Abstract: A print head comprising nested chambers for in-situ reactant formation is disclosed. The print head comprises a first chamber nested within a second chamber. The first chamber comprises a first nozzle, the second chamber comprises a second nozzle. The first nozzle is substantially coaxial with the second nozzle. A susceptor to convert electromagnetic energy to heat is within the first chamber. The susceptor comprises one or more openings extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The susceptor may be heated by induction heating or by optical heating to vaporize a precursor substance within the first chamber. The vapor may react with a reactive gas flowing through the first chamber or expand through a nozzle into a second chamber where the vapor may react with the reactive gas, forming nanoparticles. Patterned films may be written onto a two-dimensional or three-dimensional surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an additive-containing alloy that exhibit improved strength, particularly at high temperatures, creep resistance, thermal fatigue resistance, and oxidation resistance. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for making such additive-containing alloys, including methods whereby the additive component of such alloys can be selectively deposited according to a pre-designed pattern. Such method embodiments facilitate producing programmable alloy embodiments wherein the additive component can be provided in desired regions of the alloy and/or at desired concentrations within the alloy.

Abstract: A heat and mass exchange (HMX) device comprising a plurality of membranes arranged in a stack. Adjacent membranes are separated from one another by an airflow channel Each membrane of the stack comprises an array of integrated support structures that extend into the airflow channel and to the second membrane. The support structures comprise an adhesive material that is bonded to each membrane. The support structures divide the airflow channels into subchannels.

Abstract: The present application relates to apparatus and methods of reducing the cost of microchannel array production and operation. In a representative embodiment, a microchannel array can comprise a first lamina having one or more flanges and a plurality of elongated bosses. The one or more flanges can extend along a perimeter of the first lamina, the plurality of elongated bosses can at least partially define a plurality of first flow paths, and the first lamina can define at least one opening. The microchannel array can also comprise a second lamina having a plurality of second flow paths, and can define at least one opening. The second lamina can be disposed above the first lamina such that the second lamina encloses the first flow paths of the first lamina and the at least one opening of the first lamina is coaxial with the at least one opening of the second lamina.

Abstract: The present application relates to apparatus and methods of reducing the cost of microchannel array production and operation. In a representative embodiment, a microchannel array can comprise a first lamina having one or more flanges and a plurality of elongated bosses. The one or more flanges can extend along a perimeter of the first lamina, the plurality of elongated bosses can at least partially define a plurality of first flow paths, and the first lamina can define at least one opening. The microchannel array can also comprise a second lamina having a plurality of second flow paths, and can define at least one opening. The second lamina can be disposed above the first lamina such that the second lamina encloses the first flow paths of the first lamina and the at least one opening of the first lamina is coaxial with the at least one opening of the second lamina.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for synthesizing nanoparticles are provided. Methods for synthesizing nanoparticles are provided comprising mixing at least two solutions comprising the components of the nanoparticles within a micromixer; exposing the resultant mixed, unreacted, azeotropic solution to ultrasound; and collecting the generated nanoparticles. Apparatuses are also provided for synthesizing nanoparticles comprising a micromixer in fluid connection with a continuous reactor comprising at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and an ultrasound horn oriented such that the acoustic energy is transferred to the fluid within the continuous reactor.

Abstract: A miniaturized power generation device and method are provided. In one configuration a microscale combustor and heat exchanger may include several repeating unit cells each of which performs combustion, recuperation, and heat exchange. Catalytic combustion may occur inside at least one combustion and one recuperator channel. Specific features may be added to reduce heat loss and pressure drop.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for synthesizing nanoparticles are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present system and method are useful for chemical deposition, particularly continuous deposition of anti-reflective films. Disclosed systems typically comprise a micromixer and a microchannel applicator. A deposition material or materials is applied to a substrate to form a nanostructured, anti-reflective coating. Uniform and highly oriented surface morphologies of films deposited using disclosed embodiments are clearly improved compared to films deposited by a conventional batch process. In some embodiments, a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating is applied to a polycarbonate substrate, such as a lens. In certain embodiments, an anti-reflective coating is applied to a surface of a solar catalytic microreactor suitable for performing endothermic reactions, where energy is provided to the reactor by absorption of solar radiation. The composition and morphology of the material deposited on a substrate can be tailored.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present system and method are useful for chemical deposition, particularly continuous deposition of anti-reflective films. Disclosed systems typically comprise a micromixer and a microchannel applicator. A deposition material or materials is applied to a substrate to form a nanostructured, anti-reflective coating. Uniform and highly oriented surface morphologies of films deposited using disclosed embodiments are clearly improved compared to films deposited by a conventional batch process. In some embodiments, a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating is applied to a polycarbonate substrate, such as a lens. In certain embodiments, an anti-reflective coating is applied to a surface of a solar catalytic microreactor suitable for performing endothermic reactions, where energy is provided to the reactor by absorption of solar radiation. The composition and morphology of the material deposited on a substrate can be tailored.

Abstract: A system and method for performing heat dissipation is disclosed that includes contacting a heat transfer liquid with a heat exchange surface having raised hydrophilic nanoporous nanostructures disposed adjacent a central core upon a substrate. The heat transfer liquid forms a preselected contact angle when placed on the heat exchange surface. The raised nanoporous nanostructures define channels, interconnected pathways, and voids within the nanoporous nanostructures. The nanoporous nanostructures have additional surface irregularities upon the nanostructures themselves. The nanostructures are preferably formed by depositing metal oxides or other materials upon a substrate using a Microreactor Assisted Nanomaterial Deposition (MAND) process.

Abstract: Patterned layers including height control features are stacked and bonded to form microchannels in a micro-fluidic device. The heights of the microchannels are determined by the height control features of the patterned layers. Side walls of the microchannels are partially formed or completely formed by the height control features. Layers are bonded together with a bonding agent disposed between the layers and outside the microchannels near the microchannel side walls. This approach provides numerous significant advantages. Material consumption can be reduced by up to 50%. Mass production can be made easier. Lateral dimensions of microchannels can be more readily controlled. Erosion of the bonding agent by flow through the microchannels can be greatly reduced.