Abstract: A display apparatus including a display unit including at least one pixel area and a non-pixel area, the non-pixel area dividing the at least one pixel area; and a metamaterial structure that controls a path of light emitted from the at least one pixel area.

Abstract: A method of making a nanoparticle array that includes replicating a dimension of a self-assembled film into a dielectric film, to form a porous dielectric film, conformally depositing a material over the said porous dielectric film, and anisotropically and selectively etching the deposited material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device. The device includes: a doped semiconductor having a source region, a drain region, a channel between the source and drain regions, and an extension region between the channel and each of the source and drain regions; a gate formed on the channel; and a screening coating on each of the extension regions. The screening coating includes: (i) an insulating layer that has a dielectric constant that is no greater than about half that of the extension regions and is formed directly on the extension regions, and (ii) a screening layer on the insulating layer, where the screening layer screens the dopant ionization potential in the extension regions to inhibit dopant deactivation.

Abstract: Provided is a carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film in which a carbon nanostructure-metal composite is coated on one surface or both surfaces of a membrane support having micro- or nano-sized pores. A method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film, includes: dispersing a carbon nanostructure-metal composite in a solvent at the presence of a surfactant and coating the carbon nanostructure-metal composite on one surface or both surfaces of a membrane support; and fusing the metal on the membrane support by heating the coated membrane support. The metal in carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film melts at a low temperature since a size of a metal of the carbon nanostructure-metal composite is several nm to several-hundred nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to design and development of carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced electrically conducting synthetic foams comprising resin matrix system, carbon nanotubes, hollow glass microspheres and optionally hardener or catalyst for electrical conductivity and related applications especially electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.

Abstract: There are provided a high-permittivity dielectric raw material, an antenna device using the raw material and being useful as, especially, the built-in antenna device of a portable phone; a portable phone which can be reduced in weight, thickness and size, with an antenna radiation efficiency improved, and an electromagnetic wave shielding body for effectively shielding electromagnetic wave from an electric cooker. A dielectric raw material A having carbons dispersed in a silicone rubber base material 1, wherein, in any one of dielectric raw materials A, 1) containing 150 to 300 pts.wt. of carbons per 100 pts.wt.

Abstract: A molecular sieve including a basic skeleton of a molecular sieve and magnesium and phosphorus compounds as functional materials supported on the inner surface of the basic skeleton. A method of preparation of a modified molecular sieve including (1) dissolving a magnesium salt in water to obtain a magnesium salt solution; (2) dissolving phosphoric acid in water to obtain a phosphoric acid solution; (3) adding a molecular sieve to the magnesium salt solution, stirring, standing, drying for dehydration, and baking; and (4) adding a modified molecular sieve with supported magnesium compounds obtained from the step (3) to the phosphoric acid solution, stirring, standing, drying for dehydration, and baking to obtain a modified molecular sieve. The modified molecular sieve has high selectivity for ammonia nitrogen in wastewater.

Abstract: A thermal interface material (1) comprises a bulk polymer (2) within which is embedded sub-micron (c. 200 to 220 nm) composite material wires (3) having Ag and carbon nanotubes (“CNTs”) 4. The CNTs are embedded in the axial direction and have diameters in the range of 9.5 to 10 nm and have a length of about 0.7 ?m. In general the pore diameter can be in the range of 40 to 1200 nm. The material (1) has particularly good thermal conductivity because the wires (3) give excellent directionality to the nanotubes (4)—providing very low resistance heat transfer paths. The TIM is best suited for use between semiconductor devices (e.g. power semiconductor chip) and any type of thermal management systems for efficient removal of heat from the device.

Abstract: A nanofibrous catalyst and method of manufacture. A precursor solution of a transition metal based material is formed into a plurality of interconnected nanofibers by electro-spinning the precursor solution with the nanofibers converted to a catalytically active material by a heat treatment. Selected subsequent treatments can enhance catalytic activity.

