Abstract: A nanofluid contact potential difference cell includes a cathode with a lower work function and an anode with a higher work function separated by a nanometer-scale spaced inter-electrode gap containing a nanofluid with intermediate work function nanoparticle clusters. The cathode comprises a refractory layer and a thin film of electrosprayed dipole nanoparticle clusters partially covering a surface of the refractory layer. A thermal power source, placed in thermal contact with the cathode, to drive an electrical current through an electrical circuit connecting the cathode and anode with an external electrical load in between. A switch is configured to intermittently connect the anode and the cathode to maintain non-equilibrium between a first current from the cathode to the anode and a second current from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: A nanofluid contact potential difference cell includes a cathode with a lower work function and an anode with a higher work function separated by a nanometer-scale spaced inter-electrode gap containing a nanofluid with intermediate work function nanoparticle clusters. The cathode comprises a refractory layer and a thin film of electrosprayed dipole nanoparticle clusters partially covering a surface of the refractory layer. A thermal power source, placed in thermal contact with the cathode, to drive an electrical current through an electrical circuit connecting the cathode and anode with an external electrical load in between. A switch is configured to intermittently connect the anode and the cathode to maintain non-equilibrium between a first current from the cathode to the anode and a second current from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: A nanofluid contact potential difference cell comprises a cathode with a lower work function and an anode with a higher work function separated by a nanometer-scale spaced inter-electrode gap containing a nanofluid with intermediate work function nanoparticle clusters. The cathode comprises a refractory layer and a thin film of electrosprayed dipole nanoparticle clusters partially covering a surface of the refractory layer. A thermal power source, placed in good thermal contact with the cathode, drives an electrical current through an electrical circuit connecting the cathode and anode with an external electrical load in between. A switch is configured to intermittently connect the anode and the cathode to maintain non-equilibrium between a first current from the cathode to the anode and a second current from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing pinned nano-structures with tailored gradient properties. First and second compositions are provided, Each of the compositions includes a nano-structural material, a plurality of grain growth inhibitor nano-particles, and at least one of a tailoring solute and a plurality of tailoring nano-particles. Deposition layers are formed proximal to a substrate with each of the compositions through electrospray techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for forming nano-structures with tailored properties on objects while fabricating the objects. The apparatus includes a reservoir that holds compositions therein. Each of the compositions includes a nano-structural material, a plurality of grain growth inhibitor nano-particles, and at least one of a tailoring solute and a plurality of tailoring nano-particles. A nozzle is operatively coupled to the reservoir and a translatable stage is positioned proximate to the nozzle. The stage includes a substrate holder adapted to hold a substrate. A surface profile determination device is positioned proximate to the stage to obtain profile data of the substrate. A control unit is operatively coupled to the device and the stage and regulates manufacture of a pinned nano-structure. The control unit forms deposition layers positioned proximal to the substrate with the compositions through electrospray techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing pinned nano-structures with tailored gradient properties. First and second compositions are provided, Each of the compositions includes a nano-structural material, a plurality of grain growth inhibitor nano-particles, and at least one of a tailoring solute and a plurality of tailoring nano-particles. Deposition layers are formed proximal to a substrate with each of the compositions through electrospray techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for forming nano-structures with tailored properties on objects while fabricating the objects. The apparatus includes a reservoir that holds compositions therein. Each of the compositions includes a nano-structural material, a plurality of grain growth inhibitor nano-particles, and at least one of a tailoring solute and a plurality of tailoring nano-particles. A nozzle is operatively coupled to the reservoir and a translatable stage is positioned proximate to the nozzle. The stage includes a substrate holder adapted to hold a substrate. A surface profile determination device is positioned proximate to the stage to obtain profile data of the substrate. A control unit is operatively coupled to the device and the stage and regulates manufacture of a pinned nano-structure. The control unit forms deposition layers positioned proximal to the substrate with the compositions through electrospray techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for forming nano-structures with tailored properties on objects while fabricating the objects. The apparatus includes at least one reservoir that holds compositions therein. Each of the compositions includes a nano-structural material, a plurality of grain growth inhibitor nano-particles, and at least one of a tailoring solute and a plurality of tailoring nano-particles. At least one nozzle is operatively coupled to each reservoir and a translatable stage is positioned proximate to each nozzle. The stage includes a substrate holder adapted to hold a substrate. A surface profile determination device is positioned proximate to the stage to obtain profile data of the substrate. A control unit is operatively coupled to the device and the stage and regulates manufacture of a pinned nano-structure. The control unit forms deposition layers positioned proximal to the substrate with the compositions through electrospray techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabrication of objects retaining nano-scale characteristics. A composition is provided comprising grain growth inhibitor particles in solution with a binding agent in a molten phase. An electric field and a magnetic field are generated with a combined extraction electrode. The composition is electrosprayed from a nozzle with the electric field to form a stream of droplets. The electric field drives the droplets toward a moving stage holding an object comprising successive deposition layers. The magnetic field limits dispersion of the stream of droplets. The stage is moved laterally as the stream of droplets impacts the object to form a current deposition layer of the object. The stage is moved vertically as necessary to maintain a target stand-off distance between the nozzle and a previous deposition layer of the object, based on profile data of the previous deposition layer.

