Abstract: A method of preparation of focal plane arrays of infrared bolometers includes processing carbon nanotubes to increase a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), followed by patterning to form focal plane arrays for infrared imaging.

Abstract: A closed-loop heat exchange system and related methods for harnessing subterranean heat energy from a subterranean zone having a passive heat transfer device with multiple operational modes for targeting hotspots within the subterranean zone and adjusting the rate of energy harnessed according to consumption demands. The system can also have at least one enhanced surface section for increasing the heat exchange efficiency and/or a variable pump for controlling the rate at which the working fluid travels through the passive heat transfer device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present systems and methods for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with mono-terminated, protected polyethylene glycol (PEG). As compared with bi-functional PEG, mono-terminated PEG the PEG-THFF oligomer has only one reaction site. The use of mono-terminated PEG may enhance the solubility of CNTs functionalized with mono-terminated PEG by inhibiting cross-linking between nanotubes and leads to a dramatic increase in aqueous solubility. In an example, single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with PEG having a tetrahydrofurfuryl (THFF) terminal group (SWNT-PEG-THFF) is found to disperse in water by ultrasonication and forms stable viscous dispersions at concentrations as high as about 9 g/L. This result exceeds the solubility of a previously reported SWNT-PEG graft copolymer, approximately 6 g/L, by more than 30%.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the extraction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous and/or batch processing are disclosed. Generally, a carbon nanotube material including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), and carboxylated carbon (CC) is provided and agitated to produce a well-dispersed mixture. The well-dispersed mixture can be allowed to stand in a vessel having a lower end and an upper end. In some cases, the CNPs settle at the lower end. In some cases, at least some of the CNTs and CC are disposed at the upper end and can be removed in a dispersion, which can be pH adjusted and/or filtered to extract the CNTs from the CC.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the purification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous liquid extraction are disclosed. Carbon nanotubes are introduced to a flow of liquid that enables the separation of CNTs from impurities due to differences in the dispersibility of the CNTs and the impurities within the liquid. Examples of such impurities may include amorphous carbon, graphitic nanoparticles, and metal containing nanoparticles. The continuous extraction process may be performed in one or more stages, where one or more of extraction parameters may be varied between the stages of the continuous extraction process in order to effect removal of selected impurities from the CNTs. The extraction parameters may include, but are not limited to, the extraction liquid, the flow rate of the extraction liquid, the agitation of the liquid, and the pH of the liquid, and may be varied, depending on the impurity to be removed from the CNTs.

Abstract: An acid-impregnated activated carbon matrix is formed from a carbonaceous material by the addition of a mineral acid, and may be used to chemisorb ammonia from a gas stream. The ammonia reacts with the acid to form a fertilizer salt. The spent matrix may be used as a fertilizer, or the fertilizer salt may be elutriated from the matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the preparation of reinforcements for composite materials, whereby single- and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may be electrophoretically deposited on fibrous substrates for the production of hybrid CNT/fibers. The fibers may include carbon fibers and woven carbon fabrics. The length, as well as the density and orientation of the deposited nanotubes on the fiber surfaces may also be tailored. The strength of the CNT/fiber-matrix interface formed in composites fabricated from the hybrid CNT/fibers may be adjusted by introduction of functional groups on the CNT/fiber surfaces, such as aminophenyl and carboxyphenyl groups.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the purification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous liquid extraction are disclosed. Carbon nanotubes are introduced to a flow of liquid that enables the separation of CNTs from impurities due to differences in the dispersibility of the CNTs and the impurities within the liquid. Examples of such impurities may include amorphous carbon, graphitic nanoparticles, and metal containing nanoparticles. The continuous extraction process may be performed in one or more stages, where one or more of extraction parameters may be varied between the stages of the continuous extraction process in order to effect removal of selected impurities from the CNTs. The extraction parameters may include, but are not limited to, the extraction liquid, the flow rate of the extraction liquid, the agitation of the liquid, and the pH of the liquid, and may be varied, depending on the impurity to be removed from the CNTs.

Abstract: An acid-impregnated activated carbon matrix is formed from a carbonaceous material by the addition of a mineral acid, and may be used to chemisorb ammonia from a gas stream. The ammonia reacts with the acid to form a fertilizer salt. The spent matrix may be used as a fertilizer, or the fertilizer salt may be elutriated from the matrix.