Patents by Inventor Alexander K. Zettl
Alexander K. Zettl has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10582305Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus associated with an electrostatically driven graphene speaker. In one aspect, a device includes a graphene membrane, a first frame on a first side of the graphene membrane, and a second frame on a second side of the graphene membrane. The first frame and the second frame both include substantially circular open regions that define a substantially circular portion of the graphene membrane. A first electrode is proximate the first side of the circular portion of the graphene membrane. A second electrode proximate the second side of the circular portion of the graphene membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Qin Zhou, Alexander K. Zettl
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Publication number: 20190379983Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus associated with an electrostatically driven graphene speaker. In one aspect, a device includes a graphene membrane, a first frame on a first side of the graphene membrane, and a second frame on a second side of the graphene membrane. The first frame and the second frame both include substantially circular open regions that define a substantially circular portion of the graphene membrane. A first electrode is proximate the first side of the circular portion of the graphene membrane. A second electrode proximate the second side of the circular portion of the graphene membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Qin Zhou, Alexander K. Zettl
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Patent number: 10403708Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to solar cells. In one aspect a solar cell includes a first electrode, a hole transport layer disposed on the first electrode, a first perovskite layer disposed on the hole transport layer, a cationic diffusion barrier disposed on the first perovskite layer, a second perovskite layer disposed on the cationic diffusion barrier, an electron transport layer disposed on the second perovskite layer, and a second electrode disposed on the electron transport layer. The first perovskite layer comprises a different perovskite than the second perovskite layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Onur Ergen, Alexander K. Zettl
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Patent number: 10294524Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to few-layer and monolayer hexagonal boron nitride having a pore therein. In one aspect, a method comprises providing a sheet of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). A defect is created in the sheet of h-BN. The sheet of h-BN is heated to a temperature above about 500° C. The defect in the sheet of h-BN is irradiated with charged particles to enlarge the defect to a hexagonal-shaped pore or a parallelogram-shaped pore in the sheet of h-BN.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Alexander K. Zettl, Gabriel P. Dunn, Stephen M. Gilbert
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Publication number: 20180366539Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to solar cells. In one aspect a solar cell includes a first electrode, a hole transport layer disposed on the first electrode, a first perovskite layer disposed on the hole transport layer, a cationic diffusion barrier disposed on the first perovskite layer, a second perovskite layer disposed on the cationic diffusion barrier, an electron transport layer disposed on the second perovskite layer, and a second electrode disposed on the electron transport layer. The first perovskite layer comprises a different perovskite than the second perovskite layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2017Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Onur Ergen, Alexander K. Zettl
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Publication number: 20180159180Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to Li-ion batteries. In one aspect an electrolyte structure for use in a battery comprises an electrolyte and an interconnected boron nitride structure disposed in the electrolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Onur Ergen, Alexander K. Zettl
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Patent number: 9840414Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and materials related to boron nitride aerogels. For example, one aspect relates to a method for making an aerogel comprising boron nitride, comprising: (a) providing boron oxide and an aerogel comprising carbon; (b) heating the boron oxide to melt the boron oxide and heating the aerogel; (c) mixing a nitrogen-containing gas with boron oxide vapor from molten boron oxide; and (d) converting at least a portion of the carbon to boron nitride to obtain the aerogel comprising boron nitride. Another aspect relates to a method for making an aerogel comprising boron nitride, comprising heating boron oxide and an aerogel comprising carbon under flow of a nitrogen-containing gas, wherein boron oxide vapor and the nitrogen-containing gas convert at least a portion of the carbon to boron nitride to obtain the aerogel comprising boron nitride.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Alexander K. Zettl, Michael Rousseas, Anna P. Goldstein, William Mickelson, Marcus A. Worsley, Leta Woo