Abstract: A nanofluid contact potential difference cell comprises a cathode with a lower work function and an anode with a higher work function separated by a nanometer-scale spaced inter-electrode gap containing a nanofluid with intermediate work function nanoparticle clusters. The cathode comprises a refractory layer and a thin film of electrosprayed dipole nanoparticle clusters partially covering a surface of the refractory layer. A thermal power source, placed in good thermal contact with the cathode, drives an electrical current through an electrical circuit connecting the cathode and anode with an external electrical load in between. A switch is configured to intermittently connect the anode and the cathode to maintain non-equilibrium between a first current from the cathode to the anode and a second current from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: A nanofluid contact potential difference cell comprises a cathode with a lower work function and an anode with a higher work function separated by a nanometer-scale spaced inter-electrode gap containing a nanofluid with intermediate work function nanoparticle clusters. The cathode comprises a refractory layer and a thin film of electrosprayed dipole nanoparticle clusters partially covering a surface of the refractory layer. A thermal power source, placed in good thermal contact with the cathode, drives an electrical current through an electrical circuit connecting the cathode and anode with an external electrical load in between. A switch is configured to intermittently connect the anode and the cathode to maintain non-equilibrium between a first current from the cathode to the anode and a second current from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabrication of objects retaining nano-scale characteristics. A composition is provided comprising grain growth inhibitor particles in solution with a binding agent in a molten phase. An electric field and a magnetic field are generated with a combined extraction electrode. The composition is electrosprayed from a nozzle with the electric field to form a stream of droplets. The electric field drives the droplets toward a moving stage holding an object comprising successive deposition layers. The magnetic field limits dispersion of the stream of droplets. The stage is moved laterally as the stream of droplets impacts the object to form a current deposition layer of the object. The stage is moved vertically as necessary to maintain a target stand-off distance between the nozzle and a previous deposition layer of the object, based on profile data of the previous deposition layer.

