Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a gradient catalyst structure and a method of making the same. The gradient catalyst structure can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on layered buckypaper. The layered buckypaper can include at least a first layer and a second layer and the first layer can have a lower porosity compared to the second layer. The gradient catalyst structure can include single-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or both in the first layer of the layered buckypaper and can include carbon nanofibers in the second layer of the layered buckypaper. The MEA can have a catalyst utilization efficiency of at least 0.35 gcat/kW or less.

Abstract: Methods are provided for functionalizing a macroscopic film comprised of nanoscale fibers by controlled irradiation. The methods may include the steps of (a) providing a nanoscale fiber film material comprising a plurality of nanoscale fibers (which may include single wall nanotubes, multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or a combination thereof); and (b) irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material with a controlled amount of radiation in the open air or in a controlled atmosphere. The step of irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material is effective to functionalize the plurality of nanoscale fibers. Irradiated nanoscale fiber films are also provided having improved mechanical and electrical conducting properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic cell comprising a photovoltaic conversion layer and a pair of electrodes. The photovoltaic conversion layer, being capable of converting incident light into a plurality hole-electron pairs, comprises a hole transport layer including a plurality of nanodots mixed therein for transporting the holes generated from the photovoltaic effect. The pair of electrodes are coupled respectively to two sides of the photovoltaic conversion layer for conducting holes and electrons. In another embodiment, the present invention further provides a method for forming the photovoltaic cell, wherein the nanodots are mixed in a solution formed of a hole transport material and then a hole transport layer having the nanodots is formed on a conductive substrate. In the photovoltaic cell having nanodots of the present invention, the hole mobility is enhanced so as to improve the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A system and method for exterior projection lighting of a vehicle include a generally ellipsoidal faceted reflector disposed on a rear side of a projection lens. First and second focal points of each facet define corresponding reflector focal regions. A semi-conducting light source positioned at an acute angle, such as a single light emitting diode (LED) without a primary optic, emits light toward the reflector from within the first reflector focal region. Reflected light passes through the projection lens to illuminate a desired beam pattern. A curved shade disposed between the projection lens and the light source has at least a portion of a top edge disposed within the second reflector focal region. The shade blocks a portion of reflected light from extending below the optical axis.

Abstract: Methods for aligning nanoscale fibers are provided. One method comprises providing a network of nanoscale fibers and mechanically stretching the network of nanoscale fibers in a first direction. The network of nanoscale fibers is substantially devoid of a liquid. A network of aligned nanoscale fibers and a composite comprising a network of aligned nanoscale fibers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a modified nano-dot and a fabrication method thereof. The modified nano-dot comprises a surface portion having a functional group and a core portion comprising a polymeric metal oxide, polymeric metalloid oxide or polymeric metal alloy oxide. The mean particle size of the modified nano-dot is 1-100 nm, preferably 1-10 nm. The modified nano-dot capable of modulating a carrier flux can be further applied to the element manufacture in the organic semiconductor industry, optoelectronics industry, and solar cell industry.

Abstract: A composite material for electromagnetic interference shielding is provided. The composite material comprises a stack including at least two electrically conductive nanoscale fiber films, which are spaced apart from one another by at least one insulating gap positioned between the at least two nanoscale fiber films. The stack is effective to provide a substantial multiple internal reflection effect.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring the structural health of one or more structures and associated materials. For example, a structural health monitoring system can be provided. The system can include a structure to be monitored, the structure including a material with multiple triboluminescent sensors and multiple nano-optoelectronic members; and an analyzer in signal communication with the nano-optoelectronic members.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer and a method of making the same. The catalyst layer can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on buckypaper. The catalyst layer can have 1% or less binder prior to attachment to the membrane electrode assembly. The catalyst layer can include (a) single-wall nanotubes, small diameter multi-wall nanotubes, or both, and (b) large diameter multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or both. The ratio of (a) to (b) can range from 1:2 to 1:20. The catalyst layer can produce a surface area utilization efficiency of at least 60% and the platinum utilization efficiency can be 0.50 gPt/kW or less.

Abstract: An organic light emitting diode (OLED) with nano-dots and a fabrication method thereof are disclosed. The OLED apparatus comprises a substrate, a first electrically conductive layer, a first emission-auxiliary layer, an emissive layer, a second emission-auxiliary layer and a second electrically conductive layer. Its fabrication method is described below. Nano-dots with functional groups on the surface are incorporated into the emissive layer, the first emission-auxiliary layer or the second emission-auxiliary layer to form a layered electro-luminescent structure. By using the fabrication method, the resultant efficiency of the OLEDs can be markedly enhanced.

