A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
carbon
allotrope
reservoir
article
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/GB2025/050122
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jack Warren
Jonathan STAFFORD
Damyn Musgrave
Keiann WILLIAMS
David Bishop
Richard HAINES
Mahmoud ABOUKHEDR
Joel-David BRISCOE
Kate DARLINGTON
Mohammed Al-Amin
Catalin Mihai BALAN
Christopher Martin HUGHES
Stefan Koch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from EP24153978.2A external-priority patent/EP4591731A1/fr
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Publication of WO2025158152A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025158152A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/44—Wicks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
  • the present disclosure relates to an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system, and an aerosol generating provision comprising the article.
  • Non-combustible aerosol provision systems that generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user are known in the art.
  • Such systems typically comprise an aerosol generator which is capable of converting an aerosol-generating material into an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generated is a condensation aerosol whereby an aerosol-generating material is first vaporised and then allowed to condense into an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generated is an aerosol which results from the atomisation of the aerosol-generating material.
  • Such atomisation may be induced mechanically, e.g. by subjecting the aerosol-generating material to vibrations so as to form small particles of material that are entrained in airflow.
  • such atomisation may be induced electrostatically, or in other ways, such as by using pressure.
  • aerosol provision system is used to simulate a smoking experience, e.g. as an e- cigarette or similar product
  • control of these various characteristics is especially important since the user may expect a specific sensorial experience to result from the use of the system. It would be desirable to provide non-combustible aerosol provision systems which have improved control of these characteristics.
  • an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: a reservoir for an aerosol-generating material; and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator comprising an allotrope of carbon optionally formed as a foam, wherein the allotrope of carbon is arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir and the outside of the reservoir.
  • the reservoir has a wall through which the allotrope of carbon at least partially extends.
  • the allotrope of carbon extends from the outer surface of the wall to the inner surface of the wall.
  • the allotrope of carbon and the wall are integrally formed.
  • the allotrope of carbon comprises an aerosol generating portion and a transport portion, wherein the transport portion is for transferring the aerosol-generating material to the aerosol-generating portion.
  • the allotrope of carbon has a thickness of from 30 pm to 60 pm.
  • the aerosol generator comprises an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the allotrope of carbon is arranged on the electrically insulating substrate.
  • At least one aperture extends through the electrically insulating substrate.
  • the electrically insulating substrate is formed of a thermally insulating material.
  • the article comprises at least one electrical contact arranged in direct contact with the allotrope of carbon.
  • the article comprises at least two electrical contacts arranged on the allotrope of carbon, such that the aerosol-generating portion is between the at least two electrical contacts.
  • the article comprises at least one retaining element arranged to retain the aerosol generator on the reservoir.
  • the or each retaining element is a fastening element.
  • the article comprises: a housing comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air passageway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the allotrope of carbon is arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir and the air passageway.
  • the allotrope of carbon comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.
  • a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm' 1 to about 1650 cm' 1 , and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm' 1 to about 1400 cm' 1 , wherein a ratio I D /IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak is from about 0.8 to about 2, preferably from about 1 to about 1.8.
  • non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the article according to the first aspect of the present disclosure; and a power source and/or a controller.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing (not to scale or proportion) of a non-combustible aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of the article of Fig. 5 including an adsorbent material
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a non- combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a non- combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 21 is a side view drawing of part of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 22 is a first schematic cross-sectional drawing of the article of Fig. 21 , through the line A- A;
  • Fig. 23 is a second schematic cross-sectional drawing of the article of Fig. 21 , through the line A-A;
  • Fig. 24 is a third schematic cross-sectional drawing of the article of Fig. 21 , through the line A-A;
  • Fig. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of the article of Fig. 21 , through the line A-A;
  • Fig. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing showing various components of the article of Fig. 21 , through the line A-A;
  • Fig. 27 is schematic exploded perspective drawing showing the various components of Fig. 26;
  • Fig. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of the article of Fig. 21 , through a line orthogonal to the line A-A;
  • Fig. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system (the aerosol generator is omitted from this drawing, although it will be appreciated that the aerosol generator is present and located as shown in Fig. 8), according to the present disclosure;
  • Fig. 30 is a schematic exploded perspective drawing showing various components of the article of Fig. 29;
  • Fig. 31 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of the article of Fig. 29, where the section view is orthogonal to the section view shown in Fig. 29;
  • Fig. 32 shows a Raman spectra of an allotrope of carbon sample, in which the x-axis corresponds to Raman shift (cm -1 ) and the y-axis corresponds to intensity (counts), with a D band peak, a G band peak, and a 2D band peak.
  • the present disclosure relates, but is not limited, to non-combustible aerosol provision systems, and articles, that generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a powered noncombustible aerosol provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
  • END electronic nicotine delivery system
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
  • An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
  • Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosolgenerating material.
  • the solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
  • the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a power source and/or a controller.
  • the power source may be for supplying electrical power to the article (e.g. to the aerosol generator).
  • the controller may be for controlling the article (e.g. for controlling the supply of power to the article, e.g. to the aerosol generator).
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source.
  • the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area (which may be referred to herein as a reservoir for aerosol-generating material), an aerosolgenerating material transfer component (also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material transfer component or an aerosol-generating material transfer component), an aerosol generator (also referred to herein as an aerosol generating component), an aerosol generation area (also referred to herein as an aerosol generation chamber), a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • an aerosol-generating material storage area which may be referred to herein as a reservoir for aerosol-generating material
  • an aerosolgenerating material transfer component also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material transfer component or an aerosol-generating material transfer component
  • an aerosol generator also referred to herein as an aerosol generating component
  • an aerosol generation area also referred to herein as an aerosol generation chamber
  • e-cigarette and “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used. However, it will be appreciated these terms may be used interchangeably with non-combustible aerosol (vapour) provision system as explained above.
  • the systems described herein typically generate an inhalable aerosol by vaporisation of an aerosol-generating material.
  • the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
  • the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
  • the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
  • the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
  • the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
  • the active substance comprises nicotine.
  • the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
  • the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
  • botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
  • the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
  • the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
  • Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon
  • the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v..Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
  • the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
  • the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some examples, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
  • flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch,
  • the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
  • the flavour comprises eugenol.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
  • the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect.
  • a suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
  • Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3- butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
  • the one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
  • the term “consumable” may refer to an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user.
  • a consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosolmodifying agent.
  • a consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use.
  • the heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
  • the consumable may be suitable for holding (or containing) the aerosol-generating material. In this way, the consumable may, but need not necessarily, hold (or contain) the aerosol-generating material.
  • the term “susceptor” refers to a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field.
  • the susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material.
  • the heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material.
  • the susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms.
  • the device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
  • the term “component” is used to refer to a part, section, unit, module, assembly or similar of an electronic cigarette or similar device that incorporates several smaller parts or elements, possibly within an exterior housing or wall.
  • An electronic cigarette may be formed or built from one or more such components, and the components may be removably or separably connectable to one another, or may be permanently joined together during manufacture to define the whole electronic cigarette.
  • the present disclosure is applicable to (but not limited to) systems comprising two components separably connectable to one another and configured, for example, as a consumable/article component capable of holding an aerosol generating material (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomiser), and a device/control unit having a battery for providing electrical power to operate an element for generating vapour from the aerosol generating material.
  • a consumable/article component capable of holding an aerosol generating material (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomiser)
  • a device/control unit having a battery for providing electrical power to operate an element for generating vapour from the aerosol generating material.
  • An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent may be free from filtration material.
  • An aerosol generator (or aerosol generating component) is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • Fig. 1 is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale or proportion) of an example non-combustible aerosol provision system such as an e-cigarette 10.
  • the e-cigarette 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dashed line, and comprises two main components, namely a control or power component or section 20 (which may be referred to herein as a “device”) and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (which may be referred to herein as an “article”, “consumable”, “cartomizer”, or “cartridge”) that operates as a vapour generating component.
  • a control or power component or section 20 which may be referred to herein as a “device”
  • a cartridge assembly or section 30 which may be referred to herein as an “article”, “consumable”, “cartomizer”, or “cartridge” that operates as a vapour generating component.
  • the article 30 includes a storage compartment (also referred to herein as a “reservoir”) 3 containing an aerosol-generating material comprising (for example) a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is to be generated.
  • the liquid formulation may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise around 1 to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder comprising roughly propylene glycol, and possibly also comprising other components, such as water or flavourings.
  • the storage compartment 3 has the form of a storage tank, i.e. a container or receptacle in which aerosol-generating material can be stored such that the aerosol-generating material is free to move and flow (if liquid) within the confines of the container or receptacle.
  • the storage compartment 3 may contain a quantity of absorbent material such as cotton wadding or glass fibre which holds the aerosol-generating material within a porous structure.
  • the storage compartment 3 may be sealed after filling during manufacture so as to be disposable after the aerosol-generating material is consumed, or may have an inlet port or other opening through which new aerosolgenerating material can be added.
  • the article 30 also comprises an electrical aerosol generator 4 located externally of the storage compartment 3 for generating the aerosol by vaporisation of the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heating element (a heater) which is heated by the passage of electrical current (via resistive or inductive heating) to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material until it evaporates.
  • An aerosol generating material transfer component (not shown in Fig.
  • the aerosol generating material transfer component may have one or more parts located inside the storage compartment 3 so as to be able to absorb aerosol-generating material and transfer it by wicking or capillary action to other parts of the aerosol generating material transfer component that are in contact with the aerosol generator 4. This aerosol-generating material is thereby vaporised, and is to be replaced by new aerosol-generating material transferred to the aerosol generator 4 by the aerosol generating material transfer component.
  • a heater and wick combination, or other arrangement of parts that perform the same functions, is sometimes referred to as an atomiser or atomiser assembly.
  • the parts may be differently arranged compared to the highly schematic representation of Fig. 1 .
  • the wick may be an entirely separate element from the aerosol generator.
  • the aerosol generating material transfer component 4 for delivering liquid for vapour generation may be formed at least in part from one or more slots, tubes or channels between the storage compartment and the aerosol generator which are narrow enough to support capillary action to draw source liquid out of the storage compartment and deliver it for vaporisation.
