Abstract: Size-confined nanocomposite powders and methods for their manufacture are provided by coating fine powders with a nanoscale powder of a different composition. The nanocomposite plastics disclosed offer performance characteristics approaching those of metals and alloys. The nanocomposite powders are alternatively used for dispersion strengthening of metals, alloys, and ceramics. Novel materials based nanotechnology for energy devices and programmable drug delivery are disclosed.

Abstract: Sensors for monitoring environmental variables such as chemical composition are disclosed. These low-cost sensors comprise multiple layers in a laminated stack. Very high numbers of sensing layers (e.g., 500) may be incorporated into a single laminated sensor device. The sensors may be produced from nanostructured materials. Additionally, multilayer magnetic, optical, photonic, thermal and biomedical sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of rapidly monitoring the temperature of a medium and a method of preparing a quantum confined device that can enable such measurements. The monitoring principle uses changes in impedance of nanostructured devices, i.e. devices in which one or more materials have the domain size precision engineered to less than 500 nanometers, preferably to dimensions less than the domain sizes where quantum confinement effects become significant and modify the electrical or thermal properties of the materials. The invention can be used to monitor absolute values of and changes in temperature of gases, inorganic and organic liquids, solids, suspensions, and mixtures of one or more of the said phases. The invention can be used to monitor radiation, power, heat and mass flow, charge and momentum flow, and phase transformation.

Abstract: Novel non-ionics and energy device materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel energy related products.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are disclosed. Novel sensing materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel sensing devices and products.

Abstract: Novel multilaminated nano-engineered devices and methods of forming multi-layer devices that exhibit quantum-confinement effects are disclosed. Benefits of multi-layer sensing, piezoelectric, photonic, biomedical, and thermal devices based on nanomaterials are disclosed. Quantum-confined device layer thickness can be in the range of 1 nm to 10 cm, a preferred thickness being less than 10 microns, and a most preferred thickness being less than 1 micron. Devices can be built using chalcogenides, oxides, nitrides, borides, phosphides, halides, silicates, hydrides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, and other complex compositions. Sensors for monitoring environmental variables such as chemical composition are disclosed. These low-cost sensors comprise multiple layers in a laminated stack. Very high numbers of sensing layers (e.g., 500) may be incorporated into a single laminated sensor device. The sensors may be produced from nanostructured materials.

Abstract: A magnetic material having a magnetic layer on a surface of a tape wherein the magnetic layer comprises a solid matrix material and a nanostructured magnetic material.

Abstract: An ionic conducting device comprising a nanostructured material layer. The nanostructured layer has a microstructure confined to a size less than 100 nm. The ion conductivity of the nanostructured layer is higher than the ion conductivity of a layer of equivalent composition and size having a micron-sized microstructure.

Abstract: The production and selection of precursor mixtures used to produce fine powders and methods for making fine powders using the selected precursor. The precursor mixture comprises at least one metal containing precursor, the metal containing precursor has an average molecular weight of less than 2000 grams per unit mol of the metal, the metal containing precursor has a normal boiling point greater than 350K, and the viscosity of the precursor mixture is between 0.1 to 250 cP. The precursor mixture is processed under conditions that produce a fine powder from the precursor mixture. Fine powders produced are of size less than 100 microns, preferably less than 10 micron, more preferably less than 1 micron, and most preferably less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Novel inks and dopant materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel ink and dopant-based products.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are disclosed. Novel catalysts and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel catalysts for petrochemical, polymers, plastics, specialty chemicals, environmental and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are disclosed. Novel photonic materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel photonic and optical applications.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are provided and electronic materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the uses of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for electronic products.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are disclosed. Novel biomedical materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel biomedical products.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are disclosed. Novel electromagnetic materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel electrical devices and products.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are disclosed. Novel magnetic materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel magnetic devices and products.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-equilibrium, non-stoichiometric materials and device made using the nanonostructured non-equilibrium non-stoichiometric materials are provided. Applications and methods of implementing such devices and applications are also provided. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanostructured non-equilibrium, non-stoichiometric materials in polymer and plastic filler applications, electrical devices, magnetic products, fuels, biomedical applications, markers, drug delivery, optical components, thermal devices, catalysts, combinatorial discovery of materials, and various manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Methods for lowering processing and raw material costs are disclosed. Specifically, the use of nanostructured powders is disclosed for faster and lower sintering temperatures whereby electrodes currently employing platinum can be substituted with lower melting point metals and alloys.

Abstract: Ion conducting solid electrolytes are constructed from nanoscale precursor material. Nanocrystalline powders are pressed into disc structures and sintered to the appropriate degree of densification. Metallic material is mixed with 0 to 65 vol % nanostructured electrolyte powders to form a cermet mix and then coated on each side of the disc and fitted with electrical leads. The electrical conductivity of a Ag/YSZ/Ag cell so assembled exhibited about an order of magnitude enhancement in oxygen ion conductivity. As an oxygen-sensing element in a standard O2/Ag/YSZ/Ag/N2 set up, the nanocrystalline YSZ element exhibited commercially significant oxygen ion conductivity at low temperatures. The invention can be utilized to prepare nanostructured ion conducting solid electrolytes for a wide range of applications, including sensors, oxygen pumps, fuel cells, batteries, electrosynthesis reactors and catalytic membranes.

Abstract: Ion conducting solid electrolytes are constructed from nanoscale precursor material. Nanocrystalline powders are pressed into disc structures and sintered to the appropriate degree of densification. Metallic material is mixed with 0 to 65 vol % nanostructured electrolyte powders to form a cermet mix and then coated on each side of the disc and fitted with electrical leads. The electrical conductivity of a Ag/YSZ/Ag cell so assembled exhibited about an order of magnitude enhancement in oxygen ion conductivity. As an oxygen-sensing element in a standard O2/Ag/YSZ/Ag/N2 set up, the nanocrystalline YSZ element exhibited commercially significant oxygen ion conductivity at low temperatures. The invention can be utilized to prepare nanostructured ion conducting solid electrolytes for a wide range of applications, including sensors, oxygen pumps, fuel cells, batteries, electrosynthesis reactors and catalytic membranes.