Abstract: In some embodiments, a separator includes a polymer membrane, and a separator coating disposed on the polymer membrane. The separator coating includes (1) ceramic particles including a mixture of higher-aspect ratio ceramic particles (HARCPs) and lower-aspect ratio ceramic particles (LARCPs) and (2) a binder. The separator coating may have a thickness of about 0.5 ?m to about 5.0 ?m and a mass fraction of the binder in the separator coating may be 20 wt. % or less. The ceramic particles may include Al2O3, AlO(OH), and/or Al(OH)3. The HARCPs may be characterized by an HARCP aspect ratio of more than about 3 and the LARCPs may be characterized by an LARCP aspect ratio of about 1 to about 3. Integrated electrode-separator components, lithium-ion batteries, and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are elongate ceramic (nano)particles that include ?-alumina. In some implementations: a mass fraction of the ?-alumina in the elongate ceramic (nano)particles is in a range of about 70 to about 100 wt. %, a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area (BET-SSA) of the elongate ceramic (nano)particles is in a range of about 30 to about 400 m2/g, an average aspect ratio of the elongate ceramic (nano)particles is at least about 3, and a cumulative pore volume of the elongate ceramic (nano)particles in a pore width range of 7 to 20 nm is in a range of about 1.0×10?2 to about 1.0 cm3/g. A separator, an integrated electrode-separator component, and a lithium-ion battery incorporating the elongate ceramic (nano)particles are also disclosed. Related methods of making a separator, an integrated electrode-separator component, and a lithium-ion battery are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device, including a hydrophilic layer on a portion of an inner surface of a transparent polymer forming a body; wherein the hydrophilic layer includes a sulfonated inner surface of the transparent polymer, a silica, a silicon oxycarbide, an O2 plasma treatment of the transparent polymer, or a combination thereof. The device can be a nebulizer or a spray chamber, for example used in an inductively coupled plasma device. A method of making the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable sword-type gaming device and method of using. The device including; a sword blade; a sensor system; a communications system; and a strike determiner receiving input from one or more of the sensor system and communications system to determine when the sword blade has made contact with another item; the strike determiner operable to determine whether the received input regarding blade contact is indicative of contact with another portable sword-type gaming device.