Abstract: Embodiments relate to a system for manufacturing nano-scale energy harvesters and electric power generators. The system includes a plurality of dispensers to dispense a first material, a second material, and a separation material between the first and second materials. The first material has a first work function value and the second material has a second work function value different from the first work function value. At least one electrospray device is positioned proximal to the third dispenser to deposit a fluid within at least a portion of the separation material. The fluid has particles with a third work function value different from the first and second work function values. The system also includes a guide assembly to transport the first and second electrodes, the positioned separation material, and the fluid to a joint proximal position and form a fabricated product.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for nano-scale energy converters and electric power generators. The apparatus include two electrodes with a cavity formed therebetween. The first electrode is an emitter electrode that includes a first base material with a first work function value. A second material is deposited on the first base material to modify the first work function value to a second work function value. The second electrode is a collector electrode that includes a second base material with a third work function value. A fourth material is deposited on the second base material to modify the third work function value to a fourth work function value. The emitter and collector electrodes are designed such that the second work function value is greater than the fourth work function value.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing pinned nano-structures with tailored gradient properties. First and second compositions are provided, Each of the compositions includes a nano-structural material, a plurality of grain growth inhibitor nano-particles, and at least one of a tailoring solute and a plurality of tailoring nano-particles. Deposition layers are formed proximal to a substrate with each of the compositions through electrospray techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for forming nano-structures with tailored properties on objects while fabricating the objects. The apparatus includes a reservoir that holds compositions therein. Each of the compositions includes a nano-structural material, a plurality of grain growth inhibitor nano-particles, and at least one of a tailoring solute and a plurality of tailoring nano-particles. A nozzle is operatively coupled to the reservoir and a translatable stage is positioned proximate to the nozzle. The stage includes a substrate holder adapted to hold a substrate. A surface profile determination device is positioned proximate to the stage to obtain profile data of the substrate. A control unit is operatively coupled to the device and the stage and regulates manufacture of a pinned nano-structure. The control unit forms deposition layers positioned proximal to the substrate with the compositions through electrospray techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for forming nano-structures with tailored properties on objects while fabricating the objects. The apparatus includes at least one reservoir that holds compositions therein. Each of the compositions includes a nano-structural material, a plurality of grain growth inhibitor nano-particles, and at least one of a tailoring solute and a plurality of tailoring nano-particles. At least one nozzle is operatively coupled to each reservoir and a translatable stage is positioned proximate to each nozzle. The stage includes a substrate holder adapted to hold a substrate. A surface profile determination device is positioned proximate to the stage to obtain profile data of the substrate. A control unit is operatively coupled to the device and the stage and regulates manufacture of a pinned nano-structure. The control unit forms deposition layers positioned proximal to the substrate with the compositions through electrospray techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabrication of objects retaining nano-scale characteristics. A composition is provided comprising grain growth inhibitor particles in solution with a binding agent in a molten phase. An electric field and a magnetic field are generated with a combined extraction electrode. The composition is electrosprayed from a nozzle with the electric field to form a stream of droplets. The electric field drives the droplets toward a moving stage holding an object comprising successive deposition layers. The magnetic field limits dispersion of the stream of droplets. The stage is moved laterally as the stream of droplets impacts the object to form a current deposition layer of the object. The stage is moved vertically as necessary to maintain a target stand-off distance between the nozzle and a previous deposition layer of the object, based on profile data of the previous deposition layer.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for a nano-scale energy converter and an electric power generator. The apparatus includes two electrodes separated by a distance. The first electrode is manufactured to have a first work function value and the second electrode is manufactured to have a second work function value, with the first and second work function values being different. A cavity is formed by the distance between the first and second electrodes, and a nanofluid is disposed in the cavity. The nanofluid includes nanoparticles suspended in a dielectric medium. The nanoparticles have a third work function value that is greater than the first and second work function values. The relationship of the work function values of the nanoparticles to the work function values of the electrodes optimizes the transfer of electrons to the nanoparticles through Brownian motion and electron hopping.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing and operating nano-scale energy converters and electric power generators. The nano-scale energy converters include two electrodes separated a predetermined distance. The first electrode is manufactured to have a first work function value. The second electrode is manufactured to have a second work function value different from the first work function value. A cavity is formed between the first and second electrodes, and a nanofluid is disposed in the cavity. The nanofluid includes a plurality of nanoparticles, with the nanoparticles having a third work function value that is greater than the first and second work function values. The relationship of the work function values of the nanoparticles to the work function values of the electrodes optimizes transfer of electrons to the nanoparticles through Brownian motion and electron hopping.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for nano-scale energy converters and electric power generators. The apparatus include two electrodes with a cavity formed therebetween. The first electrode is an emitter electrode that includes a first base material with a first work function value. A second material is deposited on the first base material to modify the first work function value to a second work function value. The second electrode is a collector electrode that includes a second base material with a third work function value. A fourth material is deposited on the second base material to modify the third work function value to a fourth work function value. The emitter and collector electrodes are designed such that the second work function value is greater than the fourth work function value.

Abstract: A nanofluid contact potential difference cell comprises a cathode with a lower work function and an anode with a higher work function separated by a nanometer-scale spaced inter-electrode gap containing a nanofluid with intermediate work function nanoparticle clusters. The cathode comprises a refractory layer and a thin film of electrosprayed dipole nanoparticle clusters partially covering a surface of the refractory layer. A thermal power source, placed in good thermal contact with the cathode, drives an electrical current through an electrical circuit connecting the cathode and anode with an external electrical load in between. A switch is configured to intermittently connect the anode and the cathode to maintain non-equilibrium between a first current from the cathode to the anode and a second current from the anode to the cathode.