Abstract: A corrosion resistant coating suitable for use in harsh environments, such as for protecting a temperature probe for continuous use in the Hall-Héroult process can include at least one first layer comprising a metal boride and at least one second layer comprising a metal interposed between the substrate and the at least one metal boride layer. The coating can have a thickness of less than 10 micrometers.

Abstract: A method of the producing nanocrystalline silicon particulate from a silicate source includes removing contaminants, such as organics and heavy metals, and alumina from the silicate source by treating the silicate source with first and second acidic leaching solutions to form a first intermediate product. The first intermediate product is then reduced by reacting with a magnesium vapor to provide porous magnesiated silicon particulates as a second intermediate product. The second intermediate product is treated with a third leaching solution to remove magnesium and magnesium containing compounds form the second intermediate to thereby provide a third intermediate. The third intermediate is treated with a fourth leaching solution for removing remnant silica to thereby provide nanocrystalline porous silicon particles.

Abstract: A heat transfer module can include an envelope sealed to define an internal volume that contains a working fluid and a wick disposed on an internal surface of the envelope. The wick and envelope each has a first portion extending through an evaporator region and a second portion extending through adiabatic and condenser regions. The first portion of the wick is a metal hydride. The first portion of the envelope includes a metal liner surrounding the first portion of the wick, a first diffusion barrier layer disposed between the first portion of the wick and the metal liner, and a ceramic matrix composite cladding surrounding the metal liner. The second portions of the wick and envelope each includes a refractory metal and/or stainless steel.

Abstract: Provided herein are thermionic converters that are capable of operating at lower temperatures and with increased efficiency as compared to conventional thermionic converters. Also provided are methods of using and making the thermionic converters of the disclosure.

Abstract: Provided herein is a neutron moderation module and a thermal-neutron nuclear micro-reactor.

Abstract: An adsorptive material for adsorption of a noble gas can include a mesoporous support material having a plurality of pores and a pattern of metal atoms deposited onto the mesoporous support material.

Abstract: A gas enclosure can include a refractory metal liner; a ceramic matrix composite cladding; and a diffusion barrier layer. The refractory metal liner is adapted to surround and enclose a gas to be contained within the gas enclosure. The diffusion barrier layer is disposed between the refractory metal liner and the ceramic matrix composite cladding.

Abstract: A method loading powder into a mold can include immersing the mold comprising one or more microchannels into a suspension comprising the powder and a surfactant suspended in a dispersant, wherein the powder comprises particles having an average particle size of less than 100 ?m, wherein the mold is substantially entirely covered by the suspension; heating the suspension having the mold immersed therein under a temperature condition suitable to lower the stability of the particles of the powder in the suspension such that the particles settle out of solution and into the one or more microchannels; and applying an ultrasonic wave to the heated suspension to further settle the particles of the powder into the one or more microchannels thereby filling the one or more microchannels of the mold with the powder.

Abstract: A heat transfer module can include an envelope sealed to define an internal volume that contains a working fluid and a wick disposed on an internal surface of the envelope. The wick and envelope each has a first portion extending through an evaporator region and a second portion extending through adiabatic and condenser regions. The first portion of the wick is a metal hydride. The first portion of the envelope includes a metal liner surrounding the first portion of the wick, a first diffusion barrier layer disposed between the first portion of the wick and the metal liner, and a ceramic matrix composite cladding surrounding the metal liner. The second portions of the wick and envelope each includes a refractory metal and/or stainless steel.

Abstract: Fuel pellets can include a fission material powder, a protective layer coated on the fission material powder, and an oxidation diffusion barrier coated on the protective layer, with the protective layer and oxidation diffusion barrier being formed through ALD to achieve infiltration of the coatings within the fuel pellets.

Abstract: Provided herein is a moderation module and a thermal neutron micro-reactor.

Abstract: A gas enclosure of can include a refractory metal liner adapted to surround and enclose a gas to be contained; a ceramic matrix composite cladding; and a diffusion barrier layer disposed between the refractory metal liner and the ceramic matrix composite cladding.

Abstract: Provided herein is a hydrogen permeation barrier coating, a coated substrate, and methods of coating a substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are thermionic converters that are capable of operating at lower temperatures and with increased efficiency as compared to conventional thermionic converters. Also provided are methods of using and making the thermionic converters of the disclosure.

Abstract: An adsorptive material for adsorption of a noble gas can include a mesoporous support material having a plurality of pores and a pattern of metal atoms deposited onto the mesoporous support material.

Abstract: A method loading powder into a mold can include immersing the mold comprising one or more microchannels into a suspension comprising the powder and a surfactant suspended in a dispersant, wherein the powder comprises particles having an average particle size of less than 100 ?m, wherein the mold is substantially entirely covered by the suspension; heating the suspension having the mold immersed therein under a temperature condition suitable to lower the stability of the particles of the powder in the suspension such that the particles settle out of solution and into the one or more microchannels; and applying an ultrasonic wave to the heated suspension to further settle the particles of the powder into the one or more microchannels thereby filling the one or more microchannels of the mold with the powder.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of forming a composite matrix on a porous substrate or a non-porous substrate, the methods including subjecting the substrate to a first deposition method to apply a first coating including first ceramic or metallic particles and form a coated substrate and subjecting the coated substrate to atomic layer deposition to apply a second coating and form the composite matrix, wherein the second coating includes second ceramic or metallic particles.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of forming a composite matrix on a porous substrate or a non-porous substrate, the methods including subjecting the substrate to a first deposition method to apply a first coating including first ceramic or metallic particles and form a coated substrate and subjecting the coated substrate to atomic layer deposition to apply a second coating and form the composite matrix, wherein the second coating includes second ceramic or metallic particles.