Abstract: Among other things, two networks, one on top of the other, are formed on a substrate based on coating materials containing emulsions or foams. The two networks can be formed of the same material, e.g., a conductive material such as silver, or can be formed of different materials. The coating materials forming the different networks can have different concentration of network materials.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the delayed sintering of metal nanoparticles in a self-assembled transparent conductive coating by incorporating a sintering additive into the water phase of the emulsion used to form the coating. The sintering additive reduces the standard reduction potential of the metal ion of the metal forming the nanoparticles by an amount greater than 0.1V but less than the full reduction potential of the metal ion. Emulsion compositions used in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Among other things, two networks, one on top of the other, are formed on a substrate based on coating materials containing emulsions or foams. The two networks can be formed of the same material, e.g., a conductive material such as silver, or can be formed of different materials. The coating materials forming the different networks can have different concentration of network materials.

Abstract: Among other things, self-assembled conductive networks are formed on a surface of substrate containing through holes. The conductive network having a pattern is formed such that at least some of the conductive material in the conductive network reaches into the holes and, sometimes, even the opposite surface of the substrate through the holes. The network on the surface of the substrate electrically connects to the conductive material in the holes with good conductance.

Abstract: An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially-joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is disclosed that includes a transparent front electrode formed by the self-assembly of conductive nanoparticles from an emulsion coated onto a substrate and dried. The nanoparticles self-assemble into a network-like pattern of conductive traces that define randomly-shaped transparent cells. The cells may be filled with various transparent filler materials and additional layers may be present in the device in addition to conventional components. Processes for forming the transparent electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a powder of crystalline germanium.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the delayed sintering of metal nanoparticles in a self-assembled transparent conductive coating by incorporating a sintering additive into the water phase of the emulsion used to form the coating. The sintering additive reduces the standard reduction potential of the metal ion of the metal forming the nanoparticles by an amount greater than 0.1 V but less than the full reduction potential of the metal ion. Emulsion compositions used in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Transparent conductive coated devices (films, three dimensional objects and others) produced through coating with a nano metal containing emulsion which forms a conductive pattern with enhanced electrical, optical and other properties.

Abstract: A process is described for making metal nanoparticles comprising (a) forming a liquid melt of a first metal having the composition of the desired nanoparticles and a second metal; (b) quenching the melt to form a solid; and (c) removing the second metal from the solid and forming the nanoparticles comprising the first metal.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is disclosed that includes a transparent front electrode formed by the self-assembly of conductive nanoparticles from an emulsion coated onto a substrate and dried. The nanoparticles self-assemble into a network-like pattern of conductive traces that define randomly-shaped transparent cells. The cells may be filled with various transparent filler materials and additional layers may be present in the device in addition to conventional components. Processes for forming the transparent electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nano-powder-based coating and ink compositions, methods for producing and using these compositions, and articles prepared from these compositions are described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method for the production of metallic nano-powder. This cost-effective, simple process is customized for a full-scale production of metallic nano-powders containing a first metal, and comprising the following of forming an alloy comprising said first metal and at least one soluble metal; applying first thermal treatment in the manner homogenized alloy is obtained; applying a cold work to the homogenized alloy so thin strips are obtained; applying a second thermal treatment to the alloy until a phase composition of predetermined characteristics is obtained; subjecting the said alloy to a leaching agent adapted to effectively leach out the least one soluble metal; filtering and washing the powder; washing the powder; drying the powder; coating the powder with chemicals; and then de-agglomerating the coated powder. The present invention also discloses a cost-effective and highly pure metallic powder produced by the method defined above.