Abstract: The invention is directed to environmentally stable solid lubricant coatings with bilayer transition-metal dichalcogenide structures that are designed to resist the effects of oxidation during long term storage, or during short exposures under conditions that would oxidize similar films that do not have these bilayer structures. In addition to improving oxidation resistance, these bilayer structures also facilitate the more rapid establishment of a low, steady-state friction coefficient than is possible with similar films that do not have these bilayer structures.

Abstract: Exhaled breath contains trace levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can reveal information about metabolic processes or pathogens in the body. These molecules can be used for medical diagnosis, but capturing and accurately measuring them is a significant challenge in chemical separations. A highly selective nanoporous metal-organic framework (MOF) sorbent can be used to capture target molecules from a breath sample and pre-concentrate them for use in a detector. As examples, a series of Zr-based MOFs, MOF-818, PCN-777, and UiO-66, each recover around 40-60% of the targets (with the exception of acetaldehyde) at up to 95% relative humidity. In addition, a series of hydrophobic MOFs modified with fluorine functional groups were synthesized that have increased affinity for VOCs in the presence of humidity. In particular, fluorinated MOF-808 derivatives demonstrated substantial increase in the retention of target VOCs adsorbed from a humid gas stream with ppm level VOC concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of forming a film between two surfaces, in which the film includes diamond-like carbon. Also provided herein are uses of such films, such in sliding contacts and in metal coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal coatings and methods thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to ultra-low wear noble metal alloys, such as for use in electrical contact coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of forming a film between two surfaces, in which the film includes diamond-like carbon. Also provided herein are uses of such films, such in sliding contacts and in metal coatings.

Abstract: A nanosolder comprises a first metal nanoparticle core coated with a second metal shell, wherein the first metal has a higher surface energy and smaller atomic size than the second metal. For example, a bimetallic nanosolder can comprise a protective Ag shell “glued” around a reactive Cu nanoparticle. As an example, a 3-D epitaxial Cu-core and Ag-shell structure was generated from a mixture of copper and silver nanoparticles in toluene at temperatures as low as 150° C.

Abstract: A nanosolder comprises a first metal nanoparticle core coated with a second metal shell, wherein the first metal has a higher surface energy and smaller atomic size than the second metal. For example, a bimetallic nanosolder can comprise a protective Ag shell “glued” around a reactive Cu nanoparticle. As an example, a 3-D epitaxial Cu-core and Ag-shell structure was generated from a mixture of copper and silver nanoparticles in toluene at temperatures as low as 150° C.