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Publication number: 20170297915Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and materials related to boron nitride aerogels. For example, one aspect relates to a method for making an aerogel comprising boron nitride, comprising: (a) providing boron oxide and an aerogel comprising carbon; (b) heating the boron oxide to melt the boron oxide and heating the aerogel; (c) mixing a nitrogen-containing gas with boron oxide vapor from molten boron oxide; and (d) converting at least a portion of the carbon to boron nitride to obtain the aerogel comprising boron nitride. Another aspect relates to a method for making an aerogel comprising boron nitride, comprising heating boron oxide and an aerogel comprising carbon under flow of a nitrogen-containing gas, wherein boron oxide vapor and the nitrogen-containing gas convert at least a portion of the carbon to boron nitride to obtain the aerogel comprising boron nitride.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Applicants: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Alexander K. Zettl, Michael Rousseas, Anna P. Goldstein, William Mickelson, Marcus A. Worsley, Leta Woo
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Patent number: 9611146Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and materials related to boron nitride aerogels. In one aspect, a material comprises an aerogel comprising boron nitride. The boron nitride has an ordered crystalline structure. The ordered crystalline structure may include atomic layers of hexagonal boron nitride lying on top of one another, with atoms contained in a first layer being superimposed on atoms contained in a second layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Alexander K. Zettl, Michael Rousseas, Anna P. Goldstein, William Mickelson, Marcus A. Worsley, Leta Woo
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Publication number: 20160334366Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to few-layer and monolayer hexagonal boron nitride having a pore therein. In one aspect, a method comprises providing a sheet of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). A defect is created in the sheet of h-BN. The sheet of h-BN is heated to a temperature above about 500° C. The defect in the sheet of h-BN is irradiated with charged particles to enlarge the defect to a hexagonal-shaped pore or a parallelogram-shaped pore in the sheet of h-BN.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Alexander K. Zettl, Gabriel P. Dunn, Stephen M. Gilbert
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Publication number: 20160317997Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing chemical nanostructures having multiple elements, such as boron and nitride, e.g. boron nitride nanotubes, are disclosed. The method comprises creating a plasma jet, or plume, such as by an arc discharge. The plasma plume is elongated and has a temperature gradient along its length. It extends along its length into a port connector area having ports for introduction of feed materials. The feed materials include the multiple elements, which are introduced separately as fluids or powders at multiple ports along the length of the plasma plume, said ports entering the plasma plume at different temperatures. The method further comprises modifying a temperature at a distal portion of or immediately downstream of said plasma plume; and collecting said chemical nanostructures after said modifying.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventor: Alexander K. Zettl
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Patent number: 9449787Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to liquid flow cells for microscopy. In one aspect, a device includes a substrate having a first and a second oxide layer disposed on surfaces of the substrate. A first and a second nitride layer are disposed on the first and second oxide layers, respectively. A cavity is defined in the first oxide layer, the first nitride layer, and the substrate, with the cavity including a third nitride layer disposed on walls of the substrate and the second oxide layer that define the cavity. A channel is defined in the second oxide layer. An inlet port and an outlet port are defined in the second nitride layer and in fluid communication with the channel. A plurality of viewports is defined in the second nitride layer. A first graphene sheet is disposed on the second nitride layer covering the plurality of viewports.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Vivekananda P. Adiga, Gabriel Dunn, Alexander K. Zettl, A. Paul Alivisatos
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Patent number: 9449851Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to locally doping two-dimensional (2D) materials. In one aspect, an assembly including a substrate, a first insulator disposed on the substrate, a second insulator disposed on the first insulator, and a 2D material disposed on the second insulator is formed. A first voltage is applied between the 2D material and the substrate. With the first voltage applied between the 2D material and the substrate, a second voltage is applied between the 2D material and a probe positioned proximate the 2D material. The second voltage between the 2D material and the probe is removed. The first voltage between the 2D material and the substrate is removed. A portion of the 2D material proximate the probe when the second voltage was applied has a different electron density compared to a remainder of the 2D material.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Dillon Wong, Jairo Velasco, Jr., Long Ju, Salman Kahn, Juwon Lee, Chad E. Germany, Alexander K. Zettl, Feng Wang, Michael F. Crommie
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Patent number: 9412556Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices related to transmission electron microscopy cells for use with liquids. In one aspect a device includes a substrate, a first graphene layer, and a second graphene layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines a first channel, a second channel, and an outlet channel. The first channel and the second channel are joined to the outlet channel. The outlet channel defines a viewport region forming a though hole in the substrate. The first graphene layer overlays the first surface of the substrate, including an interior area of the first channel, the second channel, and the outlet channel. The second graphene layer overlays the first surface of the substrate, including open regions defined by the first channel, the second channel, and the outlet channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Waqas Khalid, A. Paul Alivisatos, Alexander K. Zettl
