Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling a rate of hydrogen release from a decomposition reaction of a hydrogen carrier includes: relating the rate to a temperature and a composition of the metastable hydrogen carrier; determining the composition of the metastable hydrogen carrier; and adjusting the temperature according to the relating of the rate and the determining of the composition.

Abstract: Some variations provide a multiphase polymer composition comprising a first polymer material and a second polymer material that are chemically distinct, wherein the first polymer material and the second polymer material are microphase-separated on a microphase-separation length scale from about 0.1 microns to about 500 microns, wherein the multiphase polymer composition comprises first solid functional particles selectively dispersed within the first polymer material, and wherein the first solid functional particles are chemically distinct from the first polymer material and the second polymer material. Some embodiments provide an anti-corrosion composition comprising first corrosion-inhibitor particles or precursors selectively dispersed within the first polymer material, wherein the multiphase polymer composition optionally further comprises second corrosion-inhibitor particles or precursors selectively dispersed within the second polymer material.

Abstract: Some variations provide an anti-fouling segmented copolymer composition comprising: (a) one or more first soft segments selected from fluoropolymers; (b) one or more second soft segments selected from polyesters or polyethers; (c) one or more isocyanate species possessing an isocyanate functionality of 2 or greater, or a reacted form thereof; (d) one or more polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers, or a reacted form thereof; and (e) a fluid additive selectively disposed in the first soft segments or in the second soft segments. Other variations provide an anti-fouling segmented copolymer precursor composition comprising a fluid additive precursor selectively disposed in the first soft segments or in the second soft segments, wherein the fluid additive precursor includes a protecting group. The anti-fouling segmented copolymer composition may be present in an anti-ice coating, an anti-bug coating, an anti-friction coating, an energy-transfer material, or an energy-storage material, for example.

Abstract: This disclosure describes incorporation of a liquid additive within one or more phases of a multiphase polymer coating. The structure of the microphase-separated network provides reservoirs for liquid in discrete and/or continuous phases. Some variations provide an anti-fouling segmented copolymer composition comprising: (a) one or more first soft segments selected from fluoropolymers; (b) one or more second soft segments selected from polyesters or polyethers; (c) one or more isocyanate species; (d) one or more polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers; and (e) a liquid additive disposed in the first soft segments and/or the second soft segments. The first soft segments and the second soft segments are microphase-separated on a microphase-separation length scale from 0.1 microns to 500 microns. These solid/liquid hybrid materials improve physical properties associated with the coating in applications such as anti-fouling (e.g.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery having a cathode including an ?-copper vanadium oxide having a stoichiometry of Cu7?xV6O19?X, wherein 0?x?0.5, and a discharge capacity of at least 250 mAh/g after 20 cycles is claimed. Solid state and hydrothermal reaction methods of synthesizing the ?-copper vanadium oxide are also claimed.

Abstract: Some variations provide a composition comprising: a first solid material and a second solid material that are chemically distinct and microphase-separated; and at least one liquid selectively absorbed into either of the first solid material or the second solid material. The first and second solid materials are preferably present as phase-separated regions of a copolymer, such as in a segmented copolymer (e.g., a urethane-urea copolymer). The liquid may be a freezing-point depressant for water. For example, the liquid may be selected from methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or glycerol. The liquid may be a lubricant. For example, the liquid may be selected from fluorinated oils, siloxanes, petroleum-derived oils, mineral oil, or plant-derived oils. The liquid may consist of or include water. The liquid may be an electrolyte. For example, the liquid may be selected from poly(ethylene glycol), ionic liquids, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, or methyl ethyl dicarbonate.

Abstract: The internal temperature of an electrochemical device may be probed without a thermocouple, infrared detector, or other auxiliary device to measure temperature. Some methods include exciting an electrochemical device with a driving profile; acquiring voltage and current data from the electrochemical device, in response to the driving profile; calculating an impulse response from the current and voltage data; calculating an impedance spectrum of the electrochemical device from the impulse response; calculating a state-of-charge of the electrochemical device; and then estimating internal temperature of the electrochemical device based on a temperature-impedance-state-of-charge relationship. The electrochemical device may be a battery, fuel cell, electrolytic cell, or capacitor, for example. The procedure is useful for on-line applications which benefit from real-time temperature sensing capabilities during operations. These methods may be readily implemented as part of a device management and safety system.

Abstract: A curved image sensor chip has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side includes light sensors configured to generate electrical signals in response to receiving light. A substrate is in contact with the first side of the curved image sensor chip and is configured to increase in volume so as to apply a bending force to form the curved image sensor chip.

Abstract: A method for electroless deposition of aluminum on a substrate includes: activating the substrate; providing an aluminum ionic liquid; adding a reducing agent and an additive to the aluminum ionic liquid to form an electroless plating composition, wherein the additive may include a catalyst, an alloying element, or a combination thereof; and immersing the substrate in the electroless plating composition to have an aluminum layer deposited on the substrate. An article includes the electroless deposited aluminum layer.

