Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming nanoscale coatings on a solid substrate surface. In certain embodiments, the method includes the following steps: contacting a substrate with a first liquid organic solvent; adding a liquid agent to the first liquid organic solvent to form a liquid agent film on a surface of the substrate; and adding the nanocoating precursor in the first liquid organic solvent to react the nanocoating precursor with the liquid agent to form the nanocoating on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in a first aspect to a process for forming a deep eutectic solvent chemical precursor. The process includes the steps of providing one or more metal ion donors, preferably one or more salts; providing one or more hydrogen bond donors, and combining the one or more salts with the one or more hydrogen bond donors. The present invention is directed in a second aspect to forming one or more metal oxides by reacting one or more of the deep eutectic solvents of the first aspect of the invention through the application of heat via methods such as flame spray pyrolysis or the application of microwaves.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a layered metal-air cathode for a metal-air battery. Generally, the layered metal-air cathode comprises an active catalyst layer, a transition layer bonded to the active catalyst layer, and a backing layer bonded to the transition layer such that the transition layer is disposed between the active catalyst layer and the backing layer.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a layered metal-air cathode for a metal-air battery. Generally, the layered metal-air cathode comprises an active catalyst layer, a transition layer bonded to the active catalyst layer, and a backing layer bonded to the transition layer such that the transition layer is disposed between the active catalyst layer and the backing layer.