Abstract: A binder for VSD composition is selected to have enhanced electron mobility in presence of high electric fields.

Abstract: A transition metal/carbon nanotube composite includes a carbon nanotube and a transition metal oxide coating layer disposed on the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube is described, to which quantum dots are attached through non-covalent bonding via linking molecules bonded to the quantum dots. A method of visualizing a carbon nanotube is also described, wherein quantum dots are attached to the carbon nanotube through non-covalent bonding via linking molecules bonded to the quantum dots, and then the quantum dots are made emit light. This invention allows carbon nanotubes, even those in a wet condition, to be visualized by a simple fluorescent optical microscope. Thereby, the difficulties on preparing specimens and the need of sophisticated instruments can be reduced. This invention also exhibits great potential for the application of carbon nanotubes under a wet condition.

Abstract: A method of functionalizing carbon nanotubes with metallic moieties is disclosed. Carbon nanotubes are first associated with one or more binding moieties to provide carbon nanotubes encapsulated by the binding moieties. The encapsulated carbon nanotubes are then contacted with a metal salt or a metal complex that binds to the binding moieties. Reduction of the metal salt or metal complex provides carbon nanotubes functionalized with metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A semiconductive member including an alkali metal salt having the formula (M)n·X in a surface layer thereof. M represents Na+, K+, or Li+; X represents Cl?, Br?, I?, F?, CH3COO?, CF3COO?, CH(COOH)CHCOO?, (CHCOO?)2, CH2(COOH)CH2COO?, (CH2COO?)2, (HOOC)Ar(COO?), Ar(COO?)2, (HOOC)2Ar(COO?), (HOOC)Ar(COO?)2, Ar(COO?)3, (HOOC)3Ar(COO?), (HOOC)2Ar(COO?)2, (HOOC)Ar (COO?)3, Ar(COO?)4, Ar—SO3?, Ar(SO3?)2, an oligomer or a polymer having an acrylic acid anion unit, or an oligomer or a polymer having an methacrylic acid anion unit; Ar represents a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, or a biphenyl ring; and n is a numeral equivalent to the anionic valence of X.

Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified transparent carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive layers or coatings that comprise at least one additional material to form a composite. Adding a material to the CNT layer or coating improves conductivity, transparency, and/or the performance of a device comprising a transparent conductive CNT layers or coating This composite may be used in photovoltaic devices, OLEDs, LCD displays, or touch screens.

Abstract: A battery cathode includes carbon particulates, micron-sized particles of vanadium pentoxide modified with poly(pyrrole propanesulphonate), and a polymer binder. The carbon particulates and the micron-sized particles of vanadium pentoxide modified with poly(pyrrole propanesulphonate) are disposed within the polymer binder.

Abstract: A material in particular for use in electrochemical cells or supercapacitors comprises a poorly conducting active material of relatively low conductivity having regular or irregular passages having average cross-sectional dimensions generally in the size range from 5 ?m to 200 nm and interconnected mesopores having average cross-sectional dimensions in the size range from 2 to 50 nm. The active material is covered with a network of an electronically conductive metal oxide of relatively high conductivity extending into said mesopores. Also claimed is a method of manufacturing such a material.

Abstract: Carbon nanomaterials are stabilized and uniformly dispersed in a liquid such as water using a simple procedure. Methylcellulose is added to hot water where it separates and expands with a temperature of about 80-90 degree Celsius. Methylcellulose swiftly dissolves when the water cools down. Carbon nanomaterials are dispersed in a solvent and sonicated. This nanomaterial dispersed solvent is then added to the methylcellulose dispersed water and mechanically stirred. The resulting uniform mixture is up to 90% by weight nanomaterials and is stable for months.