Abstract: In some variations, an apparatus provides real-time monitoring of voltage and differential voltage of both anode and cathode in a battery configured with at least one reference electrode. Voltage monitors are connected to a computer programmed for receiving anode voltage signals; receiving cathode voltage signals; calculating the derivative of the anode voltage with respect to time or with respect to capacity; and calculating the derivative of the cathode voltage with respect to time or with respect to capacity. Other variations provide an apparatus for real-time assessment of capacities of both anode and cathode in a battery, comprising a computer programmed for receiving electrode voltage signals; estimating first and second electrode open-circuit voltages at two different times, and correlating the first and second electrode open-circuit voltages to first and second electrode states of charge, respectively, for each of anode and cathode. The anode and cathode capacities may then be estimated independently.

Abstract: A curved image sensor chip has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side includes light sensors configured to generate electrical signals in response to receiving light. A substrate is in contact with the first side of the curved image sensor chip and is configured to increase in volume so as to apply a bending force to form the curved image sensor chip.

Abstract: In some examples, techniques and architectures for fabricating an image sensor chip having a curved surface include placing a substrate on a first surface of an image sensor chip, wherein the first surface of the image sensor chip is opposite a second surface of the image sensor chip, and wherein the second surface of the image sensor chip includes light sensors to generate electrical signals in response to receiving light. Fabricating also includes modifying a volume of the substrate so as to impart forces on the image sensor chip to produce a curved image sensor chip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surface-functionalized powders which alter the solidification of the melted powders. Some variations provide a powdered material comprising a plurality of particles fabricated from a first material, wherein each of the particles has a particle surface area that is continuously or intermittently surface-functionalized with nanoparticles and/or microparticles selected to control solidification of the powdered material from a liquid state to a solid state. Other variations provide a method of controlling solidification of a powdered material, comprising melting at least a portion of the powdered material to a liquid state, and semi-passively controlling solidification of the powdered material from the liquid state to a solid state. Several techniques for semi-passive control are described in detail.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. The cathode active material may include particles of at least one ternary metal compound. The ternary metal has a formula M1yM21_yAx where M1 and M2 are different and may be Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, and/or Ni. A may be CI, F, N, O, or S, y may be any number between about 0.05 and about 0.95, and x may be any number between about 0.5 and about 4.

Abstract: In some examples, techniques and architectures for fabricating an image sensor chip having a curved surface include placing a substrate on a first surface of an image sensor chip, wherein the first surface of the image sensor chip is opposite a second surface of the image sensor chip, and wherein the second surface of the image sensor chip includes light sensors to generate electrical signals in response to receiving light. Fabricating also includes modifying a volume of the substrate so as to impart forces on the image sensor chip to produce a curved image sensor chip.

Abstract: In some variations, an apparatus provides real-time monitoring of voltage and differential voltage of both anode and cathode in a battery configured with at least one reference electrode. Voltage monitors are connected to a computer programmed for receiving anode voltage signals; receiving cathode voltage signals; calculating the derivative of the anode voltage with respect to time or with respect to capacity; and calculating the derivative of the cathode voltage with respect to time or with respect to capacity. Other variations provide an apparatus for real-time assessment of capacities of both anode and cathode in a battery, comprising a computer programmed for receiving electrode voltage signals; estimating first and second electrode open-circuit voltages at two different times, and correlating the first and second electrode open-circuit voltages to first and second electrode states of charge, respectively, for each of anode and cathode. The anode and cathode capacities may then be estimated independently.

Abstract: The internal temperature of an electrochemical device may be probed without a thermocouple, infrared detector, or other auxiliary device to measure temperature. Some methods include exciting an electrochemical device with a driving profile; acquiring voltage and current data from the electrochemical device, in response to the driving profile; calculating an impulse response from the current and voltage data; calculating an impedance spectrum of the electrochemical device from the impulse response; calculating a state-of-charge of the electrochemical device; and then estimating internal temperature of the electrochemical device based on a temperature-impedance-state-of-charge relationship. The electrochemical device may be a battery, fuel cell, electrolytic cell, or capacitor, for example. The procedure is useful for on-line applications which benefit from real-time temperature sensing capabilities during operations. These methods may be readily implemented as part of a device management and safety system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to activated aluminum hydride hydrogen storage compositions containing aluminum hydride in the presence of, or absence of, hydrogen desorption stimulants. The invention particularly relates to such compositions having one or more hydrogen desorption stimulants selected from metal hydrides and metal aluminum hydrides. In another aspect, the invention relates to methods for generating hydrogen from such hydrogen storage compositions.

Abstract: Electrodes comprising an alkali metal, for example, lithium, alloyed with nanostructured materials of formula SizGe(z-1), where 0<z?1; formula SizGe(z-1), where 0<z<1; and/or germanium exhibit a combination of improved capacities, cycle lives, and/or cycling rates compared with similar electrodes made from graphite. These electrodes are useful as anodes for secondary electrochemical cells, for example, batteries and electrochemical supercapacitors.

Abstract: Electrodes comprising an alkali metal, for example, lithium, alloyed with nanostructured materials of formula SizGe(z-1), where 0<z?1; formula SizGe(z-1), where 0<z<1; and/or germanium exhibit a combination of improved capacities, cycle lives, and/or cycling rates compared with similar electrodes made from graphite. These electrodes are useful as anodes for secondary electrochemical cells, for example, batteries and electrochemical supercapacitors.