Abstract: A method for constructing a solar rectenna array by growing carbon nanotube antennas between lines of metal, and subsequently applying a bias voltage on the carbon nanotube antennas to convert the diodes on the tips of the carbon nanotube antennas from metal oxide carbon diodes to geometric diodes. Techniques for preserving the converted diodes by adding additional oxide are also described.

Abstract: A method for constructing a solar rectenna array by growing carbon nanotube antennas between lines of metal, and subsequently applying a bias voltage on the carbon nanotube antennas to convert the diodes on the tips of the carbon nanotube antennas from metal oxide carbon diodes to geometric diodes. Techniques for preserving the converted diodes by adding additional oxide are also described.

Abstract: A method for constructing a solar rectenna array by growing carbon nanotube antennas between lines of metal, and subsequently applying a bias voltage on the carbon nanotube antennas to convert the diodes on the tips of the carbon nanotube antennas from metal oxide carbon diodes to geometric diodes. Techniques for preserving the converted diodes by adding additional oxide are also described.

Abstract: Heat spreaders can help promote heat distribution at the surface of a heat sink. However, overly isotropic or anisotropic heat conduction through heat spreaders can limit their effectiveness. Heat spreaders providing for lateral distribution of heat can include a tapered structure containing a metal-diamond composite. The metal-diamond composite includes a continuous metallic phase and a plurality of micron-scale diamond particles located in spaced apart regions of the continuous metallic phase. An interlayer containing the continuous metallic phase but lacking micron-scale diamond particles is disposed between each of the spaced apart regions, and the metal-diamond composite increases in lateral size in a direction of increased tapering. Heat spreaders can be formed by disposing a first mixture containing micron-scale diamond particles and metal nanoparticles in first regions that are vertically spaced apart from each other, and at least partially fusing the metal nanoparticles to form a tapered structure.

Abstract: A solar antenna array may comprise an array of carbon nanotube antennas that may capture and convert sunlight into electrical power. A method for constructing the solar antenna array from a glass top down to aluminum over a plastic bottom such that light passing through the glass top and/or reflected off the aluminum both may be captured by the antennas sandwiched between. Techniques for patterning the glass to further direct the light toward the antennas and techniques for continuous flow fabrication and testing are also described.

Abstract: A solar antenna array may comprise an array of carbon nanotube antennas that may capture and convert sunlight into electrical power. A method for constructing the solar antenna array from a glass top down to aluminum over a plastic bottom such that light passing through the glass top and/or reflected off the aluminum both may be captured by the antennas sandwiched between. Techniques for patterning the glass to further direct the light toward the antennas and techniques for continuous flow fabrication and testing are also described.

Abstract: A solar antenna array may comprise an array of carbon nanotube antennas that may capture and convert sunlight into electrical power. A method for constructing the solar antenna array from a glass top down to aluminum over a plastic bottom such that light passing through the glass top and/or reflected off the aluminum both may be captured by the antennas sandwiched between. Techniques for patterning the glass to further direct the light toward the antennas and techniques for continuous flow fabrication and testing are also described.

Abstract: A method for constructing a solar rectenna array by growing carbon nanotube antennas between lines of metal, and subsequently applying a bias voltage on the carbon nanotube antennas to convert the diodes on the tips of the carbon nanotube antennas from metal oxide carbon diodes to geometric diodes. Techniques for preserving the converted diodes by adding additional oxide are also described.

Abstract: A solar antenna array may comprise an array of carbon nanotube antennas that may capture and convert sunlight into electrical power. A method for constructing the solar antenna array from a glass top down to aluminum over a plastic bottom such that light passing through the glass top and/or reflected off the aluminum both may be captured by the antennas sandwiched between. Techniques for patterning the glass to further direct the light toward the antennas and techniques for continuous flow fabrication and testing are also described.

Abstract: A solar antenna array may comprise an array of carbon nanotube antennas that may capture and convert sunlight into electrical power. A method for constructing the solar antenna array from a glass top down to an aluminum covered plastic bottom such that light passing through the glass top and/or reflected off the aluminum bottom both may be captured by the antennas sandwiched between. Techniques for patterning the glass to further direct the light toward the antennas and techniques for continuous flow fabrication and testing are also described.

Abstract: Withdrawing thermal energy obtained from a focused input of solar radiation can be complicated by issues associated with heat transfer media presently used for this purpose. By disposing carbon nanotubes on a fluidizable support and utilizing the carbon nanotubes as a fluidizable heat transfer medium, improved heat transfer characteristics can be realized due to the near-blackbody thermal absorption properties of the carbon nanotubes, in addition to other provided advantages. Concentrating solar power systems can include: a solar receiving structure configured to receive a focused input of solar radiation, a fluidized bed heat transfer medium within the solar receiving structure, and an energy-generating structure in thermal communication with the fluidized bed heat transfer medium.

Abstract: Heat spreaders can help promote heat distribution at the surface of a heat sink. However, overly isotropic or anisotropic heat conduction through heat spreaders can limit their effectiveness. Heat spreaders providing for lateral distribution of heat can include a tapered structure containing a metal-diamond composite. The metal-diamond composite includes a continuous metallic phase and a plurality of micron-scale diamond particles located in spaced apart regions of the continuous metallic phase. An interlayer containing the continuous metallic phase but lacking micron-scale diamond particles is disposed between each of the spaced apart regions, and the metal-diamond composite increases in lateral size in a direction of increased tapering. Heat spreaders can be formed by disposing a first mixture containing micron-scale diamond particles and metal nanoparticles in first regions that are vertically spaced apart from each other, and at least partially fusing the metal nanoparticles to form a tapered structure.

Abstract: Fabrication of refractory metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes is disclosed. As an example, a method may include providing a solvent and providing a surfactant having a first surfactant configured to stabilize low oxidation states of a refractory metal and a second surfactant configured to protect refractory metal nanoparticles. The method may further include providing a refractory metal precursor and providing a reactant for reacting with the refractory metal precursor and forming refractory metal nanoparticles. The refractory metal may include rhenium, tungsten, tantalum, or hafnium. The refractory metal nanoparticles may include rhenium, tungsten, tantalum, or hafnium nanoparticles. A carbon nanotube product may include refractory metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, where the refractory metal nanoparticles may include rhenium, tungsten, tantalum, or hafnium nanoparticles.

Abstract: A non-perfluoropolymer is described which contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group and optionally at least one additional polymer. Preferably, the polymers are useful in a variety of applications including in the formation of a membrane which is useful in batteries and fuel cells and the like. Methods of making the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: A non-perfluoropolymer is described which contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group and optionally at least one additional polymer. Preferably, the polymers are useful in a variety of applications including in the formation of a membrane which is useful in batteries and fuel cells and the like. Methods of making the polymer blends are also described.