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Patent number: 9394632Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing chemical nanostructures having multiple elements, such as boron and nitride, e.g. boron nitride nanotubes, are disclosed. The method comprises creating a plasma jet, or plume, such as by an arc discharge. The plasma plume is elongated and has a temperature gradient along its length. It extends along its length into a port connector area having ports for introduction of feed materials. The feed materials include the multiple elements, which are introduced separately as fluids or powders at multiple ports along the length of the plasma plume, said ports entering the plasma plume at different temperatures. The method further comprises modifying a temperature at a distal portion of or immediately downstream of said plasma plume; and collecting said chemical nanostructures after said modifying.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Alexander K. Zettl
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Patent number: 9385065Abstract: Thermal rectifiers using linear nanostructures as core thermal conductors have been fabricated. A high mass density material is added preferentially to one end of the nanostructures to produce an axially non-uniform mass distribution. The resulting nanoscale system conducts heat asymmetrically with greatest heat flow in the direction of decreasing mass density. Thermal rectification has been demonstrated for linear nanostructures that are electrical insulators, such as boron nitride nanotubes, and for nanostructures that are conductive, such as carbon nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Chih-Wei Chang, Arunava Majumdar, Alexander K. Zettl
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Patent number: 9305677Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to boron nitride converted carbon fiber. In one aspect, a method may include the operations of providing boron oxide and carbon fiber, heating the boron oxide to melt the boron oxide and heating the carbon fiber, mixing a nitrogen-containing gas with boron oxide vapor from molten boron oxide, and converting at least a portion of the carbon fiber to boron nitride.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael Rousseas, William Mickelson, Alexander K. Zettl
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Publication number: 20160064249Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to locally doping two-dimensional (2D) materials. In one aspect, an assembly including a substrate, a first insulator disposed on the substrate, a second insulator disposed on the first insulator, and a 2D material disposed on the second insulator is formed. A first voltage is applied between the 2D material and the substrate. With the first voltage applied between the 2D material and the substrate, a second voltage is applied between the 2D material and a probe positioned proximate the 2D material. The second voltage between the 2D material and the probe is removed. The first voltage between the 2D material and the substrate is removed. A portion of the 2D material proximate the probe when the second voltage was applied has a different electron density compared to a remainder of the 2D material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Dillon Wong, Jairo Velasco, JR., Long Ju, Salman Kahn, Juwon Lee, Chad E. Germany, Alexander K. Zettl, Feng Wang, Michael F. Crommie
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Publication number: 20160042912Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to liquid flow cells for microscopy. In one aspect, a device includes a substrate having a first and a second oxide layer disposed on surfaces of the substrate. A first and a second nitride layer are disposed on the first and second oxide layers, respectively. A cavity is defined in the first oxide layer, the first nitride layer, and the substrate, with the cavity including a third nitride layer disposed on walls of the substrate and the second oxide layer that define the cavity. A channel is defined in the second oxide layer. An inlet port and an outlet port are defined in the second nitride layer and in fluid communication with the channel. A plurality of viewports is defined in the second nitride layer. A first graphene sheet is disposed on the second nitride layer covering the plurality of viewports.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Vivekananda P. Adiga, Gabriel Dunn, Alexander K. Zettl, A. Paul Alivisatos
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Patent number: 9105793Abstract: An embodiment of a graphene device includes a layered structure, first and second electrodes, and a dopant island. The layered structure includes a conductive layer, an insulating layer, and a graphene layer. The electrodes are coupled to the graphene layer. The dopant island is coupled to an exposed surface of the graphene layer between the electrodes. An embodiment of a method of using a graphene device includes providing the graphene device. A voltage is applied to the conductive layer of the graphene device. Another embodiment of a method of using a graphene device includes providing the graphene device without the dopant island. A dopant island is placed on an exposed surface of the graphene layer between the electrodes. A voltage is applied to the conductive layer of the graphene device. A response of the dopant island to the voltage is observed.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Vincent Bouchiat, Caglar Girit, Brian Kessler, Alexander K. Zettl