Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions, electrodes, electrochemical storage devices (batteries) and ionic conduction devices that use cubic ionic conductor (“CUBICON”) compounds, preferably nitridophosphate compounds. The cubic ionic conductor compound have a framework formula [MT3X10]n- (1) and a general formula AxMT3X10 (2), where M is a cation in octahedral coordination, T is a cation in tetrahedral coordination, X is an anion, and the framework has a net negative charge of ?n, where a variable number of potentially mobile additional chemical species, A, can fit into the open space within this framework with a net charge of +n.

Abstract: A quench detection device (or method) is provided that receives real-time information of concurrently monitored electrical characteristics of a high temperature superconducting (HTS) device, or any superconducting material, device, or system including low temperature superconductors, during operation. The quench detection device determines whether an electrical threshold is satisfied based on the received real-time information. The quench detection device detects a quench condition if the electrical threshold remains satisfied over a predetermined period of time or a predetermined successive number of times. If a quench detection is detected, the quench detection device sends a signal to terminate the operation of the HTS device.

Abstract: Radiotracer vorozole compounds for in vivo and in vitro assaying, studying and imaging cytochrome P450 aromatase enzymes in humans, animals, and tissues and methods for making and using the same are provided. [N-radio-methyl] vorozole substantially separated from an N-3 radio-methyl isomer of vorozole is provided. Separation is accomplished through use of chromatography resins providing multiple mechanisms of selectivity.

Abstract: High-surface-area carbon nanostructures coated with a smooth and conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin metal films and their method of manufacture are described. The manufacturing process may involve initial oxidation of the carbon nanostructures followed by immersion in a solution with the desired pH to create negative surface dipoles. The nanostructures are subsequently immersed in an alkaline solution containing non-noble metal ions which adsorb at surface reaction sites. The metal ions are then reduced via chemical or electrical means and the nanostructures are exposed to a solution containing a salt of one or more noble metals which replace adsorbed non-noble surface metal atoms by galvanic displacement. Subsequent film growth may be performed via the initial quasi-underpotential deposition of a non-noble metal followed by immersion in a solution comprising a more noble metal.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing activated electrocatalyst, preferably having a morphology of a nanostructure, is disclosed. The method includes safely and efficiently removing surfactants and capping agents from the surface of the metal structures. With regard to metal nanoparticles, the method includes synthesis of nanoparticle(s) in polar or non-polar solution with surfactants or capping agents and subsequent activation by CO-adsorption-induced surfactant/capping agent desorption and electrochemical oxidation. The method produces activated macroparticle or nanoparticle electrocatalysts without damaging the surface of the electrocatalyst that includes breaking, increasing particle thickness or increasing the number of low coordination sites.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing defect-free phospho-olivine materials is disclosed. The method is based on direct hydrothermal synthesis of phospho-olivine compound(s) and subsequent lattice reordering at or near the transition temperature to eliminate lattice defects or on one-pot in situ hydrothermal synthesis of phospho-olivine compound(s), where the cation ordering occurs during dwell time after rapid synthesis to eliminate lattice defects. The disclosed methods produce defect-free phospho-olivine compound(s) having a crystal lattice with a Pnma space group. In order to determine the exact transition temperature for complete removal of single- or mixed-transition metals from lithium sites or to monitor the crystal growth and removal of single- or mixed-transition metals from lithium sites during the hydrothermal synthesis, the method encompasses a procedure for determining and monitoring defects in the phospho-olivine phases using X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid-solid growth of nanowires is tailored to achieve complex one-dimensional material geometries using phase diagrams determined for nanoscale materials. Segmented one-dimensional nanowires having constant composition display locally variable electronic band structures that are determined by the diameter of the nanowires. The unique electrical and optical properties of the segmented nanowires are exploited to form electronic and optoelectronic devices. Using gold-germanium as a model system, in situ transmission electron microscopy establishes, for nanometer-sized Au—Ge alloy drops at the tips of Ge nanowires (NWs), the parts of the phase diagram that determine their temperature-dependent equilibrium composition. The nanoscale phase diagram is then used to determine the exchange of material between the NW and the drop. The phase diagram for the nanoscale drop deviates significantly from that of the bulk alloy.

Abstract: High-surface-area carbon nanostructures coated with a smooth and conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin metal films and their method of manufacture are described. The preferred manufacturing process involves the initial oxidation of the carbon nanostructures followed by a surface preparation process involving immersion in a solution with the desired pH to create negative surface dipoles. The nanostructures are subsequently immersed in an alkaline solution containing a suitable quantity of non-noble metal ions which adsorb at surface reaction sites. The metal ions are then reduced via chemical or electrical means. The nanostructures are exposed to a solution containing a salt of one or more noble metals which replace adsorbed non-noble surface metal atoms by galvanic displacement. The process can be controlled and repeated to obtain a desired film coverage.

Abstract: Elongated noble-metal nanoparticles and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. The method involves the formation of a plurality of elongated noble-metal nanoparticles by electrochemical deposition of the noble metal on a high surface area carbon support, such as carbon nanoparticles. Prior to electrochemical deposition, the carbon support may be functionalized by oxidation, thus making the manufacturing process simple and cost-effective. The generated elongated nanoparticles are covalently bound to the carbon support and can be used directly in electrocatalysis. The process provides elongated noble-metal nanoparticles with high catalytic activities and improved durability in combination with high catalyst utilization since the nanoparticles are deposited and covalently bound to the carbon support in their final position and will not change in forming an electrode assembly.