Abstract: Disclosed are ultra-low thermal conductivity fabrics, methods for preparing them and methods of using them, in particular as diving suit materials for enhanced persistence in cold-water dives.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating and storing solar energy are provided. A solar energy receiver for use with the systems and methods may include a container for holding a solar absorption material, such as a phase change material, and a cooled cover disposed above the container for condensing and collecting vaporized phase change material collected along an underside of the cover.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic thin film is formed on a metal surface of a boiler vessel to alter the wettability and roughness of the surface, which, in turn, changes the boiling behavior at the surface. The superhydrophilic film is formed by depositing a layer of a first ionic species on the surface from a solution. A second ionic species having a charge opposite to the that of the first ionic species is then deposited from solution onto the surface to produce a bilayer of the first ionic species and the oppositely charged second ionic species. The depositions are then repeated to form a plurality of bilayers, on top of the preceding bilayer. The bilayers are then heated, leaving the second ionic species on the metal surface to form a superhydrophilic film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating and storing solar energy are provided. A solar energy receiver for use with the systems and methods may include a container for holding a solar absorption material, such as a phase change material, and a cooled cover disposed above the container for condensing and collecting vaporized phase change material collected along an underside of the cover.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic thin film is formed on a metal surface of a boiler vessel to alter the wettability and roughness of the surface, which, in turn, changes the boiling behavior at the surface. The superhydrophilic film is formed by depositing a layer of a first ionic species on the surface from a solution. A second ionic species having a charge opposite to the that of the first ionic species is then deposited from solution onto the surface to produce a bilayer of the first ionic species and the oppositely charged second ionic species. The depositions are then repeated to form a plurality of bilayers, on top of the preceding bilayer. The bilayers are then heated, leaving the second ionic species on the metal surface to form a superhydrophilic film.

Abstract: A method for in-situ treatment of a metallic surface utilizing a nanoparticle dispersion to increase at least one of (i) the critical heat flux. (ii) the boiling heat transfer rate, or (iii) the corrosion resistance of the metallic surface when in operation without a nanofluid heat transfer liquid, comprising: (1) cleaning the metallic surface: (2) conditioning the metallic surface to enhance nanoparticle binding to the metallic surface by applying a polymeric binding agent; (3) forming at least one thin film layer of nanoparticles on the metallic surface by contacting the nanoparticle dispersion with the metallic surface at a temperature and pressure sufficient to boil the nanoparticle dispersion; and, optionally (4) curing the nanoparticle layer by heating the metallic surface to a temperature higher than the temperature sufficient to boil the nanoparticle dispersion.