Abstract: A method for removing a carbonization catalyst from a graphene sheet, the method includes contacting the carbonization catalyst with a salt solution, which is capable of oxidizing the carbonization catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lithium secondary batteries and more specifically to positive electrode materials operating at potentials greater than 2.8 V vs. Li+/Li in non-aqueous electrochemical cells. In particular, the invention relates to crystalline nanometric olivine-type LiFe1-xMxPO4 powder with M is Co and/or Mn, and 0<x<1, with small particle size and narrow particle size distribution. A direct precipitation process is described, comprising the steps of:—providing a water-based mixture having at a pH between 6 and 10, containing a dipolar aprotic additive, and Li(I), Fe(II), PV, and Co(II) and/or Mn(II) as precursor components;—heating said water-based mixture to a temperature less than or equal to its boiling point at atmospheric pressure, thereby precipitating crystalline LiFe1-xMxPO4 powder. An extremely fine particle size is obtained of about 80 nm for Mn and 275 nm for Co, both with a narrow distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to active materials for the manufacture of Li-based batteries. A crystalline nanometric powdered material with formula Lix(M, M?)PO4, in particular LixFePO4 (O?x?1), is disclosed, exhibiting single phase Li insertion/extraction mechanism at room temperature when used as positive electrode material in Li-based batteries. Compared to current LiFePO4, the novel material results in smooth, sloping charge/discharge voltage curve greatly simplifying the monitoring of the state of charge of the batteries. The coexistence of mixed valence states for Fe (i.e. FeIIIVFeII) is believed to increase the electronic conductivity in the room temperature single phase LixFePO4 material, compared to state of the art two-phase materials. This, together with the nanometric size of the particles and their sharp monomodal size distribution, contributes to the exceptional high-rate capability demonstrated in batteries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive electrode forming material for a positive electrode of a battery, the material including particles of a positive electrode active material and fine carbon fibers adhering to surfaces of particles of the positive electrode active material in a shape of a network. The positive electrode active material is preferably fine particles having an average particle diameter of 0.03 to 40 ?m. Each of the fine carbon fibers is preferably carbon nanofiber having an average fiber diameter of 1 to 100 nm and an aspect ratio of 5 or greater. The carbon nanofiber is surface-oxidized. The positive electrode forming material includes a binder. The content of the fine carbon fibers is 0.5 to 15 parts by mass and the content of the binder is 0.5 to 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the positive electrode active material.

Abstract: This invention relates to free-flowing compositions of carbon nanosheets and core-shell particles, and to a plasma-torch process for making them.

Abstract: A nanoparticle coated with a semiconducting material and a method for making the same. In one embodiment, the method comprises making a semiconductor coated nanoparticle comprising a layer of at least one semiconducting material covering at least a portion of at least one surface of a nanoparticle, comprising: (A) dispersing the nanoparticle under suitable conditions to provide a dispersed nanoparticle; and (B) depositing at least one semiconducting material under suitable conditions onto at least one surface of the dispersed nanoparticle to produce the semiconductor coated nanoparticle. In other embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a fullerene. Further embodiments include the semiconducting material comprising CdS or CdSe.

Abstract: Metal complexes (“compatibilizers”) having properties particularly useful for treating and compatibilizing nanomaterials (i.e. carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, nanographite) include metal cations and anionic surfactants. The treated nanomaterials can be isolated as solid treated nanomaterial and used in further applications where increased dispersion is desirable.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of compounds of the formula C—LixM1?yM?y(XO4)n, where C represents carbon cross-linked with the compound LixM1?yM?y(XO4)n, in which x, y and n are numbers such as 0?x?2, 0?y?0.6, and 1?n?1.5, M is a transition metal or a mixture of transition metals from the first period of the periodic table, M? is an element with fixed valency selected among Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+, Zn2+ or a combination of these same elements and X is chosen among S, P and Si, by bringing into equilibrium, in the required proportions, the mixture of precursors, with a gaseous atmosphere, the synthesis taking place by reaction and bringing into equilibrium, in the required proportions, the mixture of the precursors, the procedure including at least one pyrolysis step of the carbon source compound.

Abstract: A method for producing a GaN crystal capable of achieving at least one of the prevention of nucleation and the growth of a high-quality non-polar surface is provided. The production method of the present invention is a method for producing a GaN crystal in a melt containing at least an alkali metal and gallium, including an adjustment step of adjusting the carbon content of the melt, and a reaction step of causing the gallium and nitrogen to react with each other. According to the production method of the present invention, nucleation can be prevented, and as shown in FIG. 4, a non-polar surface can be grown.

Abstract: Described are cathode materials for lithium batteries. Better cathode materials may be produced by mixing at least two compounds and a binder additive. The first compound includes one or more salts of lithium metal phosphorous while the second compound includes one or more lithium transition metal oxides. In other instances, a conductive additive may also be incorporated. The cathode materials so produced exhibit enhanced electrical properties and thermal stability.

Abstract: The invention provides an adduct comprising a carbon nanotube and a transitional metal coordination complex, wherein the metal of the complex is attached by a covalent linkage to at least one oxygen moiety on the nanotube.