Abstract: A polyamide modified by a compound including at least one hydroxyl group, as well as a method for preparing said polyamide and articles obtained from the modified polyamide are described. A polyamide composition including reinforcing fillers, and a modified polyamide obtained by polymerization from, in particular, a monofunctional hydroxyaromatic acid or amino acid compound in the presence of diacid, diamine and/or amino acid or lactam compounds are also described.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium cell comprising: (a) an anode comprising an anode active material; (b) a cathode comprising a hybrid cathode active material composed of an electrically conductive substrate and a phthalocyanine compound chemically bonded to or immobilized by the conductive substrate, wherein the phthalocyanine compound is in an amount of from 1% to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the conductive substrate and the phthalocyanine compound combined; and (c) electrolyte or a combination of electrolyte and a porous separator, wherein the separator is disposed between the anode and the cathode and the electrolyte is in ionic contact with the anode and the cathode. This secondary cell exhibits a long cycle life, the best cathode specific capacity, and best cell-level specific energy of all rechargeable lithium-ion cells ever reported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to negative-electrode active material for rechargeable lithium battery comprising: a core comprising material capable of doping and dedoping lithium; and, a carbon layer formed on the surface of the core, wherein the carbon layer has a three dimensional porous structure comprising nanopores regularly ordered on the carbon layer with a pore wall of specific thickness placed therebetween.

Abstract: A nanostructured anode of solid oxide fuel cell with high stability and high efficiency and a method for manufacturing the same are revealed. This anode comprising a porous permeable metal substrate, a diffusion barrier layer and a nano-composite film is formed by atmospheric plasma spray. The nano-composite film includes a plurality of metal nanoparticles, a plurality of metal oxide nanoparticles, and a plurality of gas pores that are connected to form nano gas channels. The metal nanoparticles are connected to form a 3-dimensional network that conducts electrons, while the metal oxide nanoparticles are connected to form a 3-dimensional network that conducts oxygen ions. The network formed by metal oxide nanoparticles has certain strength to separate metal nanoparticles and prevent aggregation or agglomeration of the metal nanoparticles. Thus this anode can be applied to a solid oxide fuel cell operating in the intermediate temperatures (600˜800° C.) with high stability and high efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode for an electrochemical energy storage device, the electrode comprising a self-supporting layer of a mixture of graphene sheets and spacer particles and/or binder particles, wherein the electrode is prepared without using water, solvent, or liquid chemical. The graphene electrode prepared by the solvent-free process exhibits many desirable features and advantages as compared to the corresponding electrode prepared by a known wet process. These advantages include a higher electrode specific surface area, higher energy storage capacity, improved or higher packing density or tap density, lower amount of binder required, lower internal electrode resistance, more consistent and uniform dispersion of graphene sheets and binder, reduction or elimination of undesirable effect of electrolyte oxidation or decomposition due to the presence of water, solvent, or chemical, etc.

Abstract: A method for wetting a nanopore device includes filling a first cavity of the nanopore device with a first buffer solution having a first potential hydrogen (pH) value, filling a second cavity of the nanopore device with a second buffer solution having a second pH value, wherein the nanopore device includes a transistor portion having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an orifice communicative with the first surface and the second surface, the first surface partially defining the first cavity, the second surface partially defining the second cavity, applying a voltage in the nanopore device, and measuring a current in the nanopore device, the current having a current path partially defined by the first cavity, the second cavity, and the orifice.

Abstract: A nanopore device capable of single molecule detection is described. The nanopores are formed in thin, rigid membranes and modified by a sputtered metal that forms an overhang during application. The overhang causes the pore to be narrower in a certain region, allowing passage of only a single molecule through the pore at a time, or binding to a biomolecule on the pore to be detected by a change in ionic current flow through the nanopore. Embodiments include a silicon nitride membrane formed on a silicon substrate and having a nanopore drilled with a focused ion beam system, followed by gold sputtering onto the membrane. Devices are formed with one or more nanopores and chambers having electrodes on either side of the nanopore.

Abstract: An electrode plate includes a current collector, the current collector being made of metal and having a 3-dimensional mesh structure, and an active material portion including an active material, the active material portion being inserted into a vacant space in the current collector and coated on top and bottom surfaces of the current collector.

