Abstract: Redox active S-linked polymers, sulfurized matrices, and related composites, compositions electrode material, electrodes, as well as related electrode chemical cell battery, methods and systems are described. In particular, S-linked polymers and related compositions, composites, electrode material and electrodes having a redox potential of up to 3.5 V with reference to Li/Li+ electrode potential under standard conditions and a capacity up to 800 mAh/g or higher are described. More particularly, redox active S-linked polymers, sulfurized matrices, and related composites, and compositions are provided as electrode material of a cathode for an electrochemical cell further containing a Li anode and a non-aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: Redox active polycyclic compounds and related electrode material, electrode chemical cell battery, methods and systems are described. In particular, tricyclic compounds having a redox potential of 0.20 V to 2.0 V with reference to Zn/Zn2+ electrode potential under standard conditions are described. More particularly, redox active monomers, dimers, and polymers in which each monomeric unit contains a tricyclic heterocyclic structure are provided as electrode material of a cathode for an electrochemical cell further containing a zinc anode and an aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: A health monitoring device is provided, and may be used in population health monitoring and disease tracing, as well as for individual subject health purposes. The health monitoring device comprises a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for generating and storing electrical energy from mechanical activity of a user. The device provides a continuous and uninterrupted stream of physiological data received at a surface of the device in contact with a surface of the user. The triboelectric nanogenerator is a paper-based device comprising a paper-based material layer and a polydimethylsiloxane/polytetrafluoroethylene (PDMS/PTFE) material layer, each on a copper film. The device has enhanced sensitivity to motion, providing an improved device capable of converting small amounts of movement into electrical energy, and of recording and transmitting data of small physiological changes of a user to a receiver. The device is lithium free, and eliminates the necessity of recharging.

Abstract: A power and/or electricity generating source and/or component that is TENG-based, and that may be configured as an assembly and/or component for powering one or more electronic devices, is disclosed, A case, carrier or other carrying container, for example a case for a cell phone, ipad, electronic tablet, personal computer, or any similar device, that provides an electricity source to power the cell phone, ipad, electronic tablet, is disclosed. The energy generating carriers and/or containers and configurations thereof, also provide an electricity energy storage source. This electronic energy storage source may be incorporated within an electronic device itself, or may be incorporated within the case and/or covering. Upon walking or touching a surface of an electronic device, the power generating source will harness mechanical energy, and provide for the generation of electricity with the one or more TENG components (TESTEC) that comprise the energy generating unit. Metal particles (silver, copper, etc.

Abstract: In some variations, a hydrogen-storage material formulation comprises: a solid hydrogen-storage material containing at least one metal and hydrogen that is bonded with the metal; and a liquid electrolyte that is ionically conductive for at least one ion derived from the hydrogen-storage material. The liquid electrolyte may be from 5 wt % to about 20 wt % of the hydrogen-storage material formulation, for example. Many materials are possible for both the hydrogen-storage material as well as the liquid electrolyte. The hydrogen-storage material has a higher hydrogen evolution rate in the presence of the liquid electrolyte compared to a hydrogen-storage material without the liquid electrolyte. This is experimentally demonstrated with a destabilized metal hydride, MgH2/Si system, incorporating a LiI—KI—CsI ternary eutectic salt as the liquid electrolyte. Inclusion of the liquid electrolyte gives a ten-fold increase in H2 evolution rate at 250° C., reaching 3.5 wt % hydrogen released in only 7 hours.

Abstract: A health monitoring device is provided, and may be used in population health monitoring and disease tracing, as well as for individual subject health purposes. The health monitoring device comprises a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for generating and storing electrical energy from mechanical activity of a user. The device provides a continuous and uninterrupted stream of physiological data received at a surface of the device in contact with a surface of the user. The triboelectric nanogenerator is a paper-based device comprising a paper-based material layer and a polydimethylsiloxane/polytetrafluoroethylene (PDMS/PTFE) material layer, each on a copper film. The device has enhanced sensitivity to motion, providing an improved device capable of converting small amounts of movement into electrical energy, and of recording and transmitting data of small physiological changes of a user to a receiver. The device is lithium free, and eliminates the necessity of recharging.

Abstract: Rechargeable metal-air battery, air electrodes for use in the metal-air battery, and methods to manufacture the same are provided. The battery includes a negative electrode capable of taking and releasing active metal ions, a porous positive electrode using oxygen as an electroactive material and an electrolyte configured to conduct ions between the negative and positive electrodes and comprising one or more phases, wherein at least one phase comprises a liquid that at least partially fills the pores of the positive electrode and wherein the liquid comprises an oxygen evolving catalyst (OEC). The OEC a) is soluble in the liquid of the phase that partially fills the positive electrode pores, b) is electrochemically activated at a potential above the equilibrium cell voltage and c) is capable of evolving oxygen gas by oxidizing a metal oxide discharge product produced during discharge of the rechargeable metal-air battery.

Abstract: A method for forming a metallic nanoparticle and semiconductor coated fiber material is provided. The method can include the steps of coating at least one surface of a material, for example a textile material, with a semiconducting layer, and growing metallic nanoparticles on the semiconducting layer. The steps for coating the surface of the material with a semiconducting layer can include forming a titanium dioxide film on the surface of the textile material. The steps for forming metallic nanoparticles on a semiconducting layer can include immersing the coated textile layer in a metallic nanoparticle precursor solution, drying the coated textile layer and exposing the textile layer to UV radiation. The metallic nanoparticles can include gold and/or silver nanoparticles. Also disclosed are materials having a least one treated surface coated with metallic nanoparticles. The treated surface may comprise the surface of a textile material treated according to the methods provided herein.