Abstract: A nanofluid contact potential difference cell comprises a cathode with a lower work function and an anode with a higher work function separated by a nanometer-scale spaced inter-electrode gap containing a nanofluid with intermediate work function nanoparticle clusters. The cathode comprises a refractory layer and a thin film of electrosprayed dipole nanoparticle clusters partially covering a surface of the refractory layer. A thermal power source, placed in good thermal contact with the cathode, drives an electrical current through an electrical circuit connecting the cathode and anode with an external electrical load in between. A switch is configured to intermittently connect the anode and the cathode to maintain non-equilibrium between a first current from the cathode to the anode and a second current from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma or corona discharge is generated at multiple points and distributed to decontaminate surfaces and objects contaminated with chemical or biological agents. The corona discharge can be generated using very short high voltage pulses. The pulsed corona discharge can be directed at a contaminated surface through the unbraided strands at an end of a dielectric covered conductor. Another pulsed discharge embodiment incorporates a primary coil surrounding a chamber having a void filled with a plurality of secondary coils. A silent corona discharge can be generated using a variety of different configurations of a dielectric coated electrode and a bare electrode. The silent discharge is produced at all intersections between the dielectric covered electrode and the bare electrode. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a blanket-like structure that is useful for decontaminating surfaces or decontaminating a fluid passing between spaced-apart bare electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting and performing redundant analysis of particles in an aerosol is disclosed. Redundant analysis reduces the possibility of false positive analyses, which is advantageous in the art. The apparatus may comprise an aerosol concentrator, an optical particle analyzer, an electrosprayer and a charged particle analyzer. A method according to the invention may comprise delivering a concentrated aerosol stream to an optical particle analyzer; analyzing each particle of interest and selectively triggering an electrosprayer to electrospray each particle of interest; adding a charge to the particle, which is then moved by electrostatic forces to a charged particle analyzer; and performing a second, redundant analysis of each charged particle collected on the charged particle analyzer to confirm the identity of the particle of interest. The apparatus and method may also be adapted to perform redundant analysis of disguised particles that are coated to disguise their payload.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting and performing redundant analysis of particles in an aerosol is disclosed. Redundant analysis reduces the possibility of false positive analyses, which is advantageous in the art. The apparatus may comprise an aerosol concentrator, an optical particle analyzer, an electrosprayer and a charged particle analyzer. A method according to the invention may comprise delivering a concentrated aerosol stream to an optical particle analyzer; analyzing each particle of interest and selectively triggering an electrosprayer to electrospray each particle of interest; adding a charge to the particle, which is then moved by electrostatic forces to a charged particle analyzer; and performing a second, redundant analysis of each charged particle collected on the charged particle analyzer to confirm the identity of the particle of interest. The apparatus and method may also be adapted to perform redundant analysis of disguised particles that are coated to disguise their payload.

Abstract: Fluids are atomized using a miniaturized electrostatic microinjector. The microinjectors are capable of producing uniform droplets in several spray modes, and metering and dispersing very small volume fluids. The atomizer is useful in carburetion systems for internal combustion engines, to prepare samples for analytical methods such as MALDI, for fluid filtration and separation, and in other applications.

Abstract: A virtual impactor device having reduced fouling includes injection ports within the separation zone to redirect particles that otherwise tend to impact the walls of the separation zone and produce fouling. The virtual impactor device preferably also includes an acceleration zone having concave and convex sections, which reduces fouling in that area. The virtual impactor device can be combined with various downstream components such as collectors, atomizers and various analytical devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a non-thermal plasma or corona discharge generated at multiple points and distributed to decontaminate surfaces and objects contaminated with chemical or biological agents. The corona discharge can be generated using very short high voltage pulses. The pulsed corona discharge can be directed at a contaminated surface through the unbraided strands at an end of a dielectric covered conductor. Another pulsed discharge embodiment incorporates a primary coil surrounding a chamber having a void filled with a plurality of secondary coils. A silent corona discharge can be generated using a variety of different configurations of a dielectric coated electrode and a bare electrode. The silent discharge is produced at all intersections between the dielectric covered electrode and the bare electrode. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a blanket-like structure that is useful for decontaminating surfaces or decontaminating a fluid passing between spaced-apart bare electrodes.

Abstract: Fluids are atomized using a miniaturized electrostatic microinjector. The microinjectors are capable of producing uniform droplets in several spray modes, and metering and dispersing very small volume fluids. The atomizer is useful in carburetion systems for internal combustion engines, to prepare samples for analytical methods such as MALDI, for fluid filtration and separation, and in other applications.