  • an atomiser can be considered to be an aerosol generator 4 able to generate vapour from aerosol-generating material delivered to it, and an aerosol generating material transfer component (e.g. a liquid conduit) able to deliver or transport liquid from the storage compartment 3 or similar liquid store to the aerosol generator by a capillary force.
  • the aerosol generator is at least partially located within an aerosol generating chamber that forms part of an airflow channel through the electronic cigarette/system. Vapour produced by the aerosol generator is driven off into this chamber, and as air passes through the chamber, flowing over and around the aerosol generator, it collects the produced vapour whereby it condenses to form the demanded aerosol.
  • the cartridge assembly 30 also includes a mouthpiece 35 having an opening or air outlet through which a user may inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 4, and delivered through the airflow channel.
  • the power component (or device) 20 includes a cell 5 (e.g. a “battery”), which may be rechargeable, to provide power for electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, in particular the aerosol generator 4. Additionally, there is a printed circuit board 28 and/or other electronics or circuitry for generally controlling the e-cigarette 10.
  • the control electronics/circuitry connect the aerosol generating element 4 to the battery 5 when vapour is demanded, for example in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (not shown) that detects an inhalation on the system 10 during which air enters through one or more air inlets in the wall of the power component 20 to flow along the airflow channel.
  • an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor not shown
  • the aerosol generator 4 receives power from the cell 5
  • the aerosol generator 4 vaporises aerosol-generating material delivered from the storage compartment 3 to generate the aerosol, and the aerosol is then inhaled by a user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35.
  • the aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 along the airflow channel (not shown) that connects the air inlet to the air outlet when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 35.
  • An airflow path through the electronic cigarette is hence defined, between the air inlet(s) (which may or may not be provided in the power component 20) to the atomiser and on to the air outlet at the mouthpiece.
  • the air flow direction along this airflow path is from the air inlet to the air outlet, so that the atomiser can be described as arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet.
  • the power component 20 and the cartridge assembly 30 are separate parts detachable from one another by separation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the components 20, 30 are joined together when the device 10 is in use by cooperating engagement elements 21 , 31 (for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting) which provide mechanical and electrical connectivity between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30.
  • cooperating engagement elements 21 , 31 for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting
  • the two sections 20, 30 may connect together end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration as in Fig. 1 , or in a different configuration such as a parallel, side-by-side arrangement.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 may or may not be generally cylindrical and/or have a generally longitudinal shape. Either or both sections may be intended to be disposed of and replaced when exhausted (the reservoir is empty or the battery is flat, for example), or be intended for multiple uses enabled by actions such as refilling the reservoir, recharging the battery, or replacing the atomiser.
  • the e-cigarette 10 may be a unitary device (disposable or refillable/rechargeable) that cannot be separated into two or more parts, in which case all components are comprised within a single body or housing. Examples of the present disclosure are applicable to any of these configurations and other configurations of which the skilled person will be aware.
  • a type of aerosol generator such as a heating element, that may be utilised in an atomising portion of an electronic cigarette 10 (a part configured to generate vapour from a source liquid) combines the functions of heating and liquid delivery, by being both electrically conductive (resistive) and porous.
  • electrically conductive refers to components which have the capacity to generate heat in response to the flow of electrical current therein. Such flow could be imparted by via so-called resistive heating or induction heating.
  • the aerosol generator may be of a sheet-like form, i.e. a planar shape with a thickness many times smaller than its length or breadth. It is possible for the planar aerosol generator to define a curved plane and in these instances reference to the planar aerosol generator forming a plane means an imaginary flat plane forming a plane of best fit through the component.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may comprise appropriately sized voids and/or interstices to provide a capillary force for wicking aerosol-generating material (e.g. liquid).
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may also be considered to be porous, so as to provide for the uptake and distribution of aerosol-generating material (e.g. liquid).
  • the presence of voids and/or interstices may mean air can permeate through said aerosol generator.
  • at least part of the aerosol generator is electrically conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating, whereby electrical current flowing through a material with electrical resistance generates heat.
  • An aerosol generator (e.g. which is planar and/or sheet-like) may be arranged within a noncombustible aerosol provision system (e.g. an electronic cigarette), such that the aerosol generator lies within the aerosol generating chamber forming part of an airflow channel.
  • the aerosol generator may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a surface direction, i.e. substantially parallel to the plane of the aerosol generator.
  • An example of such a configuration can be found in WO2010/045670 and WO2010/045671 , the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Air can thence flow over the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof), and gather vapour. Aerosol generation is thereby made effective.
  • the aerosol generator may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a direction which is substantially transverse to the surface direction, i.e. substantially orthogonally to the plane of the aerosol generator.
  • a direction which is substantially transverse to the surface direction i.e. substantially orthogonally to the plane of the aerosol generator.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have a high degree of porosity.
  • a high degree of porosity may ensure that the heat produced by the aerosol generator is predominately used for evaporating the liquid and high efficiency can be obtained.
  • a porosity of greater than 50% may be envisaged. In one example, the porosity of the aerosol generator is 50% or greater, 60% or greater, 70% or greater.
  • the aerosol generator may form a generally flat structure, comprising first and second surfaces.
  • the generally flat structure may take the form of any two dimensional shape, for example, circular, semi-circular, triangular, square, rectangular and/ or polygonal.
  • the aerosol generator may have a uniform thickness.
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • electrical current is permitted to flow through the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) so as to generate heat (so called Joule heating).
  • the electrical resistance of the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) can be selected appropriately.
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the allotrope of carbon thereof may have an electrical resistance of 2 ohms or less, such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1 .7 ohms or less, such as 1.6 ohms or less, such as 1 .5 ohms or less, such as 1 .4 ohms or less, such as 1 .3 ohms or less, such as 1 .2 ohms or less, such as 1 .1 ohms or less, such as 1 .0 ohm or less, such as 0.9 ohms or less, such as 0.8 ohms or less, such as 0.7 ohms or less, such as 0.6 ohms or less, such as 0.5 ohms or less.
  • 2 ohms or less such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1 .7 ohms or less, such as 1.6 ohms or less, such as 1
  • the parameters of the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • material, thickness, width, length, porosity etc. can be selected so as to provide the desired resistance.
  • a relatively lower resistance will facilitate higher power draw from the power source, which can be advantageous in producing a high rate of aerosolisation.
  • the resistance should not be so low as to prejudice the integrity of the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof).
  • the resistance may not be lower than 0.5 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of from 1 ohms to 1000 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of from 1 ohms to 200 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of from 10 ohms to 150 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of from 20 ohms to 100 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g.
  • the allotrope of carbon thereof may have an electrical resistance of from 30 ohms to 70 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the aerosol generator may have an electrical resistance of from 40 ohms to 60 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the resistance should not be so low as to prejudice the integrity of the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof).
  • the resistance may not be lower than 0.5 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) has a resistance of from 1 Ohm to 100 Ohms. In one embodiment, the laser induced substrate has a resistance of from 1 Ohms to 25 Ohms. In one embodiment, the laser induced substrate has a resistance of from 1 Ohms to 15 Ohms.
  • Sheet resistance is measured in Ohm.sq and is typically used to describe the resistance of essentially two-dimensional (2D) surfaces.
  • the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 750 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 500 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 250 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 100 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 75 Ohm.sq.
  • the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 50 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 25 Ohm.sq. In some implementations, the sheet resistance of the allotrope of carbon is within ⁇ 10%, ⁇ 9%, ⁇ 8%, ⁇ 7%, ⁇ 6%, ⁇ 5% or ⁇ 4% of the Ohm.sq values listed above.
  • an article 100 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: a reservoir 101 for an aerosol-generating material 200; and an aerosol generator 102 for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may comprise an allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be arranged in fluid communication with the inside 104 of the reservoir 101 and the outside 105 of the reservoir 101.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may include pores.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be porous.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be permeable, e.g. liquid and/or gas permeable.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be a monolithic material.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a heating surface.
  • the heating surface may be partially or completely exposed. In use, aerosol may be emitted from the heating surface.
  • an article 100 for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system comprising: a reservoir 101 for an aerosolgenerating material 200; and an aerosol generator 102 for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200, the aerosol generator 102 comprising an allotrope of carbon 103 formed as a foam, wherein the allotrope of carbon 103 is arranged in fluid communication with the inside 104 of the reservoir and the outside 105 of the reservoir.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 in fluid communication with the inside 104 of the reservoir and the outside 105 of the reservoir, in use the allotrope of carbon 103 can adsorb aerosol-generating material 200 inside 104 of the reservoir, and release generated aerosol outside 105 of the reservoir. This results in an article 100 that can effectively store aerosol-generating material 200 and generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the propensity for the allotrope of carbon 103 to adsorb aerosolgenerating material 200 is greater at elevated temperatures (e.g. temperatures for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material) relative to lower temperatures (e.g. room temperature). This is advantageous because when there is no demand for aerosol and the allotrope of carbon 103 is at lower temperatures, aerosol-generating material 200 is less likely to leak through the allotrope of carbon 103; whereas when there is a demand for aerosol and the allotrope of carbon 103 is at elevated temperatures, aerosol-generating material wets the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • Example assemblies (or parts thereof) according to the present disclosure are shown in Figs. 2 to 31.
  • Aerosolgenerating material 200 may be stored inside 104 the reservoir 101. Aerosol-generating material 200 may flow from the inside 104 of the reservoir 101 to the aerosol generator 102. For example, this may involve aerosol-generating material 200 flowing from the inside 104 of the reservoir 101 through: at least one conduit 130 in aerosol-generator support 129, and/or at least one opening 126 in seal 125, and/or at least one aperture 132 in electrically insulating substrate 108; to the allotrope of carbon 103 (said features are discussed in more detail herein).
  • a power source may supply power to the aerosol generator 102 to energise (e.g. heat) the aerosol generator 102 such that the aerosol generator 102 generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200. The generated aerosol may be released to the outside 105 of the reservoir 101.
