Patents by Inventor Richard B Kaner

Richard B Kaner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Polyaniline-based chlorine resistant hydrophilic filtration membranes
    Patent number: 10532328
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to chlorine-resistant filtration membranes comprising n-alkyl substituted polyaniline derivatives for use in, for example, water purification, and methods for making and using same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Eric M. V. Hoek, Richard B. Kaner, Xinwei Huang, Brian T. McVerry, Shaily Mahendra
  • UNIVERSAL SCALABLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE SURFACE MODIFICATIONS
    Publication number: 20190351375
    Abstract: Disclosed are fouling resistant filtration membranes comprising a polymeric thin-film membrane comprising a surface. Also disclosed are methods of modifying thin-film filtration membranes, thereby improving, for example, the anti-fouling properties of the membranes. Also disclosed are methods of purifying water using the disclosed membranes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Eric M. Hoek, Richard B. Kaner, Brian T. McVerry
  • METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR ACTIVATED CARBON SUPERCAPACITORS WITH MACROPOROUS ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20190333712
    Abstract: Energy storage devices comprising carbon-based electrodes and/or redox electrolytes are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the carbon-based electrodes comprise laser-scribed activated carbon comprising one or more micro-channels. In some embodiments, the redox electrolytes comprise a ferricyanide/ferrocyanide redox couple. Also described are processes, methods, protocols and the like for manufacturing carbon-based electrodes comprising micro-channels for use in high energy storage devices such as supercapacitors, and for manufacturing high energy storage devices comprising redox electrolytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Richard B. Kaner, Jee Youn Hwang, Mengping Li, Maher F. El-Kady
  • Polyaniline membranes formed by phase inversion for forward osmosis applications
    Patent number: 10456755
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are forward osmosis (FO) membranes comprising polyaniline. Methods of making the membranes, including methods of tuning the properties of the membranes by post-casting treatments, and methods of using the membranes in FO applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Eric M. V. Hoek, Mavis C. Y. Wong, Richard B. Kaner
  • Methods, devices and systems for activated carbon supercapacitors with macroporous electrodes
    Patent number: 10388466
    Abstract: Energy storage devices comprising carbon-based electrodes and/or redox electrolytes are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the carbon-based electrodes comprise laser-scribed activated carbon comprising one or more micro-channels. In some embodiments, the redox electrolytes comprise a ferricyanide/ferrocyanide redox couple. Also described are processes, methods, protocols and the like for manufacturing carbon-based electrodes comprising micro-channels for use in high energy storage devices such as supercapacitors, and for manufacturing high energy storage devices comprising redox electrolytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Richard B. Kaner, Jee Youn Hwang, Mengping Li, Maher F. El-Kady
  • REDOX AND ION-ADSORBTION ELECTRODES AND ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES
    Publication number: 20190237752
    Abstract: Provided herein are energy storage devices comprising a first electrode comprising a layered double hydroxide, a conductive scaffold, and a first current collector; a second electrode comprising a hydroxide and a second current collector; a separator; and an electrolyte. In some embodiments, the specific combination of device chemistry, active materials, and electrolytes described herein form storage devices that operate at high voltage and exhibit the capacity of a battery and the power performance of supercapacitors in one device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Maher F. El-Kady, Richard B. Kaner, Mir Fazlollah Mousavi
  • POLYANILINE MEMBRANES, USES, AND METHODS THERETO
    Publication number: 20190217254
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing the hydrophilicity of a membrane. Membranes comprising polyaniline or co-polymer thereof and one or more gel inhibiting agents are treated with one or more hydrophilicity restoration agents, thereby increasing the hydrophilicity of a membrane. Also disclosed are membranes produced by the disclosed methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Eric M. Hoek, Richard B. Kaner, Gregory R. Guillen, Thomas P. Farrell
  • Universal scalable and cost-effective surface modifications
    Patent number: 10315169
    Abstract: Disclosed are fouling resistant filtration membranes comprising a polymeric thin-film membrane comprising a surface. Also disclosed are methods of modifying thin-film filtration membranes, thereby improving, for example, the anti-fouling properties of the membranes. Also disclosed are methods of purifying water using the disclosed membranes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Eric M. V. Hoek, Richard B. Kaner, Brian T. McVerry
  • METHODS FOR CONDUCTIVE ADHESIVES BASED ON GRAPHENE AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF
    Publication number: 20190169472
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to conductive adhesives and inks. The disclosed conductive adhesives include glues and epoxies, based on graphene and graphene/carbon composites and the methods of manufacture thereof, such conductive adhesives exhibiting excellent conductivity, thermal properties, durability, low curing temperatures, mechanical flexibility, and reduced environmental impact. Further, adhesives with conductive additives such as silver nanowires and the methods of production thereof are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Maher F. El-Kady, Nahla Mohamed, Jack Kavanaugh, Richard B. Kaner
  • BIOFOULING RESISTANT COATINGS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20190167857
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions to use in biofouling-resistant coatings, biofouling-resistant coatings, methods of making biofouling-resistant coatings, biofouling-resistant devices, and methods of making biofouling-resistant devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Richard B. Kaner, Dayong Chen, Brian T. McVerry, Ethan Rao, Alexandra L. Polasko
  • METAL BORIDES AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20190135646
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, methods, and tools which comprise tungsten borides and mixed transition metal borides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Christopher L. Turner, Richard B. Kaner, Georgiy Akopov, Michael T. Yeung
  • HYBRID ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL
    Publication number: 20190123409
