Abstract: A self-healable hydrogel of acrylic acid (AA) graft copolymerized with gum Arabic (GA) via ferric ions cross-linking. The GA is imparted as a cluster molecule that offers a diffusionless solvent independent non-bonding interaction in the hydrogel and mediate strong bonding interactions. Methods of fabricating the hydrogel and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) are also described. Besides self-healing characteristics, the TENG device retains high output performance of ambient state, at aqueous and frozen states owing to availability of electrostatically triggered diffusionless interaction in all states.

Abstract: A WEC which includes a housing, a stator which is fixed to the housing, a rotor movable to the stator, and an oscillating mass connected to the rotor. The oscillating mass is adapted to oscillate as a result of tilting and horizontal movements of the housing. The oscillating mass is further adapted to rotate along with the rotor. A friction generated between the rotor and the stator upon relative movement between the stator and the rotor induces electricity. The WEC is demonstrated to be able to absorb water-wave energy from all directions and convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy through the R-TENG system under low to high frequency simulated water wave motion.

Abstract: A hydrogel preparation 10 is disclosed as including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) 12, fumaric acid 14, a plurality of cavities 16 formed by the CMC and the fumaric acid, and zinc oxide 26 and/or xylitol 24 within the cavities.

Abstract: A triboelectric generator includes a first triboelectric material providing a first surface, a first electrode attached to the first triboelectric material, a second triboelectric material providing a second surface for contacting the first surface, and a second electrode attached to the second triboelectric material. The second triboelectric material is different from the first triboelectric material. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to be electrically connected via an electrical connection. The first triboelectric material comprises a polymer material and an organic semiconductor material arranged in the polymer material.

Abstract: A triboelectric generator includes a first triboelectric material providing a first surface, a first electrode attached to the first triboelectric material, a second triboelectric material providing a second surface for contacting the first surface, and a second electrode attached to the second triboelectric material. The second triboelectric material is different from the first triboelectric material. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to be electrically connected via an electrical connection. The first triboelectric material comprises a polymer material and an organic semiconductor material arranged in the polymer material.

Abstract: A functional cashmere fiber includes a cashmere fiber, a boron-doped TiO2 layer and a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder. The CMC binder binds the boron-doped TiO2 layer on the cashmere fiber such that the boron-doped TiO2 layer at least partially covers the cashmere fiber. The functional cashmere fiber provides self-cleaning function under visible light and high washing stability.

Abstract: A method for making an aerogel includes the steps of a) soaking a wet gel having a liquid phase in at least one solvent to substantially replace the liquid phase in the wet gel with the solvent to form a soaked gel; b) freezing the soaked gel to form a frozen gel; and c) drying the frozen gel in a vacuum chamber to form an aerogel.

Abstract: A method for making an aerogel includes the steps of a) soaking a wet gel having a liquid phase in at least one solvent to substantially replace the liquid phase in the wet gel with the solvent to form a soaked gel; b) freezing the soaked gel to form a frozen gel; and c) drying the frozen gel in a vacuum chamber to form an aerogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the catalytic synthesis of lactide from lactic acid. The method relates to the synthesis of lactide from lactic acid under the catalysis of a zinc oxide nanoparticle aqueous dispersion as a catalyst. The present invention has four technical characteristics: I. the zinc oxide nanoparticle aqueous dispersion catalyst has a sufficient surface area, and the size of nanoparticles is merely 30-40 nm, providing a sufficient contact area between the substrate (lactic acid) and the catalyst; II. the new catalyst has a milder catalytic effect on polymerization, allowing the molecular weight distribution of a prepolymer within a range of 400-1500 g/mol, which is advantageous for depolymerization to proceed; III. the new catalyst is stable, thus avoiding oxidation or carbonization in a high temperature reaction; and IV. the new catalyst has a low toxicity and a small threat to human health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the catalytic synthesis of lactide from lactic acid. The method relates to the synthesis of lactide from lactic acid under the catalysis of a zinc oxide nanoparticle aqueous dispersion as a catalyst. The present invention has four technical characteristics: I. the zinc oxide nanoparticle aqueous dispersion catalyst has a sufficient surface area, and the size of nanoparticles is merely 30-40 nm, providing a sufficient contact area between the substrate (lactic acid) and the catalyst; II. the new catalyst has a milder catalytic effect on polymerization, allowing the molecular weight distribution of a prepolymer within a range of 400-1500 g/mol, which is advantageous for depolymerization to proceed; III. the new catalyst is stable, thus avoiding oxidation or carbonization in a high temperature reaction; and IV. the new catalyst has a low toxicity and a small threat to human health.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of making single phase nanocrystalline titanium dioxide. It is hereby provided a method for preparing single-phase anatase type titanium dioxide photocatalyst having a particle size of nano level at near room temperatures without the need for a sintering process at high temperatures.

Abstract: Existing methods of coating titanium oxide, like impregnation, may suffer from low adhesion between the coatings and the substrate surface. Further, high temperatures may be required, and may not be suitable to substrates that cannot withstand high temperatures. This invention provides a coating of titanium dioxide to an article. First, a sol mixture is formed by mixing a precursor of titanium dioxide with a solvent at an acidic pH. The sol mixture is then coated onto the article. The method of this invention may coat titanium dioxide onto an article without application of high temperatures. Further, the adhesion between the titanium dioxide and the article may be improved.