Abstract: A magnesium-ion cell comprising (a) a cathode comprising a carbon or graphitic material as a cathode active material having a surface area to capture and store magnesium thereon, wherein the cathode forms a meso-porous structure having a pore size from 2 nm to 50 nm and a specific surface area greater than 50 m2/g; (b) an anode comprising an anode current collector alone or a combination of an anode current collector and an anode active material; (c) a porous separator disposed between the anode and the cathode; (d) electrolyte in ionic contact with the anode and the cathode; and (e) a magnesium ion source disposed in the anode to obtain an open circuit voltage (OCV) from 0.5 volts to 3.5 volts when the cell is made.

Abstract: A technique for embedding a nanotube in a nanopore is provided. A membrane separates a reservoir into a first reservoir part and a second reservoir part, and the nanopore is formed through the membrane for connecting the first and second reservoir parts. An ionic fluid fills the nanopore, the first reservoir part, and the second reservoir part. A first electrode is dipped in the first reservoir part, and a second electrode is dipped in the second reservoir part. Driving the nanotube into the nanopore causes an inner surface of the nanopore to form a covalent bond to an outer surface of the nanotube via an organic coating so that the inner surface of the nanotube will be the new nanopore with a super smooth surface for studying bio-molecules while they translocate through the nanotube.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods for forming one or more nanomembranes including electroactive nanomembranes within a nanowell or nanotube, or combinations thereof, in a support material. Nanopores/nanochannels can be formed by the electroactive nanomembrane within corresponding nanowells. The electroactive nanomembrane is capable of controllably altering a dimension, a composition, and/or a variety of properties in response to electrical stimuli. Various embodiments also include devices/systems and methods for using the nanomembrane-containing devices for molecular separation, purification, sensing, etc.

Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer or a graphene oxide layer. The nanopore could be oxidized to graphene oxide at an inner surface. The graphene or graphene oxide in the nanopore is coated with an organic layer configured to interact with biomolecules in a different way in order to differentiate the biomolecules. The organic layer enhances resolution and motion control of the biomolecules. A time trace of ionic current is monitored to identify the biomolecules based on a respective interaction of the biomolecules with the organic layer.

Abstract: Articles of silicon nanowires were synthesized on metal substrates. The preparation minimized the formation of metal silicides and avoided the formation of islands of silicon on the metal substrates. These articles may be used as electrodes of silicon nanowires on current collectors.

Abstract: An inorganic material based surface-mediated cell (SMC) comprising (a) a cathode comprising a non-carbon-based inorganic cathode active material having a surface area to capture and store lithium thereon; (b) an anode comprising an anode current collector alone or both an anode current collector and an anode active material; (c) a porous separator; (d) a lithium-containing electrolyte in physical contact with the two electrodes, wherein the cathode has a specific surface area no less than 100 m2/g which is in direct physical contact with said electrolyte to receive lithium ions therefrom or to provide lithium ions thereto; and (e) a lithium source. This inorganic SMC provides both high energy density and high power density not achievable by supercapacitors and lithium-ion cells.

Abstract: A porous silicon based material comprising porous crystalline elemental silicon formed by reducing silicon dioxide with a reducing metal in a heating process followed by acid etching is used to construct negative electrode used in lithium ion batteries. Gradual temperature heating ramp(s) with optional temperature steps can be used to perform the heating process. The porous silicon formed has a high surface area from about 10 m2/g to about 200 m2/g and is substantially free of carbon. The negative electrode formed can have a discharge specific capacity of at least 1800 mAh/g at rate of C/3 discharged from 1.5V to 0.005V against lithium with in some embodiments loading levels ranging from about 1.4 mg/cm2 to about 3.5 mg/cm2. In some embodiments, the porous silicon can be coated with a carbon coating or blended with carbon nanofibers or other conductive carbon material.

