Abstract: One embodiment includes forming a nanowire on a substrate from an organometallic vapor. The nanowire is grown during this formation in a direction away from the substrate and is freestanding during growth. The nanowire has a first dimension of 500 nanometers or less and a second dimension extending from the substrate to a free end of the nanowire at least 10 times greater than the first dimension. In one form, the organometallic vapor includes copper, silver, or gold. Alternatively or additionally, the nanowire is of a monocrystalline structure.

Abstract: A method of forming particles, comprises accelerating a first stream comprising a first liquid, applying a charging voltage of at most 1.5 kV to the first stream, and vibrating the first stream, to form particles.

Abstract: A method of forming particles comprises accelerating a stream comprising a liquid; and vibrating the stream, to form particles. The particle may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle used to form the stream, allowing for the formation of micro- and nano-sized particle.

Abstract: A method of forming particles comprises accelerating a stream comprising a liquid; and vibrating the stream, to form particles. The particle may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle used to form the stream, allowing for the formation of micro- and nano-sized particle.

Abstract: A method of forming particles, comprises accelerating a first stream comprising a first liquid, applying a charging voltage of at most 1.5 kV to the first stream, and vibrating the first stream, to form particles.

Abstract: An electrohydrodynamic spray apparatus includes a liquid inlet and a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the liquid inlet, where the spray nozzle has an opening downstream of the liquid inlet. An inner electrode is situated at least partially inside the spray nozzle. An outer electrode is situated external to the spray nozzle and within about 100 mm of the opening of the nozzle. The electrohydrodynamic spray apparatus can be combined with a substrate to form an electrohydrodynamic spray system. The electrohydrodynamic spray apparatus or system can be used to form nanostructures such as nanodrops, nanoparticles and thin films.

Abstract: A method of forming particles, comprises accelerating a first stream comprising a first liquid, applying a charging voltage of at most 1.5 kV to the first stream, and vibrating the first stream, to form particles.

Abstract: A method of forming particles comprises accelerating a stream comprising a liquid; and vibrating the stream, to form particles. The particle may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle used to form the stream, allowing for the formation of micro- and nano-sized particle.

Abstract: A method of forming particles comprises accelerating a stream comprising a liquid; and vibrating the stream, to form particles. The particle may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle used to form the stream, allowing for the formation of micro- and nano-sized particle.

Abstract: A method of forming particles comprises accelerating a stream comprising a liquid; and vibrating the stream, to form particles. The particle may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle used to form the stream, allowing for the formation of micro- and nano-sized particle.

Abstract: A method for producing a thin film or nanoparticle deposit includes the step of providing a working liquid, movement of the working liquid at a liquid surface prevented by surface tension. The method also includes the steps of supplying an electric charge having a first polarity to the working liquid at the liquid surface to overcome surface tension at the liquid surface to produce a first plurality of charged nanodrops and directing the first plurality of charged nanodrops against a substrate surface. The method further includes the steps of supplying an electric charge having a second polarity to the working liquid at the liquid surface, the second polarity being opposite to the first polarity, to overcome surface tension at the liquid surface to produce a second plurality of charged nanodrops, and directing the second plurality of charged nanodrops against the substrate surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a thin film or nanoparticle deposit includes the step of providing a working liquid, movement of the working liquid at a liquid surface prevented by surface tension. The method also includes the steps of supplying an electric charge having a first polarity to the working liquid at the liquid surface to overcome surface tension at the liquid surface to produce a first plurality of charged nanodrops and directing the first plurality of charged nanodrops against a substrate surface. The method further includes the steps of supplying an electric charge having a second polarity to the working liquid at the liquid surface, the second polarity being opposite to the first polarity, to overcome surface tension at the liquid surface to produce a second plurality of charged nanodrops, and directing the second plurality of charged nanodrops against the substrate surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing nanodrops which are liquid drops with diameters less than one micron and producing therefrom solid nanoparticles and uniform and patterned film deposits. A liquid precursor is placed in an open ended tube within which is a solid electrically conductive needle which protrudes beyond the open end of the tube. Surface tension of the liquid at the tube end prevents the liquid from flowing from the tube. Mutually repulsive electric charges are injected into the liquid through the needle, causing the surface tension to be overcome to produce a plurality of liquid jets which break up into nanodrops.