Abstract: A conformal graphene-encapsulated battery electrode material is formed by: (1) coating a battery electrode material with a metal catalyst to form a metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material; (2) growing graphene on the metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material to form a graphene cage encapsulating the metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material; and (3) at least partially removing the metal catalyst to form a void inside the graphene cage.

Abstract: A conformal graphene-encapsulated battery electrode material is formed by: (1) coating a battery electrode material with a metal catalyst to form a metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material; (2) growing graphene on the metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material to form a graphene cage encapsulating the metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material; and (3) at least partially removing the metal catalyst to form a void inside the graphene cage.

Abstract: A battery electrode material includes: 1) primary particles formed of an electrochemically active material; and 2) a secondary particle defining multiple, discrete internal volumes, wherein the primary particles are disposed within respective ones of the internal volumes.

Abstract: Described here is a method for making an anode of a rechargeable battery, comprising incorporating a composition comprising LixM into the anode, wherein M is a Group 14 element. Also described here is an anode comprising a composition comprising LixM, wherein M is a Group 14 element, and a rechargeable battery comprising the anode.

Abstract: A conformal graphene-encapsulated battery electrode material is formed by: (1) coating a battery electrode material with a metal catalyst to form a metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material; (2) growing graphene on the metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material to form a graphene cage encapsulating the metal catalyst-coated battery electrode material; and (3) at least partially removing the metal catalyst to form a void inside the graphene cage.

Abstract: A process that allows convenient production of multifunctional composite particles by direct self-assembly of hydrophobic nanoparticles on host nanostructures containing high density surface thiol groups is present. Hydrophobic nanoparticles of various compositions and combinations can be directly assembled onto the host surface through the strong coordination interactions between metal cations and thiol groups. The resulting structures can be further conveniently overcoated with a layer of normal silica to stabilize the assemblies and render them highly dispersible in water for biomedical applications. As the entire fabrication process does not involve complicated surface modification procedures, the hydrophobic ligands on the nanoparticles are not disturbed significantly so that they retain their original properties such as highly efficient luminescence.

Abstract: Described here is a method for making an anode of a rechargeable battery, comprising incorporating a composition comprising LixM into the anode, wherein M is a Group 14 element. Also described here is an anode comprising a composition comprising LixM, wherein M is a Group 14 element, and a rechargeable battery comprising the anode.

Abstract: A battery electrode material includes: 1) primary particles formed of an electrochemically active material; and 2) a secondary particle defining multiple, discrete internal volumes, wherein the primary particles are disposed within respective ones of the internal volumes.

Abstract: A process that allows convenient production of multifunctional composite particles by direct self-assembly of hydrophobic nanoparticles on host nanostructures containing high density surface thiol groups is present. Hydrophobic nanoparticles of various compositions and combinations can be directly assembled onto the host surface through the strong coordination interactions between metal cations and thiol groups. The resulting structures can be further conveniently overcoated with a layer of normal silica to stabilize the assemblies and render them highly dispersible in water for biomedical applications. As the entire fabrication process does not involve complicated surface modification procedures, the hydrophobic ligands on the nanoparticles are not disturbed significantly so that they retain their original properties such as highly efficient luminescence.