  • the aerosol generator 102 is for generating aerosol from an aerosolgenerating material 200.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 200. Aerosol generation may be performed in various ways, such as by heating.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be for heating an aerosol-generating material 200 to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be for heating an aerosol-generating material 200 to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is for heating an aerosol-generating material 200 to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be a heater (e.g. a heating element).
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be an inductive heater.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be a susceptor.
  • the article 100 may comprise a magnetic field generator 133.
  • the magnetic field generator 133 may be configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor 103 thereby to cause inductive heating of the susceptor 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise one or more portions 106, 107. Figs. 4 to 7, 10 to 15, and 20 show examples in which the allotrope of carbon comprises a plurality of portions 106, 107.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise an aerosol-generating portion 106.
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 may be configured to reach temperatures for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 200.
  • Other portions of the allotrope of carbon 103 e.g. the transport portion 107, as discussed below
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 (e.g. a surface thereof) may be exposed to the outside 105 of the reservoir 101.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a transport portion 107.
  • the transport portion 107 is for transferring aerosol-generating material 200 (e.g. in the reservoir 101) to the aerosolgenerating portion 106.
  • the transport portion 107 may be exposed to the inside 104 of the reservoir 101.
  • the transport portion 107 may extend from the inside 104 of the reservoir 101 to the aerosol-generating portion 106.
  • aerosol-generating material 200 inside the reservoir 101 may contact the transport portion 107.
  • the transport portion 107 may transport the aerosol-generating material 200 to the aerosol-generating portion 106 at which aerosol is generated, e.g. by heating, from the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the aerosol-generating material 200 may be transferred by capillary force through the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the surface area of the aerosol-generating portion 106 exposed to the outside 105 of the reservoir 101 may be greater than the surface area of the transport portion 107 exposed to the inside of the reservoir 101.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be integrally formed. That is, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed of a single piece (which may include multiple portions, as discussed). It has been found that when the allotrope of carbon 103 that is integrally formed, the allotrope of carbon 103 is robust and efficient to manufacture and assemble relative to an allotrope of carbon formed of separate pieces.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 provides for an aerosol generator 102 which is particularly effective in non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be considered as providing a carbonaceous surface (e.g. the aerosol-generating portion 106) which distributes and generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 in use. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that where the allotrope of carbon 103 is heated to temperatures for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, the carbonaceous surface may have a high surface free energy and therefore a high wettability (and low contact angle).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is heated to temperatures for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, a thin layer of aerosol-generating material may be evenly distributed across the carbonaceous surface of the allotrope of carbon 103 and efficiently aerosolised.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 has a high power density and a low thermal mass, and a small volume of the aerosol-generating material can be thinly formed across a given surface area of the allotrope of carbon 103, relative to materials having a surface across which aerosol-generating material cannot be as thinly formed. This provides for efficient transfer of energy to the aerosol-generating material 200 in use.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed as a foam.
  • “allotrope of carbon formed as a foam” means the allotrope of carbon 103 per se is a foam.
  • the foam may comprise a foam structure and a plurality of cells. It will be understood that the allotrope of carbon forms the foam structure, and that the foam structure defines the plurality of cells.
  • the foam structure may define the plurality of cells. A plurality of the cells may be interconnected.
  • the foam may be an open-cell foam, such as a reticulated foam. It will be understood that the foam is a solid foam (e.g. at least from 20°C to 350°C and 101325 Pa).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a capillary structure.
  • the foam may comprise a capillary structure.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 formed as a foam provides for a particularly effective aerosol generator 102.
  • the foam 103 which may have a high thermal conductivity and a high electrical conductivity
  • the aerosol generator can be operated at high power levels with a reduced risk of hot spots causing damage to the aerosol generator.
  • the foam 103 may be compliant to thermal expansion in use. As such, the foam 103 may be resistant to heat-induced degradation in use.
  • the foam 103 can facilitate a reduced battery throughput and/or an extended battery life. Additionally, it has been found that the foam 103 can provide for reduced battery size requirements and thus improved packaging efficiency, e.g. in terms of cost and space requirements. Further, the foam 103 can facilitate rapid volatilisation of aerosol-generating material 200, which may enhance user experience by reducing the time to generate aerosol in response to a first inhalation (“first puff”) by a user. Moreover, the foam 103 can facilitate consistency between respective inhalations by a user (“puff to puff consistency”). The use of the foam 103 may also provide for certain user experience advantages associated with conventional factory made cigarettes.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be referred to as a “carbon foam”. It will be understood that the carbon foam includes, for example, graphite foam, graphene foam, or any other carbon-based foam.
  • the foam 103 may be made using various methods, including (but not limited to) arc discharge, laser ablation, laser induction, laser-induced pyrolysis, high- pressure carbon monoxide disproportionation, and chemical vapour deposition.
  • laser induction may be used to make the allotrope of carbon (e.g. the foam) 103.
  • the foam may comprise multiple layers. Each layer may comprise or consist of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure, such as a honeycomb lattice structure.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise carbon structured so as to contain a plurality of carbon to carbon bonds lying in the same plane.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise graphite.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphite
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a plurality of stacked layers of carbon atoms, the carbon atoms of each layer being bonded to three adjacent carbon atoms in the layer, with each bond lying in the same plane so as to form a hexagonal lattice structure.
  • Non-covalent bonding exists between the stacked layers.
  • graphite includes multiple stacked layers of carbon, in which the layers of carbon are parallel relative to each other. There are two forms of graphite: alpha graphite, in which the layers are ABA stacked; and beta graphite, in which the layers are ABC stacked.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise graphene.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be graphene.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is (or comprises) graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, i.e. a one-atom thick layer of carbon, are arranged such that the carbon atoms form a hexagonal lattice structure. It has been found that graphene provides for an effective aerosol generator 102.
  • the high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of graphene is such that the graphene can effectively dissipate heat, reduce temperature variation, and reduce the severity of the hot spots.
  • the aerosol generator 102 can be operated at high power levels with a reduced risk of hot spots causing damage to the aerosol generator 102.
  • graphene may be elastic and therefore compliant to thermal expansion (e.g. of the electrically insulating substrate 108; discussed below) in use. Therefore, the aerosol generator 103 may be resistant to degradation due to a difference in thermal coefficient of expansion of the graphene and the electrically insulating substrate (for example).
  • graphene can provide for a reduced battery throughput and thus an extended battery life. Additionally, the use of graphene can provide for reduced battery size requirements and thus improved packaging efficiency, e.g. in terms of cost and space requirements. Further, the use of graphene can facilitate rapid volatilisation of aerosolgenerating material, which may enhance user experience by reducing the time to generate aerosol in response to a first inhalation (“first puff”) by a user. Moreover, the use of graphene can facilitate consistency between respective inhalations by a user (“puff to puff consistency”). The use of graphene may also provide for certain user experience advantages associated with conventional factory made cigarettes.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphene
  • more than one layer of graphene may be present.
  • at least two of the layers of graphene 103 may be non-parallel relative to each other.
  • non-parallel it is meant that an imaginary plane through one layer of graphene 103 (or an imaginary plane of best-fit through a non-planer layer of graphene 103), is non-parallel relative to an imaginary plane through another layer of graphene 103 (or an imaginary plane of best-fit through the another non-planar layer of graphene 103).
  • the layers of graphene 103 are electrically connected to form a current path.
  • a porous graphene structure By providing non-parallel layers of graphene, a porous graphene structure can be provided.
  • the combination of porosity and the low surface energy of graphene at typical aerosolisation temperatures is such that aerosol-generating material can be effectively distributed across not only the outermost surface of the graphene, but also the bulk structure of the graphene.
  • aerosol-generating material can be provided in intimate contact with an increased surface area of heated material, provided by the graphene layers.
  • This provides for efficient and effective aerosolisation performance.
  • at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least eight, or at least ten of the layers of graphene 103 may be non-parallel relative to each other. Where more than one layer of graphene 103 is present, at least two of the layers of graphene 103 may be parallel relative to each other.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be bilayer graphene.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphene
  • the allotrope of carbon e.g. the one or more layers of graphene
  • Three dimensional graphene may be considered as one or more graphene sheets (or layers) folded back (e.g. on one another) to form a three-dimensional structure.
  • the layer or layers may be provided in various forms.
  • the one or more layers of graphene 103 may be formed as a plurality of three-dimensional structures.
  • the three-dimensional graphene structures may be selected from cubes, cuboids, cones, cylinders (e.g. tubes), spheres, pyramids, and/or prisms. It will be understood that various methods may be used to produce three-dimensional graphene structures, including (but not limited to) arc discharge, laser ablation, high-pressure carbon monoxide disproportionation, and chemical vapour deposition.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be porous. In the examples shown in the figures, the allotrope of carbon 103 is porous.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon. In some preferred embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 103 is selected from the group comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof.
  • a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band, and a D band. The Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 also comprises a 2D band.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon and/or nanocrystalline graphite. In some preferred examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 is selected from the group comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, nanocrystalline graphite, or a combination thereof.
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band peak within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm -1 to about 1650 cm -1 .
  • Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm -1 to about 1400 cm -1 .
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2600 cm' 1 to about 2750 cm' 1 .
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band peak within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm' 1 to about 1590 cm' 1 .
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 cm' 1 to about 1340 cm' 1 .
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2620 cm' 1 to about 2680 cm' 1 .
  • a ratio I D /IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak may be from about 0.8 to about 2.
  • the ratio ID/IG may be from about 0.9 to about 1.9.
  • the ratio ID/IG may be from about 1 to about 1.8.
  • the G band peak may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of at from about 30 cm' 1 to about 100 cm' 1 .
  • the G band peak may have a FWHM of from about 30 cm' 1 to about 70 cm' 1 .
  • the 2D band may follow a Gaussian curve model or a Lorentzian curve model.
  • a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm' 1 to about 1650 cm' 1 , and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 erm 1 to about 1400 cm' 1 , wherein a ratio ID/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak is from about 0.8 to about 2.
