Abstract: An article includes a hybrid nanocomposite product, which includes a nanostructure array and a resin matrix contained among and/or around the nanostructure array. The array/matrix is placed in between layers of dry or resin-infused fiber composite to permit formation of a composite structure. The nanostructure array and/or the resin matrix may be disposed in an abutting relationship with other layers of a composite. The array/matrix can provide reinforcement of the composite in the z-direction. Transfer of resin into dry fiber forms may be provided when the array/matrix acts as a resin transfer medium. Nanostructure arrays with a resin matrix can be prepared to form a resin film product. Methods are presented for infusing composites via resin-transfer molding (RTM), vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), resin film infusion (RFI), or injection molding wherein a resin matrix film substantially maintains alignment and position of the nanostructure array during the infusion process.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include thermionic energy converters with a thermal concentrating hot shell and emitters for thermionic energy converters. In some embodiments, an illustrative thermionic energy converter includes: an emitter electrode; a hot shell configured to concentrate heat flow toward the emitter electrode; a collector electrode; and a cold shell that is thermally isolated from the hot shell.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include thermionic energy converters with a thermal concentrating hot shell and emitters for thermionic energy converters. In some embodiments, an illustrative thermionic energy converter includes: an emitter electrode; a hot shell configured to concentrate heat flow toward the emitter electrode; a collector electrode; and a cold shell that is thermally isolated from the hot shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing and dispensing nanostructure material that can maintain the morphology of the nanostructures. The nanostructures are disposed on a flexible substrate that is spooled into a roll. The substrate can be provided with raised edges that space adjacent portions from each other in the roll to protect the nanostructures from damage or misalignment. The roll can be provided to a cassette that can be sealed to protect the nanostructure material from exposure to unwanted environments and to protect individuals from exposure to the nanostructure material. The substrate can be unrolled in the cassette to permit the nanostructure material to be applied to an item outside the cassette while maintaining the morphology of the nanostructures. Various controls can be provided to unroll the substrate and deposit the nanostructure material with high precision and repeatability.

Abstract: An article includes a hybrid nanocomposite product, which includes a nanostructure array and a resin matrix contained among and/or around the nanostructure array. The array/matrix is placed in between layers of dry or resin-infused fiber composite to permit formation of a composite structure. The nanostructure array and/or the resin matrix may be disposed in an abutting relationship with other layers of a composite. The array/matrix can provide reinforcement of the composite in the z-direction. Transfer of resin into dry fiber forms may be provided when the array/matrix acts as a resin transfer medium. Nanostructure arrays with a resin matrix can be prepared to form a resin film product. Methods are presented for infusing composites via resin-transfer molding (RTM), vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), resin film infusion (RFI), or injection molding wherein a resin matrix film substantially maintains alignment and position of the nanostructure array during the infusion process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing and dispensing nanostructure material that can maintain the morphology of the nanostructures. The nanostructures are disposed on a flexible substrate that is spooled into a roll. The substrate can be provided with raised edges that space adjacent portions from each other in the roll to protect the nanostructures from damage or misalignment. The roll can be provided to a cassette that can be sealed to protect the nanostructure material from exposure to unwanted environments and to protect individuals from exposure to the nanostructure material. The substrate can be unrolled in the cassette to permit the nanostructure material to be applied to an item outside the cassette while maintaining the morphology of the nanostructures. Various controls can be provided to unroll the substrate and deposit the nanostructure material with high precision and repeatability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for generating nanoscopically aligned carbon nanotubes in yarns, tapes and sheets. Some embodiments relate to methods and systems to allow in situ alignment of the tubes within the growth chamber. In particular, processes for in situ alignment include: (1) gas flow alignment using gas lenses introduced within the reaction tube, (2) electrostatic alignment using electrostatic lenses surrounding the reaction tube, (3) gas flow alignment by convergent flow within the reaction tube, (4) placing catalysts on a fixed substrate and flowing reaction gas parallel to the substrate. Other embodiments involve post processing of the CNT material in order to align the materials once it has been produced.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device that can exhibit substantially high specific power density is provided. The device includes core having a p-type element made from carbon nanotube and an n-type element. The device also includes a heat plate in and a cool plate, between which the core can be positioned. The design of the thermoelectric device allows the device to operate at substantially high temperature and to generate substantially high power output, despite being light weight. A method for making the thermoelectric device is also provided.