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid electrochemical cell with a first conductor having at least one portion that is both a first capacitor electrode and a first battery electrode. The hybrid electrochemical cell further includes a second conductor having at least one portion that is a second capacitor electrode and at least one other portion that is a second battery electrode. An electrolyte is in contact with both the first conductor and the second conductor. In some embodiments, the hybrid electrochemical cell further includes a separator between the first conductor and the second conductor to prevent physical contact between the first conductor and the second conductor, while facilitating ion transport between the first conductor and the second conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Maher F. El-Kady, Richard B. Kaner
  • Polyaniline membranes, uses, and methods thereto
    Patent number: 10265662
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing the hydrophilicity of a membrane. Membranes comprising polyaniline or co-polymer thereof and one or more gel inhibiting agents are treated with one or more hydrophilicity restoration agents, thereby increasing the hydrophilicity of a membrane. Also disclosed are membranes produced by the disclosed methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Eric M. V. Hoek, Richard B. Kaner, Gregory R. Guillen, Thomas P. Farrell
  • Hybrid electrochemical cell
    Patent number: 10211495
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid electrochemical cell with a first conductor having at least one portion that is both a first capacitor electrode and a first battery electrode. The hybrid electrochemical cell further includes a second conductor having at least one portion that is a second capacitor electrode and at least one other portion that is a second battery electrode. An electrolyte is in contact with both the first conductor and the second conductor. In some embodiments, the hybrid electrochemical cell further includes a separator between the first conductor and the second conductor to prevent physical contact between the first conductor and the second conductor, while facilitating ion transport between the first conductor and the second conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Maher F. El-Kady, Richard B. Kaner
  • Redox and ion-adsorbtion electrodes and energy storage devices
    Patent number: 10193139
    Abstract: Provided herein are energy storage devices comprising a first electrode comprising a layered double hydroxide, a conductive scaffold, and a first current collector; a second electrode comprising a hydroxide and a second current collector; a separator; and an electrolyte. In some embodiments, the specific combination of device chemistry, active materials, and electrolytes described herein form storage devices that operate at high voltage and exhibit the capacity of a battery and the power performance of supercapacitors in one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Maher F. El-Kady, Richard B. Kaner, Mir Fazlollah Mousavi
  • SIMPLE ROUTE TO HIGHLY CONDUCTIVE POROUS GRAPHENE FROM CARBON NANODOTS FOR SUPERCAPACITOR APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20190019630
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions directed to a promising class of nanomaterials called organic nanoparticles, or carbon nanodots. The present disclosure provides a facile method for the conversion of biomolecule-based carbon nanodots into high surface area three-dimensional graphene networks with excellent electrochemical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Volker Strauss, Richard B. Kaner, Maher F. El-Kady
  • COMPOSITIONAL VARIATIONS OF TUNGSTEN TETRABORIDE WITH TRANSITION METALS AND LIGHT ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20190017154
    Abstract: A composition includes tungsten (W); at least one element selected form the group of elements consisting of boron (B), beryllium (Be) and silicon (Si); and at least one element selected from the group of elements consisting of titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), ruthenium (Ru), hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), lithium (Li) and aluminum (Al). The composition satisfies the formula W1-xMxXy wherein X is one of B, Be and Si; M is at least one of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Hf, Ta, Re, Os, Ir, Li and Al; x is at least 0.001 and less than 0.999; and y is at least 4.0. A tool is made from or coated with this composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Richard B. KANER, Sarah H. TOLBERT, Reza MOHAMMADI, Andrew T. LECH, Miao XIE
  • ELECTRODES AND ELECTROLYTES FOR AQUEOUS ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20180366280
    Abstract: Energy storage devices comprising carbon-based electrodes comprising energy-dense faradaic materials and oxidation-reduction (redox) electrolytes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the carbon-based electrodes comprise energy-dense magnetite nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the redox electrolytes comprise ferricyanide/ferrocyanide redox couple. Also described are processes, methods, protocols, and the like for manufacturing carbon-based electrodes comprising magnetite nanoparticles for use in high energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and for manufacturing high energy storage devices comprising redox electrolytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: NANOTECH ENERGY, INC
    Inventors: Jee Youn Hwang, Maher F. El-Kady, Richard B. Kaner, Jack Kavanaugh
  • Compositional variations of tungsten tetraboride with transition metals and light elements
    Patent number: 10125412
    Abstract: A composition includes tungsten (W); at least one element selected form the group of elements consisting of boron (B), beryllium (Be) and silicon (Si); and at least one element selected from the group of elements consisting of titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), ruthenium (Ru), hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), lithium (Li) and aluminum (Al). The composition satisfies the formula W1-xMxXy wherein X is one of B, Be and Si; M is at least one of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Hf, Ta, Re, Os, Ir, Li and Al; x is at least 0.001 and less than 0.999; and y is at least 4.0. A tool is made from or coated with this composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Richard B. Kaner, Sarah H. Tolbert, Reza Mohammadi, Andrew T. Lech, Miao Xie
  • PURIFICATION AND DRYING OF GRAPHENE OXIDE
    Publication number: 20180319667
    Abstract: Provided herein are graphene materials, fabrication processes, and devices with improved performance and a high throughput. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides graphene oxide (GO) materials and methods for forming GO materials. Such methods for forming GO materials avoid the shortcomings of current forming methods, to facilitate facile, high-throughput production of GO materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Richard B. Kaner, Matthew Kowal, Dukwoo Jun