  • a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm' 1 to about 1590 cm' 1 , and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 cm' 1 to about 1340 cm' 1 , wherein a ratio I D /IG of the intensity l D of the D band peak to the intensity l G of the G band peak is from about 1 to about 1.8.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is porous.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is electrically conductive.
  • the Raman spectrum may be measured using Raman microspectroscopy.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a laser wavelength of 638 nm.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a grating having 1800 grooves/mm.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a laser power of 10.9 mW.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using an acquisition time of 5 seconds.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using 20 accumulations.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a confocal pinhole of 300 pm.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed at a wavelength range of from about 1000 cm' 1 to about 3000 cm' 1 .
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a microscope objective of 50x LWD (long working distance) and 0.8 NA (numerical aperture).
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a Horiba Xplora Plus Raman Microspectrometer.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed at 21 °C.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 subjected to the Raman microspectroscopy may be unused. That is, the allotrope of carbon 103 has not been used to generate aerosol and/or has not been heated to typical aerosolisation temperatures (post-manufacture of the allotrope of carbon 103).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is thermally conductive. It will be understood that the allotrope of carbon 103 is electrically conductive.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wnr’K' 1 to 5500 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 4000 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 WOT 1 K' 1 to 2000 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 150 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 1000 Wirr 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 180 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 700 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wnr 1 K' 1 to 500 Wnr 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 1 Snr 1 to 2.5x10 6 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 100 Snr 1 to 1.0x10 6 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 200 Snr 1 to 100000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 400 Snr 1 to 50000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 500 Snr 1 to 10000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 600 Snr 1 to 5000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 800 Snr 1 to 3000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 900 Snr 1 to 1300
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 500 Wnr 1 K' 1 and an electrical conductivity of from 900 Snr 1 to 1300 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm’ 1 K’ 1 to 500 Wirr'K’ 1 and an electrical conductivity of from 900 Srm 1 to 1300 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be resiliently deformable.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a non-linear elasticity.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103, or a portion of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be of a sheet-like form.
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 may be of a sheet-like form.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103, ora portion of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be substantially planar.
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 may be substantially planar.
  • the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be understood to refer to the extent of the allotrope of carbon 103, measured orthogonally, between an outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 103 facing the outside 105 of the reservoir 101 and the opposing outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be understood to refer to the extent of the allotrope of carbon 103, measured orthogonally to the plane or lateral extent of the allotrope of carbon 103, between outer surfaces of the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 or the aerosol-generating portion 106) includes internal cells or pores, these are effectively ignored for in the measurement of thickness.
  • a first example allotrope of carbon 103 and a second example allotrope of carbon 103 which differ only insofar as the first example allotrope has internal cells or pores and the second example allotrope is non-cellular or non-porous, will have the same thickness.
  • the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103 may refer to the thickness of a single layer or a multi-layer. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable methods for measuring the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103, e.g. electron microscopy.
  • the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103 is illustrated in Fig. 19 by “T” (see double-ended arrow).
  • the thickness of the aerosol-generating portion 106 is illustrated in Fig. 20 by “t” (see double-ended arrow).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 500 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 400 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 300 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 200 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 100 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 80 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 500 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 400 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 300 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 200 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 100 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 80 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 500 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 400 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 300 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 200 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 100 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 80 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 500 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 400 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 300 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 200 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 100 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 80 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 500 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 400 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 300 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 200 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 100 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 80 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 50 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 has a thickness of from about 50 pm to about 500 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 50 pm to about 300 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 80 pm to about 300 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 90 pm to about 200 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 100 pm to about 150 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 120 pm to about 130 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 20 pm to about 150 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 30 pm to about 120 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 40 pm to about 110 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 50 pm to about 100 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 1 pm to about 50 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 1 pm to about 20 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 1 pm to about 10 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of from about 1 pm to about 5 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of up to about 50 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosolgenerating portion 106) has a thickness of up to about 40 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of up to about 30 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a thickness of up to about 20 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosolgenerating portion 106) has a thickness of up to about 5 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of no greater than 6 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of no greater than 5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of no greater than 4 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of no greater than 3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a length of no greater than 2 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of at least 0.5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of at least 1 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of at least 1.3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of from 0.5 mm to 6 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of from 1 mm to 4 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of from 1 mm to 3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of from 1.3 mm to 2 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of no greater than 6 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of no greater than 5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of no greater than 4 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of no greater than 3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of no greater than 2.5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a width of no greater than 2.3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of at least 0.5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of at least 1 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of at least 1.5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of at least 1.7 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of from 0.5 mm to 6 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of from 1 mm to 4 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of from 1 mm to 3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a width of from 1.7 mm to 2.3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) takes a substantially rectangular form (e.g. when viewed from above).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 2 mm to about 3.2 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 2.2 mm to about 3 mm. In some examples, allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 2.4 mm to about 2.8 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 1.4 mm to about 2.6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 1.6 mm to about 2.2 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 1.7 mm to about 2.1 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm and a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 1 mm to about 4 mm and a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 2 mm to about 3.2 mm and a width of from about 1.4 mm to about 2.6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 2.2 mm to about 3 mm and a width of from about 1.6 mm to about 2.2 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 2.4 mm to about 2.8 mm and a width of from about 1.7 mm to about 2.1 mm.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is at least 2 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is at least 4 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is no greater than 20 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is no greater than 10 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is from 2 mg to 10 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is from 4 mg to 8 mg.
  • the aerosol collected mass corresponds to the amount of aerosol collected per puff based on a puff regimen of 25 puffs, each puff having a puff volume of 55 mL, a puff duration of 3 seconds, and a puff interval of 30 seconds.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may comprise an electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be arranged on (or deposited on or supported on) the electrically insulating substrate 102. It has been found that the electrically insulating substrate 108 may provide a useful structural support for the allotrope of carbon 103, and thereby improve the robustness of the aerosol generator 102.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be non-porous. Alternatively, the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be porous. In various examples of the figures, the electrically insulating substrate 108 (where present) may be non-porous.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be formed of any suitable electrically insulating material. In particular, the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be formed of a thermally insulating material (in which case the substrate may be referred to as an “electrically insulating and thermally insulating substrate 108”).
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may comprise or be formed of plastic, glass, paper, and/or ceramic.
  • the plastic may be selected from polysulfone (PSU), poly(ethersulfone) (PES), polyimide (PI), poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyether ketone (PEK).
  • the polyimide (PI) may be selected from polyetherimide (PEI) and polyamide-imide (PAI). In some embodiments, the polyimide is poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene- pyromellitimide).
  • Poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide) is commercially available from DuPont under the trade name Kapton® HN (and other Kapton® products).
  • the glass may be selected from the group consisting of silicate glass and non-silicate glass.
  • the silicate glass may be borosilicate glass, or quartz glass (fused quartz).
  • the glass may be flexible.
  • the glass may be non-porous.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be formed as a sheet (which may be curved or substantially planar).
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be substantially planar.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be formed as a plate, a strip.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be elongate.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 100 pm to 4 mm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 200 pm to 3 mm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 400 pm to 2 mm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 5 pm to 500 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 500 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 50 pm to 500 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 100 pm to 500 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 50 pm to 300 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 80 pm to 250 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 80 pm to 200 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 80 pm to 200 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may have a thickness of from 80 pm to 150 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a thickness of from about 40 pm to about 500 pm.
  • the thickness of the electrically insulating substrate 108 is measured orthogonally to the plane or lateral extent of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a thickness of from about 40 pm to about 300 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a thickness of from about 80 pm to about 300 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a thickness of from about 90 pm to about 200 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a thickness of from about 100 pm to about 150 pm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a thickness of from about 120 pm to about 130 pm.
  • the length and/or the width of the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be varied.
  • the length of the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be substantially the same as the length of the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the width of the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be substantially the same the width of the allotrope of carbon 103. It will be understood that the dimensions of the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be varied.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 takes a substantially rectangular form (e.g. when viewed from above).
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length of from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length of from about 2 mm to about 3.2 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length of from about 2.2 mm to about 3 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length of from about 2.4 mm to about 2.8 mm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a width of from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a width of from about 1.4 mm to about 2.6 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a width of from about 1.6 mm to about 2.2 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a width of from about 1.7 mm to about 2.1 mm.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm and a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length from about 1 mm to about 4 mm and a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length from about 2 mm to about 3.2 mm and a width of from about 1.4 mm to about 2.6 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length from about 2.2 mm to about 3 mm and a width of from about 1.6 mm to about 2.2 mm. In some examples, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a length from about 2.4 mm to about 2.8 mm and a width of from about 1.7 mm to about 2.1 mm.
  • At least one aperture 132 may extend through the electrically insulating substrate 108. It has been found that the at least one aperture 132 facilitates effective delivery of aerosol-generating material 200 to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • aerosol-generating material 200 can be delivered from the surface of the substrate 108 opposite from the surface on which the allotrope of carbon 103 is supported, through the at least one aperture 132, to the allotrope of carbon 103. In this way, the aerosol-generating material 200 delivered through the at least one aperture 132 can spread across the allotrope of carbon 103, while the allotrope of carbon 103 is shielded from the bulk volume of aerosol-generating material 200 by the substrate 108.
  • the at least one aperture 132 permits controlled delivery of aerosol-generating material 200 to the allotrope of carbon 103, whilst the structure of the substrate 108 prevents aerosol from inadvertently flowing into the reservoir 101.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of no greater than 500 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of no greater than 400 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of no greater than 300 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of no greater than 250 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of at least 10 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of at least 20 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of at least 50 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of at least 100 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of at least 150 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of from 50 pm to 400 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of from 100 pm to 300 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 may have a diameter of from 150 pm to 250 pm.
  • the or each aperture 132 has a diameter of from about 1 pm to about 300 pm. In some examples, the or each aperture 132 has a diameter of from about 5 pm to about 200 pm. In some examples, the or each aperture 132 has a diameter of from about 30 pm to about 100 pm. The present inventors have found that such diameters facilitated improved transport of aerosol-generating material to the outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 103. The present inventors have also found that such diameters do not result in significant leakage of aerosol-generating material.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be substantially planar.
