Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and materials for preparing a titania nanoparticle product. For example, titania nanoparticle products having desirable optical properties such as a desirable refractive index are prepared according to the methods provided herein.

Abstract: Traditional solar control applications rely on thin metal films to reflect EM radiation with wavelengths longer than that of the visible spectrum. Unfortunately such films also block radiation in cellular, GPS, and radio frequency bands. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a selectively-blocking filter that uses one or more optical filters tuned to a specific range(s) of wavelengths (e.g. for blocking IR radiation), while readily transmitting other wavelengths (e.g. both visible light and cellular/GPS signals). The filters can be manufactured on both flexible and rigid substrates.

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials, apparatuses, and methods for making multilayer coatings with a high degree of efficiency and control. In some aspects, for example, coatings are described having multiple layers of nanoparticles and a polyelectrolyte, wherein the nanoparticles form tightly packed monolayers. The interface between monolayers may include polyelectrolyte material. One or more aspects of such monolayers and interfaces are controllable.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and materials for preparing bridging films. In one aspect, the bridging films are non-porous and are suitable for protecting adjacent porous films. For example, the bridging films contact a porous film and protect the porous film from transfer of gases and/or liquids into the pores of the porous film. In another example, bridging films protect the porous film from abrasion.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and materials for preparing a titania nanoparticle product. For example, titania nanoparticle products having desirable optical properties such as a desirable refractive index are prepared according to the methods provided herein.

Abstract: Traditional solar control applications rely on thin metal films to reflect EM radiation with wavelengths longer than that of the visible spectrum. Unfortunately such films also block radiation in cellular, GPS, and radio frequency bands. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a selectively-blocking filter that uses one or more optical filters tuned to a specific range(s) of wavelengths (e.g. for blocking IR radiation), while readily transmitting other wavelengths (e.g. both visible light and cellular/GPS signals). The filters can be manufactured on both flexible and rigid substrates.

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials, apparatuses, and methods for making multilayer coatings with a high degree of efficiency and control. In some aspects, for example, coatings are described having multiple layers of nanoparticles and a polyelectrolyte, wherein the nanoparticles form tightly packed monolayers. The interface between monolayers may include polyelectrolyte material. One or more aspects of such monolayers and interfaces are controllable.

Abstract: Durable coatings and methods for producing the same are provided, where the coatings may include porous coatings encapsulated with a hardening solution that permeates into the porous structure of the film prior to curing. Curing of the hardening solution within the film provides for a durable coating having sufficient durability for use in many different applications, such as optical applications. Any convenient porous coatings may be used in the subject methods. Also provided are methods for forming a coating formulation, where the formulation includes porous coating particles dispersed in a carrier and the porous coating particles may be optionally encapsulated with a hardening solution prior to dispersion.

Abstract: A process for altering the thermoelectric properties of an electrically conductive material is provided. The process includes providing an electrically conducting material and a substrate. The electrically conducting material is brought into contact with the substrate. A thermal gradient can be applied to the electrically conducting material and a voltage applied to the substrate. In this manner, the electrical conductivity, the thermoelectric power and/or the thermal conductivity of the electrically conductive material can be altered and the figure of merit increased.

Abstract: A method for the non-catalytic growth of nanowires is provided. The method includes a reaction chamber with the chamber having an inlet end, an exit end and capable of being heated to an elevated temperature. A carrier gas with a flow rate is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through the inlet end and exit the chamber through the exit end. Upon passing through the chamber the carrier gas comes into contact with a precursor which is heated within the reaction chamber. A collection substrate placed downstream from the precursor allows for the formation and growth of nanowires thereon without the use of a catalyst. A second embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a reaction chamber, a carrier gas, a precursor target, a laser beam and a collection substrate. The carrier gas with a flow rate and a gas pressure is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through an inlet end and exit the reaction chamber through the exit end.

Abstract: A process for altering the thermoelectric properties of an electrically conductive material is provided. The process includes providing an electrically conducting material and a substrate. The electrically conducting material is brought into contact with the substrate. A thermal gradient can be applied to the electrically conducting material and a voltage applied to the substrate. In this manner, the electrical conductivity, the thermoelectric power and/or the thermal conductivity of the electrically conductive material can be altered and the figure of merit increased.

Abstract: A method for the non-catalytic growth of nanowires is provided. The method includes a reaction chamber with the chamber having an inlet end, an exit end and capable of being heated to an elevated temperature. A carrier gas with a flow rate is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through the inlet end and exit the chamber through the exit end. Upon passing through the chamber the carrier gas comes into contact with a precursor which is heated within the reaction chamber. A collection substrate placed downstream from the precursor allows for the formation and growth of nanowires thereon without the use of a catalyst. A second embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a reaction chamber, a carrier gas, a precursor target, a laser beam and a collection substrate. The carrier gas with a flow rate and a gas pressure is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through an inlet end and exit the reaction chamber through the exit end.