Abstract: A layered photovoltaic device and a composition for a topcoat of a photovoltaic device are described. The layers of the photovoltaic device include a topcoat and a silicon cell. The topcoat includes one or more first nanoparticles and a polymer. The first nanoparticles comprise a lattice material and two or more Lanthanide ions. The topcoat composition comprises a polymer and one or more first nanoparticles dispersed within the polymer. The one or more nanoparticles comprise a lattice including a first material comprising ytterbium.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions and methods for preparing nanocomposite compositions films are provided. The nanocomposite compositions include dendritic fibrous nanoparticles that have a diameter ranging from 50 to 500 nm, and a polymer matrix comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), where dendritic fibrous nanoparticles are dispersed within the polymer matrix, and where the PMMA is bound to the surface of the dendritic fibrous nanoparticles. Methods of preparing nanocomposite compositions and nanocomposite films including the nanocomposite compositions may include introducing dendritic fibrous nanoparticles into a mixture with a poly(methyl methacrylate) in a solution to form a composite solution.

Abstract: A functionalized inorganic filler includes a dendritic fibrous nanoparticle that has a surface functionality including at least one amine functional group linked to a surface of the dendritic fibrous nanoparticle. A method of making a functionalized inorganic filler includes reacting an inorganic particle precursor and a shape-directing agent to provide a dendritic fibrous nanoparticle, then reacting the dendritic fibrous nanoparticle with a reactive compound that has at least one amine functional group to form the functionalized inorganic filler. A polymer composite includes an epoxy-based polymer matrix and a functionalized inorganic filler.

Abstract: A functionalized inorganic filler includes an inorganic particle that including a surface functionality that is at least one reactive cyclic carbonate group linked to a surface of the inorganic particle. A method of making a functionalized inorganic filler includes providing inorganic particles with at least one reactive compound to form a reactive mixture, agitating the reactive mixture to form a modified inorganic particle having a reactive surface functionality, and reacting the modified inorganic particle with a cyclizing compound to form the functionalized inorganic filler. A polymer composite includes an epoxy-based polymer matrix including an amine curing agent and a functionalized inorganic filler.

Abstract: Transparent articles and methods of producing transparent articles are provided. The transparent article includes hydrophobic nanoparticles dispersed within poly(methyl methacrylate). The method of producing transparent articles includes pouring a transparent article precursor into a mold, the transparent article precursor comprising nanoparticles, a solvent, and a polymer, and the mold comprising a flat surface. The method also includes placing the mold into a container having an adjustable opening and allowing the solvent to evaporate from the transparent article precursor, thereby forming the transparent article over the flat surface of the mold. The method further includes flattening the transparent article, in which flattening the transparent article includes positioning a flat article on a first side of the transparent article, and compressing the transparent article between the flat surface and the flat article.

Abstract: A layered photovoltaic device and a composition for a topcoat of a photovoltaic device are described. The layers of the photovoltaic device include a topcoat and a silicon cell. The topcoat includes one or more first nanoparticles and a polymer. The first nanoparticles comprise a lattice material and two or more Lanthanide ions. The topcoat composition comprises a polymer and one or more first nanoparticles dispersed within the polymer. The one or more nanoparticles comprise a lattice including a first material comprising ytterbium.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions and methods for preparing nanocomposite compositions films are provided. The nanocomposite compositions include dendritic fibrous nanoparticles that have a diameter ranging from 50 to 500 nm, and a polymer matrix comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), where the dendritic fibrous nanoparticles have a hydrophobic coating and are dispersed within the PMMA matrix. Methods of preparing nanocomposite compositions may include introducing dendritic fibrous nanoparticles into a mixture with a poly(methyl methacrylate) and an organic solvent to form a composite solution. Methods further include casting the mixture onto a glass sheet within a mold, evaporating the organic solvent to form the nanocomposite film, and separating the nanocomposite film from the glass sheet.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, an antifouling material may be produced by forming a nanostructured mold, where a liquid mold precursor is contacted with a textured surface of a nanostructured template, the liquid mold precursor is solidified to the nanostructured template, and the formed nanostructured mold is removed from the nanostructured template. The antifouling material may be formed by contacting a liquid precursor mixture with a textured surface of the nanostructured mold, solidifying the liquid precursor mixture onto the nanostructured mold, and removing the formed antifouling material from the nanostructured mold. The antifouling material may include a nanostructured surface and may further include a toxin.