  • the or each aperture 132 may extend through the plane of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the or each aperture 132 may extend through the electrically insulating substrate 108 orthogonally to the plane of the electrically insulating substrate 102.
  • the at least one aperture 132 may comprise a plurality of the apertures 132. That is, the aerosol generator 102 may comprise a plurality of apertures 132 each extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108. The plurality of apertures 132 may each extend from a first surface the electrically insulating substrate 108 to a second (e.g. opposing) surface of the electrically insulating substrate 108. The plurality of apertures 132 may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of apertures 132 may comprise at least three apertures.
  • the plurality of apertures 132 may form an array, or a two-dimensional pattern.
  • the plurality of apertures 132 may form an array or a two dimensional pattern across the first surface and/or the second surface.
  • the allotrope of carbon had a length of 3.5 mm (the aerosol-generating portion 106, which extended between the electrical contacts 123, has a length of 1.6 mm), a width of 2 mm, and a thickness of from 30 to 50 pm; the electrically insulating substrate 108 had a thickness of from 100 to 125 pm (and varied in length and width between different examples) and each aperture 132 had a diameter of around 200 pm, as determined by optical microscopy). It will be appreciated that other forms of microscopy, such as electron, x-ray, and scanning probe, may be used to determine the diameter of the or each aperture 132.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be proximal the reservoir 101 and the allotrope of carbon 103 may be distal the reservoir 101.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be arranged towards the reservoir 101 and the allotrope of carbon 103 may be arranged away from the reservoir 101.
  • the reservoir 101 is suitable for an aerosol-generating material 200. It will be understood that the reservoir 101 may store the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the reservoir 101 may take various forms. As shown in various figures, the reservoir 101 may have at least one wall 109. For example, the reservoir 101 may have a plurality of walls 109.
  • the inner surface of the reservoir 101 may define the internal volume of the reservoir 101.
  • the inner surface of the at least one wall 109 may define the internal volume of the reservoir 101. Aerosol-generating material 200 can be stored in the internal volume of the reservoir 101.
  • the or each wall 109 may take various forms.
  • the or each wall 109 may comprise at least one part or section.
  • the at least one wall 109 may be considered as a structure that defines (and is exposed to) the internal volume of the reservoir 101.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 extends through the wall 109 (discussed herein), the allotrope of carbon 103 may be considered as forming part of a wall 109.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 partially defines the internal volume of the reservoir 101
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may be considered as forming part of a wall 109.
  • the housing 134 partially defines the internal volume of the reservoir 101
  • the housing 134 may be considered as forming part of a wall 109.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is arranged on the electrically insulating substrate 108 (discussed herein), the allotrope of carbon 103 (and the electrically insulating substrate 108) may be considered as forming part of a wall 109.
  • the reservoir 101 may be elongate. Alternatively, the length of the reservoir 101 may be less than the width of the reservoir 101 . Various forms of the reservoir 101 are envisaged.
  • the reservoir 101 may converge towards the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • an inner surface 110 of the reservoir 101 may converge towards the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the reservoir 101 may converge to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • an inner surface 110 of the reservoir 101 may converge to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • Such arrangements help to direct aerosol-generating material 200 towards or to the allotrope of carbon 103 in use. This is particularly beneficial when the surface area of the allotrope of carbon 103 exposed to the inside of the reservoir 101 is significantly less than the total surface area of the inner surface of the reservoir 101.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be provided on a portion of a wall 109.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may at least partially extend through a wall 109 (or a portion thereof).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may extend from an outer surface of the wall 109 towards an inner surface of a wall 109.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may extend from the outer surface of a wall 109 to the inner surface of the wall 109.
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106) of the allotrope of carbon 103 is exposed to the outside 105 of the reservoir 101.
  • the portion exposed to the inside 104 of the reservoir 101 can adsorb aerosol-generating material 200 and transfer aerosol-generating material 200 to the portion exposed to the outside 105 of the reservoir 101 , at which latter portion aerosol can be generated. In this way, a particularly efficient and effective article 100 is provided.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 and the portion of the wall 109 on which the allotrope of carbon 103 is provided may be formed separately.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 and the wall 109 (e.g. the portion thereof) through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be integrally formed.
  • the article 100 can be manufactured efficiently, without the need to assemble the reservoir 101 and the allotrope of carbon 103 as separate components.
  • the article 100 can be more robust than an article in which the allotrope of carbon 103 and the reservoir 101 are formed of separate components.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a plurality of portions, such as an aerosol-generating portion 106 and/or a transport portion 107.
  • a cross-sectional area of the transport portion 107 may be less than a cross- sectional area of the aerosol-generating portion 106, wherein each cross-sectional area is measured orthogonally to the thickness extent of the wall 109.
  • This arrangement can facilitate transfer of aerosol-generating material 200 at a controlled rate (e.g. with a reduced risk of leakage) and a desirable aerosol generation profile.
  • the transport portion 107 may comprise a first portion 112 and a second portion 113.
  • the first portion 112 may be exposed to the inside 104 of the reservoir 101.
  • the second portion 113 may extend from the first portion 112 to the aerosolgenerating portion 106.
  • the transport portion 113 may or may not be exposed to the inside 104 of the reservoir 101.
  • the reservoir 101 may be at least partially formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the portion of the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the portion of the wall 109 that is contiguous with the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the electrically- insulating material may comprise or be formed of plastic, glass, paper, and/or ceramic.
  • the plastic may be selected from polysulfone (PSU), poly(ethersulfone) (PES), polyimide (PI), poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyether ketone (PEK).
  • the polyimide (PI) may be selected from polyetherimide (PEI) and polyamide-imide (PAI).
  • the glass may be selected from the group consisting of silicate glass and non-silicate glass.
  • the silicate glass may be borosilicate glass, or quartz glass (fused quartz).
  • the glass may be flexible.
  • the glass may be non-porous.
  • the portion of the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends was formed of polyimide.
  • the reservoir 101 comprises a trap 114 configured to trap aerosolgenerating material in a region 115 of the reservoir 101.
  • the region 115 may be adjacent to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the region 115 may be a downstream region. It will be understood that a region of the reservoir 101 corresponds to a volume inside the reservoir 101 that is less that the total volume inside the reservoir 101.
  • the reservoir 101 may have an upstream region 116.
  • the trap 114 may be configured to trap aerosol-generating material in the downstream region 115.
  • the trap 114 helps to direct aerosol-generating material 200 to a desired region of the reservoir 101 , e.g. towards the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the benefits of the trap 114 are particularly apparent when a low volume of aerosol-generating material 200 is present inside the reservoir 101 and/or when the allotrope of carbon 103 has a small surface area exposed to the inside 104 of the reservoir 101 relative to the total internal surface area of the reservoir 101 , such that aerosol-generating material 200 may be unable to contact the allotrope of carbon 103, at least in certain orientations of the reservoir 101.
  • the reservoir 101 has an upstream region 116, a downstream region 115, and a trap 114 configured to trap aerosol-generating material 200 in the downstream region 115.
  • the trap 114 may comprise a barrier (e.g. a partition) 117 separating the downstream region
  • the trap 114 may form a part of the reservoir 101.
  • the trap 114 (or the barrier 117) may be formed of a part of the reservoir 101.
  • the trap 114 (or the barrier 117) may be formed of a wall 109 of the reservoir 101.
  • the barrier 117 and the reservoir 101 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the barrier 117 and the reservoir 101 may be formed of separate pieces.
  • the barrier 117 may comprise a permeable section 118. It will be understood that the permeable section 118 permits the flow of aerosol-generating material 200 therethrough. Aerosol-generating material 200 may flow from the upstream region 116 to the downstream region 115 through the permeable section 118.
  • the barrier 117 may be permeable only at the permeable section 118. That is, the barrier 117 may be impermeable except at the permeable section 118. Thus, sections of the barrier 117 other than the permeable section 111 may be impermeable. It will be understood that impermeable means impermeable to liquids. Optionally, impermeable also means impermeable to gases.
  • the permeable section 118 may include at least one opening (as shown in Figs. 5 to 7).
  • the permeable section 118 may include a non-return valve.
  • the permeable section 118 may include a permeable membrane.
  • an inner surface 119 of the upstream region 116 may converge towards (or to) the permeable section 118.
  • a surface of the barrier 117 exposed to the inside volume of the upstream region 116 may converge towards (or to) the permeable section 118. It has been found that this arrangement can help direct aerosol-generating material 200 into the downstream region 115.
  • an inner surface 120 of the downstream region 115 adjacent to the permeable section 118 may be recessed.
  • a surface of the barrier 117 exposed to the inside volume of the downstream region 115 and adjacent to the permeable section 118 may be recessed. This arrangement has been found to be advantageous in helping to reduce the likelihood of aerosol-generating material 200 from exiting the downstream region 115 into the upstream region 116 (depending on orientation).
  • an inner surface 110 of the downstream region 115 may converge towards the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • an inner surface of the downstream region 115 may converge to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • Such arrangements help to direct aerosol-generating material 200 towards or to the allotrope of carbon 103 in use. This is particularly beneficial when the surface area of the allotrope of carbon 103 exposed to the inside of the reservoir 101 is significantly less than the total surface area of the inner surface of the reservoir 101.
  • the article 100 may comprise a support for the aerosol generator (referred to herein as an “aerosol generator support”) 129.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 supports the aerosol generator 102.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be mounted on the aerosol generator support 129. It has been found that the aerosol generator support 129 helps to maintain the structural integrity of the aerosol generator 102, particularly where the allotrope of carbon 103 and/or the electrically insulating substrate 108 are fragile.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may restrict and/or reduce the flow of aerosolgenerating material 200 inside 104 the reservoir 101 to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may include at least one conduit 130.
  • the inner diameter of the or each conduit 130 may be less than the inner diameter of the reservoir 101.
  • the or each conduit 130 may extend towards (or to) the aerosol generator 102.
  • the or each conduit 130 may be aligned with the aerosol generator 102.
  • the or each conduit 130 may include an outlet.
