Abstract: Monodispersed metal nanoparticles are prepared by preparing a homogeneous metal complex solution by mixing metal salt with a complexing agent in solvent. A precipitating agent is added into the homogeneous metal complex solution to form a slurry. A homogeneous mixture of reducing agent and solvent is added to perform reducing reaction on the slurry to form metal nanoparticles in a controlled environment under gas purge. A capping agent is added to modify surface properties of metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles are washed and the metal nanoparticles are recovered by phase extraction or centrifugation. The technique can be used to prepare conductive pastes with bimodal particle size distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely dissembling lithium ion batteries and separating components thereof is provided. The apparatus includes a container having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion includes a cutter system. A load-in fixture is located at a central portion of the cutter system between the first cutter and the second cutter. After the lithium ion battery is securely fastened and each end of the lithium ion battery is cut, a pushing rod/bar extending transversely through a central axis of the cutting system is pushed through the core of the lithium ion battery. The separated components of the lithium ion battery are deposited in a cell components collection system in a bottom portion of the container. The cell cores are collected in a cell cores collection box and the metal casing and casing ends are collected in a metal casing and casing ends collection box.

Abstract: Monodispersed metal nanoparticles are prepared by preparing a homogeneous metal complex solution by mixing metal salt with a complexing agent in solvent. A precipitating agent is added into the homogeneous metal complex solution to form a slurry. A homogeneous mixture of reducing agent and solvent is added to perform reducing reaction on the slurry to form metal nanoparticles in a controlled environment under gas purge. A capping agent is added to modify surface properties of metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles are washed and the metal nanoparticles are recovered by phase extraction or centrifugation. The technique can be used to prepare conductive pastes with bimodal particle size distribution.

Abstract: A structure and method is disclosed for a routing structure for connecting the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) electrodes of a touch-sensor panel to a touch controller while providing the requisite cross-over routing. Routing is confined to the border area of a single glass panel where there is no need for transparency. By applying the TCO electrodes to the glass surface, first, and then applying the non-conducting artwork layer above them, there is no need to extend the TCO electrodes above the glass surface and, thereby, subject these thin and brittle electrodes to mechanical stress. Instead, vias are positioned in the artwork then filled with conductive plugs. These provide the connectivity between the TCO electrodes and metal traces above them.