Abstract: An organic polymer is used to disperse nanoparticles, such as silicon nanoparticles. The polymer matrix separates the silicon nanoparticles from each other, thus preventing them from aggregating to form clusters. The resulting silicon nanoparticles can then photoluminescence at the desired wavelengths. Such a polymer matrix with evenly dispersed silicon nanoparticles can also be used within a solar cell to increase the efficiency of such solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention is for a process of sensing chemicals with nanoparticles, particularly nanoparticles whose bandgap has been altered from that of their corresponding bulk material by reducing their particle size below their quantum confinement threshold. The photoluminescent properties of these nanoparticles can be altered as a result of interaction with their chemical environment. Thus, by carefully understanding how a particular chemical species alters the chemical environment and changes the photoluminescence of the nanoparticles, the identification of—and the screening for—a wide range of chemical species can be accomplished. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the chemical species of interest is a harmful material, detection and screening of said harmful material can be carried out in a pre-emptive manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward cathodes and cathode materials comprising carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and particles. The present invention is also directed toward field emission devices comprising a cathode of the present invention, as well as methods for making these cathodes. In some embodiments, the cathode of the present invention is used in a field emission display. The invention also comprises a method of depositing a layer of CNTs and particles onto a substrate to form a cathode of the present invention, as well as a method of controlling the density of CNTs used in this mixed layer in an effort to optimize the field emission properties of the resulting layer for field emission display applications.

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: Field emission characteristics of carbon films are improved by changing the conditions of the growth of the films, by adding nitrogen, or substitutes to the nitrogen for hydrogen, in the carbon film growth process. Resulting field emission cathodes exhibit better field emission characteristics because of the increased concentration of nitrogen within the film.