Abstract: A protective fabric jacket for placement on an object to be protected from excessive heat includes a first layer; a second layer; and an intermediate spacer fabric layer that is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The first and second layers are attached to the intermediate spacer fabric layer to form a layered structure. The intermediate spacer fabric layer comprises a flexible honeycomb or octagonal shaped spacer fabric that has a plurality of cells defined therein. The protective fabric jacket also includes a settable material that disposed within the cells and includes a cementitious mixture and one or more organic polymers and is settable to a hardened material.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for installing in a prepared area along a ground surface a protective structural support proximate a buried pipeline in an automated manner. The vehicle includes a chassis with a plurality of wheels and a payload release mechanism coupled to the chassis and including a roller for holding the protective structural support. The payload release mechanism is configured to dispense and lay down the protective structural support in the prepared area. The vehicle includes a liquid dispensing mechanism that is coupled to the chassis and is located downstream of the payload release mechanism. The liquid dispensing mechanism includes a liquid source and a dispenser that is in fluid communication with the liquid source and is configured to dispense liquid across a spray area.

Abstract: A protective fabric jacket for placement on an object to be protected from excessive heat includes a first layer; a second layer; and an intermediate spacer fabric layer that is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The first and second layers are attached to the intermediate spacer fabric layer to form a layered structure. The intermediate spacer fabric layer comprises a flexible honeycomb or octagonal shaped spacer fabric that has a plurality of cells defined therein. The protective fabric jacket also includes a settable material that disposed within the cells and includes a cementitious mixture and one or more organic polymers and is settable to a hardened material.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for installing in a prepared area along a ground surface a protective structural support proximate a buried pipeline in an automated manner. The vehicle includes a chassis with a plurality of wheels and a payload release mechanism coupled to the chassis and including a roller for holding the protective structural support. The payload release mechanism is configured to dispense and lay down the protective structural support in the prepared area. The vehicle includes a liquid dispensing mechanism that is coupled to the chassis and is located downstream of the payload release mechanism. The liquid dispensing mechanism includes a liquid source and a dispenser that is in fluid communication with the liquid source and is configured to dispense liquid across a spray area.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions and methods for preparing nanocomposite compositions films are provided. The nanocomposite compositions include dendritic fibrous nanoparticles that have a diameter ranging from 50 to 500 nm, and a polymer matrix comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), where dendritic fibrous nanoparticles are dispersed within the polymer matrix, and where the PMMA is bound to the surface of the dendritic fibrous nanoparticles. Methods of preparing nanocomposite compositions and nanocomposite films including the nanocomposite compositions may include introducing dendritic fibrous nanoparticles into a mixture with a poly(methyl methacrylate) in a solution to form a composite solution.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions and methods for preparing nanocomposite compositions films are provided. The nanocomposite compositions include dendritic fibrous nanoparticles that have a diameter ranging from 50 to 500 nm, and a polymer matrix comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), where the dendritic fibrous nanoparticles have a hydrophobic coating and are dispersed within the PMMA matrix. Methods of preparing nanocomposite compositions may include introducing dendritic fibrous nanoparticles into a mixture with a poly(methyl methacrylate) and an organic solvent to form a composite solution. Methods further include casting the mixture onto a glass sheet within a mold, evaporating the organic solvent to form the nanocomposite film, and separating the nanocomposite film from the glass sheet.

Abstract: A protective fabric jacket for placement on an object to be protected from excessive heat includes a first layer; a second layer; and an intermediate spacer fabric layer that is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The first and second layers are attached to the intermediate spacer fabric layer to form a layered structure. The intermediate spacer fabric layer comprises a flexible honeycomb or octagonal shaped spacer fabric that has a plurality of cells defined therein. The protective fabric jacket also includes a settable material that disposed within the cells and includes a cementitious mixture and one or more organic polymers and is settable to a hardened material.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules include a front sheet, a back sheet, a photovoltaic layer, a first encapsulant layer, and a second encapsulant layer. The front sheet is made of or includes a composite of a thermoplastic material and a nanoparticle filler dispersed in the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is a poly(methyl methacrylate) or a polycarbonate. The nanoparticle filler may include nanoparticles such as silica nanoparticles, titania nanoparticles, zirconia nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and combinations thereof, for example. The photovoltaic layer is interposed between the front sheet and the back sheet and includes at least one photovoltaic cell. The first encapsulant layer is interposed between the front sheet and the at least one photovoltaic cell. The second encapsulant layer is interposed between the at least one photovoltaic cell and the back sheet.

Abstract: Transparent articles and methods of producing transparent articles are provided. The transparent article includes hydrophobic nanoparticles dispersed within poly(methyl methacrylate). The method of producing transparent articles includes pouring a transparent article precursor into a mold, the transparent article precursor comprising nanoparticles, a solvent, and a polymer, and the mold comprising a flat surface. The method also includes placing the mold into a container having an adjustable opening and allowing the solvent to evaporate from the transparent article precursor, thereby forming the transparent article over the flat surface of the mold. The method further includes flattening the transparent article, in which flattening the transparent article includes positioning a flat article on a first side of the transparent article, and compressing the transparent article between the flat surface and the flat article.