Abstract: A method for producing a three dimensional green article includes: (a) providing a slurry composition that contains an inorganic powder, a binder, and a solvent; (b) forming a slurry layer made of the slurry composition; (c) removing the solvent of the slurry layer from an upper surface of the slurry layer so as to form the slurry layer into a green layer with a plurality of pores; (d) scanning the green layer with an energy beam having a power sufficient to vaporize or burn the binder such that the vaporized binder or the burnt binder escapes from the green layer through the pores, while leaving the inorganic powder which is not bound by the binder; and (e) repeating steps (b) to (d).

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement material for forming reinforced members. The reinforcement material includes a strengthening material which is preferably a fabric disposed at least partially between portions of matrix material.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a thermally insulating material comprising the following steps: a) preparing an aqueous mixture of a solid mineral substance in suspension having a specific surface area S of greater than 5 m2/g; b) adding to the mixture at least one pore-forming agent; c) stirring so as to obtain a homogeneous mixture; d) preforming a substrate from the homogeneous mixture; e) optionally drying the substrate at least partially; f) removing, at least partially, the pore-forming agent; and such that said specific surface area S, expressed in m2/g and measured by BET, and the mean particle diameter Dpm of the pore-forming agents, expressed in micrometers and measured by dynamic light scattering, obey the relation: 1/S<Dpm<50/S.

Abstract: A porous graphene material and preparation method thereof are provided. The pore diameter of the porous graphene material is 1 nm-10 ?m and its specific surface area is 100 m2/g-2000 m2/g. The method for preparing the porous graphene material comprises the following steps: mixing graphene or graphene oxide with pore-forming agent, and pressing to obtain bulk or powder particle composite; heating the composite, and releasing gases from the pore-forming agent to obtain the porous graphene material. The porous graphene material can be used as electrode materials of supercapacitor and lithium ion battery.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for fabricating a mesoporous carbon material, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic compound or material, (iii) a crosslinkable aldehyde component, and (iv) at least 0.5 M concentration of a strong acid having a pKa of or less than ?2, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a mesoporous carbon material. The invention is also directed to a mesoporous carbon material having an improved thermal stability, preferably produced according to the above method.

Abstract: This invention provides composite semiconductor substrates and methods for fabricating such substrates. The composite structures include a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor superstrate and an intermediate layer interposed between the substrate and the superstrate that comprises a material that undergoes a structural transformation when subject to a suitable heat treatment. The methods provide such a heat treatment so that the intermediate layer becomes spongy or porous, being filled with numerous micro-bubbles or micro-cavities containing a gaseous phase. The composite semiconductor substrates with structurally-transformed intermediate layers have numerous applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an evenly mixed additive enhanced gypsum slurry to a web. Calcined gypsum and water are inserted into a mixer through at least one inlet of the mixer. The contents are agitated to form a slurry. The slurry is passed from an outlet of the mixer into a conduit. An additive is introduced into the slurry along a length of the conduit to achieve a flow stream of a slurry/additive mixture. A cross section of the flow stream is expanded in the conduit while not changing direction of the flow stream and a direction of the flow stream is changed while not expanding the cross section of the flow stream and conduit, all prior to the flow steam exiting from an outlet of the conduit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foam material by using a molten slag includes: introducing the molten slag maintained at 1400° C.-1500° C. into a pool for preserving heat, and adding a viscosity modifier and/or a color modifier to the molten slag to adjust a viscosity and/or a color a product manufactured. The molten slag is discharged into a foaming pour while adding a foaming agent to the molten slag, while controlling the foam and mold at 1250° C.-1400° C. The foamed and molded slag is maintained at 800° C.-1000° C. for 20-30 minutes in a non-reducing atmosphere, and then naturally cooled to a room temperature to obtain the foam material. The produced inorganic nonmetal foam material and products thereof have such characteristics as stable color quality, abrasion resistance, pressure resistance, small thermal conductivity, small shrinkage ratio, and excellent sound absorption, adsorption and filtering performances.

