Abstract: Cathode-electrolyte constructs, including such constructs in electrochemical systems, such as batteries are discussed. The cathode-electrolyte constructs can include a solid state electrolyte (SSE) and a cathode that includes particulate cathode material and the cathode conformally contacts the solid state electrolyte. Also discussed are methods of making cathode-electrolyte constructs and batteries.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to solid state electrolytes that comprise a coating layer. The present invention is also directed to methods of making the solid state electrolyte materials and methods of using the solid state electrolyte materials in batteries and other electrochemical technologies.

Abstract: An inverted battery device has a pair of electrodes, first and second volumes, and an electrical conductor. One of the pair of electrodes is configured as an anode and the other is configured as a cathode. A first electrolyte solution and the anode are disposed in the first volume, while a second electrolyte solution and the cathode are disposed in the second volume. The electrical conductor extends between the first and second volumes to couple the pair of electrodes to each other such that electrons travel between the pair of electrodes. The device is constructed to produce ions rather than electrons such that an ionic current can be generated in a separate system, such as a biological system or other ionic system, when coupled between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: Wood fibers possess natural unique hierarchical and mesoporous structures that enable a variety of new applications beyond their traditional use. For the first time we dramatically modulate the propagation of light through random network of wood fibers. A highly transparent and clear paper with transmittance >90% and haze <1.0% applicable for high-definition displays is achieved. By altering the morphology of the same wood fibers that form the paper, highly transparent and hazy paper targeted for other applications such as solar cell and anti-glare coating with transmittance >90% and haze >90% is also achieved. A thorough investigation of the relation between the mesoporous structure and the optical properties in transparent paper was conducted, including full-spectrum optical simulations.

Abstract: Solar cell substrates require high optical transparency, but also prefer high optical haze to increase the light scattering and consequently the absorption in the active materials. Unfortunately there is a tradeoff between these optical properties, which is exemplified by common transparent paper substrates exhibiting a transparency of about 90% yet a low optical haze (<20%). In this work we introduce a novel transparent paper made of wood fibers that display both ultra-high optical transparency (˜96%) and ultra-high haze (˜60%), thus delivering an optimal substrate design for solar cell devices. Compared to previously demonstrated nanopaper composed of wood-based cellulose nanofibers, our novel transparent paper has better dual performance in transmittance and haze, but also is fabricated at a much lower cost. This high-performance, low-cost transparent paper is a potentially revolutionary material that may influence a new generation of environmentally friendly printed electronics.

Abstract: A porous base substrate is infiltrated with a polymer material to form a hybrid substrate that combines the optical advantages of both. Prior to infiltration, the base substrate may exhibit relatively low optical transmittance. For example, the base substrate may be paper, textiles, aerogels, natural wood, or any other porous material. By infiltrating the base substrate with a polymer having a similar refractive index to that of the material of the base substrate, the transmittance can thus be improved, resulting in, for example, a transparent hybrid substrate that exhibits both relatively high optical haze and relatively high optical transmittance within the visible light spectrum. The hybrid substrate can thus serve as a base for fabricating electronic devices or can be coupled to electronic devices, especially optical devices that can take utilize the unique optical properties of the hybrid substrate.

Abstract: A formation of multielement nanoparticles is disclosed that includes at least three elements. Each of the at least three elements is uniformly distributed within the multielement nanoparticles forming nanoparticles having a homogeneous mixing structure. At least five elements may form a high-entropy nanoparticle structure. A method for manufacturing a formation of multielement nanoparticles includes providing a precursor material composed of the at least three component elements in multielement nanoparticles; heating the precursor material to a temperature and a time; and quenching the precursor to a temperature at a cooling rate to result in a formation of multielement nanoparticles containing at least three elements and the heating and the quenching representing a multielement nanoparticle thermal shock formation process. A corresponding system for manufacturing the formation of multielement nanoparticles and a method of using the multielement nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Metal alloy layers on substrates. The metal-alloy layers (e.g., lithium-metal layers, sodium-metal layers, and magnesium-metal layers) can be disposed on, for example, a solid-state electrolyte material. The metal-alloy layers can be used in, for example, solid-state batteries. A metal alloy layer can be an anode or part of an anode of a solid state battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods of synthesizing nanoparticles on substrates using rapid, high temperature thermal shock. A method involves depositing micro-sized particles or salt precursors on a substrate, and applying a rapid, high temperature thermal pulse or shock to the micro-sized particles or the salt precursors and the substrate to cause the micro-sized particles or the salt precursors to become nanoparticles on the substrate. A system may include a rotatable member that receives a roll of a substrate sheet having micro-sized particles or salt precursors; a motor that rotates the rotatable member so as to unroll consecutive portions of the substrate sheet from the roll; and a thermal energy source that applies a short, high temperature thermal shock to consecutive portions of the substrate sheet that are unrolled from the roll by rotating the first rotatable member. Some systems and methods produce nanoparticles on existing substrate.

Abstract: Solar thermal devices are formed from a block of wood, where the natural cell lumens of the wood form an interconnected network that transports fluid or material therein. The block of wood can be modified to increase absorption of solar radiation. Combining the solar absorption effects with the natural transport network can be used for various applications. In some embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to evaporate a fluid, for example, evaporating water for extraction, distillation, or desalination. In other embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to change transport properties of a material to allow it to be transported in the interconnected network, for example, heating crude oil to adsorb the oil within the block of wood.

