Abstract: The present disclosure describes a matrix-free nanostructured substrate for use in mass spectrometry. The substrate may preferably include one or more localized analyte spots for placement of an analyte, where each analyte spot may comprise a nanostructured metal oxide or semiconductor containing nanotubes or nanopores. The substrate may further include unstructured metal, metal oxide, or semiconductor that is not nanotubular or nanoporous in the part of the substrate that surrounds each of the analyte spots. In some embodiments, the nanostructured metal oxide or semiconductor may be chemically or structurally modified, and the analyte spots may additionally or alternatively include secondary nanostructures such as nanorods, nanoparticles, nanocoatings, or nanotubes. This may facilitate energy transfer to the analyte for matrix-free laser desorption/ionization.

Abstract: Composite membranes that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The composite membranes can include a porous support structure having elongate pore channels extending through the support structure. The composite membrane also includes an active layer comprising an active layer material, where the active layer material is completely disposed within the pore channels between the surfaces of the support structure. The active layer is intimately integrated within the support structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of composite membranes are also provided.

Abstract: Energy devices such as energy conversion devices and energy storage devices and methods for the manufacture of such devices. The devices include a support member having an array of pore channels having a small average pore channel diameter and having a pore channel length. Material layers that may include energy conversion materials and conductive materials are coaxially disposed within the pore channels to form material rods having a relatively small cross-section and a relatively long length. By varying the structure of the materials in the pore channels, various energy devices can be fabricated, such as photovoltaic (PV) devices, radiation detectors, capacitors, batteries and the like.

Abstract: Composite membranes that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The composite membranes can include a porous support structure having elongate pore channels extending through the support structure. The composite membrane also includes an active layer comprising an active layer material, where the active layer material is completely disposed within the pore channels between the surfaces of the support structure. The active layer is intimately integrated within the support structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of composite membranes are also provided.

Abstract: Composite membranes that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The composite membranes can include a porous support structure having elongate pore channels extending through the support structure. The composite membrane also includes an active layer comprising an active layer material, where the active layer material is completely disposed within the pore channels between the surfaces of the support structure. The active layer is intimately integrated within the support structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of composite membranes are also provided.

Abstract: Energy devices such as energy conversion devices and energy storage devices and methods for the manufacture of such devices. The devices include a support member having an array of pore channels having a small average pore channel diameter and having a pore channel length. Material layers that may include energy conversion materials and conductive materials are coaxially disposed within the pore channels to form material rods having a relatively small cross-section and a relatively long length. By varying the structure of the materials in the pore channels, various energy devices can be fabricated, such as photovoltaic (PV) devices, radiation detectors, capacitors, batteries and the like.

Abstract: Membranes including anodic aluminum oxide structures that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The membranes can include a porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) structure having pore channels extending through the AAO structure. The membrane may also include an active layer, such as one including an active layer material and/or active layer pore channels. The active layer is intimately integrated within the AAO structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of anodic aluminum oxide structures and membranes are also provided.

Abstract: Composite membranes that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The composite membranes can include a porous support structure having elongate pore channels extending through the support structure. The composite membrane also includes an active layer comprising an active layer material, where the active layer material is completely disposed within the pore channels between the surfaces of the support structure. The active layer is intimately integrated within the support structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of composite membranes are also provided.

Abstract: Device nanotechnology based on silicon wafers and other substrates is described. Methods for preparing such devices are discussed. The teachings allow integration of current semiconductor device, sensor device and other device fabrication methods with nanotechnology. Integration of nanotubes and nanowires to wafers is discussed. Sensors, electronics, biomedical and other devices are presented.

Abstract: Device nanotechnology based on silicon wafers and other substrates is described. Methods for preparing such devices are discussed. The teachings allow integration of current semiconductor device, sensor device and other device fabrication methods with nanotechnology. Integration of nanotubes and nanowires to wafers is discussed. Sensors, electronics, biomedical and other devices are presented.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a type of nanostructured ceramic platform for gas sensors and sensor arrays. These sensors comprise micromachined anodic aluminum oxide films, which contains extremely high density (e.g., 1011 cm−2) nanoscale pores. Sensing materials deposited inside this self-organized network of nanopores have ultra-high surface area and nanometer grain structure, therefore enabling high sensitivity. Refractory nature of alumina ceramic enables the desired robustness, long lifetime and stability in harsh environment. This sensor platform can been used for both chemical gas and physical (humidity, temperature) sensors and sensor arrays.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a type of nanostructured ceramic platform for gas sensors and sensor arrays. These sensors comprise micromachined anodic aluminum oxide films, which contains extremely high density (e.g., 1011 cm−2) nanoscale pores. Sensing materials deposited inside this self-organized network of nanopores have ultra-high surface area and nanometer grain structure, therefore enabling high sensitivity. Refractory nature of alumina ceramic enables the desired robustness, long lifetime and stability in harsh environment. This sensor platform can been used for both chemical gas and physical (humidity, temperature) sensors and sensor arrays.