Abstract: The variable hydraulic preform slurry electrolyte carbon extrusion high wear-heat resistant parts press is utilized to manufacture process specified scientific formula preform slurry electrolyte extrusion carbon nanofoam CNFs, with or without ionic suspension element to manufacture 1. preform slurry electrolyte carbon nanofoam CNFs extrusion high wear-heat resistant parts electronic component composite coils, composite windings, brushes, inductors, antinode couplers, electric rheostats, starters, motors, alternators, generators, ionic suspension element enhanced composite coils, composite windings, brushes, capacitors, battery cells, rheostats, electronic resistors, transformers, transducers, rectifiers, power supplies, or heat sinks, 2. Preform slurry electrolyte carbon nanofoam CNFs extrusion high wear-heat resistant parts aerospace, automotive, and transportation brake calipers, rotors, bushings, and pads, and 3.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing a filter medium for treating medium and high temperature exhaust gas using foam coating and a filter medium produced using the method. The filter medium has excellent heat resistance and heat contraction resistance, and exhibits partial dust collection efficiency of 99% or more by weight, total dust collection efficiency of 99.999% or more by weight, and high dust removal efficiency, for all dust particle sizes. Further, the filter media can be efficiently used to treat medium and high temperature exhaust gas because pores having an average pore size of 30 ?m or less are uniformly distributed on the surface of the filter media.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer composite that includes reacting (a) a multi-functional monomer and (b) a block copolymer comprising (i) a first block and (ii) a second block that includes a functional group capable of reacting with the multi-functional monomer, to form a crosslinked, nano-structured, bi-continuous composite. The composite includes a continuous matrix phase and a second continuous phase comprising the first block of the block copolymer.

Abstract: A kind of production method for carbon nanotube sponges which can control different hole sizes and densities, having uniform cell sizes. The formed carbon nanotube sponge has a soft, flexible and multi-holed structure. The carbon nanotubes pass through a hydrophilic acid process, mixing with different ratios of polymer materials PVA and are dispersed in the solvent. This mixed liquid is frozen under different controlled solidifying rates, forming different sized solid ice crystals having controllable particle sizes, and is vacuumized in the next step, which removes the frozen solvent through low pressure sublimation, the remains being the multi-holed carbon nanotube sponge structure. The size of the cells of the carbon nanotube sponge structure can be controlled through the freezing rate and the addition of polymers. The strength and stiffness can be controlled through the density of the carbon nanotubes and the addition of polymers.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of aerated concrete construction materials comprising the following steps: (a) mixing a composition comprising at least water, a cementitious material, calcium oxide, a compound comprising reactive silicon dioxide, a source of oxygen, and a compound selected from sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide; (b) pouring the mixture of step (a) into a mould and allowing the mixture to set, thus forming a stiffened body; (c) removing the stiffened body from the mould; (d) optionally cutting and shaping the stiffened body, and (e) curing the stiffened body.

Abstract: SAPO-34 membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO-34 membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with a synthesis gel. The Si/Al ratio of the synthesis gel can be from 0.3 to 0.15. SAPO-34 crystals are optionally applied to the surface of the support prior to synthesis. A layer of SAPO-34 crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO-34 crystals may also form in the pores of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite compositions having a matrix of polymer networks and dispersed phases of particulate or fibrous materials. The matrix is filled with a particulate phase, which can be selected from one or more of a variety of components, such as fly ash particles, axially oriented fibers, fabrics, chopped random fibers, mineral fibers, ground waste glass, granite dust, or other solid waste materials. A system for providing shape and/or surface features to a moldable material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, at least two first opposed flat endless belts spaced apart a first distance, with each having an inner surface and an outer surface.

