Abstract: Aerogels having relatively large areas and/or relatively low numbers of defects are generally described. In some embodiments, the aerogel has one or more properties (e.g., optical and/or thermal properties) that do not substantially vary across the aerogel. Insulated glass units and/or solar thermal receivers comprising aerogels are also generally described. Articles, systems, and methods related to aerogels coupled to substrates are also generally described. Aerogels, including monolithic aerogels, may be coupled to transparent substrates such that the resulting article has advantageous insulation properties for window applications. Such articles may be used to retrofit existing windows or be incorporated into insulated glass units. The coupling of the aerogel to the substrate, in some embodiments, does not significantly impact the optical properties of the substrate and/or the aerogel. Insulated units comprising the aerogels are also described.

Abstract: Aerogels having relatively large areas and/or relatively low numbers of defects are generally described. In some embodiments, the aerogel has one or more properties (e.g., optical and/or thermal properties) that do not substantially vary across the aerogel. Insulated glass units and/or solar thermal receivers comprising aerogels are also generally described. Articles, systems, and methods related to aerogels coupled to substrates are also generally described. Aerogels, including monolithic aerogels, may be coupled to transparent substrates such that the resulting article has advantageous insulation properties for window applications. Such articles may be used to retrofit existing windows or be incorporated into insulated glass units. The coupling of the aerogel to the substrate, in some embodiments, does not significantly impact the optical properties of the substrate and/or the aerogel. Insulated units comprising the aerogels are also described.

Abstract: Aerogels having relatively large areas and/or relatively low numbers of defects are generally described. In some embodiments, the aerogel has one or more properties (e.g., optical and/or thermal properties) that do not substantially vary across the aerogel. Insulated glass units and/or solar thermal receivers comprising aerogels are also generally described. Articles, systems, and methods related to aerogels coupled to substrates are also generally described. Aerogels, including monolithic aerogels, may be coupled to transparent substrates such that the resulting article has advantageous insulation properties for window applications. Such articles may be used to retrofit existing windows or be incorporated into insulated glass units. The coupling of the aerogel to the substrate, in some embodiments, does not significantly impact the optical properties of the substrate and/or the aerogel. Insulated units comprising the aerogels are also described.

Abstract: Enhancing condensation heat transfer performance in applications including power generation, thermal management of high-performance electronics, water purification, distillation, natural gas processing, and air conditioning can be achieved with heat transfer devices. Condensation heat transfer can be enhanced via a hierarchical structure attached on a condenser surface. This novel hierarchical structure is composed of a thin, highly permeable, thermally conductive porous wick and a highly porous, robust, intrinsically hydrophobic membrane bonded or attached on top of the wick.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fabrication of a multiscale porous high-temperature heat exchanger for high-temperature and high-pressure applications are disclosed. The heat exchanger can include a core with macrochannels formed in a checkerboard pattern to facilitate alternative flow of working fluid having hot and cold temperatures between adjacent macrochannels. Each macrochannel can include a two-dimensional microchannel array that further distributes flow throughout the heat exchanger to enhance heat transfer and mechanical strength without significant pressure drop penalty. The heat exchanger can further include a header integrated therewith to distribute working fluid flowing through the heat exchanger through the outlets such that it flows evenly therethrough. Methods of fabricating heat exchangers of this nature are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surface with selective wetting properties is described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fabrication of a multiscale porous high-temperature heat exchanger for high-temperature and high-pressure applications are disclosed. The heat exchanger can include a core with macrochannels formed in a checkerboard pattern to facilitate alternative flow of working fluid having hot and cold temperatures between adjacent macrochannels. Each macrochannel can include a two-dimensional microchannel array that further distributes flow throughout the heat exchanger to enhance heat transfer and mechanical strength without significant pressure drop penalty. The heat exchanger can further include a header integrated therewith to distribute working fluid flowing through the heat exchanger through the outlets such that it flows evenly therethrough. Methods of fabricating heat exchangers of this nature are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid surface can have hydrophobic properties and high thermal conductance.

Abstract: A surface with selective wetting properties is described.