Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to the remote detection of explosives and other harmful materials. In some such embodiments, such remote detection involves the use of semiconducting nanoparticles. In some or other such embodiments, such remote detection involves the use of photoacoustic detection and/or spectroscopy. In some such latter embodiments, the photoacoustic system comprises a light source 201 that passes through a chopper 202 and into a photoacoustic cell 203 comprising the analyte gas. Pressure waves within the cell are detected as sound waves by microphones 204. The signal produced by the microphones can then be amplified and transmitted to a remote location, typically via a wireless means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting biological and chemical species in liquid and gaseous phase. The systems and methods utilize carbon nanotubes to enhance sensitivity and selectivity towards the reacting species by decreasing interference and detecting a wide range of concentrations.

Abstract: Forming a conductive film comprising depositing a non-conductive film on a surface of a substrate, wherein the film contains a plurality of copper nanoparticles and exposing at least a portion of the film to light to make the exposed portion conductive. Exposing of the film to light photosinters or fuses the copper nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting biological and chemical species in liquid and gaseous phase. The systems and methods utilize carbon nanotubes to enhance sensitivity and selectivity towards the reacting species by decreasing interference and detecting a wide range of concentrations.

Abstract: Very low loading of impact modifier less than 4% can significantly improve elongation and impact strength of N6/clay nanocomposites and keep the high tensile strength and modulus. This rubber modified nylon nanocomposites have potential applications in fabricating high-strength fibers for textile industry, coatings for strings or polymer parts, and packaging industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides for variable-range hydrogen sensors and methods for making same. Such variable-range hydrogen sensors comprise a series of fabricated Pd—Ag (palladium-silver) nanowires—each wire of the series having a different Ag to Pd ratio—with nanobreakjunctions in them and wherein the nanowires have predefined dimensions and orientation. When the nanowires are exposed to H2, their lattice swells when the H2 concentration reaches a threshold value (unique to that particular ratio of Pd to Ag). This causes the nanobreakjunctions to close leading to a 6-8 orders of magnitude decrease in the resistance along the length of the wire and providing a sensing mechanism for a range of hydrogen concentrations.

Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of both clay and carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites are obtained by dispersing those nanoparticles using a microfluidic process. Well-dispersed particles are obtained that sufficiently improve mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, such as flexural strength and modulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides for variable-range hydrogen sensors and methods for making same. Such variable-range hydrogen sensors comprise a series of fabricated Pd—Ag (palladium-silver) nanowires—each wire of the series having a different Ag to Pd ratio—with nanobreakjunctions in them and wherein the nanowires have predefined dimensions and orientation. When the nanowires are exposed to H2, their lattace swells when the H2 concentration reaches a threshold value (unique to that particular ratio of Pd to Ag). This causes the nanobreakjunctions to close leading to a 6-8 orders of magnitude decrease in the resistance along the length of the wire and providing a sensing mechanism for a range of hydrogen concentrations.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube layer for a field emission cathode where individual carbon nanotubes or small groups of carbon nanotubes that stick out from the surface more than the rest of the layer are avoided. Electron fields will concentrate on these sharp points, creating an enhanced image on the phosphor, resulting in a more luminous spot than the surroundings. Activation processes further free such carbon nanotubes or groups of carbon nanotubes sticking out from the surface, exasperating the problem.

Abstract: A method for forming cathodes for use in field emission devices using nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is disclosed. The CNT layer comprises the electron emitting material on the surface of the cathode. Using the methods of the present invention, the density of the deposited CNTs may be modulated by forming emitter islands on the surface of the cathode. The size and distribution of the CNT emitter islands serve to optimize the field emission properties of the resulting CNT layer. In one embodiment, the CNT emitter islands are formed using a screen-printing deposition method. The present invention may be practiced without further process steps after deposition which activate or align the carbon nanotubes for field emission.

