Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and, in particular, to copolymers for stabilizing, e.g., emulsions or droplets. In certain aspects, the copolymers may comprise a relatively hydrophobic monomer and a relatively hydrophilic monomer polymerized together (e.g., randomly) to form the copolymer. Examples of hydrophobic monomers include methacrylates and vinylphenyls; examples of hydrophilic monomers include boronic acids or acid derivatives. Surprisingly, such random copolymers may act as surfactants, e.g., stabilizing droplets within the emulsion. In addition, in some cases, an interfacial film may be produced by exposing the copolymer to a complexing molecule, such as a polyol, that can complex with the copolymer to form the film. In some cases, the film may at least partially surround a droplet, and in certain embodiments, the film may be sufficiently sturdy such that the droplet can be removed from the emulsion.

Abstract: Microcapsules and techniques for the formation of microcapsules are generally described. In some embodiments, the microcapsules are formed in an emulsion (e.g., a multiple emulsion). In some embodiments, the microcapsule may be suspended in a carrying fluid containing the microcapsule that, in turn, contain the smaller droplets. In some embodiments, the microcapsules comprise a shell and a droplet at least partially contained within the shell (e.g., encapsulated within the shell), and may be suspended in a carrier fluid. In certain embodiments, the shell is a hydrogel comprising a poly(acid). In some cases, the poly(acid) is a polyanion. In some cases, the shell does not comprise a poly(base) or polycation (e.g., a polycationic poly electrolyte). In some embodiments, the microcapsules comprise a shell comprising a poly(acid) and a poly(anhydride).

Abstract: A solid-state three-dimensional battery assembly includes a solid bicontinuous monolithic carbon anode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a solid cathode. The solid monolithic carbon anode has an ordered three-dimensionally continuous network nanostructure, a length of at least 100 nm, and an average thickness of 3 to 90 nm. The ordered three-dimensionally continuous network nanostructure of the anode defines a plurality of pores having an average diameter of 5 to 100 nm. The solid electrolyte layer is disposed directly on the anode, has an average thickness of 3 to 90 nm, and fills a portion of the pores defined by the ordered three-dimensionally continuous network nanostructure of the anode. The solid cathode is disposed directly on the electrolyte layer, has an average thickness of 3 to 90 nm, and also fills a portion of the pores defined by the ordered three-dimensionally continuous network nanostructure of the anode. Related devices and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A solid-state three-dimensional battery assembly includes a solid bicontinuous monolithic carbon anode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a solid cathode. The solid monolithic carbon anode has an ordered three-dimensionally continuous network nanostructure, a length of at least 100 nm, and an average thickness of 3 to 90 nm. The ordered three-dimensionally continuous network nanostructure of the anode defines a plurality of pores having an average diameter of 5 to 100 nm. The solid electrolyte layer is disposed directly on the anode, has an average thickness of 3 to 90 nm, and fills a portion of the pores defined by the ordered three-dimensionally continuous network nanostructure of the anode. The solid cathode is disposed directly on the electrolyte layer, has an average thickness of 3 to 90 nm, and also fills a portion of the pores defined by the ordered three-dimensionally continuous network nanostructure of the anode. Related devices and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, inter alia, gyroidal mesoporous carbon materials and methods of use and manufacture thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a mesoporous carbon composition comprising a gyroidal mesoporous carbon having an ordered gyroidal structure and mesopores having a pore size of greater than 2 nanometers (nm) in diameter, and more particularly greater than 11 nm in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, inter alia, gyroidal mesoporous carbon materials and methods of use and manufacture thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a mesoporous carbon composition comprising a gyroidal mesoporous carbon having an ordered gyroidal structure and mesopores having a pore size of greater than 2 nanometers (nm) in diameter, and more particularly greater than 11 nm in diameter.