Abstract: A method for making an actuator capable of dry actuation is provided. The method includes providing a first nanoscale fiber film, providing a second nanoscale fiber film, positioning a solid polymer electrolyte at least partially between and adjacent to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film, and then affixing the solid polymer electrolyte to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film. The nanoscale fiber films may be buckypapers, made of carbon nanotubes. The actuator is capable of dry actuation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for functionalizing a macroscopic film comprised of nanoscale fibers by controlled irradiation. The methods may include the steps of (a) providing a nanoscale fiber film material comprising a plurality of nanoscale fibers (which may include single wall nanotubes, multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or a combination thereof); and (b) irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material with a controlled amount of radiation in the open air or in a controlled atmosphere. The step of irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material is effective to functionalize the plurality of nanoscale fibers. Irradiated nanoscale fiber films are also provided having improved mechanical and electrical conducting properties.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making a composite material that includes (a) providing at least one sheet which includes woven or non-woven glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, or nanoscale fibers; and (b) stitching a plurality of stitches of a thermally conductive fiber through the at least one sheet in a Z-axis direction to form paths of higher conductivity through the sheet of material to increase its thermal conductivity in the Z-axis.

Abstract: Methods are provided for mechanically chopping nanotubes and other nanoscale fibrous materials. The method includes forming a macroscale article which include the nanoscale fibers, and then mechanically cutting the macroscale article into a finely divided form. In one embodiment, these steps are repeated. The nanoscale fibers may be carbon nanotubes, which optionally are aligned in the macroscale article. The macroscale article may be in the form of or include one or more buckypapers. In one embodiment, the macroscale article further includes a solid matrix material in which the nanoscale fibers are contained or dispersed. The forming step can include making a suspension of nanoscale fibers dispersed in a liquid medium and then solidifying the liquid medium to form the macroscale article. After the mechanical cutting step, the medium can be dissolved or melted to enable separation of the chopped nanoscale fibers from the medium.

Abstract: A sensor is provided, which includes a plurality of conducting elements spaced apart from each other and at least one deformable electrolyte bridge contacting each of the conducting elements at one or more contact points having an aggregate contact area. Upon formation of an ionic circuit between two of the conducting elements, a first resistivity between the two conducting element exists. Upon application of a compressive force on the at least one deformable electrolyte bridge directed toward at least one of the conducting elements, the aggregate contact area increases such that a second resistivity between the two conducting elements exists.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a prepreg nanoscale fiber film. The method includes providing a network of nanoscale fibers, impregnating the network of nanoscale fibers with a resin, and B-stage curing the resin. A method is also provided for producing a composite structure from the prepreg nanoscale fiber film.

Abstract: A method is provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers including reacting a plurality of nanoscale fibers with at least one epoxide monomer to chemically bond the at least one epoxide monomer to surfaces of the nanoscale fibers to form functionalized nanoscale fibers. Functionalized nanoscale fibers and nanoscale fiber films are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses with improved flammability properties and methods for altering the flammability properties of the apparatuses are provided. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises an occupant structure having an exterior portion and an interior portion defining an occupant space. The interior portion is formed, at least in part, of a composite material and a first nanoadditive fixed on a surface of the composite material proximate the occupant space. In one embodiment, the nanoadditive may comprise a continuous network of nanoscale fibers.

Abstract: A liquid pump (100) includes a top cover (40), a back plate (50), and a spacing member (60). The spacing member is sandwiched between the top cover and the back plate, thereby dividing an interior of the liquid pump into a fluid chamber (14) and a receiving cavity (16) isolated and hermetical from the fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is disposed between the top cover and the spacing member for receiving therein a fluid dynamic bearing (70) and a rotor (20) which drives working fluid to enter and leave the liquid pump. The receiving cavity is disposed between the spacing member and the back plate for receiving therein a stator (30) which drives the rotor to rotate in respective to the bearing.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the continuous production of a network of nanotubes or other nanoscale fibers. The method includes making a suspension of nanoscale fibers dispersed in a liquid medium, optionally with surfactant and/or sonication, and filtering the suspension by moving a filter membrane through the suspension, such that the nanoscale fibers are deposited directly on the filter membrane as the fluid medium flows through the filter membrane, thereby forming a continuous membrane of the nanoscale fibers. The deposition of the nanoscale fibers can occur when and where the filter membrane moves into contact with a static, porous filter element or a dynamic, porous filter element. The filtering can be conducted within a magnetic field effective to align the nanoscale fibers, and/or with the aid of vacuum to pull water through the filter membrane, applied pressure to press water though the filter membrane, or a combination thereof.