  • the outlet may be arranged adjacent to a surface of the aerosol generator 102. In this way, the outlet may be considered as opening onto the surface of the aerosol generator 102.
  • the area of the outlet may be less than the area of the surface of the aerosol generator 103.
  • the outlet may be located within the perimeter of the surface of the aerosol generator 102, when viewed along a line orthogonal to the plane (or plane of best fit) of the surface of the aerosol generator 102.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may comprise a solid structure 131 through which the at least one conduit 130 extends.
  • aerosol-generating material may preferentially (or may only) traverse the aerosol generator support 129 through the or each conduit 130. It has been found that the aerosol generator support 129 can help to control the flow of aerosol-generating material 200 to the aerosol generator 102, whilst shielding the aerosol generator 102 from the bulk volume of the aerosol generating material 200. In this way, the aerosol generator support 129 may be considered as a thermal break. It also has been found that the conduit(s) 130 can help to channel liquid towards the aerosol generator 102, and/or to reduce or prevent the formation of air bubbles (which may be formed by movement of the article 100).
  • the aerosol generator support may be made of a thermally insulating material.
  • Various thermally insulating materials may be used.
  • the thermally insulating material may comprise or be formed of plastic, glass, paper, and/or ceramic.
  • the plastic may be selected from polysulfone (PSU), poly(ethersulfone) (PES), polyimide (PI), poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyether ketone (PEK).
  • the polyimide (PI) may be selected from polyetherimide (PEI) and polyamide-imide (PAI).
  • the glass may be selected from the group consisting of silicate glass and non-silicate glass.
  • the silicate glass may be borosilicate glass, or quartz glass (fused quartz).
  • the glass may be flexible.
  • the glass may be non-porous.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 was formed of a ceramic.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 was formed of PEEK.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may be arranged so that aerosol-generating material 200 inside 104 the reservoir 101 that is transferred to the aerosol generator 102, passes through the at least one conduit 130.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may be an integrally formed part of the reservoir 129.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may be a separable or separate part of the reservoir 129.
  • a wall 109 of the reservoir 101 may comprise the aerosol generator support 129.
  • a portion of a wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may comprise the aerosol generator support 129.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may at least partially extend through the aerosol generator support 129.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be integrally formed with the aerosol generator support 129.
  • the article 100 may comprise a seal 125.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between the reservoir 101 and the aerosol generator 102.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between a wall 109 and the aerosol generator 102.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between the aerosol generator support 129 and the aerosol generator
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between the reservoir 101 and allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between a wall 109 and the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between the aerosol generator support 129 and the allotrope of carbon
  • the seal 125 may be a gasket.
  • the seal 125 may be a mechanical seal.
  • the seal 125 may be formed of various materials.
  • the seal 125 may be formed of a flexible and/or deformable material.
  • the seal 125 may comprise or be formed of a polymeric material, a fibrous material, a metallic material, and/or a glass material.
  • the polymeric material may be silicone or polyimide (for example).
  • the seal 125 was formed of silicone.
  • the seal 125 may comprise or be formed of an adhesive. Such a seal 125 may be referred to as an adhesive seal 125.
  • the adhesive seal 125 may adhere the aerosol generator 102 to the reservoir 101.
  • the adhesive seal 125 may adhere the aerosol generator 102 to a wall 109 of the reservoir 101 (e.g. the aerosol generator support 129).
  • the seal 125 was formed of polyimide, wherein an adhesive was applied to the top and bottom sides of the polyimide shown in Fig. 27).
  • the seal 125 may be for reducing or preventing inadvertent leakage of aerosol-generating material 200 between the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109 thereof; e.g. the aerosol generator support 129) and the aerosol generator 102.
  • the seal 125 may be for reducing or preventing inadvertent leakage of aerosol-generating material 200 between the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109 thereof; e.g. the aerosol generator support 129) and the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • At least one opening 126 (e.g. shown in Figs. 8, 27, 30, and 31) may be provided in the seal 123.
  • the at least one opening 126 may superpose or overlay the aerosol generator 102.
  • aerosol-generating material 200 in the reservoir 101 can flow to the aerosol generator 102 (e.g. to the allotrope of carbon 103) through the at least one opening 126.
  • the article 100 may include at least one electrical contact 123.
  • the article 100 may comprise at least two (e.g. a pair of) electrical contacts 123. It will be understood that the or each electrical contact 123 is electrically conductive.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be for connection to a power source.
  • the power source may be for supplying electrical power to the aerosol-generator 102.
  • the power source may be for supplying electrical power to the aerosol-generator 102 such that the aerosol-generator 102 generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the power source may be for supplying electrical power to the aerosol-generator 102 such that the aerosol-generator 102 generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 by heating.
  • the power source may be for supplying electrical power to the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g. the aerosol generating portion 106) such that the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g.
  • the aerosol generating portion 106) generates aerosol from the aerosolgenerating material 200.
  • the power source may be for supplying electrical power to the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g. the aerosol generating portion 106) such that the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g. the aerosol generating portion 106) generates aerosol from the aerosolgenerating material 200 by heating.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be arranged on the aerosol generator 102.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be arranged on the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be deposited on the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be fused or bonded on the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • At least two electrical contacts 123 may be arranged, deposited, fused, and/or bonded on the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the aerosol generating portion 106 may be (or extend) between the at least two electrical contacts 123.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be arranged on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be deposited on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be fused or bonded on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • At least two electrical contacts 123 may be arranged, deposited, fused, and/or bonded on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • At least two of the electrical contacts 123 may be arranged, deposited, fused, and/or bonded on the allotrope of carbon 103, such that the aerosol generating portion 106 is between (e.g. extends between) the at least two electrical contacts 123.
  • the at least two electrical contacts 123 may be arranged, deposited, fused, and/or bonded on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • a further component may not be required to maintain contact between these components. This can improve manufacturing efficiency and space efficiency, as well as robustness (the components may be less likely to become dislodged).
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be provided in various forms.
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may be bonded to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may contact the allotrope of carbon 103 without being bonded to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the or each electrical contact may comprise or be formed of a metallic material.
  • the metallic material may be a metal alloy, such as a solder.
  • the metal alloy may be stainless steel or brass.
  • the metallic material may comprise or be silver, copper, gold, platinum, palladium, tungsten, or nickel.
  • the metallic material may be silver chloride.
  • the metallic material may comprise or be a plated metal, such as plated copper, e.g. gold plated copper.
  • At least two of the electrical contacts 102 may be arranged on the allotrope of carbon 103, such that the path of least electrical resistance extends through the aerosol-generating portion 106 whilst bypassing the transport portion 107.
  • the aerosol generating portion 106 can reach temperatures for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material whilst the transport portion 107 may not reach such temperatures.
  • Such an arrangement may result in improved efficiency and performance (relative where the entire allotrope of carbon 103 reaches aerosolisation temperatures).
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 and the transport portion 107 may not have a physical boundary therebetween. It will be understood that the aerosol-generating portion 106 and the transport portion 107 may be considered as a continuous physical structure. For example, the allotrope of carbon shown in each of the figures may be considered to comprise the aerosol-generating portion 106 and the transport portion 107 (although these components are not numbered in all figures).
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be arranged outside of the reservoir 101.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be arranged on a wall 109 of the reservoir 101.
  • the seal 126 may be arranged between (e.g. sandwiched between the aerosol generator 102 and the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109 thereof).
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may have a substantially planar contact surface.
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may be formed as a plate. The plate may have a substantially planar contact surface. The substantially planar contact surface may be arranged in contact with the allotrope of carbon 103. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such arrangements reduce the pressure applied by the electrical contact(s) to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may be an adhesive seal.
  • the adhesive seal(s) 123 may be configured retain the allotrope of carbon 103 in contact with the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109; e.g. the aerosol generator support 129).
  • the adhesive seal(s) 123 may be configured to prevent inadvertent leakage of aerosol-generating material 200 between the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109; e.g. the aerosol generator support 129) and the aerosol generator 102 (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 103).
  • an adhesive seal the electrical contact and sealing functions can be effectively achieved.
  • the article 100 may comprise at least one retaining element 124.
  • the at least one retaining element 124 may be arranged to retain the aerosol generator 102.
  • the at least one retaining element 124 may be arranged to retain the aerosol generator 102 on (e.g. in contact with) the reservoir 101 , e.g. on a portion of a wall 109.
  • the at least one retaining element 124 may be arranged to retain the at least one electrical contact 123 in contact with the aerosol generator 102.
  • the at least one retaining element 124 may be arranged to retain the at least one electrical contact 123 in contact with the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may extend to (e.g. up to) the at least one electrical contact 123.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may not be fastened to the at least one electrical contact 123.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may separable (or demountable) from the at least one electrical contact.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be spaced from the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be a projection, e.g. a pin.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be biasing element, such as a resiliently biasing element.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be a clamp or a clip.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be mounted on the reservoir 101.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be arranged to pull the or each electrical contact 123 against the aerosol generator 102.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be fastened to the at least one electrical contact 123, and/or the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109; or the fluid regulator 129), and/or the seal 125.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be separated from (e.g. may not directly contact) the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may extend through the at least one electrical contact 123 and the seal 125, and into the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109; or the fluid regulator 129).
  • the or each retaining element 124 may extend into a recess 128 formed in the reservoir 101 (or a wall 109 of the reservoir 101).
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be a fastening element.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may be a screw, a bolt, a dowel, or a nail.
  • the retaining element(s) 124 may be separate from, or integrally formed with, the electrical contact(s) 123.
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may comprise an integrally formed retaining element 124.
  • the article may comprise a plurality of aerosol generators 102.
  • the aerosol generators 102 may be associated with the same reservoir 101.
  • the aerosol generators 101 may be for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 from a single (common) reservoir 101.
  • each of the aerosol generators 102 may be associated with a respective reservoir 101.
  • each of the aerosol generators 102 maybe for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 from a respective one of the reservoirs 101.
  • the article 100 comprises a plurality of aerosol generators 102 for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 from a single reservoir 101. It can be seen that the aerosol generators 102 are associated with a common reservoir 101. Each aerosol generator 102 may be as described herein. Each aerosol generator may be arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir 101 and the outside of the reservoir 101.