Abstract: A technique for embedding a nanotube in a nanopore is provided. A membrane separates a reservoir into a first reservoir part and a second reservoir part, and the nanopore is formed through the membrane for connecting the first and second reservoir parts. An ionic fluid fills the nanopore, the first reservoir part, and the second reservoir part. A first electrode is dipped in the first reservoir part, and a second electrode is dipped in the second reservoir part. Driving the nanotube into the nanopore causes an inner surface of the nanopore to form a covalent bond to an outer surface of the nanotube via an organic coating so that the inner surface of the nanotube will be the new nanopore with a super smooth surface for studying bio-molecules while they translocate through the nanotube.

Abstract: An illumination device, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The illumination device includes a lightguide optically coupled to a light source, and a viscoelastic layer and a nanovoided polymeric layer are used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: This disclosure describes metal air battery devices with an anode structure having a plurality of electrodes. An anode is disclosed having a metal source as well as a current collector that together function as an active, reversible, working anode. The source is used for metal-ions that are stripped and stored in the current collector. At this point the current collector contains the metal-ions to be propagated through the rest of the device. Metal-ions may be stripped from and deposited on the current collector, while metal-ions may only be stripped from the source. Upon use of the device metal-ions may be lost to the system for a variety of reasons. To counteract the loss of metal-ions, the current collector is replenished of metal-ions from the source.

Abstract: A rechargeable non-aqueous lithium-air battery is provided having a multilayered cathode structure which uses a functionized carbon paper base with tubular catalysts. The multilayer cathode has a sufficient pore size to prevent clogging of the cathode by reaction products and further has a hydrophobic coating to repel moisture. The stable electrolyte is made by ionic liquid and additives which have no reaction with discharge products and offers solubility for oxygen and lithium oxide.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a separator for a nonaqueous secondary battery, which has good adhesion to electrodes, is capable of ensuring sufficient ion permeability even after attachment to electrodes, and further includes an adhesive porous layer having dynamic physical properties sufficient to withstand heat pressing and a uniform porous structure. The separator for a nonaqueous secondary battery of the invention includes a porous substrate and an adhesive porous layer that is formed on at least one side of the porous substrate and contains a polyvinylidene-fluoride-based resin. The separator for a nonaqueous secondary battery is characterized in that the adhesive porous layer has a porosity of 30 to 60% and an average pore size of 1 to 100 nm.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery that incorporates an anode formed from a Group IV semiconductor material such as porous silicon is disclosed. The battery includes a cathode, and an anode comprising porous silicon. In some embodiments, the anode is present in the form of a nanowire, a film, or a powder, the porous silicon having a pore diameters within the range between 2 nm and 100 nm and an average wall thickness of within the range between 1 nm and 100 nm. The lithium ion battery further includes, in some embodiments, a non-aqueous lithium containing electrolyte. Lithium ion batteries incorporating a porous silicon anode demonstrate have high, stable lithium alloying capacity over many cycles.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is a method of forming a nanochannel including depositing a photosensitive film stack over a substrate and forming a pattern on the film stack using interferometric lithography. The method can further include depositing a plurality of silica nanoparticles to form a structure over the pattern and removing the pattern while retaining the structure formed by the plurality of silica nanoparticles, wherein the structure comprises an enclosed nanochannel.

Abstract: Improved resolution and detection of nanoparticles are achieved when a nanopore connecting liquid compartments in a device running on the Coulter principle is provided with fluid lipid walls. The fluid lipid walls are made of a lipid bilayer, and preferably include lipid anchored mobile ligands as part of the lipid bilayer. By varying the nature and concentration of the mobile ligand in the lipid bilayer, multifunctional coatings of lipids are provided.