Abstract: An activated, porous carbon has a specific BET surface area of between 1400 and 1900 m2/g, with at least 80% of all of the pores, and preferably all of the pores, of the carbon having an average diameter of between 0.3 and 0.9 nm. The novel carbon is particularly suitable for use as an electrode in a double-layer capacitor. The carbon is obtained by a process that includes the following steps: a) producing a mixture of a green coke, a base, and a hydrophilic polymer which is chemically inert towards the base, b) pressing the mixture produced in step a), to form a compact, and c) activating the compact produced in step b).

Abstract: A silicon nitride porous tissue engineering scaffold is fabricated from a silicon-based fiber that is converted to silicon nitride through a reaction at elevated temperatures in a nitrogen environment. Porosity in the form of interconnected pore space is provided by the pore space between the fiber material in a porous matrix. The silicon nitride porous tissue engineering scaffold can be formed from raw materials that are a precursor to silicon nitride. The silicon nitride porous tissue engineering scaffold supports tissue in-growth to provide osteoconductivity as a biocompatible tissue scaffold used as an implantable medical device for the repair of damaged and/or diseased bone tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the production of gypsum board using starch pellets. In accordance with the present disclosure, the starch necessary for board formation is provided in the form of starch pellets. These pellets are mixed with a gypsum slurry in a mixer. The pellets are initially insoluble and do not dissolve. However, during subsequent drying stages, the pellets become soluble and dissolve into the gypsum phase. This both provides the desired starch component and also results in the formation of voids within the set gypsum.

Abstract: A method of producing nanoporous material includes the steps of providing a liquid, providing nanoparticles, producing a slurry of the liquid and the nanoparticles, removing the liquid from the slurry, and producing monolith.

Abstract: A composite hollow ceramic fiber includes a porous hollow core supporting a thin, dense sheath. The non-gas-tight core comprises a first ceramic material and an interconnecting network of pores. The gas-tight sheath comprises a second ceramic material. The fiber is made by extruding core and sheath suspensions from a spinnerette. The core suspension includes particles of the first ceramic material, a polymeric binder, a solvent, and a pore former material insoluble in the solvent. The sheath suspension includes particles of the second ceramic material, a polymeric binder and a solvent. The nascent hollow fiber is coagulated in a coagulant bath to effect phase inversion of the polymeric binders. The resultant green fiber is sintered in a two step process. First, the binders and pore former material are burned off. Second, the sheath is densified and the second ceramic material is sintered without fully sintering the core.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a porous material, wherein porosity can be controlled to 50% or higher by means of a freezing method, pore size can be controlled to 10 ?m to 300 ?m, and pore diameter distribution is uniform. The method is a method for producing a porous material, comprising freezing a mixture of water and a raw material comprising at least any of a ceramic material, a resin, a metal, and precursors thereof from a specific portion of the mixture to use ice crystals produced at the time as a pore source and then heat-treating a dry material obtained by removing the ice from the frozen material, wherein the mixture of a raw material and water or the frozen material comprises an antifreeze protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal insulator using closed cell expanded perlite. The thermal insulator using closed cell expanded perlite of the present invention includes: expanded perlite 10 to 84 wt %,ç, including dried and expanded perlite ore particles, having a surface with a closed cell shape, as an active ingredient; a liquid binder 15 to 85 wt %; and a reinforcing fiber 0.25 to 5 wt %. Accordingly, the present invention provides a thermal insulator, which enhances the rigidity of expanded perlite, minimizes porosity and gaps between the expanded perlite particles, by reducing compression ratio during compression molding, which results in lower density, improves constructability by lowering thermal conductivity, reduces material and energy costs and can reduce the area required for equipment installation by reducing the thickness of the thermal insulator.

Abstract: A method for producing ceramic articles with multiple distinct regions of density by blending pore formers of different types or amounts with ceramic particles to create multiple pore former/ceramic particle mixtures. The mixtures are placed in a divided die cavity, divider removed and subjected to compaction under pressure to produce a compacted billet. The compacted billet is thermally processed to volatilize organics from the billet and sinter the billet, creating a cohesive billet of ceramic having two or more regions of density.

