Abstract: Provided are composite articles having a membrane and a porous substrate, where the porous substrate has the membrane disposed thereon. The membrane has two layers, where the first layer has the second layer disposed thereon, and each layer has a plurality of polymer chains with a plurality of silicon-oxygen groups and a plurality of silicon-carbon groups. The first layer has a silicon to oxygen ratio of about 4:1 to about 1:1.25 and a silicon to carbon ratio of about 1:2 to about 1:10, and the second layer has a silicon to oxygen ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:2 and a silicon to carbon ratio of about 2:1 to about 10:1. At least a portion of the polymer chains of the second layer am crosslinked. The composite articles may be used in gas separation methods. Also provided are methods of making the composite articles and devices utilizing the composite articles.

Abstract: Described are methods of making silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials. Also provided are silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials, which are made using the methods of the present disclosure. Also provided are electrode materials and ion-conducting batteries including the silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Provided are boron nanoparticles. The boron nanoparticles can be made by pyrolysis of a boron precursor (e.g., a boron hydride such as, for example, diborane) using a photosensitizer and electromagnetic radiation of an appropriate wavelength. The boron nanoparticles can be functionalized. The boron nanoparticles can be hydrogen-containing boron nanoparticles (e.g., hydrogen-terminated boron nanoparticles). Also provided are methods of hydrogen generation using boron nanoparticles, an activator, and water. Examples of activators include, but are not limited to, Li, Na, K, LiH, NaH, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for facilitating repair of an area of bone by providing hemihydrate calcium sulfate particles, mixing the particles with an aqueous solution to obtain a paste, applying the paste to an area of bone in need of repair, and allowing the paste to set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for facilitating repair of an area of bone by providing hemihydrate calcium sulfate particles, mixing the particles with an aqueous solution to obtain a paste, applying the paste to an area of bone in need of repair, and allowing the paste to set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles having uniformly hydrogen-terminated surfaces that are essentially free of residual oxygen. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a blue-emitting photoluminescent silicon nanoparticle. The present invention further relates to a composition that includes a photoluminescent silicon nanoparticle having a surface that is uniformly hydrogen-terminated and essentially free of residual oxygen. The present invention also relates to a composition including a photoluminescent silicon nanoparticle having a surface that is uniformly coated with an organic layer and essentially free of residual oxygen. The present invention additionally relates to a composition including a photoluminescent silicon nanoparticle stably dispersed in an organic solvent and having a surface that is uniformly coated with an organic layer and essentially free of residual oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making non-spherical semiconductor nanocrystals. This method involves providing a reaction mixture containing a first precursor compound, a solvent, and a surfactant, where the first precursor compound has a Group II or a Group IV element and contacting the reaction mixture with a pure noble metal nanoparticle seed. The reaction mixture is heated. A second precursor compound having a Group VI element is added to the heated reaction mixture under conditions effective to produce non-spherical semiconductor nanocrystals. Non-spherical semiconductor nanocrystals and nanocrystal populations made by the above method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing nickel nanoparticles. The process involves heating a nickel precursor generated in situ in the presence of a carrier gas under conditions effective to decompose the nickel precursor and produce nickel nanoparticles.