Abstract: Mixture of particles comprising a non-conducting or semi-conducting nucleus covered with a hybrid conductor coating and hybrid conductor chains located between the particles of the mixture to constitute a conductivity network, that is prepared by mechanical crushing. Due to a very good conductivity of the network, a low resistivity, a very good capacity under elevated current and/or a good density of energy, these mixtures of particles are advantageously incorporated in anodes and cathodes of electrochemical generators, resulting in highly performing electrochemical systems.

Abstract: A high performance multifunctional cementitious nanocomposite material is made by adding a nano admixture to the water used in a conventional cementitious material manufacturing process. The nano admixture is made by dispersing nanomaterials in a solvent and sonicating the mixture, adding a hydrophilic emulsifier, thickener, additive or cellulose derived compound to hot water, where it separates and expands, cooling the water, causing the compound to dissolve, and then adding the solvent and nanomaterial mixture to the water and mechanically mixing. The contact between the nanomaterials and the surrounding matrix changes with applied stress, affecting the volume electrical response of the finished nanocomposite material. By measuring the electrical resistance of the material, its structural health, as well as the stress applied to it, can be monitored. A bridge made with the material is monitored for structural integrity and for the weight, speed, and location of traffic over the bridge.

Abstract: Techniques for manufacturing a graphene structure solution and a graphene device are provided. A uniform graphene nanostructure solution is produced by applying anisotropic etching on a multi-layered graphene using an oxide nanowire as a mask. A graphene device is manufactured by dipping a substrate with a pattern of a molecule layer in a graphene nanostructure solution so that graphenes are aligned on the substrate with the pattern.

Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, in order to adjust a cathode active material in which guest cation such as Na and Li is included, alkaline metal fluoride which is expressed by a general formula AF and transition metal fluoride which is expressed by a formula M? F2 are subjected to a mechanical milling process to produce metal fluoride compound AM? F3. The mechanical milling process desirably uses a planetary ball mill.

Abstract: Composite cathode active materials having a large diameter active material and a small diameter active material are provided. The ratio of the average particle diameter of the large diameter active material to the average particle diameter of the small diameter active material ranges from about 6:1 to about 100:1. Mixing the large and small diameter active materials in a proper weight ratio improves packing density Additionally, including highly stable materials and highly conductive materials in the composite cathode active materials improves volume density, discharge capacity and high rate discharge capacity.

Abstract: The present invention is related to ternary metal transition metal non-oxide nano-particle compositions, methods for preparing the nano-particles, and applications relating in particular to the use of said nano-particles in dispersions, electrodes and capacitors. The nano-particle compositions of the present invention can include a precursor which includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of alkoxides, carboxylates and halides of transition metals, the material including transition metal(s) selected from the group consisting of vanadium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten and molybdenum.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrically conductive thermoplastic resin composition and a plastic article including the same. The electrically conductive thermoplastic resin composition comprises about 80 to about 99.9 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight of carbon nanotubes, about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight of an impact modifier, based on a total of about 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin and the carbon nanotubes, and about to about 10 parts by weight of conductive metal oxide, based on a total of about 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin and the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A carbon nanotubes-like material is disclosed. The carbon nanotubes-like material comprises bacterial cellulose carbonized under an oxygen-free atmosphere. Also disclosed is a cathode material containing bacterial cellulose and LiFePO4, an anode material containing carbonized bacterial cellulose, a separator membrane containing aldehyde-treated bacterial cellulose, and a lithium battery containing a component comprising bacterial cellulose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode material and a composite electrode including same. The electrode material consists of particles or particulate aggregates of a complex LiiMmM?m?ZzOoNnFf oxide, wherein M is at least one transition metal, M? is at least one metal other than a transition metal, Z is at least one non-metal, coefficients i, m, m?, z, o, n and f are selected in such a way that the complex oxide is electrically neutral, with i=0, m>0, z=0, m?=0, o>0, n=0 and f=0. At least part of the complex oxide particle or particulate aggregate surface is coated with a carbon layer bound by chemical bonds and/or physical bonds to the carbon. The complex oxide has formula; the carbon has covalently bonded functional groups GF.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and conductive particles, an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and oxide semiconductor particles and optionally containing conductive particles, and an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and insulating particles are provided. Furthermore, a photoelectric conversion element comprising: a working electrode, the working electrode comprising an electrode substrate and an oxide semiconductor porous film formed on the electrode substrate and sensitized with a dye; a counter electrode disposed opposing the working electrode; and an electrolyte layer made of these electrolyte compositions is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium ion battery comprised of single particles containing a compound of the formula LiMPCU, whereby M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Mn, Fe, Ti or combinations thereof, and whereby in a X-Ray diffraction chart of the electrode the ratio of the intensity I1:I2 of two selected peaks (1) and (2) is larger than (9:1) and wherein I1 represents essentially the intensity of peak (1) assigned to the (020) plane and I2 represents the intensity of peak (2) assigned to the (301) plane. The invention relates further to a process for the manufacture of such a positive electrode and to a battery comprising such an electrode.

Abstract: A motor brush material contains copper particles dispersed and configuring particle group structure supported in inner pores of a sintered body containing carbon as a major component.

Abstract: To provide a sintered silicon nitride with conductivity and densification, an oxide of titanium group elements, such as titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide and the like, aluminum oxide and/or aluminum nitride is added as needed to silicon nitride-oxidant of rare-earth elements-aluminum oxide system or silicon nitride-oxide of rare-earth elements-magnesia system, and then specified quantity of carbon nonotube (CNT) is added to the above mixture. CNT generates silicon carbide after the reaction with contiguous or proximal silicon nitride and the like depending on the sintering duration at high temperature. Since silicon carbide is generated along with nanotubes, the silicon carbide functions as conductor with excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance and the like.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of compounds of the formula C—LixM1?yM?y(XO4)n, where C represents carbon cross-linked with the compound LixM1?yM?y(XO4)n, in which x, y and n are numbers such as 0?x?2, 0?y?0.6, and 1?n?1.5, M is a transition metal or a mixture of transition metals from the first period of the periodic table, M? is an element with fixed valency selected among Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+, Zn2+ or a combination of these same elements and X is chosen among S, P and Si, by bringing into equilibrium, in the required proportions, the mixture of precursors, with a gaseous atmosphere, the synthesis taking place by reaction and bringing into equilibrium, in the required proportions, the mixture of the precursors, the procedure comprising at least one pyrolysis step of the carbon source compound in such a way as to obtain a compound in which the electronic conductivity measured on a sample of powder compressed at a pressure of 3750 Kg·cm?2 is greater than 10?8 S·cm?1.

Abstract: There are provided fine particle-carrying carbon particles, which can be used as a substitute for the existing platinum-carrying carbon particles or platinum metal particles commonly used in electrocatalysts for fuel cells or the like, and which are significantly reduced in the amount of platinum to be used in comparison with the existing platinum-carrying carbon particles, and an electrode for a fuel cell using the same carbon particles. The fine particle-carrying carbon particle comprises a carbon particle with an average particle diameter of from 20 to 70 nm, and fine particles of a metal oxide with an average crystallite size of from 1 to 20 nm, carried on the carbon particle, wherein the metal oxide contains a noble metal element such as a platinum element, and is represented by the formula: MOx in which the metal element M is partially substituted by the noble metal element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixed material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, which contains secondary particles as aggregates of lithium iron phosphate primary particles and a fibrous carbon which is present inside the secondary particles. An electrode containing such a mixed material, a battery comprising such an electrode, a method for producing such a mixed material, and a method for producing a battery are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for preparing by crushing, a homogenous mixture of particles containing a conductive nucleus including at least one graphite and continuously or discontinuously coated with at least one material that is different from the one constituting the nucleus, the size of the particles of the nucleus being larger than the particles used for coating the nuclei by crushing the particles together. The mixtures of particles obtained show electrochemical and mechanical properties that enable them to be advantageously used in electrochemical batteries and in paints.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, surface and bulk modifications, and methods of making of (1?x)Li[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2.xLi[Mn0.5-yNi0.5-yCo2y]O2 cathode materials having an O3 crystal structure with a x value between 0 and 1 and y value between 0 and 0.5, reducing the irreversible capacity loss in the first cycle by surface modification with oxides and bulk modification with cationic and anionic substitutions, and increasing the reversible capacity to close to the theoretical value of insertion/extraction of one lithium per transition metal ion (250-300 mAh/g).

Abstract: Described is a composite lithium compound having a mixed crystalline structure. Such compound was formed by heating a lithium compound and a metal compound together. The resulting mixed metal crystal exhibits superior electrical property and is a better cathode material for lithium secondary batteries.

Abstract: A secondary battery capable of providing a high energy density and superior cycle characteristics is provided. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The anode has an anode active material layer containing a carbon material and a lithium-containing compound (Li3-aMaN) as an anode active material. M is one or more transition metal elements. a is a numerical value satisfying 0<a?0.8.

