Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein which include a first phase change material (PCM) component comprising an organic PCM, a second PCM component comprising an inorganic PCM, and a crosslinker linking the first PCM component to the second PCM component. In another aspect, a thermal energy storage system is described herein which comprises a container, a heat exchanger disposed within the container, and a composition described herein disposed within the container. The heat exchanger and the composition of such thermal energy storage systems are in thermal contact with one another.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of a temperature control cart (100) are disclosed. The temperature control cart (100) comprises a top portion (116) with one or more wells (202), wherein the one or more wells (202) is operable to receive one or more pans (102). The wells (202) are configured to hold pans (102), wherein the pans (102) often contain a payload, such as food or medicine, that requires temperature control. Further, the top portion (116) is disposed in a tank (108) that contains phase change material (PCM). In another aspect, a method for controlling temperature of a payload is disclosed. A temperature control cart (100) is further provided with one or more heat exchangers. Wherein the one or more heat exchangers circulate a heat exchange fluid, thereby heating or cooling the PCM disposed in the tank (108) of the temperature control cart (100) to above or below a transition temperature of the PCM.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of synthesizing non-spherical nanostructures. One embodiment has steps of providing a solution of nanoparticles (NPs) wherein each of the NPs comprises a non-spherical NP that includes gold and a surfactant coating covering the non-spherical NP; mixing the NPs and a pH modifier solution making a pH-modified solution of NPs having a pH within a predefined pH range; and adding a silica precursor solution to the solution of nanoparticles at a constant rate for at least one (1) minute to provide a homogeneous silica solution of NPs. Another embodiment has steps of providing a solution of NPs wherein each of the NPs comprises a non-spherical NP that includes gold and a surfactant coating covering the non-spherical NP; and adding a silica precursor solution to the solution of nanoparticles at a constant rate for at least one (1) minute to provide a homogeneous silica solution of NPs.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of synthesizing non-spherical nanostructures. One embodiment has steps of providing a solution of nanoparticles (NPs) wherein each of the NPs comprises a non-spherical NP that includes gold and a surfactant coating covering the non-spherical NP; mixing the NPs and a pH modifier solution making a pH-modified solution of NPs having a pH within a predefined pH range; and adding a silica precursor solution to the solution of nanoparticles at a constant rate for at least one (1) minute to provide a homogeneous silica solution of NPs. Another embodiment has steps of providing a solution of NPs wherein each of the NPs comprises a non-spherical NP that includes gold and a surfactant coating covering the non-spherical NP; and adding a silica precursor solution to the solution of nanoparticles at a constant rate for at least one (1) minute to provide a homogeneous silica solution of NPs.

Abstract: Portable communication devices and related methods for use in supporting voice and/or data communication are provided. One example portable communication device includes a housing, a display device disposed at said housing, a processor disposed at least partially within said housing, the processor coupled to said display device, and an interface connector disposed at said housing and coupled to said processor. The interface connector is configured to couple to a module. The processor is configured to communicate, through said interface connector, via a plurality of communication protocols. The processor is configured to select at least one of the plurality of communication protocols based on the module coupled to the interface connector.

Abstract: Portable communication devices and related methods for use in supporting voice and/or data communication are provided. One example portable communication device includes a housing, a display device disposed at said housing, a processor disposed at least partially within said housing, the processor coupled to said display device, and an interface connector disposed at said housing and coupled to said processor. The interface connector is configured to couple to a module. The processor is configured to communicate, through said interface connector, via a plurality of communication protocols. The processor is configured to select at least one of the plurality of communication protocols based on the module coupled to the interface connector.