Abstract: Provided is a dielectric layer that has a rock salt structure in a room temperature stable phase. The dielectric layer is made of a compound having a chemical formula of BexM1-xO, where M includes one of alkaline earth metals and x has a value greater than 0 and not greater than 0.19. A semiconductor memory device also is provided that includes a capacitor composed of a lower electrode; a dielectric layer disposed on the lower electrode; and an upper electrode disposed on the dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer has a rocksalt structure in a room temperature stable phase and is made of a compound having a chemical formula shown below, BexM1-xO, where M comprises an alkaline earth metal and x has a value greater than 0 and not greater than 0.19.

Abstract: Provided is a dielectric layer that has a rock salt structure in a room temperature stable phase. The dielectric layer is made of a compound having a chemical formula of BexM1-xO, where M includes one of alkaline earth metals and x has a value greater than 0 and less than 0.5.

Abstract: Sugar alcohol blends of galactitol and mannitol and compositions comprising such blends are disclosed as phase change materials (PCMs). A method of forming carbon nanotubes on a carbon substrate is described. Carbon substrates with carbon nanotubes, in particular, conformal layers of carbon nanotubes on carbon substrates, are also disclosed, as are methods of making and using these materials. Thermal storage units are also provided. The thermal storage units can comprise a heat exchange path through which a heat exchange medium flows, and a thermal storage medium in thermal contact with the heat exchange path.

Abstract: A magnetic nanoparticle suitable for imaging a geological structure having one or more magnetic metal or metal oxide nanoparticles with a polymer grafted to the surface to form a magnetic nanoparticle, wherein the magnetic nanoparticle displays a colloidal stability under harsh salinity conditions or in a standard API brine.

Abstract: Polymeric compounds containing polymer backbones functionalized with ion-specific recognition elements and methods for the use of these compounds are described herein. The polymeric compounds may contain multiple types of ion-specific recognition elements depending on a specific application. The polymeric compounds can be used to remove ionic species from a solution, for example, in separations applications in which a single or multiple types of ionic species are desired to be removed from the solution.

Abstract: Sugar alcohol blends of galactitol and mannitol and compositions comprising such blends are disclosed as phase change materials (PCMs). A method of forming carbon nanotubes on a carbon substrate is described. Carbon substrates with carbon nanotubes, in particular, conformal layers of carbon nanotubes on carbon substrates, are also disclosed, as are methods of making and using these materials. Thermal storage units are also provided. The thermal storage units can comprise a heat exchange path through which a heat exchange medium flows, and a thermal storage medium in thermal contact with the heat exchange path.

Abstract: A magnetic nanoparticle suitable for imaging a geological structure having one or more magnetic metal or metal oxide nanoparticles with a polymer grafted to the surface to form a magnetic nanoparticle, wherein the magnetic nanoparticle displays a colloidal stability under harsh salinity conditions or in a standard API brine.

Abstract: Polymeric compounds containing polymer backbones functionalized with ion-specific recognition elements and methods for the use of these compounds are described herein. The polymeric compounds may contain multiple types of ion-specific recognition elements depending on a specific application. The polymeric compounds can be used to remove ionic species from a solution, for example, in separations applications in which a single or multiple types of ionic species are desired to be removed from the solution.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to catalytically active carbocatalysts, e.g., a graphene oxide or graphite oxide catalyst suitable for use in production of propene.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to catalytically active carbocatalysts, e.g., a graphene oxide or graphite oxide catalyst suitable for use in a variety of high value chemical transformations.

Abstract: Polymeric compounds containing polymer backbones functionalized with ion-specific recognition elements and methods for the use of these compounds are described herein. The polymeric compounds may contain multiple types of ion-specific recognition elements depending on a specific application. The polymeric compounds can be used to remove ionic species from a solution, for example, in separations applications in which a single or multiple types of ionic species are desired to be removed from the solution.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel processes for synthesis of polymers and/or polymer composites.

Abstract: A carbocatalyst for use in oxidation and polymerization reactions includes particles having a carbon and oxygen-containing material, such as catalytically-active graphene oxide and/or catalytically-active graphite oxide. In some cases, the particles are disposed on a solid support formed of a carbon-containing material, such as graphene or graphite, or a non-carbon containing material, such as a metallic or insulating material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to catalytically active carbocatalysts, e.g., a graphene oxide or graphite oxide catalyst suitable for use in a variety of chemical transformations. In one embodiment, it relates to a method of catalyzing a chemical reaction of an organic molecule by reacting the organic molecule in the presence of a sufficient amount of graphene oxide or graphite oxide for a time and at a temperature sufficient to allow catalysis of a chemical reaction. According to other embodiments, the reaction may be an oxidation reaction, a hydration reaction, a dehydrogenation reaction, a condensation reaction, or a polymerization reaction. Some reactions may include auto-tandem reactions. The disclosure further provides reaction mixtures containing an organic molecule and graphene oxide or graphite oxide in an amount sufficient to catalyze a reaction of the organic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions for liquid separation and water purification. The present invention includes a purification membrane having a polymer matrix purification membrane that has been treated with hydroquinone, catechol, and/or dopamine coated membrane with a high water flux.

Abstract: One embodiment of the current disclosure provides an ultracapacitor including at least one graphene-based electrode, an electrolyte containing an ionic liquid, and a dielectric separator dividing the ultracapacitor into two chambers, each chamber containing an electrode and a portion of the electrolyte. In another embodiment, the graphene has been expanded by exposure to microwave radiation then chemically activated. Another embodiment of the current disclosure provides an electrochemical energy storage device containing such an ultracapacitor. Still other embodiments of the disclosure relate to ionic liquids, some of which may be suitable for use in an ultracapacitor, methods of synthesizing such liquids, and methods of designing such liquids. Further embodiments relate to methods of using ultracapacitors, for example in automobiles, power grids, high-temperature applications, and other applications.

Abstract: Polymeric compounds containing polymer backbones functionalized with ion-specific recognition elements and methods for the use of these compounds are described herein. The polymeric compounds may contain multiple types of ion-specific recognition elements depending on a specific application. The polymeric compounds can be used to remove ionic species from a solution, for example, in separations applications in which a single or multiple types of ionic species are desired to be removed from the solution.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preparing a triblock copolymer of the formula: comprising: (a) contacting a cycloalkene with a chain transfer agent of the formula: Z—Y═Y—Z  in the presence of a metal carbene metathesis catalyst to form a telechelic polymer; and (d) contacting the telechelic polymer with an alkene of the formula  in the presence of an ATRP organometallic catalyst wherein n and m are integers; Z is an ATRP initiator and —Y═Y— is an alkenyl group; and, R′ is selected from the group consisting of aryl, nitrile and C1-C20 carboxylate, wherein R′ is substituted or unsubstituted. The invention also discloses a method for preparing a diblock copolymer. In addition, the invention encompasses a triblock copolymer having no 1,2-PBD structure in the PBD portion of the copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel, light adjustable optical elements. The optical elements contain an acrylate-based modifying composition which is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization. Novel telechelic acrylate polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preparing a triblock copolymer of the formula: 1