Abstract: Porous electrodes in which the porosity has a low tortuosity are generally provided. In some embodiments, the porous electrodes can be designed to be filled with electrolyte and used in batteries, and can include low tortuosity in the primary direction of ion transport during charge and discharge of the battery. In some embodiments, the electrodes can have a high volume fraction of electrode active material (i.e., low porosity). The attributes outlined above can allow the electrodes to be fabricated with a higher energy density, higher capacity per unit area of electrode (mAh/cm2), and greater thickness than comparable electrodes while still providing high utilization of the active material in the battery during use. Accordingly, the electrodes can be used to produce batteries with high energy densities, high power, or both compared to batteries using electrodes of conventional design with relatively highly tortuous pores.

Abstract: A foamed concrete having a density from 100 to 800 kg/m3 including by mass relative to the total mass of the concrete: a cement; water; from 0.01 to 5% of a water-reducing agent, plasticizer or superplasticizer; from 0.45 to 5% of a foaming agent relative to the amount of water; from 0.01 to 5% of a water-soluble calcium salt; inorganic particles from 0.1 to 300 ?m in size; the ratio of foaming agent to calcium salt being from 0.3 to 0.8; excluding foamed concretes including 10% or more by mass of slag.

Abstract: SAPO-34 membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO-34 membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with a synthesis gel comprising a first and a second templating agent. SAPO-34 crystals having a narrow size distribution were applied to the surface of the support prior to synthesis. A layer of SAPO-34 crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermoplastic auxetic foams comprising the steps of: a) taking conventional thermoplastic foam; b) subjecting said foam to at least one process cycle wherein the foam is biaxially compressed and heated; c) optionally subjecting the foam to at least one process cycle wherein the biaxial compression is removed and the foam mechanically agitated prior to reapplying biaxial compression and heating; d) cooling said foam to a temperature below the softening temperature of said foam; and e) removing said compression and heat.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a ceramic porous body with high porosity and continuous macropores, which comprises mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution of a gelable water-soluble polymer to form a slurry, gelling for a while to fix the tissue structure, freezing it to produce ice crystals in the gel tissue and creating structures that become continuous pores, thawing the ice by controlled atmospheric substitution-type drying method with the resulting water being replaced without damaging the gel, and then sintering it to produce a ceramic porous body having various porosities, pore diameters and pore shapes, while conventionally cracks and contraction were likely to occur during drying when the solids concentration of the slurry is less than 20 vol %, with the method of the present invention it is possible to control these problems even at a solids concentration of 10 vol % or less, manufacture and provide a ceramic porous body with a porosity of 72% to 99% and a compression stren

Abstract: A method for making a porous material, includes melt-blending two or more non-miscible polymers to obtain a co-continuous melt, solidifying the melt to obtain a solid mass consisting of two co-continuous polymer phases, and selectively extracting one of the co-continuous phases thereby creating within the solid mass an essentially continuous pore network having an internal surface. The method further includes replicating the internal surface of the pore network within the solid mass by coating the internal surface with successive layers of materials, and selectively extracting the solid mass without extracting the layers of materials, to thereby yield the product porous material, formed of the layers of materials. The material has a void fraction higher than about 75%, and mainly having essentially fully interconnected sheath-like non-spherical pores and essentially non-fibrous walls.

Abstract: A method for preparing an asymmetric porous material by depositing a porous material film on a flexible substrate, and applying an anisotropic stress to the porous media on the flexible substrate, where the anisotropic stress results from a stress such as an applied mechanical force, a thermal gradient, and an applied voltage, to form an asymmetric porous material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing porous glass particles suitable for use as precursor materials for production of an opto-ceramic element. The process comprises: providing particles of a soluble glass composition comprising at least one soluble component, at least one component having low solubility in an aqueous solution, and at least one lasing dopant which also has a low solubility in the aqueous solution; and immersing the particles in an aqueous solution having low solubility for said at least one component and said at least one lasing dopant, to thereby dissolve substantially all of the soluble portions of the glass particles.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of making structures with complex functional architectures, where such structures generally comprise at least two mesoporous regions comprising different chemical activity, and where such methods afford spatial control over the placement of such regions of differing chemical activity. In some embodiments, the present invention is also directed to the structures formed by such methods, where such structures are themselves novel.