  • the article 100 comprises a plurality of aerosol generators 102, wherein each aerosol generator 102 is for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 from a respective one of the reservoirs 101. It can be seen that each aerosol generator 102 is associated with a respective reservoir 101.
  • each aerosol generator 102 may have any of the features of the aerosol generator 102 described herein.
  • the article 100 may comprise a housing 134 comprising an air inlet 135, an air outlet 136, and an air passageway 137 extending between the air inlet 135 and the air outlet 136.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be arranged in fluid communication with the inside 104 of the reservoir 101 and the air passageway 137.
  • the article 100 comprises a reservoir 101 for an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator 102 for generating aerosol from the aerosolgenerating material 200, the aerosol generator 200 comprising an allotrope of carbon 103 (which may be formed as a foam); and a housing 134 comprising an air inlet 135, an air outlet 136, and an air passageway 137 extending between the air inlet 135 and the air outlet 136, wherein the allotrope of carbon 103 is arranged in fluid communication with the inside 104 of the reservoir 101 and the air passageway 137.
  • the air inlet 135 may be provided at an outer surface of the housing 134.
  • the air inlet 135 may be provided in various positions.
  • the air inlet 135 may be provided at a base of the housing 134 (e.g. as shown in Fig. 25), or at a side of the housing 134 (not shown in the figures).
  • the air outlet 136 may be provided at an outer surface of the housing 134.
  • the air outlet 136 may be provided in various positions.
  • the air outlet 136 may be provided at a top of the housing 134, or at a side of the housing 134.
  • the article 100 may comprise a mouthpiece (not shown in the figures).
  • the air outlet 136 may be formed at or by the mouthpiece.
  • the air inlet 135 and the air outlet 136 may be provided at opposing ends of the article 100 (e.g. at opposing ends of the housing 134).
  • the air passageway 137 may be provided in various forms. As shown, for example, in Figs. 28 and 31 , the air passageway 137 may comprise an upstream portion which splits into a plurality of midstream portions. The plurality of midstream portions may join at a downstream portion, which extends to the air outlet 136. Various forms of the air passageway 137 are envisaged.
  • the air inlet 135 may be aligned with the aerosol generator 102. In this way, the air inlet 135 may be configured such that air flowing through the air inlet 135 is incident on the aerosol generator 102. For example, the air inlet 135 may be configured such that air flowing through the air inlet 135 directly impacts upon the aerosol generator 102.
  • saturated region a region of saturated (or substantially saturated) vapour (referred to herein as “saturated region”) may form outside 105 of the reservoir 101 , in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 102.
  • the saturated region may include a mixture of aerosolgenerating material and air, wherein the air is saturated or substantially saturated with the aerosol-generating material.
  • the saturated region may persist even when a user draws on the article 100 so as to draw air through the air passageway 104.
  • Such a saturated region may be undesirable and result in reduced performance, e.g. by reducing the efficiency of the aerosol generator 102. This may cause the aerosol generator 102 to overheat and thereby cause hot spots in and/or damage to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be provided on a portion of the reservoir 103 that defines a convex surface when viewed from the air inlet 135.
  • the portion of the wall 109 on which the allotrope of carbon 103 is provided (or through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends) may define a convex surface when viewed from the air inlet 135.
  • the portion of the wall 109 on which the allotrope of carbon 103 is provided (or through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends) and the allotrope of carbon 103 may define a convex surface when viewed from the air inlet 135.
  • Such arrangements have been found to help clear the region in use.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an annular form. Such an arrangement may facilitate effective distribution of generated aerosol, e.g. in the air passageway 137.
  • the air inlet 135 may be offset from the aerosol generator 102.
  • the air inlet 135 may be configured such that air flows through the air inlet 135 in a direction which is offset from (or not incident on or not aligned with) the aerosol generator 102.
  • the air inlet 135 may be configured such that air flowing through the air inlet 135 is incident on a component of the article 100 which is not the aerosol generator 102.
  • Such an arrangement may promote turbulent airflow and may help clear the saturated region in use.
  • the air inlet 135 may be configured such that air flows through the air inlet 135 in a direction which is obliquely angled (or sloped) relative to the aerosol generator 102 (or the allotrope of carbon 103).
  • the air inlet 135 may be configured such that air flows through the air inlet 135 in a direction which is obliquely angled (or sloped) relative to the plane of (or a plane of best fit through) the aerosol generator 102 (or the allotrope of carbon 103).
  • the air inlet 135 may be configured such that air flows through the air inlet 135 in a direction which is obliquely angled (or sloped) relative to the aerosol generating portion 106 (e.g. a plane of, or a plane of best fit through, the aerosol generating portion 106).
  • Such arrangements have been found to help clear the saturated region in use.
  • the article 100 may be connectable to a device for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the article 100 may be releasably connectable to the device.
  • the device may comprise a power source and/or a controller.
  • the or each retaining element 124 may extend through the housing 134 so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing 134.
  • An electrical connector of the device may be brought into contact with the retaining element 124 when the article 100 is connected to the device.
  • the power source may supply power to the article 100, e.g. to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the retaining element 124 may be spaced apart from the electrical connector of the device.
  • Airflow through the air passageway 137, in use, is shown in Figs. 28 and 31.
  • air enters the housing 134 at the air inlet 135, and flows towards the aerosol generator 135.
  • the air flowing past the aerosol-generator 102 entrains aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 102, and the resulting air-aerosol mixture flows through the remainder of the air passageway 104, and exits the housing 134 at the air outlet 136, into the mouth of a user.
  • the article 100 comprises a first group of components.
  • the first group of components may comprise a reservoir, a housing, an aerosol generator, and a mouthpiece (where present).
  • the first group of components may be formed from up to four different materials.
  • the first group of components may be formed from up to three different materials.
  • the first group of components may be formed from up to two different materials.
  • the first group of components may be formed from a single material.
  • the first group of components may be metal-free.
  • one of the materials or the material is a polyimide.
  • one of the materials or the material is a polyetheretherketone.
  • the materials comprise a polyimide and a polyetheretherketone.
  • one of the materials is a polyimide and one of the materials is polyetheretherketone.
  • the first group of components is integrally formed.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the foam may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the laser irradiation may comprise irradiating the electrically insulating substrate 108 with a laser beam, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 108 is a carbon-containing material.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be formed of polyimide (PI).
  • the laser irradiation may be performed in an inert environment.
  • the laser irradiation may be performed in an ambient environment.
  • the laser irradiation may be performed in atmospheric air (air from the Earth’s atmosphere).
  • a method of forming the aerosol generator 102 may comprise the step of: forming the allotrope of carbon 103 on an electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation comprising irradiating the electrically insulating substrate 108 with a laser beam, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 108 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), and optionally the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon and/or nanocrystalline graphite.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is selected from the group comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, nanocrystalline graphite, or a combination thereof.
  • the method of forming the aerosol generator 102 may comprise the step of: forming at least one aperture 132 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the at least one aperture 132 may be as defined herein.
  • the at least one aperture 132 may be formed by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the step of forming the at least one aperture 132 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108 occurs before the step of forming the allotrope of carbon 103 on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed on a portion of the electrically insulating substrate 108 through which the at least one aperture 132 extends.
  • the at least one aperture 132 may extend through and/or be covered (partially or completely) by the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the method of forming an aerosol generator 102 comprises:
  • step (B) forming an allotrope of carbon 103 on the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 108 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), step (A) occurs before step (B), and the at least one aperture 132 extends through and/or is covered (partially or completely) by the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon and/or nanocrystalline graphite.
  • the step of forming the at least one aperture 132 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108 occurs after the step of forming the allotrope of carbon 103 on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may cover (partially or completely) the at least one aperture 132.
  • the method of forming an aerosol generator 102 comprises:
  • step (B) forming at least one aperture 132 through the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 108 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), step (A) occurs before step (B), and the allotrope of carbon 103 covers (partially or completely) the at least one aperture 132.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon and/or nanocrystalline graphite.
  • the energy from the laser beam can form a porous, conductive carbon-containing material (103) having a porous (e.g. foam) structure from the electrically insulating substrate 108 (e.g. PI).
  • various properties of the allotrope of carbon 103 and/or the at least one aperture 132 may be controlled by adjusting laser beam parameters such as pulse duration, power, focal distance, frequency, wavelength, and/or scanning speed.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser induced deposition.
  • the present inventors have analysed various allotrope of carbon 103 samples using Raman microspectroscopy.
  • Each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples was prepared by laser irradiation of a polyimide (poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide), Kapton® HN, Dupont) substrate 108 (an electrically insulating substrate).
  • a polyimide substrate had a length of approximately 4.5 mm, a width of about 4.5 mm, and a thickness of about 125 pm, and was shaped as a rectangular prism. This involved irradiating an area of about 4.5 mm by about 2 mm (i.e. about 9 mm 2 ; and rectangular) of each polyimide substrate with a laser beam to form the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • Each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples was subjected to Raman microspectroscopy.
  • Each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples was porous and electrically conductive.
  • Raman spectroscopy is considered as a non-destructive vibrational spectroscopic technique that utilises a laser to excite the bonds within a sample (e.g. carbon) and interprets the inelastic scattering of the bond vibrations as a relative Raman shift. The inelastic scattering from interaction with the sample produces a relative Raman shifts and thereby a spectrum that can be utilised to interpret the characteristics and/or identity of the sample.
  • the D band can be referred to as the “disorder band” and is an indication of sp 3 hybridization of carbon within the sample.
  • the G band can be referred to as the “graphene band” and is utilised to determine the sp 2 hybridization of the carbon structure within the sample.
  • the Raman spectrum of a pristine graphene sample would typically include a high intensity, narrow G band and no D band.
  • the Raman spectrum of a graphite sample would typically include a G band and a D band, with the D band being lower in intensity than the G band.
  • the I D /IG ratio can be utilized by determining the counts of the intensity (a.u.) of the D band peak (ID) to the counts of the intensity of the G band peak (IG) and can be used to determine the allotrope of carbon present within the sample.
