Abstract: A method of producing ceria nanocrystals is provided. The method includes providing a gas that includes ozone to a solution that includes a cerium salt, and obtaining ceria nanocrystals from the solution after the gas is provided to the first solution. A method of producing nanoparticles is provided. The method includes providing a gas that includes ozone to a solution that includes a metal salt that includes at least one of a transition metal or a lanthanide, and producing at least one of metal oxide nanoparticles, metal oxynitrate nanoparticles, or metal oxyhydroxide nanoparticles from the solution after the gas is provided to the solution.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing reactive lignin and for preparing a bio-based adhesive are described herein.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing reactive lignin and for preparing a bio-based adhesive are described herein.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing reactive lignin and for preparing a bio-based adhesive are described herein.

Abstract: A method of producing ceria nanocrystals is provided. The method includes providing a gas that includes ozone to a solution that includes a cerium salt, and obtaining ceria nanocrystals from the solution after the gas is provided to the first solution. A method of producing nanoparticles is provided. The method includes providing a gas that includes ozone to a solution that includes a metal salt that includes at least one of a transition metal or a lanthanide, and producing at least one of metal oxide nanoparticles, metal oxynitrate nanoparticles, or metal oxyhydroxide nanoparticles from the solution after the gas is provided to the solution.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing reactive lignin and for preparing a bio-based adhesive are described herein.

Abstract: Cerium oxide nanorods having a variety of aspect ratios can be produced by providing a first mixture that includes a cerium precursor material, and using microwave to heat the first mixture to a first temperature for a period of time to produce first plurality of cerium oxide nanorods having a first range of aspect ratios. A second mixture that includes a cerium precursor material heated using microwave to a second temperature for a period of time to produce second plurality of cerium oxide nanorods having a second range of aspect ratios. The first plurality of cerium oxide nanorods and the second plurality of cerium oxide nanorods are mixed to produce third plurality of cerium oxide nanorods having the third range of aspect ratios that is broader than the first range or the second range.

Abstract: A catalyst that includes cerium oxide having a fluorite lattice structure is provided. The cerium oxide includes cerium atoms in mixed valence states of Ce3+/Ce4+, in which the ratio of Ce3+/(Ce3++Ce4+) in the lattice ranges from 40% to 90% at 20° C. The valence states Ce3+ and Ce4+ are reversible in reduction and oxidation reactions, and the cerium oxide maintains catalytic ability at temperatures at least up to 450° C.

Abstract: Cerium oxide nanorods having a variety of aspect ratios can be produced by providing a first mixture that includes a cerium precursor material, and using microwave to heat the first mixture to a first temperature for a period of time to produce first plurality of cerium oxide nanorods having a first range of aspect ratios. A second mixture that includes a cerium precursor material heated using microwave to a second temperature for a period of time to produce second plurality of cerium oxide nanorods having a second range of aspect ratios. The first plurality of cerium oxide nanorods and the second plurality of cerium oxide nanorods are mixed to produce third plurality of cerium oxide nanorods having the third range of aspect ratios that is broader than the first range or the second range.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting neutrons includes an array of pillars, wherein each of the pillars comprises a rounded cross sectional shape where the cross section is taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective pillar, a cavity region between each of the pillars, and a neutron sensitive material located in each cavity region.

Abstract: Three-dimensional boron particle loaded thermal neutron detectors utilize neutron sensitive conversion materials in the form of nano-powders and micro-sized particles, as opposed to thin films, suspensions, paraffin, etc. More specifically, methods to infiltrate, intersperse and embed the neutron nano-powders to form two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional charge sensitive platforms are specified. The use of nano-powders enables conformal contact with the entire charge-collecting structure regardless of its shape or configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a photovoltaic cell is provided. The photovoltaic cell includes a p-type thin film having a first rare earth sulfide, and an n-type thin film having a second rare earth sulfide. A p-n junction is formed between the p-type thin film and the n-type thin film. The photovoltaic cell includes a substrate and an at least partially transparent layer. The p-type and n-type thin films are deposited between the substrate and the at least partially transparent layer.

Abstract: A catalyst that includes cerium oxide having a fluorite lattice structure is provided. The cerium oxide includes cerium atoms in mixed valence states of Ce3+/Ce4+, in which the ratio of Ce3+/(Ce3++Ce4+) in the lattice ranges from 40% to 90% at 20° C. The valence states Ce3+ and Ce4+ are reversible in reduction and oxidation reactions, and the cerium oxide maintains catalytic ability at temperatures at least up to 450° C.

Abstract: Three-dimensional boron particle loaded thermal neutron detectors utilize neutron sensitive conversion materials in the form of nano-powders and micro-sized particles, as opposed to thin films, suspensions, paraffin, etc. More specifically, methods to infiltrate, intersperse and embed the neutron nano-powders to form two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional charge sensitive platforms are specified. The use of nano-powders enables conformal contact with the entire charge-collecting structure regardless of its shape or configuration.

Abstract: Methods are described for conversion of carbohydrate polymers, including cellulose, that yield monosaccharide products, including glucose. Catalyst compositions that include functionalized metal/metal oxide clusters on cerium oxide nanostructures are described which provides product yields, e.g., greater that 50% in a single step process.

Abstract: The present invention comprises nano obelisks and nanostructures and methods and processes for same. The nano obelisks of the present invention are advantageous structures for use as electron source emitters. For example, the ultra sharp obelisks can be used as an emitter source to generate highly coherent and high energy electrons with high current.

Abstract: The present invention comprises nano obelisks and nanostructures and methods and processes for same. The nano obelisks of the present invention are advantageous structures for use as electron source emitters. For example, the ultra sharp obelisks can be used as an emitter source to generate highly coherent and high energy electrons with high current.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon single wall nanotubes (SWNT) by CVD is disclosed. The SWNTs are grown on a metal-catalyzed support surface, such as a commercially available silicon tips for atomic force microscopes (AFM). The growth characteristics of the SWNTs can be controlled by adjusting the density of the catalyst and the CVD growth conditions. The length of the SWNTs can be adjusted through pulsed electrical etching. Nanotubes of this type can find applications in nanotubes structures with defined patterns and for nano-tweezers. Nano-tweezers may be useful for manipulating matter, such as biological material, on a molecular level.

Abstract: A method of fabricating SWNT probes for use in atomic force microscopy is disclosed. In one embodiment, the SWNT's are fabricated using a metallic salt solution. In another embodiment, the SWNT's are fabricated using metallic colloids.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon single wall nanotubes (SWNT) by CVD is disclosed. The SWNTs are grown on a metal-catalyzed support surface, such as a commercially available silicon tips for atomic force microscopes (AFM). The growth characteristics of the SWNTs can be controlled by adjusting the density of the catalyst and the CVD growth conditions. The length of the SWNTs can be adjusted through pulsed electrical etching. Nanotubes of this type can find applications in nanotubes structures with defined patterns and for nano-tweezers. Nano-tweezers may be useful for manipulating matter, such as biological material, on a molecular level.