Abstract: A process for the production of a composite membrane, one or more microporous separation layers comprising a zeolite of the MFI type being produced by hydrothermal synthesis on a porous substrate, wherein one or more additives from the group consisting of linear (C1-C4)-alcohols, ammonia, primary, secondary and tertiary amines having in each case (C1-C4)-alkyl radicals, (C1-C4)-aminoalcohols and (C3-C4)-ketones are added to the synthesis solution for the hydrothermal synthesis.

Abstract: In porous ceramic for slide member including independent pores having a pore size of 5 ?m or more, the independent pore is flattened body having minor axis in a direction perpendicular to a sliding surface, and a cross sectional area (S1) of an independent pore at a cross section perpendicular to the sliding surface is 95% or less of an area (S2) of a complete round having a diameter which is the same length as a major axis of the cross section of the independent pore, and in a cumulative distribution curve of pore sizes of independent pores in a plane parallel to the sliding surface, a ratio (P75/P25) of a pore size of cumulative 75% by volume (P75) to a pore size of cumulative 25% by volume (P25) is 1.9 or less. The porous ceramic can be suitably used as slide member such as seal ring.

Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed that increases the excitement and entertainment value over existing gaming terminals. The wagering game terminal manipulates the player's wagers instead of his winnings so that any winning outcome resulting from the wagers is increased. This allows the player to feel as if he has already won “free money” before the game has even started. Such an arrangement may increase the overall excitement felt by the player and may encourage the player to wager more. And since only some wagers will result in a winning outcome, it is possible to perform the wager increases without significantly changing the underlying mathematics of the game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., graphite and graphite oxide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm, and often between 0.34 nm and 1.02 nm. The method comprises: (a) subjecting the layered material in a powder form to a halogen vapor at a first temperature above the melting point or sublimation point of the halogen at a sufficient vapor pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to cause the halogen molecules to penetrate an interlayer space of the layered material, forming a stable halogen-intercalated compound; and (b) heating the halogen-intercalated compound at a second temperature above the boiling point of the halogen, allowing halogen atoms or molecules residing in the interlayer space to exfoliate the layered material to produce the platelets.

Abstract: A porous fired body including a structure that aggregates are bonded by a bonding material, wherein the aggregates include oxide particles having a larger thermal capacity per unit volume than an SiC particle and SiC, the bonding material includes metallic Si, volume ratio of the metallic Si in the whole porous fired body is between 8 and 43% by volume, volume ratio of the particles of the oxide in the whole aggregates is between 14 and 55% by volume, the SiC particles and the oxide particles respectively include one or more particle groups, and an average particle size of each particle group is within a range of between 5 and 100 ?m.

Abstract: A silica structure includes mesoporous silica spheres; and connection portions each of which includes metal oxide, and each of which connects the mesoporous silica spheres to each other.

Abstract: Porous ceramic part comprising a porous ceramic foam having a total porosity of between 50 and 92% and an intergranular porosity of at least 5%, walls of at least some of the cells of the ceramic foam being at least partly covered with an impregnation material. The invention relates in particular to a recrystallized silicon carbide foam impregnated with silicon.

Abstract: There are provided a dry aggregate mixture wherein the binder, even when heated, does not evolve unpleasant odor or gas hazardous to human health; a method of foundry molding wherein a space for foundry molding, up to minute portion thereof, can satisfactorily be filled with an aggregate mixture composed of a binder and granular aggregate; and a method of foundry molding wherein the mold used in molding of an aggregate mixture composed of a binder and granular aggregate can retain satisfactory properties even in high humidity. In the method of foundry molding, a mold is formed by the use of a dry mixture obtained by providing an aggregate mixture composed of granular aggregate, a water soluble binder and water and evaporating the water contained in the aggregate mixture through heating, pressure reduction or aeration while mixing so as to effect separation into single granules, or with the addition of a lubricant and a crosslinking agent thereto.

