Abstract: A method for producing plasmonic nanomaterials that are catalytically or photocatalytically active by fabricating plasmonic nanostructures on substrates using electrodeposition into a nano-template structure and forming a plurality of nanorods in an array, wherein the nanorods are made from materials chosen from the group consisting of materials that are plasmonic and/or catalytic, and materials that are catalytically activated by depositing pure elemental metals, alloys, or alternating layers of different metals or alloys, and producing catalytic plasmonic nanomaterials. Catalytic plasmonic nanomaterials made from the above method. An optical reactor device that utilizes catalytic nanomaterials for photocatalytic synthesis of methanol or ammonia. A method of photocatalytic synthesis of methanol and ammonia by using catalytic plasmonic nanomaterial to convert CO2 and H2 to methanol and N2 and H2 to ammonia using optical power.

Abstract: The present invention is related to using a plasmonic energy conversion device comprised of a non-permeable substrate and of a plurality of nanorods, either free standing or embedded in aluminum matrix, that utilizes plasmons to generate vapor from a fluid as a result of being exposed to radiation. Methods of manufacturing the plasmonic energy converter device are described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to using a plasmonic energy conversion device comprised of a non-permeable substrate and of a plurality of nanorods, either free standing or embedded in aluminum matrix, that utilizes plasmons to generate vapor from a fluid as a result of being exposed to radiation. Methods of manufacturing the plasmonic energy converter device are described.

Abstract: A battery anode comprised of metallic nanowire arrays is disclosed. In one embodiment the lithium battery uses Silicon nanowires or another element that alloy with Lithium or another element to produce high capacity lithium battery anodes.

Abstract: A battery anode comprised of a coated metallic nanowire array is disclosed. In one embodiment, an array of copper nanowires is attached to a copper substrate and coated with amorphous silicon. The center to center spacing of the nanowires and their diameter and the coating thickness are set so that the silicon coating of neighboring nanowires does not touch or severely inhibit electrolyte flow after the silicon layer has expanded due to charge insertion. In another embodiment, the silicon coating fully covers the nanowires and the nanowires provide structural support that ameliorates stress in the silicon film due to charge cycling.

Abstract: Freestanding metallic nanowires attached to a metallic substrate are disclosed. A method of creating the nanowire structure using an anodized layer is presented. In one embodiment an optical SERS sensor is formed. The sensor head has at least one array of nanowires chemically functionalized to recognize molecules of interest. A method of forming a SERS sensor and using the sensor to analyze a sample is presented.

Abstract: A heat pipe with a nanostructured wick is disclosed, with the method of forming the nanostructured wick on a metal substrate. The wicking material is a pattern of metallic nanostructures in the form of bristles or nanowires attached to a substrate, where the bristles are substantially freestanding.

Abstract: Freestanding metallic nanowires attached to a metallic substrate are disclosed. A method of creating the nanowire structure using an anodized layer is presented. In one embodiment an optical SERS sensor is formed. The sensor head has at least one array of nanowires chemically functionalized to recognize molecules of interest. A method of forming a SERS sensor and using the sensor to analyze a sample is presented.

Abstract: An electron-emitting photocathode includes a base and a large number of projecting elements such as microscopic wires projecting from a surface of the base. The photocathode has high quantum efficiency, and hence can be used as the emitting element in a sensitive phototube.

Abstract: An electron-emitting photocathode includes a base and a large number of projecting elements such as microscopic wires projecting from a surface of the base. The photocathode has high quantum efficiency, and hence can be used as the emitting element in a sensitive phototube.