Abstract: A method for forming superior and stable metallic nanoparticle and semiconductor coated fiber materials is provided. The method can include the steps of coating at least one surface of a material, for example a textile material, with a semiconducting layer, and growing metallic nanoparticles directly on the semiconducting layer. The steps for coating the surface of the material with a semiconducting layer can include forming a titanium dioxide film on the surface of the textile material, immersing the coated textile layer in a metallic nanoparticle precursor solution, drying the coated textile layer and exposing the textile layer to UV radiation. The metallic nanoparticles can include gold and/or silver nanoparticles. Also disclosed are materials resistant to microbes, including bacteria and viruses. These materials comprise at least one treated surface coated with metallic nanoparticles. The treated surface may comprise the surface of a textile material, such as a cotton fiber surface.

Abstract: High energy rechargeable batteries employing catalyzed molten nitrate positive electrodes and alkali metal negative electrodes are disclosed. Novel and advantageous aspects of the present invention are enabled by the provision catalytically active materials that support the reversible formation of NO3? from O2? and NO2? during battery charging. Such catalytically active materials allow highly efficient cycling and selectively eliminate irreversible side reactions that occur when cycling without such catalysts.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell is provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a working electrode which includes a plurality of twisted carbon nanotube yarns. The dye-sensitized solar cell also includes a hybrid sensitizer. The hybrid sensitizer includes a nanoporous titanium oxide layer coated on the plurality of twisted carbon nanotube yarns, a microporous titanium oxide layer coated onto the nanoporous titanium oxide layer, and dye particles and quantum dots disposed in the pores of the microporous titanium oxide layer. In addition, the dye-sensitized solar cell includes a conducting electrode which includes at least one carbon nanotube yarn disposed about the hybrid sensitizer. The dye-sensitized solar cell also includes a solid state electrolyte disposed about the hybrid sensitizer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to batteries and, in particular, to electrodes for use in batteries such as non-aqueous metal-air batteries, for example, lithium-air batteries, as well as in other electrochemical devices. Such devices may exhibit improved performance characteristics (e.g. power, cycle life, capacity, etc.). One aspect of the present invention is generally directed to electrodes for use in such devices containing one or more pores or channels for transport of gas and/or electrolyte therein, e.g., forming an open porous network. In certain embodiments, the electrolyte may be a gel or a polymer. In some embodiments, there may be network of such channels or pores within the electrode such that no active site within the electrode is greater than about 50 micrometers distant from a gas channel.

Abstract: High energy rechargeable batteries employing catalyzed molten nitrate positive electrodes and alkali metal negative electrodes are disclosed. Novel and advantageous aspects of the present invention are enabled by the provision catalytically active materials that support the reversible formation of NO3? from O2? and N02? during battery charging. Such catalytically active materials allow highly efficient cycling and selectively eliminate irreversible side reactions that occur when cycling without such catalysts.

Abstract: High capacity alkali metal/oxygen batteries, e.g. Li/O2 batteries, employing molten salt electrolytes comprising alkali metal cations and nitrate anions are disclosed. Batteries of the present invention operate at an intermediate temperature ranging from. 80° C. to 250° C. Molten alkali metal nitrate electrolytes employed in O2 electrodes within this temperature range provide alkali metal/oxygen batteries having significantly improved efficiency and rechargeability compared to prior art systems.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell is provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a working electrode which includes a plurality of twisted carbon nanotube yarns. The dye-sensitized solar cell also includes a hybrid sensitizer. The hybrid sensitizer includes a nanoporous titanium oxide layer coated on the plurality of twisted carbon nanotube yarns, a microporous titanium oxide layer coated onto the nanoporous titanium oxide layer, and dye particles and quantum dots disposed in the pores of the microporous titanium oxide layer. In addition, the dye-sensitized solar cell includes a conducting electrode which includes at least one carbon nanotube yarn disposed about the hybrid sensitizer. The dye-sensitized solar cell also includes a solid state electrolyte disposed about the hybrid sensitizer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to batteries and, in particular, to electrodes for use in batteries such as non-aqueous metal-air batteries, for example, lithium-air batteries, as well as in other electrochemical devices. Such devices may exhibit improved performance characteristics (e.g. power, cycle life, capacity, etc.). One aspect of the present invention is generally directed to electrodes for use in such devices containing one or more pores or channels for transport of gas and/or electrolyte therein, e.g., forming an open porous network. In certain embodiments, the electrolyte may be a gel or a polymer. In some embodiments, there may be network of such channels or pores within the electrode such that no active site within the electrode is greater than about 50 micrometers distant from a gas channel.

Abstract: Rechargeable metal-air battery, air electrodes for use in the metal-air battery, and methods to manufacture the same are provided. The battery includes a negative electrode capable of taking and releasing active metal ions, a porous positive electrode using oxygen as an electroactive material and an electrolyte configured to conduct ions between the negative and positive electrodes and comprising one or more phases, wherein at least one phase comprises a liquid that at least partially fills the pores of the positive electrode and wherein the liquid comprises an oxygen evolving catalyst (OEC). The OEC a) is soluble in the liquid of the phase that partially fills the positive electrode pores, b) is electrochemically activated at a potential above the equilibrium cell voltage and c) is capable of evolving oxygen gas by oxidizing a metal oxide discharge product produced during discharge of the rechargeable metal-air battery.