Abstract: To provide a carbon-based negative electrode material which can be used with an electrolyte containing PC as a main ingredient, a carbon-based negative electrode material having a graphene layer structure is crystalline and has pores. That is, the crystal structure of the carbon-based negative electrode material is distorted more significantly than that of graphite. Accordingly, the carbon-based negative electrode material has a larger interlayer distance between graphenes than graphite. It has been shown that such a negative electrode material can be used for a secondary battery which contains an electrolyte containing PC as a main ingredient.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery capable of improving the lithium ion input-output characteristics. An active material capable of storing and releasing lithium ions is a Li complex oxide or a Li complex oxoacid salt. A plurality of primary particles have a particle size distribution with 1 nm<D10<65 nm, 5 nm<D50<75 nm, and 50 nm<D90<100 nm. The maximum peak pore size A in a pore size distribution as measured by a mercury intrusion technique is 10 nm?A?75 nm. The ratio B/A of the maximum peak pore size A and the crystallite size B is 0.5?B/A?1.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides novel methods of preparing porous silicon films and particles for lithium ion batteries. In some embodiments, such methods generally include: (1) etching a silicon material by exposure of the silicon material to a constant current density in a solution to produce a porous silicon film over a substrate; and (2) separating the porous silicon film from the substrate by gradually increasing the electric current density in sequential increments. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may also include a step of associating the porous silicon film with a binding material. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may also include a step of splitting the porous silicon film to form porous silicon particles. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to anode materials derived from the porous silicon films and porous silicon particles.

Abstract: Mixed oxide which has the composition LixMn0.5?a Ni0.5?b Coa+b O2, where 0.8?x?1.2, 0.05?a?0.3, 0.05?b?0.3, ?0.1?a?b?0.02 and a+b<0.5, and has a BET surface area of from 3 to 20 m2/g, a multimodal particle size distribution and a d50 of less than or equal to 5 ?m. Mixed oxide which has the composition Lix Mn0.5?a Ni0.5?b Coa+b O2, where 0.8?x?1.2, 0.05?a?0.3, 0.05?b?0.3, ?0.1?a?b?0.02 and a+b<0.5, and has a BET surface area of from 0.05 to 1 m2/g, a d50 of less than or equal to 10 ?m and a ratio of the intensities of the signals at 2?=18.6±1° to 2?=44.1±1° in the X-ray diffraction pattern of greater than or equal to 2.4.

Abstract: A water treatment device includes an inner canister or cylinder that includes a seal and a filter assembly attached on one end. The water treatment device also includes an outer canister which is filled with unpurified water. The inner canister or cylinder is pressed into the outer canister to produce pressure on unpurified water that forces the unpurified water through the filter assembly. The inner canister or cylinder can be opened to reveal drinkable, or substantially purified water.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to customized thin-film composite membranes comprising: a porous support; a selective barrier; and one or more polymeric additives dispersed in the porous support in an amount from at least about 1% and about 50% by weight of the porous support. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of fabricating a porous support comprising the steps of: preparing a polymer solution comprising a polymer, a polymeric additive, and a first liquid; contacting a surface with the polymer solution; and evaporating the liquid. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of the thin-film composite membranes disclosed herein in osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: Functionalized membranes for use in applications, such as electrodeionization, can be prepared simply and efficiently by contacting a conductive carbon nanotube and polymer membrane with a solution containing at least one electrochemically active and functional compound under conditions suitable for electrochemically depositing the electrochemically active and function compound on a surface of the membrane.

Abstract: An electrochemical device includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrically conductive material between the anode and the cathode coated with a nanoporous oxide coating. Gaps or spaces are filled with an electrolyte. The electrochemical device may be used to power an electronic card.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising at least one precious metal, wherein the catalyst composition is capable of catalyzing, in the presence of a halogen ion or a mixture of halogen ions, a charging reaction and a discharging reaction in a regenerative fuel cell. This disclosure relates to electrodes comprising those catalysts that are useful in fuel cells. The catalysts are active towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and porous electrodes are made in a process designed to control their porosity. The catalysts and electrodes are employed in regenerative fuel cells comprising hydrogen and halogen acid or mixture of halogen acids. The catalysts are particularly useful in hydrogen/bromine reduction/oxidation reactions. The catalysts exhibit highly acceptable life and performance.

Abstract: A system for liver dialysis makes use of a high cut-off hemodialysis membrane for removing water-soluble and protein-bound toxins from the blood of a person in need. A high cut-off hollow fiber hemodialysis membrane has improved potential to remove albumin-bound toxins and inflammatory mediators.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to energy storage and generation systems, e.g., combination of flow battery and hydrogen fuel cell, that exhibit operational stability in harsh environments, e.g., both charging and discharging reactions in a regenerative fuel cell in the presence of a halogen ion or a mixture of halogen ions. This disclosure also relates to energy storage and generation systems that are capable of conducting both hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and hydrogen oxidation reactions (HORs) in the same system. This disclosure further relates to energy storage and generation systems having low cost, fast response time, and acceptable life and performance.

