Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mixed ionically and electronically conducting solid-state phases for their application in electrochemical devices, such as lithium-metal or lithium ion batteries. The solid-state mixed phase comprises of active cathode and carbon-based structures functionalized by a heteropolyacid (HPA) or a metal salt of a heteropolyacid (Me-HPA) to form a solid-state architecture with incorporated ceramic or glass-ceramic electrolyte for enhanced ionic and electronic conductivity pathways. Combining the solid-state phase components in melted solid-state electrolyte results in perfect distribution, improved adhesion between particles, and improved characteristics of the electrochemical device, such as high charge rates, long-term performance, and broad voltage window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step process for preparation of “in-situ” or “ex-situ” self-organized and electrically conducting polymer nanocomposites using thermally initiated polymerization of a halogenated 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer or its derivatives. This approach does not require additional polymerization initiators or catalysts, produce gaseous products that are naturally removed without affecting the polymer matrix, and do not leave by-product contaminants. It is demonstrated that self-polymerization of halogenated 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer is not affected by the presence of a solid-state phase in the form of nanoparticles and results in formation of 3,4-polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) nanocomposites.

Abstract: The present invention describes a bio-based process to produce high quality protein concentrate (HQPC) by converting plant derived celluloses into bioavailable protein via aerobic incubation, including the use of such HQPC so produced as a nutrient, including use as a fish meal replacement in aquaculture diets.

Abstract: This application relates to anode compositions and methods of making and using the same. In particular, the anode compositions are preferably layered. Preferably, the methods of making the anode compositions comprise a surfactant mediated assembly of layers. The anode compositions have improved structural integrity and capacity while reducing capacity fade due to cycling.

Abstract: An impact test apparatus can be used to determine particle interfacial energies with varying relative air humidity. It was observed that capillary condensation increased the adhesive forces of hydrophilic materials. A systems humidity separation window was identified and the differences in interfacial energy for a hydrophilic surface and for a hydrophobic surface can be exploited in order to achieve the separation of particles. Separation and concentration of particles, particularly particles within a mineral ore body, can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention describes a bio-based process to produce high quality protein concentrate (HQPC) by converting plant derived celluloses into bioavailable protein via aerobic incubation, including the use of such HQPC so produced as a nutrient, including use as a fish meal replacement in aquaculture diets.

Abstract: A system for determining gas characteristics at high altitudes in embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following features: (a) a high-altitude balloon having one or more of the following features: (a) a balloon, (b) a balloonsat operably coupled to the balloon, (c) an air path chamber wherein gas at a high altitude can occupy the air path chamber, (d) a first speaker located on a substrate within the air path chamber, wherein the first speaker takes an electrical signal input and creates a first sound wave, and (e) a second speaker located on the substrate facing opposite of the first speaker located outside of the air path chamber, wherein the second speaker takes the electrical signal and creates a second sound wave.

Abstract: A modular pipe-crawling robot for in-pipe maintenance operations in aspects of the present disclosure may have one or more of the following features: (a) at least two locomotion modules, (b) each module has feet which can extend outward to grip a wall of a pipe while simultaneously reducing its length or disengaging its feet from the inner wall while increasing its length, (c) a gear mechanism built into mechanical linkage, wherein each module's feet are held perpendicular with respect to the inner wall of the pipe, and (d) a joint coupling the at least two modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to using upconverting inks for producing highly-resolved patterns for inter alia, security applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of sols (inks) and printing processes that produce well-defined printed features consisting of polymers impregnated with luminescent upconversion nanocrystals. The patterns printed using such inks and processes may exhibit defined shapes, characters of text, and various other types of images.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory circuit in embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following features: (a) a logic source, and (b) a semi-conductive device being electrically coupled to the logic source, having a first terminal, a second terminal and a nano-grease with significantly reduced amount of carbon nanotube loading located between the first and second terminal, wherein the nano-grease exhibits non-volatile memory characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates thin film nanocomposites (TFNCs) and methods of preparing the same by molecular layer-by-layer assembly. The TFNCs comprise a porous nanofibrous support first layer coated with a mid-layer having an outer separating layer, wherein the out separating layer has one or more bilayers or trilayers. The TFNCs can be particularly suitable for use as filtration membranes for the separation of dissolved components from fluids such as ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis. Thus, embodiments of the invention also include filtration systems and methods of filtering.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for treating cancer comprising a modified veratridine. In certain aspects, the modified veratridine comprises a polyglutamic acid (PLE) or polyethylene glycol/polyglutamic acid (PEG-PLE) conjugated to the 4? hemiketal thereof. Further disclosed is a method of treating colorectal cancer in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: An electrode comprises carbon nanoparticles and at least one of metal particles, metal oxide particles, metalloid particles and/or metalloid oxide particles. A surfactant attaches the carbon nanoparticles and the metal particles, metal oxide particles, metalloid particles and/or metalloid oxide particles to form an electrode composition. A binder binds the electrode composition such that it can be formed into a film or membrane. The electrode has a specific capacity of at least 450 mAh/g of active material when cycled at a charge/discharge rate of about 0.1 C.

