Abstract: The present disclosure concerns open-end carbon nanotubes assembled as a microelectrode array in electrode sets/micro-electrode sets (ES/micro-ES). The ES/micro-ES includes three electrodes that are made of highly densified multi-walled carbon nanotubes fibers (HD-CNTfs) sectioned into rods embedded in an inert polymer film with exposed open ends of CNTs at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The ES/micro-ES provide miniature electrochemical sensing devices in which all electrodes are based on carbon nanomaterials. The combination of dimensions and orientation provides for highly sensitive electrochemical determination (picomolar) of different electroactive analytes in different electrolyte mediums, where even a single drop of desired analyte solution will be enough for electrochemical characterization.

Abstract: A device for detecting freshness of a perishable item is provided. The device includes at least one sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in the perishable item. The device further includes an integrated circuit for converting information detected by the sensor into a signal. The device also includes an antenna portion for receiving and transmitting the signal from the integrated circuit. The at least one sensor, integrated circuit and antenna portion are printed on a single sheet such that the device is unitary.

Abstract: The method of covalently bonding carbon nanotubes to substrates is provided. The method comprises functionalizing a substrate and each open-end of a plurality of open-ended carbon nanotubes, embedding each of the plurality of open-ended carbon nanotubes within respective polymers, aligning, orthogonally, the plurality of open-ended carbon nanotubes relative to the substrate, and applying pressure on each of the plurality of open-ended carbon nanotubes relative to the substrate for enabling covalent bonding of each of the plurality of open-ended carbon nanotubes to the substrate.

Abstract: A device for detecting freshness of a perishable item is provided. The device includes at least one sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in the perishable item. The device further includes an integrated circuit for converting information detected by the sensor into a signal. The device also includes an antenna portion for receiving and transmitting the signal from the integrated circuit. The at least one sensor, integrated circuit and antenna portion are printed on a single sheet such that the device is unitary.

Abstract: A device for detecting freshness of a perishable item is provided. The device includes at least one sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in the perishable item. The device further includes an integrated circuit for converting information detected by the sensor into a signal. The device also includes an antenna portion for receiving and transmitting the signal from the integrated circuit. The at least one sensor, integrated circuit and antenna portion are printed on a single sheet such that the device is unitary.

Abstract: A device for detecting freshness of a perishable item is provided. The device includes at least one sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in the perishable item. The device further includes an integrated circuit for converting information detected by the sensor into a signal. The device also includes an antenna portion for receiving and transmitting the signal from the integrated circuit. The at least one sensor, integrated circuit and antenna portion are printed on a single sheet such that the device is unitary.

Abstract: A device for detecting freshness of a perishable item is provided. The device includes at least one sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in the perishable item. The device further includes an integrated circuit for converting information detected by the sensor into a signal. The device also includes an antenna portion for receiving and transmitting the signal from the integrated circuit. The at least one sensor, integrated circuit and antenna portion are printed on a single sheet such that the device is unitary.

Abstract: A device for detecting freshness of a perishable item is provided. The device includes at least one sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in the perishable item. The device further includes an integrated circuit for converting information detected by the sensor into a signal. The device also includes an antenna portion for receiving and transmitting the signal from the integrated circuit. The at least one sensor, integrated circuit and antenna portion are printed on a single sheet such that the device is unitary.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making low voltage joule heating elements (10, 40, 50) from carbon nanotubes (CNT) (32). In an embodiment, the heating element (10) includes layers (12) of aligned thin film CNTs. In another embodiment, the heating element (40) includes CNTs (32) dispersed in a polymer (34) to form a CNT polymer composite (30). In another embodiment, the heating element (50) includes CNT thread (52) stitched to a fabric (54). Each embodiment further includes a pair of electrodes (20, 22, 42, 44, 56, 58) that are configured to be couple to a source of electricity. Embodiments further include an encapsulating film (24, 46) over at least the heating element. The heating elements (10, 40, 50) produced by the processes disclosed herein are lightweight and highly efficient and suitable for many uses including incorporation into objects such as clothing and footwear.

