Abstract: The present invention is direct to a nano-probe corona tool and uses thereof. A nano-probe corona tool is disclosed having a tip with a diameter in the nano-scale, typically around 100 nm. The nano-probe corona tool is constructed of electrically conductive material. On the other end of the tool, a pulsed voltage source outputs a pulsed voltage to generated a pulsed electrical potential at the tip. The pulsed electrical potential at the tip causes a plasma discharge corona to occur. Uses of the corona discharge include, but are not limited to, optical emission spectroscopy, in the enhancement of deposition of coatings and nanoscale welding, e.g., nanotube or nanowires to a contact pad and welding two nanowires together, and in nanoscale surgery. For example, a nano-probe comprising CNTs may be inserted into cell membranes. The resulting corona discharge may be used to destroy tumors within the cell.

Abstract: A method for electrospraying nanosized metal or metal oxide particles onto a substrate. A metal oxide deposited fibrous material comprising a substrate, fibers and metal oxide particles may be made using the method. The material may be a flexible and porous fibrous matrix on which metal oxide particles may be uniformly deposited on a surface thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention is directed to an electrospun nanofibrous material on which electrosprayed photocatalytic metal oxide particles are uniformly deposited without agglomeration.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing a titania dispersion by blending two different titania dispersions synthesized by a solvothermal process and a hydrolysis process. The titania dispersion has a plurality of titania particles substantially uniformly dispersed therein and can be blended to provide a high concentration of titania with an anatase crystalline structure to provide the desired level of photocatalytic activity. The present invention also permits the preparation of transparent titania dispersions. The solution may be used for various decontamination and clean energy generation applications.

Abstract: Described herein are novel devices for the study of transport characteristics of complex or simple fluids, interactions among molecules in suspension, interactions between molecules in suspension and wall-bound molecules, and biochemical sensing devices made of reservoirs for fluid containment linked by a nanotubes. Also disclosed are methods of delivering medicaments and monitoring fluidic interactions of molecules or analytes.

Abstract: Disclosed are microporous carbon compositions suitable for use in supercapacitor devices, which compositions comprise pores having an average characteristic cross-sectional dimension of less than about 1 nm. Also described are electrodes and electrochemical cells that utilize the disclosed compositions and methods of making the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are supercapacitor materials comprising compositions having pores that are optimally sized to maximize capacitance. Also disclosed are related methods for fabricating such supercapacitors.

Abstract: Provided are functionalized nanodiamonds. Also provided are methods for fabricating such functionalized nanodiamonds. Also provided are composites including nanodiamonds and polymers. Also provided are methods for fabricating such composites including nanodiamonds and polymers. Also provided are electrospun fibers including nanodiamonds and polymers. Also provided are methods for fabricating such electrospun fibers including nanodiamonds and polymers.

Abstract: Provided are surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) devices suitable for intra-subject (e.g., intracellular) observation, which devices may be of nanoscale size. Also provided are related SERS analysis methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are metallized carbonaceous materials, processes for forming such materials, and electrodes and fuel cells comprising the disclosed materials.

Abstract: Provided are materials that effectively kill pathogenic bacteria and other organisms. Also disclosed are methods that concern the use of materials having biocidal activity, and biocidal systems that incorporate such materials.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing single-wall carbon nanotubes by extracting metals from a carbide by halogen treatment at a temperature ranging between 700 to 1700° C. at ambient or low pressure are provided.

Abstract: The presence of large amounts of non-diamond carbon in detonation synthesized nanodiamond (ND) severely limits applications of this exciting nanomaterial. An environmentally-friendly process is disclosed to selectively remove sp2-bonded carbon from ND. The content of up to 96% of sp3-bonded carbon in the oxidized samples is comparable to that found in microcrystalline diamond and is unprecedented for ND powders. Transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies show high purity 5-nm ND particles covered by oxygen-containing surface functional groups. The surface functionalization can be controlled by subsequent treatments. In contrast to current purification techniques, the disclosed process does not require the use of toxic or aggressive chemicals, catalysts or inhibitors and opens avenues for numerous new applications of nanodiamond.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanoporous carbonaceous membranes and related devices, along with associated methods.

Abstract: Methods for producing and using nanoporous carbide-derived carbon in applications involving gas storage are provided.

Abstract: Provided are products, systems, and methods relating to the removal of particles from fluid samples using mesoporous carbon materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for producing carbon nanotubes with embedded nanoparticles comprising providing a template comprising an anodized aluminum oxide membrane with a pore diameter of 20-200 nm; contacting the template with a solution containing nanoparticles; exposing the template and solution containing nanoparticles to sonication; removing the template from the solution; forming a carbon structure via chemical deposition of carbon on said template; and removing the template by exposing the template to a basic solution.

Abstract: Nanocellular high surface area materials of a carbon material with high surface area that is controllable and which exhibits high conductivity, controllable structure and a precisely controllable pore size and methods for production and use of these materials are provided.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes filled with a suspension or colloidal solution of functional nanoparticles and methods for production of carbon nanotubes loaded with functional nanoparticles are provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods for dissolving polyamides under ambient conditions and for forming polyamide nanofibers by electrospinning. Also provided are methods for incorporating nanoparticles, including nanotubes, into such nanofibers.

Abstract: Processes for the synthesis of high specific surface area nanoporous carbons by reacting select carbides with one or more halogens to produce compositions comprising carbon and halogens and contacting the reacted carbides with a species capable of removing the halogen are provided. Methods for removing halogen impurities from carbon compositions having pores and for modifying the surface terminations of carbon compositions having pores are also provided.