Abstract: A porous base substrate is infiltrated with a polymer material to form a hybrid substrate that combines the optical advantages of both. Prior to infiltration, the base substrate may exhibit relatively low optical transmittance. For example, the base substrate may be paper, textiles, aerogels, natural wood, or any other porous material. By infiltrating the base substrate with a polymer having a similar refractive index to that of the material of the base substrate, the transmittance can thus be improved, resulting in, for example, a transparent hybrid substrate that exhibits both relatively high optical haze and relatively high optical transmittance within the visible light spectrum. The hybrid substrate can thus serve as a base for fabricating electronic devices or can be coupled to electronic devices, especially optical devices that can take utilize the unique optical properties of the hybrid substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a membrane are described. The method includes causing a nanomaterial to contact at least a portion of a wall of at least on channel extending through a membrane, and causing the nanomaterial to adhere to the portion of the wall of the at least one channel. A fluid filtration system is also described. The filtration system includes a housing and a filter membrane. The housing may have a reservoir and a filter compartment. The filter membrane may have a channel extending therethrough. The channel may have a plurality of micropores along a wall thereof. The filter compartment may be configured to receive the filter membrane therein, the filter membrane configured to guide fluid thereacross to remove substances from the fluid or to modify substances in the fluid.

Abstract: Wood fibers possess natural unique hierarchical and mesoporous structures that enable a variety of new applications beyond their traditional use. For the first time we dramatically modulate the propagation of light through random network of wood fibers. A highly transparent and clear paper with transmittance >90% and haze <1.0% applicable for high-definition displays is achieved. By altering the morphology of the same wood fibers that form the paper, highly transparent and hazy paper targeted for other applications such as solar cell and anti-glare coating with transmittance >90% and haze >90% is also achieved. A thorough investigation of the relation between the mesoporous structure and the optical properties in transparent paper was conducted, including full-spectrum optical simulations.

Abstract: One or more interfacial layers in contact with a solid-state electrolyte and hybrid electrolyte materials. Interfacial layers comprise inorganic (e.g., metal oxides and soft inorganic materials) or organic materials (e.g., polymer materials, gel materials and ion-conducting liquids). The interfacial layers can improve the electrical properties (e.g., reduce the impedance) of an interface between an a cathode and/or anode and a solid-state electrolyte. The interfacial layers can be used in, for example, solid-state batteries (e.g., solid-state, ion-conducting batteries).

Abstract: A protection layer is formed on a highly-reactive substantially-pure metal anode to a thickness of between 1 nm and 200 nm, inclusive, using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The ALD protection layer allows the conduction of ions of the metal of the anode therethrough but suppresses electron transport therethrough. The ALD protection layer may also be effective to inhibit passage of air and/or water therethrough. The ALD protection layer can allow more relaxed purity requirements for subsequent battery assembly, electrolyte specifications, and/or cathode gas purity. Fabrication methods for the protection layers, protected metal anodes, and systems and devices incorporating such protected metal anodes are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Solar cell substrates require high optical transparency, but also prefer high optical haze to increase the light scattering and consequently the absorption in the active materials. Unfortunately there is a tradeoff between these optical properties, which is exemplified by common transparent paper substrates exhibiting a transparency of about 90% yet a low optical haze (<20%). In this work we introduce a novel transparent paper made of wood fibers that display both ultra-high optical transparency (˜96%) and ultra-high haze (˜60%), thus delivering an optimal substrate design for solar cell devices. Compared to previously demonstrated nanopaper composed of wood-based cellulose nanofibers, our novel transparent paper has better dual performance in transmittance and haze, but also is fabricated at a much lower cost. This high-performance, low-cost transparent paper is a potentially revolutionary material that may influence a new generation of environmentally friendly printed electronics.

Abstract: As consistent with various embodiments, an electronic device includes a fibrous material having a conductive coating thereon. The conductive coating includes conductive nanoparticles coupled to fibers in the fibrous material. The structure is implemented in connection with a variety of devices, such as a capacitive device or a battery. Other embodiments are directed to forming conductive fibrous sheets, in dispersing a nanomaterial in a solution and applying the solution to a fibrous sheet, such as commercial paper, to form a conductive sheet.

Abstract: A method for forming a nano-textured surface on a substrate is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises dispensing of a nanoparticle ink of nanoparticles and solvent onto the surface of a substrate, distributing the ink to form substantially uniform, liquid nascent layer of the ink, and enabling the solvent to evaporate from the nanoparticle ink thereby inducing the nanoparticles to assemble into an texture layer. Methods in accordance with the present invention enable rapid formation of large-area substrates having a nano-textured surface. Embodiments of the present invention are well suited for texturing substrates using high-speed, large scale, roll-to-roll coating equipment, such as that used in office product, film coating, and flexible packaging applications. Further, embodiments of the present invention are well suited for use with rigid or flexible substrates.

Abstract: As consistent with various embodiments, an electronic device includes a carbon nanotube film having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In certain embodiments, a coating, such as an inorganic coating, is formed on a surface of carbon nanotube. The nanotube film supports the device and facilitates electrical conduction therein. The coated nanotube is amenable to implementation with devices such as thin film batteries, a battery separator, thin film solar cells and high-energy Lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A transparent electrochemical energy storage device includes a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte disposed between the electrodes. Each of the electrodes includes a substrate and a set of electrode materials that are arranged across the substrate in a pattern with a feature dimension no greater than 200 ?m and occupying an areal fraction in the range of 5% to 70%.