Abstract: A photocatalytic cleaner for air or water includes a photocatalytic material coating a substrate. An anode, positioned a predetermined distance from the substrate, includes a phosphor that emits ultraviolet light in response to bombardment by electrons from a field emission cathode emitting electrons in response to an electric field. The field emission cathode may be a carbon based field emitter material including incorporating carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A binder material, inorganic polymer, is used to formulate carbon nanotube pastes. This material can be cured at 200° C. and has a thermal-stability up to 500° C. Low-out gassing of this binder material makes it a good candidate for long life field emission devices. Due to better adhesion with this binder material, a strong adhesive peelable polymer from liquid form can be applied on the CNT cathode to achieve a uniform activation with even contact and pressure on the surface. The peelable polymer films may be used both as an activation layer and a mask layer to fabricate high-resolution patterned carbon nanotube cathodes for field emission devices using lithographic processes.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor and/or switch fabricated from an array of nanowires or a nanoparticle thick film composed of metal or metal alloys. The sensor and/or switch demonstrates a wide operating temperature range and shortened response time due to fabrication materials and methods. The nanowires or nanoparticle thick films demonstrate an increase in conductivity in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are grown on a first substrate. The CNTs grown on the first substrate are immersed in a biological solution at a predetermined depth to functionalize ends of the CNTs with a biological molecule. The functionalized CNTs are harvested from the first substrate. A second substrate is functionalized with a complementary biological modification, which is a complementary binding partner to the biological molecule functionalized to the ends of the CNTs. The functionalized CNTs are attached to the second substrate by way of the complementary binding partner.

Abstract: The present invention is for a porous silicon powder comprising silicon particles wherein the outermost layers of said particles are porous. The present invention is also directed to a method of making this porous silicon powder using a stain etch method. The present invention is also directed to a method of making silicon nanoparticles from the porous silicon powders using a process of ultrasonic agitation. The present invention also includes methods of processing these silicon nanoparticles for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A method for electronically detecting an electrostatic based biological binding event. This same binding event can be detected optically via complicated experimental setups. A balanced coil system is incorporated into a hand held unit with a plug-in chip. The chip may further be made to act like an array with a different surface molecule for detection of different bio-molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel hydrogen sensors and methods for making same. In some embodiments, such novel hydrogen sensors are continuous-range hydrogen sensors comprising Pd—Ag nanoparticles arrayed as nanowires or two-dimensional shapes on a resistive surface. Such continuous-range hydrogen sensors are capable of measuring a wide range of hydrogen gas concentration over a wide temperature range. Unlike existing hydrogen sensors that experience a large change in resistance at a certain hydrogen concentration, the continuous-range hydrogen sensor of the present invention changes resistance continuously over a broad range of hydrogen concentration. This continuous change varies slowly with hydrogen concentration and is predictable such that the continuous-range hydrogen sensor can be used to measure hydrogen concentration continuously from a few ppm to 40,000 ppm level or higher over a broad range of temperatures (e.g., ?40° C. to +150° C.).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembly of small structures is disclosed. The present invention discloses electron beams created from one or more nanotips in an array operated in a field emission mode that can be controlled to apply heat to very well defined spots. The multiple electron beams may be generated and deflected and applied to electron beam heating and welding applications.

Abstract: A gas sensing mechanism and a gas sensor based on a semiconducting carbon nanotube diode structure are disclosed. The gas sensor operates by detecting the change in conductivity characteristic of the current vs. voltage behavior of an I—N, or I—P junction, in the carbon nanotube. In the presence of electrophilic gas species at the I—N junction, or nucleophilic gas species at the I—P junction, a P—N, or N—P, junction is created by doping of the carbon nanotube by the respective gas species. The resulting change from the undoped, instrinsic i-type to p-type, or n-type, creates a diode structure whose conductivity characteristics can be measured with high accuracy and selectivity.

Abstract: Particles, which may include nanoparticles, are mixed with carbon nanotubes and deposited on a substrate to form a cold cathode. The particles enhance the field emission characteristics of the carbon nanotubes. An additional activation step may be performed on the deposited carbon nanotube mixture to further enhance the emission of electrons.