Abstract: An electrode includes an insulating surface layer and at least one aligned carbon nanotube fiber embedded in the insulating surface layer. Each of the at least one aligned carbon nanotube fiber has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the first end and the second end are separated by a body. Each of the at least one aligned carbon nanotube fiber is composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The first end and the second end are free of the insulating surface layer. The second end is in contact with an electrical conductive material. A method of analyzing an analyte in a sample and a device for energy storage using the electrode are also described.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-based reference electrode and an all-carbon nanotube microelectrode assembly for electrochemical sensing and specialized analytics are disclosed, along with methods of manufacture, and applications including detection of ionic species including heavy metals in municipal and environmental water, monitoring of steel corrosion in steel-reinforced concrete, and analysis of biological fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making low voltage joule heating elements (10, 40, 50) from carbon nanotubes (CNT) (32). In an embodiment, the heating element (10) includes layers (12) of aligned thin film CNTs. In another embodiment, the heating element (40) includes CNTs (32) dispersed in a polymer (34) to form a CNT polymer composite (30). In another embodiment, the heating element (50) includes CNT thread (52) stitched to a fabric (54). Each embodiment further includes a pair of electrodes (20, 22, 42, 44, 56, 58) that are configured to be couple to a source of electricity. Embodiments further include an encapsulating film (24, 46) over at least the heating element. The heating elements (10, 40, 50) produced by the processes disclosed herein are lightweight and highly efficient and suitable for many uses including incorporation into objects such as clothing and footwear.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-based reference electrode and an all-carbon nanotube microelectrode assembly for electrochemical sensing and specialized analytics are disclosed, along with methods of manufacture, and applications including detection of ionic species including heavy metals in municipal and environmental water, monitoring of steel corrosion in steel-reinforced concrete, and analysis of biological fluids.

Abstract: Described are processes for making graphene pellet (GP) with a three-dimensional structure. The process includes forming a nickel pellet from nickel powder to function as a catalyst for graphene growth, exposing the nickel pellet to a hydrocarbon under conditions sufficient to grow graphene, and etching nickel from graphene with an acid resulting in a graphene pellet. Also described is a process for making a graphene paper from the graphene pellet comprising applying a compression force to the graphene pellet sufficient to compress the pellet. Also described is a method for forming a graphene pellet composite useful as an electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes carbon nanotube arrays having carbon nanotubes grown directly on a substrate and methods for making such carbon nanotube arrays. In various embodiments, the carbon nanotubes may be covalently bonded to the substrate by nanotube carbon-substrate covalent bonds. The present carbon nanotube arrays may be grown on substrates that are not typically conducive to carbon nanotube growth by conventional carbon nanotube growth methods. For example, the carbon nanotube arrays of the present disclosure may be grown on carbon substrates including carbon foil, carbon fibers and diamond. Methods for growing carbon nanotubes include a) providing a substrate, b) depositing a catalyst layer on the substrate, c) depositing an insulating layer on the catalyst layer, and d) growing carbon nanotubes on the substrate. Various uses for the carbon nanotube arrays are contemplated herein including, for example, electronic device and polymer composite applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes carbon nanotube arrays having carbon nanotubes grown directly on a substrate and methods for making such carbon nanotube arrays. In various embodiments, the carbon nanotubes may be covalently bonded to the substrate by nanotube carbon-substrate covalent bonds. The present carbon nanotube arrays may be grown on substrates that are not typically conducive to carbon nanotube growth by conventional carbon nanotube growth methods. For example, the carbon nanotube arrays of the present disclosure may be grown on carbon substrates including carbon foil, carbon fibers and diamond. Methods for growing carbon nanotubes include a) providing a substrate, b) depositing a catalyst layer on the substrate, c) depositing an insulating layer on the catalyst layer, and d) growing carbon nanotubes on the substrate. Various uses for the carbon nanotube arrays are contemplated herein including, for example, electronic device and polymer composite applications.