Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a highly efficient and inexpensive solar selective coating. Coating consists of various carbon nanotube sheets composite layers, each performing a specific function by incorporating functional materials and components with proper structure. Joule heating of the described solar selective coating allows for efficient functionality even when solar energy is not available.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for separate heating of substrate, catalyst and feedstock/transport gases for the controllable CVD synthesis of various carbon nanotubes and nanostructures, and particularly for CVD growth of oriented forests of multi-wall CNT forests, which are highly dry-spinnable into sheets and yarns.

Abstract: A tandem (or multijunction) hybrid photovoltaic device (PV) device comprised of multiple stacked single PVs connected in parallel with each other is described herein. Furthermore, nanomaterials are used as transparent charge collecting electrodes that allow both parallel connection via anode interlayer and also “inverted parallel” connection via cathode type interlayer of different types of solar cells. Carbon nanotube sheets are used as a convenient example for the charge collecting electrodes. The development of these alternative interconnecting layers simplifies the process and may be also used for combined organic PVs with traditional inorganic PVs and Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). In addition, novel architectures are enabled that allow the parallel connection of the stacked PVs into monolithic multi-junction PV tandems. This new monolithic parallel connection architecture enables enhanced absorption of the solar spectrum and results in increased power conversions efficiency.

Abstract: A tandem organic light emitting diode (OLED) device comprised of multiple stacked single OLEDs electrically connected in parallel via transparent interlayer is recited herein. Transparent interlayers are coated by charge injection layers in order to enhance the charge injection efficiency and decrease the operation voltage. Transparent nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotube sheets (or graphene, graphene ribbons and similar conductive transparent nano-carbon forms) are used as Interlayers or outer electrodes. Furthermore, functionalization of carbon nanotubes inter layers by n-doping (or p-doping) converts them into common cathode (or common anode), further decreasing operation voltage of tandem. The development of these alternative interconnecting layers comprised of nanomaterials simplifies the process and may be combined with traditional OLED devices. In addition, novel architectures are enabled that allow the parallel connection of the stacked OLEDs into monolithic multi-junction OLED tandems.

Abstract: The claimed invention uses activated carbon fibers that incorporate porous carbon with a suitable pore size to maximize capacitance. The porous carbon material is prepared using a template, followed by incorporation into a matrix polymer and electrospinning of the mixture. Subsequent thermal treatments retain the fiber form, and a composite carbon fiber incorporating templated porous carbon is attained. The resulting electrode is binder free and 100% electrochemically active. Energy densities up to 41 Wh/kg in energy density 1.5 kW/kg in power density (electrode weight only) have been achieved.