Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of mediating a gas evolution reaction by exposing a gas precursor to an electrocatalyst that comprises a plurality of layers with catalytic sites. The exposing results in electrocatalytic conversion of the gas precursor to a gas. Thereafter, the generated gas enhances the electrocatalytic activity of the electrocatalyst by enhancing the accessibility of the catalytic sites to the gas precursor. In some embodiments, the electrocatalyst is associated with an electrically conductive surface (e.g., an electrode) that provides electrical current. In some embodiments, the electrocatalyst is a hydrogen production electrocatalyst that converts H+ to H2. In some embodiments, the electrocatalyst includes a transition metal dichalcogenide. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the aforementioned electrocatalysts for mediating gas evolution reactions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the creation of macroscopic materials and objects comprising aligned nanotube segments. The invention entails aligning single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) segments that are suspended in a fluid medium and then removing the aligned segments from suspension in a way that macroscopic, ordered assemblies of SWNT are formed. The invention is further directed to controlling the natural proclivity of nanotube segments to self assemble into ordered structures by modifying the environment of the nanotubes and the history of that environment prior to and during the process. The materials and objects are “macroscopic” in that they are large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope or of the dimensions of such objects.