Abstract: A microsampler disc for use in the analysis of agents is described as including a plurality of microstructures configured and spaced to promote movement of a fluidic medium containing agents radially outwardly and promote filtering of one species of agents from other species of agents. An analysis system using the microsampler disc is also described. A method for separating one species of agent from one or more other species of agents is described as including introducing a fluidic medium containing at least one species of agents to a microsampler disc having a plurality of microstructures, rotating the microsampler disc to promote movement of the fluidic medium outwardly, collecting the at least one species of agent in a specific set of detection zones, and analyzing the at least one species of agent.

Abstract: A conformable air purification system and methods generally includes optically coupling an active coating comprising a photocatalyst material with a flexible organic light emitting device (OLED) and configuring the flexible media into a desired shape that defines the fluid passageways of then system. The organic light emitting device can be selected to emit light in the visible range when low band gap photocatalyst materials are employed.

Abstract: A solar cell having at least one hole blocking layer and at least one electron blocking layer, and methods of fabricating such devices. Specifically, a hole blocking layer is disposed between a first electrode of the solar cell and the active layer. Further, an electron blocking layer is disposed between a second electrode and the active layer. The solar cell may be formed by fabricating an anode component and a cathode component and laminating the anode component and the cathode component together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the RFID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect a composition having at least one croconine derivative. This composition may be disposed on a semiconductor layer which is further disposed on an electrically conductive surface to provide a dye-sensitized electrode. The dye-sensitized electrode can be assembled together with a counter electrode and a redox electrolyte to provide a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell may be used as a single cell or in tandem with other cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect a composition having at least one metal complex, such that the metal complex comprises at least one metal atom, at least one first organic ligand comprising at least one triarylamine group, at least one second ligand comprising at least one acidic group, and at least one thiocyanate or isothiocyanate ligand. This composition may be disposed on a semiconductor layer which is further disposed on an electrically conductive surface to provide a dye-sensitized electrode. The dye-sensitized electrode can be assembled together with a counter electrode and a redox electrolyte to provide a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect a composition having at least one metal complex, such that the metal complex comprises at least one metal atom, a phenanthroline-based first ligand and a second ligand comprising at least one acidic group, and at least two coordinative nitrogen atoms capable of simultaneous binding to the metal atom. This composition may be disposed on a semiconductor layer which is further disposed on an electrically conductive surface to provide a dye-sensitized electrode. The dye-sensitized electrode can be assembled together with a counter electrode and a redox electrolyte to provide a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: Interconnects for electronic devices. More specifically, stacked photoelectric devices, such as parallel tandem photovoltaic devices are provided. Each of the photovoltaic devices comprises photovoltaic cells formed between two substrates. Each of the substrates may include one or more interconnects to route a voltage from one side of the substrate to another. Each substrate includes an edge portion extending beyond the edge portion of an immediately adjacent substrate. All interconnects are exposed to one side of the device for easy and flexible electric connectivity and fabrication. The interconnects, which may include conductive vias or conductive edge wraps, are formed in the edge portion of the substrates.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a photovoltaic element, wherein the photovoltaic element is configured to absorb photons of desired wavelengths and to convert the absorbed photon energy to electric energy and an electroluminescence element disposed adjacent to the photovoltaic element, wherein the electroluminescence element is configured to produce illumination at desired wavelengths, and wherein at least one of the photovoltaic element or the electroluminescence element comprises an organic device. The illumination device also includes an electric energy storage element coupled to the photovoltaic element and to the electroluminescence element, wherein the electric energy storage element is configured to store electric energy from the photovoltaic element and to power the electroluminescence element.

Abstract: Bis(halophthalimides) are prepared in mixture in an organic liquid such as ortho-dichlorobenzene or anisole, by a reaction at a temperatire of at least 150° C. between at least one diamine compound and at least one halophthalic anhydride in the presence of imidization catalyst. The reaction mixture is maintained at about 15% by weight solids content and rich in the halophthalic anhydride by constantly monitoring the reaction mixture using analytical methods such as high performance liquid chromatography. The product mixture may be directly employed in the direct preparation of polyetherimides, and similar slurries may be employed to prepare other polyether polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article comprising a substrate; and a columnar structure, wherein the columnar structure comprises a semi-conductor and is disposed upon the substrate in a manner wherein the longitudinal axis of the columnar structures is substantially perpendicular to the substrate. Disclosed herein is an electrode that comprises a substrate upon which is disposed an electron transport coating, wherein the electron transport coating comprises a columnar structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic cell comprising an absorber that can absorb electromagnetic radiation; a first substrate comprising a first conductive surface; a second substrate comprising a second conductive surface that is opposed to the first conductive surface and faces the first conductive surface of the first substrate; an electron transporter that is in electrical communication with the second conductive surface of the second substrate, but is electrically insulated from the first substrate; a hole transporter that is in electrical communication with the first conductive surface of the first substrate, but is electrically insulated from the second substrate; wherein the hole transporter and/or the electron transporter are chemically bonded to an electrically insulating sheath; and wherein the hole transporter and/or the electron transporter are chemically bonded to the absorber.