Abstract: A channel device including a nanosize channel through which single molecule flows, at least one electrode pair arranged near the nanosize channel, and an AC power source that applies an AC voltage to the electrodes. This channel device is useful for identifying molecules one by one. Furthermore, a channel device including a nanosize channel through which single molecule flows, a branching portion, and a plurality of branching channels, wherein (i) an electrode pair is arranged near the nanosize channel so as to sandwich the nanosize channel between the electrodes, or (ii) one electrode of the electrode pair is located near the nanosize channel, whereas the other is arranged near the branching channels. This channel device is useful for separating single molecule. The present channel device achieves identification or separation at an accuracy of 100% in principle. A sample treatment apparatus according to present invention includes a channel device, a measurement section, and an arithmetic processing section.

Abstract: The present invention presents a device and methods of use thereof in combined electrohydrodynamic concentration and plasmonic detection of a charged species of interest using a flow-through nanohole array. The device comprises microchannels, which are linked to a substrate with arrays of through nanoholes, wherein the substrate comprises two layers, wherein one of the layers is made of insulator material and one of the layers is made of metal, whereby induction of an electric field across the nanohole array results in the species of interest concentrating inside the nanoholes and in the vicinity of the nanohole arrays. The induction of an electric field is achieved by means of an external electric field source, which is applied to the fluid containing the species of interest, resulting in electroosmotic (EO) flow. An additional pressure driven fluid flow in the microchannels, co-directional to the EO flow is applied by external means.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sequencing a biological molecule or polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, are provided. One or more donor labels, which are attached to a pore or nanopore, may be illuminated or otherwise excited. A polymer having a monomer labeled with one or more acceptor labels, may be translocated through the pore. Either before, after or while the labeled monomer of the polymer passes through, exits or enters the pore, energy may be transferred from the excited donor label to the acceptor label of the monomer. As a result of the energy transfer, the acceptor label emits energy, and the emitted energy is detected in order to identify the labeled monomer of the translocated polymer and to thereby sequence the polymer.

Abstract: Design of a rapidly rechargeable gas battery is disclosed. In one embodiment, a rapidly rechargeable gas battery is constructed of a plurality of high surface area, gas adsorbing electrodes and an electrolyte, wherein, during charging operation, gases are formed and adsorbed at the plurality of electrodes such that they generate an electrochemical potential for discharge of the cell formed by electrodes and electrolyte until the state-of-charge has become negligible (deep discharge). The rapidly rechargeable gas battery is designed such that it can withstand high charging current and a deep discharge without irreversible changes in the electrode materials.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods useful for incorporating protein into lipid bilayers using voltage induced insertion. The methods presented herein can decrease time and costs associated with incorporation of proteins into naturally derived or artificially created lipid bilayers. A method for incorporating a protein capable of translocating a ligand also is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A water purifying filter may include an organic material adsorbent. The organic material adsorbent may include graphite with an interplanar spacing at the c-axis of about 0.3354 nm to 0.34 nm as measured by X-ray diffraction analysis (CuK?). A water purifying system may include the water purifying filter.

Abstract: Prepare a polymeric foam article having a thermoplastic polymer matrix defining multiple cells therein, wherein the polymeric foam article has the following characteristics: (a) the thermoplastic polymer matrix contains dispersed within it nano-sized nucleating additive particles that have at least two orthogonal dimensions that are less than 30 nanometers in length; (b) possesses at least one of the following two characteristics: (i) has an effective nucleation site density of at least 3×1014 sites per cubic centimeter of pre-foamed material; and (ii) has an average cell size of 300 nanometers or less; and (c) has a porosity percentage of more than 50 percent by rapidly expanding at a foaming temperature a foamable polymer composition containing the nucleating additive and a blowing agent containing at least one of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon.