Abstract: A thermoelectric generator and methods of fabricating a thermoelectric generator are disclosed. An exemplary thermoelectric generator includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a thermocouple disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The upper electrode, the lower electrode, and the thermocouple are configured to effect heat flux laterally through the thermocouple.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for embedded thermoelectric generators are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus is embedded in an interface where the ambient temperatures on two sides of the interface are different. In one embodiment, the apparatus is fabricated with the interface in integrity as a unitary piece. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first thermoelectric material embedded through the interface. The apparatus further includes a second thermoelectric material embedded through the interface. The first thermoelectric material is electrically coupled to the second thermoelectric material. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes an output structure coupled to the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material and configured to output a voltage.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating electricity including thermoelectric generators, the generators converting a heat difference between a first and a second surface of a generator in electricity, elements to provide a heated first medium to the first surfaces of the one or more thermoelectric generators and elements to provide a second medium with a temperature lower than that of the first medium to the second surfaces of the one or more thermoelectric generators. The first medium is heated by solar energy collector elements, which solar energy collector elements transfer collected solar energy to air passing through the solar energy collector elements. The first medium is a working fluid or the heated air itself. The second medium is a working fluid or ambient air with a lower temperature than the first medium.

Abstract: The Seebeck effect is the generation of a voltage between two junctions of dissimilar materials, and this effect is used to convert heat to electricity using thermoelectric modules containing a plurality of junctions. The efficiency of power generation using these modules is typically very low and much lower than rotating machines such as gas turbines and steam turbines combined with rotating electrical generators. This disclosure presents a method for increasing the efficiency of these thermoelectric modules significantly by thermally switching the heat source to the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module which has a P-type thermoelectric conversion material and an N-type thermoelectric conversion material electrically connected to each other. The P-type thermoelectric conversion material and the N-type thermoelectric conversion material are joined with insulating material particles (ceramic spherical particles) interposed therebetween, so as not to be electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: An nanoantenna comprising a resonant structure element is tuned to capture energy, for example heat or light, radiated at a resonant frequency and to transfer structure to convert the captured energy to electrical energy. A co-planar strip can be used to provide impedance matching between the resonant structure element and the transfer structure. An array of nanoantennae form a nanoantenna array to provide electrical energy output from a plurality of nanoantennae. The nanoantenna array can be coupled to a device or apparatus as a power source.

Abstract: Innovative tracking heat flux sensors located at or near the solar collector's focus for centering the concentrated image on a receiver assembly. With flux sensors mounted near a receiver's aperture, the flux gradient near the focus of a dish or trough collector can be used to precisely position the focused solar flux on the receiver. The heat flux sensors comprise two closely-coupled thermocouple junctions with opposing electrical polarity that are separated by a thermal resistor. This arrangement creates an electrical signal proportional to heat flux intensity, and largely independent of temperature. The sensors are thermally grounded to allow a temperature difference to develop across the thermal resistor, and are cooled by a heat sink to maintain an acceptable operating temperature.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator has a hot side heat exchanger having a silicon carbide (SiC) honeycomb support with a plurality of passages. The passage walls are coated with a pyrophoric solid fuel such as red oxide (Fe2O3) in combination with a silicon (Si) binder. A quantum well thermoelectric device is positioned between the hot side heat exchanger and heat sink. The performance of the thermoelectric generator is comparable to fuel cells. The thermoelectric generator is small and portable.

Abstract: A solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) is disclosed. A STEG includes a thermoelectric generator (TEG) configured to convert light energy from solar light into electrical energy, and a heat transfer structure coupled to the TEG where a portion of the heat transfer structure is configured to be embedded in the earth. The TEG includes a first side and a second side, wherein the solar light is incident on the first side of the TEG and the heat transfer structure is configured to provide cooling for the second side of the TEG using geothermal cooling. The use of geothermal cooling to provide cooling for the second side of the TEG increases the temperature difference across the TEG of the STEG, thereby increasing the net generation efficiency of the STEG.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device for use with solar cells or other heat sources. A substrate has a manufactured surface with a plurality of highland features and lowland features. Each highland feature defines a peak adjacent to which there is an interface of two different film regions (formed of two different metals, two different semiconductors, or one metal and one semiconductor). The two film regions diverge away from each other with increasing distance from the interface and terminate at distal end regions. In response to a temperature difference between the interface and the distal end regions, the device produces a voltage.

Abstract: An AMTEC power system including a housing that defines a cold chamber and a hot chamber, at least one AMTEC cell received in the housing, the AMTEC cell having a first portion extending into the hot chamber and a second portion extending into the cold chamber, and a thermally conductive material positioned adjacent to the first portion.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.

Abstract: Integrated touch sensor and solar panel configurations that may be used on portable devices, particularly handheld portable devices such as a media player or phone are disclosed. The integrated touch sensor array and solar cell stack-ups may include electrodes that are used both for collecting solar energy and for sensing on a touch sensor array. By integrating both the touch sensors and the solar cell layers into the same stack-up, surface area on the portable device may be conserved. In addition to being used for capacitive sensing, the integrated touch sensor and solar panel configurations may also be used for optical sensing.

Abstract: A device and method of manufacture of a:DLC multi-layer doping growth comprising the steps of: forming at least an a:DLC layer in one process over a conventional semiconductor layer, thereby creating a plurality of successively connected PIN/PN junctions, each PIN/PN junction being a photo diode, starting from a first junction and ending in a last junction, respective PIN/PN junctions having p-type, n-type, and intrinsic layers; varying the sp3/sp2 ratio of at least the respective p-type and n-type layers and doping with at least silver to enhance electron mobility in respective PIN junctions; and connecting the plurality of a:DLC layers between electrodes at the first side and the second side to create a device having optimized spectral response to being oriented to a light source. A device comprises at least any kind of PIN/PN junction and an a:DLC PIN/PN junction, and can be connected as an array of devices.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly includes a tripod, a base, a reflective dish, a receptacle, and a thermoelectric module or a heat transfer module. The tripod includes legs and a top tripod connector coupled to top portions thereof. The base includes a rod coupled to the tripod; a bottom support structure coupled to the rod; a top support structure coupled to the bottom support structure; an extension coupled to the bottom support structure and the top support structure; and a cap with recesses mounted to the top support structure. The reflective dish includes support rods received within the recesses; a pliable material forms panels, wherein the support rods are inserted into seams between the panels; and a reflective material disposed on the pliable material. The receptacle is connected to the base and disposed within the reflective dish. The thermoelectric module or the heat transfer module is partially disposed within the receptacle.

Abstract: A means of providing solar powered electricity for day and nighttime use supported in part by power from the grid to allow a small generator to electrify the home or business with a small generator operating with much larger capacity. Excess solar energy is provided to the power company as needed.

Abstract: A hybrid photovoltaic cell module includes a substrate and a photopolymer composition disposed on the substrate. The photopolymer composition includes an organic photopolymer, a plurality of nanoparticles, and a dendrimer that disperses the nanoparticles in the composition. The dendrimer has a number average molecular weight of from 300 to 10,000 g/mol and a core having a carbon atom directly bonded to X1 and X2 and two —CH2 groups. X1 is a hydrogen atom, a functional group, or a chain including a functional group. X2 is a chain including a functional group that is the same or different from the functional groups of X1. Each —CH2 group is bonded to a chain that independently includes a functional group that is the same or different from said functional groups of X1 and X2. The module is formed using a method that includes the step of disposing the photopolymer composition on the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a photovoltaic element at or near a maximum power point. A maximum power point tracker changes a voltage or current set point of a photovoltaic element in sequential discrete steps, measuring an output power at each step after a predetermined settling time. A slope of a power-voltage curve is then estimated and the slope is corrected for irradiance changes. Finally, an operating voltage or current of the photovoltaic element is adjusted based on the slope of the power-voltage curve and other factors, causing the photovoltaic element to operate at or near its maximum power.

Abstract: A power system including a primary optical element that defines a first opening therein, a secondary optical element positioned relative to the primary optical element to direct energy from the primary optical element to the first opening, and a thermal absorber, wherein the thermal absorber includes a housing that defines an internal volume and a second opening into the internal volume, wherein the second opening is coupled with the first opening, a window sealingly connected to the second opening to enclose the internal volume, a barrier wall that divides the internal volume into at least a hot chamber and a cold chamber, and at least one AMTEC cell having a first portion received in the cold chamber and a second portion received in the hot chamber.

Abstract: A Seebeck solar cell device is disclosed, combining both photovoltaic and thermoelectric techniques. The device may be formed using, for example, a conventional photovoltaic cell formed from a doped silicon wafer. The material used to form conductors to the front and rear regions of the cell are chosen for their thermoelectric characteristics, including the sign, or polarity, of their Seebeck coefficients. The distal portion of each conductor is insulated from the solar and waste heat and, in some embodiments, is also coupled to a cooling mechanism. Multiple such devices can be connected in series or parallel.

Abstract: A power converter design is disclosed with a novel approach to thermal management which enhances the performance and significantly reduces the cost of the converter compared to prior art power converters. The invention minimizes the heating of one power component by another within the power converter and therefore enables the power converter to work at higher power levels. Essentially, the power converter uses a heatsink having a high length to width ratio, a linear array of power components thermally coupled to the heatsink parallel to the long axis of the heatsink and a heat removal system which produces the highest cross sectional thermal flux perpendicular to said long axis. In addition, a number of ancillary thermal management techniques are used to significantly enhance the value of this basic approach.

Abstract: A protective container includes a main body, a thermoelectric converting device, and a power storage device. The thermoelectric converting device includes a first converting unit and a second converting unit. The first converting unit is located outside of the main body for converting heat into electrical energy. The second converting unit is received within the main body for converting heat in the main body into electrical energy. The power storage device stores the electrical energy from the thermoelectric converting device, and provides voltages to power electrical devices in the main body.

Abstract: A solar cell including a quantum dot and an electron conductor, and a bifunctional ligand disposed between the quantum dot and the electron conductor. The bifunctional ligand molecule may include an electron conductor anchor that bonds to the electron conductor and a first quantum dot anchor that bonds to the quantum dot. A hole conductor such as a conductive polymer may include a second quantum dot anchor.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electrical power from a heat source utilizing both photonic and thermal conversion are disclosed. Specifically, power is generated by coupling photon converters to thermoelectric pairs in a way such that the thermoelectric pairs gain not only the charge carriers (holes and electrons) generated by the photons absorbed by the photon converters, but also the charge carriers generated by excess heat in the photon converters and an added thermal gradient generated by excess energy in the absorbed photons. Heat exchanger variations for such a system are also disclosed. Specifically, heat exchangers with and without photon emitters are disclosed and variants of refractive indices for heat exchanger systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal absorber including a light-transparent reservoir having an alkali metal received therein, a housing sealingly coupled to the reservoir to define an enclosed volume, the housing including a thermal barrier wall that divides the volume into a cold chamber and a hot chamber, the cold chamber including a sump having a drain hole in fluid communication with the hot chamber, and at least one AMTEC cell supported by the cell supporting surface, the AMTEC cell extending through the cold chamber and the hot chamber.

Abstract: The invention discloses a solar thermal power generation system by thermoelectric conversion, comprising a sunlight-concentrating and receiving module, a solar tracking module, a photothermal-conversion module for absorbing sunlight then transforming sunlight into thermal energy and a combination of semiconductor thermoelectric module, the combination-type cooling module is under the semiconductor thermoelectric module. In the invention, TE module can directly convert solar thermal and waste heat to electricity without heat transfer medium, heat storage tank, turbine, and mechanical moving part, thus realizing small scale, compact system with high efficiency; Due to the adopting of low concentrating lens with tracking system and compound waste heat supplying module, thus reducing floor area and effectively improving temperature difference and power generating efficiency of the overall system.

Abstract: A method to increase the efficiency of a solar cell comprises applying one of a transparent pyroelectric film and a plurality of films in a stack on a front surface of the solar cell and applying one of an opaque pyroelectric film and plurality of films in a stack on another surface of the solar cell. An electromotive force is generated to bias the solar cell such that an open circuit voltage is created. The method also includes increasing a short circuit current through the pyroelectric film. A constant temporal temperate gradient is created in the pyroelectric film to increase the short circuit current with a temperature. The method also includes biasing a p-n junction of the solar cell with the electromotive force produced from the pyroelectric film.

Abstract: Multilayer articles such as thin-film solar cells can be effectively tested under thermal load in a mini-module that includes a chamber or enclosure in which one or more laminated multilayer articles are housed. The inner dimensions of the chamber, at least along the axis that is perpendicular to the plane defined by the laminated solar cells, are configured to remain substantially constant during testing. Cooling the laminated solar cells in the mini-module device causes the encapsulant material to shrink and thereby induces accelerated failures in the laminated solar cells and associated structures. A technique of detecting the presence of defects or failures is near infrared radiation thermography wherein NIR images of the laminated solar cells are taken during the cooling process. The color patterns manifested from the cooled laminated solar cells can reveal the location, nature and extent of the defect or failure.

Abstract: A thermoelectric roofing apparatus and method for generating electricity as a byproduct of heat exchange. A thermoelectric coating can be applied on a heat exchanger material (e.g., a roofing material, a shingle, etc.) located on a budding utilizing a thermoelectric coating process (e.g., spray-on coating) in order to capture waste heat from a heat source and generate an electrical energy. The thermoelectric coating can be a semiconductor material that can be applied to the heat exchanger material in a printed circuit format. The charge carriers with respect to the semiconductor material can be excited when heat flows through the thermoelectric coating which can be harvested to generate the electrical power. Electrical conductors can be attached to the thermoelectric coating to transmit the electrical energy generated as a byproduct of heat exchange.

Abstract: A solar energy includes a charging control unit to output a number of charge voltages, a switch control unit, and a comparing unit. The switch control unit receives a break control signal and a charging control signal from the charging control unit to switch the charging control unit to charge the rechargeable battery, and receives a voltage detecting signal from the charging control unit to output a detect voltage corresponding to a charge voltage of the rechargeable battery. The comparing unit receives the detect voltage and correspondingly outputs a selecting signal to the charging control unit. The charging control unit determines the charge voltage of the rechargeable battery according to the selecting signal, and outputs a corresponding charge voltage to charge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A thermoelectric energy harvester comprises a cyclic energy input terminal supplying heat energy in a first part of the cycle to a thermal storage reservoir through a low thermal resistance generator. During a second part of the cycle, the thermal storage reservoir returns stored heat energy to the environment through an independent thermal circuit and a higher thermal resistance thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing solar-electrical generators are discussed. Solar-electrical generators are disclosed having a radiation-capture structure and one or more thermoelectric converters. Heat produced in a capture structure via impingement of solar radiation can maintain a portion of a thermoelectric converter at a high temperature, while the use of a low temperature at another portion allows electricity generation. Thus, unlike photovoltaic cells which are generally primarily concerned with optical radiation management, solar thermoelectrics converters are generally concerned with a variety of mechanisms for heat management. Generators can include any number of features including selective radiation surfaces, low emissivity surfaces, flat panel configurations, evacuated environments, and other concepts that can act to provide thermal concentration. Designs utilizing one or more optical concentrators are also disclosed.

Abstract: Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines.

Abstract: There is provided a high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor and a radiation/light detector which can detect rays in real time. In the high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor, a signal amplification wire 2 is embedded in an organic semiconductor 1. Carriers created by passage of radiation or light are avalanche-amplified by a high electric field generated near the signal amplification wire 2 by means of applying a high voltage to the signal amplification wire 2, thus dramatically improving detection efficiency of rays. Hence, even rays exhibiting low energy loss capability can be detected in real time with high sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an evacuated enclosure which comprises a tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis, a radiation absorber disposed in the enclosure and having a front surface and a back surface, the front surface being adapted for exposure to solar radiation so as to generate heat, at least one thermoelectric converter disposed in the enclosure and thermally coupled to the absorber, the converter having a high-temperature end to receive at least a portion of the generated heat, such that a temperature differential is achieved across the at least one thermoelectric converter, a support structure disposed in the enclosure coupled to a low-temperature end of the thermoelectric converter, where the support structure removes heat from a low-temperature end of the thermoelectric converter, and a heat conducting element extending between the support structure and the evacuated enclosure and adapted to transfer heat from the support structure to the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal article according to one embodiment may include: Providing a supply of a sodium/molybdenum composite metal powder; compacting the sodium/molybdenum composite metal powder under sufficient pressure to form a preformed article; placing the preformed article in a sealed container; raising the temperature of the sealed container to a temperature that is lower than a sintering temperature of molybdenum; and subjecting the sealed container to an isostatic pressure for a time sufficient to increase the density of the article to at least about 90% of theoretical density.

Abstract: A device for producing energy and power utilizing incoming solar radiation to invoke a thermal differential inside the device to produce an electric current utilizing a phenomenon more commonly known as the Seebeck effect, which produces energy by heating the junction between two dissimilar metals to create an electric current stemming from both their other ends.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion device includes a hot terminal substrate, a cold terminal substrate and a stacked structure. The stacked structure is disposed between the hot terminal substrate and the cold terminal substrate. The stacked structure includes thermoelectric conversion layers each including a thermoelectric couple layer, a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, a first heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure and a second heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure. Each of the thermoelectric conversion layers is arranged in the stacked structure. The first conductive layer includes first conductive materials and is arranged on tops of P/N type thermoelectric conversion elements. The second conductive layer includes second conductive materials and is arranged on bottoms of the P/N type thermoelectric conversion elements. The first heat-conductive and electrically insulating structure is connected between two adjacent first conductive layers.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion package includes a photovoltaic (PV) cell, a thermionic or thermoelectric conversion unit and a thermal heating system. Solar radiation is concentrated by a lens or reflector and directed to the PV cell for electrical power conversion. A water circulation system maintains the PV cell at working temperatures. The thermionic or thermoelectric conversion cell is coupled between these cells in the thermal path to generate additional power. Additional efficiencies may be gained by partitioning the solar radiation with prisms or wavelength specific filters or reflective coatings into discrete spectrum segments optimized for each conversion unit for maximizing efficiency of electrical energy conversion and equipment design. Integrating all three of these conversion techniques produces a synergistic system that exceeds the performance conventional solar conversion systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing solar-electrical generators are discussed. Solar-electrical generators are disclosed having a radiation-capture structure and one or more thermoelectric converters. Heat produced in a capture structure via impingement of solar radiation can maintain a portion of a thermoelectric converter at a high temperature, while the use of a low temperature at another portion allows electricity generation. Thus, unlike photovoltaic cells which are generally primarily concerned with optical radiation management, solar thermoelectrics converters are generally concerned with a variety of mechanisms for heat management. Generators can include any number of features including selective radiation surfaces, low emissivity surfaces, flat panel configurations, evacuated environments, and other concepts that can act to provide thermal concentration. Designs utilizing one or more optical concentrators are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for converting heat into electrical energy that is an integrated combination of thermionic and thermoelectric energy converters in a single device, or “TITE”. The electron output of thermionic portion of the TITE is the input of the thermoelectric portion of the device. The electron collector is covered by a thin layer of doped or undoped semiconductor material or a combination of doped and undoped semiconductor materials with appropriate doping and thickness to achieve increased operational temperature ranges and efficiency.

Abstract: A functional device includes plural substrates, an encapsulant arranged between the plurality of substrates, and a functional material arranged between the plural of substrates and encapsulated with the encapsulant. The functional device further includes an insulating spacer arranged in an entire region where the encapsulant lies, wherein the insulating spacer bonds with the plural substrates through the encapsulant. The encapsulant and the insulating spacer of the functional device allow avoiding a short circuit by providing a constant separation distance between the plural substrates of the functional device and electrodes adjacent to the plural substrates. The insulating spacer is made of a material that is inert to the functional material.

Abstract: A solar thermoelectric power generation system includes roofing products such as shingles with solar heat reflective areas and roofing products with solar heat absorptive areas. Thermoelectric power generating elements are provided in thermal contact with the solar heat reflective areas and the solar heat absorptive areas.

Abstract: Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.

Abstract: An aerospace platform includes a structure having a cavity and a light-transmissive portion that exposes the cavity to sunlight. The aerospace platform further includes a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system includes a fluid-carrying, thermally absorptive structure within the cavity, and a solar collector for collecting light transmitted through the light-transmissive portion and focusing the collected light onto the absorptive structure. The thermally absorptive structure has a high surface absorptivity that retains thermal energy when exposed to solar irradiance and heats fluid contained therein.

Abstract: A template 100 for three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate formation for use in three-dimensional thin-film solar cells. The template 100 comprises a substrate which comprises a plurality of posts 102 and a plurality of trenches 104 between said plurality of posts 102. The template 100 forms an environment for three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate formation.

Abstract: A generator device for converting thermal energy to electric energy. A magnetic circuit includes at least a portion made of a magnetic material. A temperature-varying device varied the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below a phase transition temperature of the magnetic material to thereby vary the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. A coil is arranged around the magnetic circuit, in which electric energy is induced in response to a varying magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. A magnetic flux generator creates magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. The temperature-varying device alternately passes hot and cold fluid by, or through holes in, the portion made of the magnetic material of the magnetic circuit in a single direction to thereby vary the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below the phase transition temperature of the magnetic material.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present invention, a device for converting incident radiation to electrical energy is provided. The device includes a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) and a Photovoltaic Cell (PV) to convert the incident radiation to electrical energy. The device further includes a first component for focusing the incident radiation to the TEG and the PV. The incident radiation includes light waves of infrared wavelengths, and light waves of the visible light spectrum and Ultraviolet (UV) waves. The TEG converts the heat generated due to the light waves of infrared wavelength into electricity, and the PV converts energy of the light waves of the visible light spectrum and UV waves into electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for functionalizing metal oxides, including tin dioxide. The methods comprise contacting at least one linker precursor comprising a first functional group to a metal oxide and exposing the linker precursor to UV light. The first functional group covalently binds to the metal oxide via a UV light induced reaction. The linker precursor may be an alkene having a vinyl group or an alkyne having an ethynyl group. Other molecules, such as biomolecules and dye molecules, may be bound to the linker precursors. The functionalized metal oxides may be used alone or as coatings on a substrate and find use in a variety of devices, including biosensors and dye sensitized solar cells.

Abstract: A road, wall or structure for energy generation and conservation utilizing automated 3-Dimensional formless Nano, Micro and Macro-fabrication layering. Composition, material and geometric layouts dynamically changed over the volume of the part, based on 3-D CAD data. The applicator head applies successive layers to achieve the desired shape, geometry, strength, transparency, thickness, width, texture, porosity, electrical, magnetic and thermal properties base on the 3-D CAD data.