  • the 2D band can also be utilized by interpreting the area of the curve and peak position to determine the morphology of the allotrope.
  • crystalline graphite would typically exhibit a sharp and narrow peak curve that would follow a Lorentzian curve fit model while the 2D band of a sample including amorphous carbon would typically exhibit broader and flatter band which follows a Gaussian curve fit model.
  • the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of a peak also can be used to determine crystallinity within a sample. The FWHM is measured by determining the width of the peak in question at half the total intensity of the sample.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy involved measuring a Raman spectrum of each of the samples using a Horiba Xplora Plus Raman Microspectrometer and the following parameters: a laser wavelength of 638 nm; a grating having 1800 grooves/mm; an acquisition time of 5 seconds;
  • the Raman microspectroscopy was performed at 21 °C.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 samples subjected to Raman microspectroscopy were unused.
  • the Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples comprised a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak was within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm' 1 to about 1590 cm' 1 , and a D band peak was within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 erm 1 to about 1340 cm' 1 , wherein a ratio I D /IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak was from 1 to 1 .8.
  • the Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples comprised a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2620 cm' 1 to about 2680 cm' 1 .
  • the G band peak had a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of from about 45 cm' 1 to about 62 cm' 1 .
  • the 2D band typically followed a Lorentzian curve fit model.
  • the Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples indicated that the samples included disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof.
  • Fig. 32 shows the Raman spectrum of one of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples. The sample was unused. As shown in Fig. 32, a G band peak was observed at about 1573 cm' 1 , a D band peak was observed at about 1320 cm' 1 , and a 2D band peak was observed at about 2630 erm 1 . The ratio I G /ID of the intensity IG of the G band peak to the intensity ID of the D band peak was about 1.6. The G band peak had a FWHM of about 62 cm' 1 . The 2D band followed a Lorentzian curve fit model.
  • the present inventors have found that the allotrope of carbon 103 comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof provided for a particularly effective aerosol generator. Such allotropes of carbon 103 were found to effectively dissipate heat, reduce temperature variation, and reduce the severity of any hot spots. Such allotropes of carbon 103 exhibited a low electrical resistance (and high electrical conductivity) that was particularly suited to use in non-combustible aerosol provision systems. Such allotropes of carbon 103 also facilitated effective liquid distribution, e.g. across the surface of and/or within the allotrope of carbon.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 does not include metal.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may not include metal.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may not include a metal-containing electrical contact.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 and/or the aerosol generator 102 may be metal-free.
  • the allotrope of carbon 104 may be connected directly to a power source, without requiring a metal-containing electrical contact as part of the allotrope of carbon 104. In this way, the metal emissions of the aerosol generator 102 may be reduced in use.
  • a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the article 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and a power source and/or a controller.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a device.
  • the device may comprise the power source and/or the controller.
  • the article 100 may be releasably connected to the device.
  • the device may be for receiving the article 100.
  • the device may enclose the article 100.
  • the article may be removable from the article 100.
  • the device may comprise a mouthpiece.
  • the system may include any feature or features of the system described herein.
  • the article 100 may include any feature or features of the article described herein.
  • the device may include any features of the device described herein.
  • An article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: a reservoir for an aerosol-generating material; and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator comprising an allotrope of carbon formed as a foam, wherein the allotrope of carbon is arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir and the outside of the reservoir, wherein the reservoir has an upstream region, a downstream region, and a trap configured to trap aerosol-generating material in the downstream region.
  • Clause B2 The article according to Clause B1 , wherein the trap comprises a barrier separating the upstream region from the downstream region, wherein the barrier comprises a permeable section.
  • Clause B3 The article according to Clause B1 or B2, wherein the sections of the barrier other than the permeable section are impermeable.
  • Clause B4 The article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B3, wherein an inner surface of the upstream region converges towards the permeable section.
  • Clause B5 The article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B4, wherein an inner surface of the downstream region adjacent to the permeable section is recessed.
  • Clause B6 The article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B5, wherein an inner surface of the downstream region converges towards the allotrope of carbon.
  • Clause B7 The article according to any one of Clauses B2 to B6 when dependent on Clause B2, wherein the permeable section comprises at least one opening.
  • Clause B8 The article according to any one of Clauses B2 to B7 when dependent on Clause B2, wherein the permeable section comprises a non-return valve.
  • Clause B9 The article according to any one of Clauses B2 to B8 when dependent on Clause B2, wherein the permeable section comprises a permeable membrane.
  • Clause B10 The article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B9, wherein the reservoir has a wall through which the allotrope of carbon at least partially extends.
  • Clause B11 The article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B10, wherein the allotrope of carbon extends from the outer surface of the wall to the inner surface of the wall.
  • Clause B12 The article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B11, wherein the allotrope of carbon has a thickness of from 30 pm to 60 pm.
  • Clause B13 The article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B12, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the allotrope of carbon is arranged on the electrically insulating substrate.
  • Clause B14 The article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B13, wherein the article comprises: a housing comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air passageway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the allotrope of carbon is arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir and the air passageway.
  • Clause B15 A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the article according to any one of Clauses B1 to B14; and a power source and/or a controller.
  • An article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: a reservoir for an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator comprising an allotrope of carbon formed as a foam; and a housing comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air passageway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the allotrope of carbon is arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir and the air passageway.
  • Clause C2 The article according to Clause C1 , wherein the air inlet is configured such that air flows through the air inlet in a direction which is offset from the aerosol generator.
  • Clause C3 The article according to Clause C1 or C2, wherein the air inlet is configured such that air flows through the air inlet in a direction which is obliquely angled relative to the aerosol generator.
  • Clause C4 The article according to any one of Clauses C1 to C3, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises an aerosol generating portion and a contact portion, wherein the transport portion is for transferring the aerosol-generating material to the aerosol-generating portion.
  • Clause C5. The article according to Clause C4, wherein the air inlet is configured such that air flows through the air inlet in a direction which is obliquely angled relative to a plane of, or a plane of best fit through, the aerosol-generating portion.
  • Clause C6 The article according to any one of Clauses C1 to C5, wherein the reservoir has a wall, wherein the allotrope of carbon is provided on a portion of the wall.
  • Clause C7 The article according to Clause C6, wherein the portion of the wall on which the allotrope of carbon is provided and the allotrope of carbon define a convex surface when viewed from the air inlet.
  • Clause C8 The article according to Clause C6 or C7, wherein the allotrope of carbon may at least partially extend through the wall.
  • Clause C9 The article according to any one of Clauses C6 to C8, wherein the allotrope of carbon and the wall through which the allotrope of carbon at least partially extends may be integrally formed.
  • Clause C10 The article according to any one of Clauses C1 to C9, wherein the aerosol generator is an inductive heater, wherein the allotrope of carbon is a susceptor.
  • Clause C11 The article according to any one of Clauses C1 to C10, wherein the allotrope of carbon has a thickness of from 30 pm to 60 pm.
  • Clause C12 The article according to any one of Clauses C1 to C11 , wherein the aerosol generator comprises an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the allotrope of carbon is arranged on the electrically insulating substrate, wherein at least one aperture extends through the electrically insulating substrate.
  • Clause C13 The article according to any one of Clauses C1 to C12, wherein the article comprises a plurality of aerosol generators for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, each aerosol generator comprising an allotrope of carbon formed as a foam, wherein each allotrope of carbon is arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir and the outside of the reservoir. Clause C14.
  • each aerosol generator for generating aerosol from the aerosolgenerating material of a respective one of the reservoirs, each aerosol generator comprising an allotrope of carbon formed as a foam, wherein each allotrope of carbon is arranged in fluid communication with the inside and outside of the respective one of the reservoirs.
  • a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the article according to any one of Clauses C1 to C14; and a power source and/or a controller.
  • any aspect of the present disclosure may be defined in relation to any of the other aspects of the present disclosure.
  • one aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure and/or the features of one aspect of the present disclosure may be as defined in relation to the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure.

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  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un article (100) destiné à être utilisé en tant que partie d'un système de fourniture d'aérosol non combustible. L'article (100) comprend un réservoir (101) pour un matériau de génération d'aérosol ; et un générateur d'aérosol (102) pour générer un aérosol à partir du matériau de génération d'aérosol. Le générateur d'aérosol (102) comprend un allotrope de carbone (103) formé sous la forme d'une mousse. L'allotrope du carbone (103) est disposé en communication fluidique avec l'intérieur (104) du réservoir (101) et l'extérieur (105) du réservoir (101).
PCT/GB2025/050122 2024-01-25 2025-01-24 Article Pending WO2025158152A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24153978.2A EP4591731A1 (fr) 2024-01-25 2024-01-25 Article
EP24153978.2 2024-01-25
GB2411084.3 2024-07-29
GBGB2411084.3A GB202411084D0 (en) 2024-01-25 2024-07-29 Article

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025158152A1 true WO2025158152A1 (fr) 2025-07-31

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WO (1) WO2025158152A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010045670A1 (fr) 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Helmut Buchberger Inhalateur
US20140238422A1 (en) * 2013-02-22 2014-08-28 Altria Client Services Inc. Electronic smoking article
US20150059780A1 (en) * 2013-08-28 2015-03-05 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Carbon conductive substrate for electronic smoking article
WO2018211252A1 (fr) 2017-05-16 2018-11-22 Nicoventures Holdings Limited Atomiseur pour dispositif de fourniture de vapeur

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010045670A1 (fr) 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Helmut Buchberger Inhalateur
WO2010045671A1 (fr) 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Helmut Buchberger Inhalateur
US20140238422A1 (en) * 2013-02-22 2014-08-28 Altria Client Services Inc. Electronic smoking article
US20150059780A1 (en) * 2013-08-28 2015-03-05 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Carbon conductive substrate for electronic smoking article
WO2018211252A1 (fr) 2017-05-16 2018-11-22 Nicoventures Holdings Limited Atomiseur pour dispositif de fourniture de vapeur

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