Abstract: A novel nanocarbon composite structure is provided having trapped ruthenium oxide. By using Ketjen black, and through chemical-mechanical effect utilizing an ultracentrifugal reaction field, both the specific surface area of ruthenium oxide and space of electrode material are expanded to have nanoparticles of ruthenium oxide highly dispersed in a graphene layer. This nanocarbon composite structure having trapped ruthenium oxide exhibits high electrochemical activity and is suitable for use as an electrical energy storing device, such as a large-capacity capacitor.

Abstract: Processes for producing porous carbon foam composites and activated carbon/carbon (AC/C) composites from polyimide precursors, activated carbon powder, and optionally carbon fiber and other additives. The AC/C composites may be used for carbon electrodes in electrochemical capacitors.

Abstract: A conductive paste and a printed circuit board using the conductive paste are disclosed. The conductive paste including conductive particles and carbon nanotubes according to the invention, can improve an electrical conductivity of the conductive paste.

Abstract: Methods of manufacture and use of phosphates of transition metals are described as positive electrodes for secondary lithium batteries, including a process for the production of LiMPO4 with controlled size and morphology, M being FexCoyNizMnw, where 0?x?1, 0?y?1, 0?w?1, and x+y+z+w=1. According to an exemplary embodiment, a process is described for the manufacture of LiFePO4 including the steps of providing an equimolar aqueous solution of Li1+, Fe3+ and PO43?, evaporating water from the solution to produce a solid mixture, decomposing the solid mixture at a temperature of below 500° C. to form a pure homogeneous Li and Fe phosphate precursor, and annealing the precursor at a temperature of less than 800° C. in a reducing atmosphere to produce the LiFePO4 powder. The obtained powders can have a particle size of less than 1 ?m, and can provide superior electrochemical performance when mixed for an appropriate time with an electrically conductive powder.

Abstract: A method for preparing a LixMyPO4 compound having an olivine structure includes: preparing a solution containing transition metal M ions, Li+ ions and PO43? ions; drying the solution to form particles of a starting material; and forming the particles of the starting material into particles of the LixMyPO4 compound with an olivine structure, in which 0.8?x?1.2 and 0.8?y?1.2, and coating the particles of the LixMyPO4 compound with a carbon layer thereon.

Abstract: The invention discloses a biosensor includes a strip having an integrated heating element and an electrode with metallized graphite including metal in the range of 0.1-5% in weight; graphite in the range of below 55% in weight; and polymer. The biosensor further includes an electric measuring device having a slot enabling the strip to insert therein.

Abstract: A composition for use in an electrochemical redox reaction is described. The composition may comprise a material represented by a general formula MyXO4 or AxMyXO4, where each of A (where present), M, and X independently represents at least one element, O represents oxygen, and each of x (where present) and y represent a number, and an oxide of at least one of various elements, wherein the material and the oxide are cocrystailine, and/or wherein a volume of a crystalline structural unit of the composition may be different than a volume of a crystalline structural unit of the material alone. An electrode comprising such a composition is also described, as is an electrochemical cell comprising such an electrode. A process of preparing a composition for use in an electrochemical redox reaction is also described.

Abstract: An anode of a lithium battery includes a composite film, the composite film comprising a carbon nanotube film structure and a plurality of nanoscale tin oxide particles dispersed therein. A method for fabricating an anode of a lithium battery, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing an array of carbon nanotubes; (b) pulling out, by using a tool, at least two carbon nanotube films from the array of carbon nanotubes to form a carbon nanotube film structure; and (c) dispersing a plurality of nanoscale tin oxide particles in the carbon nanotube film structure to form a composite film, and thereby, achieving the anode of the lithium battery.

Abstract: The invention provides a new route for the synthesis of carbon-coated powders having the olivine or NASICON structure, which form promising classes of active products for the manufacture of rechargeable lithium batteries. Carbon-coating of the powder particles is necessary to achieve good performances because of the rather poor electronic conductivity of said structures. For the preparation of coated LiFePO4, sources of Li, Fe and phosphate are dissolved in an aqueous solution together with a polycarboxylic acid and a polyhydric alcohol. Upon water evaporation, polyesterification occurs while a mixed precipitate is formed containing Li, Fe and phosphate. The resin-encapsulated mixture is then heat treated at 700° C. in a reducing atmosphere. This results in the production of a fine powder consisting of an olivine LiFePO4 phase, coated with conductive carbon.