Abstract: An improved system and method for reading an upconversion response from nanoparticle inks is provided. A is adapted to direct a near-infrared excitation wavelength at a readable indicia, resulting in a near-infrared emission wavelength created by the upconverting nanoparticle inks. A short pass filter may filter the near-infrared excitation wavelength. A camera is in operable communication with the short pass filter and receives the near-infrared emission wavelength of the readable indicia. The system may further include an integrated circuit adapted to receive the near-infrared emission wavelength from the camera and generate a corresponding signal. A readable application may be in operable communication with the integrated circuit. The readable application receives the corresponding signal, manipulates the signal, decodes the signal into an output, and displays and/or stores the output.

Abstract: A method of repairing an active leak in embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following steps: (a) identifying the active leak on a pipe structure, tank or pressure vessel, (b) setting cold spray system settings to repair the pipe structure, (c) administering pressurized gas and metal powder to an active pipe leak, (d) identifying any potential hazards surrounding the active pipe leak, (e) eliminating and/or reducing the potential hazards surround the active pipe leak, (f) inserting a wedge within an active leak pipe hole, (g) ceasing administration of pressurized gas and metal powder to the active pipe leak when it appears sealed, (h) verifying the active pipe leak is sealed, and (i) re-administering the pressurized gas and the metal powder to the active leak is the active leak is not fully sealed.

Abstract: An engine oil additive includes carbon nanotubes and boron nitride particulates dispersed within a fluid. The additive is configured to be mixed with a quantity of oil such that the quantity of oil has a concentration from 0.05 to 0.5 grams of carbon nanotubes and of boron nitride particulates per quart of oil to improve the lubricity of the oil. The additive improves the horsepower and torque of the engine while reducing fuel consumption. The carbon nanotubes have an —OH functionalized exterior surface. The carbon nanotubes have a diameter from 1 nanometer to 50 nanometers and have a length from 1 micron to 1000 microns. The boron nitride particulates are hex-boron nitride structures having an average size from 30 nanometers to 500 nanometers.

Abstract: Cold spray devices and systems are disclosed. They include a flowpath having an inlet adapted for receiving communication with two or more inputs and an outlet adapted to discharge the two or more inputs. A discharge nozzle may be included in the flowpath of the outlet and a confluence may be included in the flowpath at the inlet for combining the two or more inputs. A nozzle body houses the discharge nozzle separate and downstream from the confluence of the two inputs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing process of the solid-state glass-ceramic electrolytes, known in the art as antiperovskites. Specifically, the disclosure is focused on manufacturing of the solid-state electrolyte from the corresponding precursors directly on the active electrode surface of an electrochemical device, specifically anode or cathode of the lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries.

Abstract: An engine oil additive includes carbon nanotubes and boron nitride particulates dispersed within a fluid. The additive is configured to be mixed with a quantity of oil such that the quantity of oil has a concentration from 0.05 to 0.5 grams of carbon nanotubes and of boron nitride particulates per quart of oil to improve the lubricity of the oil. The additive improves the horsepower and torque of the engine while reducing fuel consumption. The carbon nanotubes have an —OH functionalized exterior surface. The carbon nanotubes have a diameter from 1 nanometer to 50 nanometers and have a length from 1 micron to 1000 microns. The boron nitride particulates are hex-boron nitride structures having an average size from 30 nanometers to 500 nanometers.