Abstract: Foams and moldings comprising foamed support materials selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resins, polyester resins, epoxides and also fiber nonwovens, woven materials and open-cell, two- and three-dimensional networks composed of mineral, animal, vegetable and chemical (natural/synthetic) fibers or mixtures thereof comprising melamine/formaldehyde resins as foamable reactive resin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous ceramic material, particularly for thermal insulation, comprising the steps of: providing a first composition in the form of a stable aqueous colloidal solution of silica and oxides of alkaline metals; providing a second stable composition in the form of a suspension in an organic liquid of inorganic and/or organic particles, the second composition containing compounds which, when the second composition is mixed with the first composition, can destabilize the first composition, forming gel, and can form an organic polymeric net together with a blowing agent; mixing the first composition and the second composition to form a mixture; forming from the mixture a porous structure in gel form, where an organic structure supports inorganic structures being formed; solidifying the porous structure in gel form, obtaining a porous ceramic material in which an organic polymeric net surrounds inorganic portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making metal impregnated bound Carbon block filters. In particular the present invention to a process for preparing a moulded Carbon block filter impregnated with a metal selected from Silver, Copper or Zinc, with relatively low level of variation in metal content across the blocks, relatively lower deviation from the theoretical metal content, and where the leach-rate of metal from the block during use is relatively low.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flexible ceramic membranes which, depending on embodiment, are useful as separators for batteries, especially lithium batteries, and also a process for their production. Ceramic or hybridic membranes have the disadvantage that, whatever the level of flexibility already achieved, they tend to crumble off the ceramic coating on bending. This is prevented by the present membranes, which comprise, on and in a polymeric nonwoven, a solidified ceramic coating which is constructed from two fractions of metal oxide particles of different size and which adheres to the polymeric nonwoven through a network constructed by two different adhesion promoters.

Abstract: There is disclosed a catalytic body with purifying efficiency and smaller pressure loss and its manufacturing method. Provided is a catalytic body wherein a porous honeycomb structure including partition walls defining a plurality of cells acting as fluid passages which extend through the honeycomb structure from one end surface to the other end surface thereof is formed of at least one type of (a) a catalytic substance and (b) a substance including an oxide and at least one type of noble metal carried on the oxide. The catalytic converter is characterized in that (c) 10% or more of a plurality of cells are plugged by plugging parts formed at one ends or in the middles of passages, that (d) the average pore diameter of the honeycomb structure is 10 ?m or more, or that (e) the porosity is 40% or more.

Abstract: An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., graphite and graphite oxide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm, and often between 0.34 nm and 1.02 nm. The method comprises: (a) subjecting the layered material in a powder form to a halogen vapor at a first temperature above the melting point or sublimation point of the halogen at a sufficient vapor pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to cause the halogen molecules to penetrate an interlayer space of the layered material, forming a stable halogen-intercalated compound; and (b) heating the halogen-intercalated compound at a second temperature above the boiling point of the halogen, allowing halogen atoms or molecules residing in the interlayer space to exfoliate the layered material to produce the platelets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic porous body for in-vitro and in-vivo use comprising a composition comprising a calcium aluminate (CA) containing phase and optionally at least one of an accelerator, a retarder, a surfactant, a foaming agent, a reactive alumina, water, a fiber, and a biologically active material, and combinations thereof. Ceramic compositions are provides as well as method of using the ceramic compositions and methods of manufacturing a ceramic porous body. The ceramic porous bodies of this invention may be used as artificial bones, joints, in-vitro support structures, and in-vivo support structures for cells, tissues, organs, and nerve growth and regeneration.