Abstract: An ion-conducting structure comprises a metal-fibril complex formed by one or more elementary nanofibrils. Each elementary nanofibril can be composed of a plurality of cellulose molecular chains with functional groups. Each elementary nanofibril can also have a plurality of metal ions. Each metal ion can act as a coordination center between the functional groups of adjacent cellulose molecular chains so as to form a respective ion transport channel between the cellulose molecular chains. The metal-fibril complex can comprise a plurality of second ions. Each second ion can be disposed within one of the ion transport channels so as to be intercalated between the corresponding cellulose molecular chains. In some embodiments, the metal-fibril complex is formed as a solid-state structure.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an ion exchange membrane with ion-conducting nanochannels formed by crosslinking chitosan molecular chains to form a unique threefold helical conformation and nanochannels that facilitate ion transport. The crosslinking promotes ion conductivity, suppresses swelling in water, inhibits fuel permeation, and enhances mechanical strength. The ion exchange membrane is stable in harsh alkaline environments. The ion exchange membrane can be used in a direct methanol fuel cell that displays an exceptional power density of 305 mW cm?2.

Abstract: An ion-conducting structure comprises a metal-fibril complex formed by one or more elementary nanofibrils. Each elementary nanofibril can be composed of a plurality of cellulose molecular chains with functional groups. Each elementary nanofibril can also have a plurality of metal ions. Each metal ion can act as a coordination center between the functional groups of adjacent cellulose molecular chains so as to form a respective ion transport channel between the cellulose molecular chains. The metal-fibril complex can comprise a plurality of second ions. Each second ion can be disposed within one of the ion transport channels so as to be intercalated between the corresponding cellulose molecular chains. In some embodiments, the metal-fibril complex is formed as a solid-state structure.

Abstract: An ion-conducting structure comprises a metal-fibril complex formed by one or more elementary nanofibrils. Each elementary nanofibril can be composed of a plurality of cellulose molecular chains with functional groups. Each elementary nanofibril can also have a plurality of metal ions. Each metal ion can act as a coordination center between the functional groups of adjacent cellulose molecular chains so as to form a respective ion transport channel between the cellulose molecular chains. The metal-fibril complex can comprise a plurality of second ions. Each second ion can be disposed within one of the ion transport channels so as to be intercalated between the corresponding cellulose molecular chains. In some embodiments, the metal-fibril complex is formed as a solid-state structure.

Abstract: An ion-conducting structure comprises a metal-fibril complex formed by one or more elementary nanofibrils. Each elementary nanofibril can be composed of a plurality of cellulose molecular chains with functional groups. Each elementary nanofibril can also have a plurality of metal ions. Each metal ion can act as a coordination center between the functional groups of adjacent cellulose molecular chains so as to form a respective ion transport channel between the cellulose molecular chains. The metal-fibril complex can comprise a plurality of second ions. Each second ion can be disposed within one of the ion transport channels so as to be intercalated between the corresponding cellulose molecular chains. In some embodiments, the metal-fibril complex is formed as a solid-state structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to self-assembled nanoparticle arrays, methods of making the nanoparticle arrays, and methods of using the nanoparticle arrays in spectroscopic methods for detecting targets of interest. The present invention is also directed to a fabrication method for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates that possess a unique combination of three highly desirable attributes: (a) the SERS substrates can be tuned to match the laser wavelength of operation and maximize the enhancement factor for the particular Raman instrument and analyte in use; (b) the SERS substrates have a highly reproducible enhancement factor over macroscopic sampling areas; and (c) the fabrication method is achieved without resorting to expensive, slow nano-lithography tools.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to self-assembled nanoparticle arrays, methods of making the nanoparticle arrays, and methods of using the nanoparticle arrays in spectroscopic methods for detecting targets of interest. The present invention is also directed to a fabrication method for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates that possess a unique combination of three highly desirable attributes: (a) the SERS substrates can be tuned to match the laser wavelength of operation and maximize the enhancement factor for the particular Raman instrument and analyte in use; (b) the SERS substrates have a highly reproducible enhancement factor over macroscopic sampling areas; and (c) the fabrication method is achieved without resorting to expensive, slow nano-lithography tools.