Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a catalyst and a resultant coated substrate. An example method for preparing a catalyst includes dissolving a precursor salt in water to create a dissolved precursor salt. In addition, the method includes adding an ultra-violet sensitizer to the dissolved precursor salt to create a photo emulsion and mixing the photo emulsion with at least one of a surfactant or a stabilizer to create a modified photo emulsion. Further, the modified photo emulsion is applied to a substrate to create a coated substrate, and then the coated substrate is exposed to ultra-violet light. Further, the example method comprises washing the coated substrate after exposing the coated substrate to ultra-violet light and drying the coated substrate after washing the coated substrate.

Abstract: A thin film based nanoporous alumina template has been developed which allows the in situ removal of an electrically insulating alumina barrier layer at the pore bases. This barrier free nanoporous system has great utility for electrodeposition of a wide variety of nanowire materials. An exemplary multilayer thin film precursor is provided comprising Al (anodization layer), Ti (diffusion barrier) and Pt (active electrode) on a Si substrate. Aluminum anodization in sulfuric acid with a subsequent applied voltage ramping program produces a Pt electrode at the base of the nanopores without the additional steps of alumina removal, barrier layer dissolution, and metal deposition onto the pore bottoms.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces comprises permanganate and a very low concentration of chromium (VI). The concentration of chromium (VI) in the aqueous solution is less than about 100 micrograms per liter, and the concentration of permanganate is about 0.2% to about 20% by weight of the aqueous solution. In another embodiment of the invention, a composition for inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces includes permanganate and acetic acid. The concentration of acetic acid in the aqueous solution is between about 0.2% and 2.0% by volume. The concentration of permanganate is about 0.2% to about 20% by weight of the aqueous solution. Other embodiments of the invention include methods of using the present sealant compositions and the resulting corrosion inhibited metal substrates. In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a kit for preparing corrosion inhibiting solutions for metal treatment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating two-dimensional regimented and quasi periodic arrays of metallic and semiconductor nanostructures (quantum dots) with diameters of .about.100 .ANG.(10 nm) includes the steps of polishing and anodizing a substrate to form a regimented quasi-periodic array of nanopits. The array forms a template for metallic or semiconductor material. The desired material is deposited in the nanopits by immersing the substrate in an appropriate solution and using the substrate as one cathode and inserting a second cathode in the solution.