Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.

Abstract: A method of producing a transistor having parallel semiconductor nanofingers. The method includes: forming a monocrystalline layer of a semiconductor material on a layer of a subjacent material which can be selectively etched in relation to the monocrystalline layer; etching parallel partitions in the monocrystalline layer and in the subjacent layer and continuing said etching operation in order to hollow out part of the subjacent layer of material; filling the gap between the partitions and the hollowed-out part with a first insulating material; defining a central part of the partitions and removing the first insulating material from around the central part of the monocrystalline layer, thereby forming a finger of semiconductor material; and filling and coating the central part with a conductor material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby a functional nanomaterial such as a monolayer carbon nanotube, a monolayer boron nitride nanotube, a monolayer silicon carbide nanotube, a multilayer carbon nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a multilayer boron nitride nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a multilayer silicon carbide nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a metal containing fullerene, and a metal containing fullerene with the number of layers controlled is produced at a high yield. According to the method, when a multilayer carbon nanotube (3) is formed by a chemical vapor deposition or a liquid phase growth process, an endothermic reaction aid (H2S) is introduced in addition to a primary reactant (CH4, H2) in the process to form a monolayer carbon nanotube (4).

Abstract: To improve catalytic efficiency by securing sufficient three phase interfaces in carbon nanohorns, where a reactant gas, a catalyst and an electrolyte meet. The resulting support with a catalyst allows an electrode reaction to proceed efficiently and improves the power generation efficiency of a fuel cell. Also, an electrode having excellent properties and a solid polymer fuel cell including the electrode, capable of giving high battery output are provided. An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell including a carbon nanohorn aggregate as a support, a catalytic metal supported on the carbon nanohorn aggregate support and a polyelectrolyte applied to the carbon nanohorn aggregate support, characterized in that the catalytic metal is not supported in deep regions between carbon nanohorns. Preferably, the catalytic metal has an average particle size of 3.2 to 4.6 nm.

Abstract: A particle-rod nanostructure is disclosed. The nanostructure comprises an inorganic nanoparticle coated with a capping agent and an organic crystalline rod nucleated on the capped inorganic nanoparticle in a one-dimensional growth pattern.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions including carbon-based nanostructures, catalyst materials and systems, and related methods. In some cases, the present invention relates to carbon-based nanostructures comprising a high density of charged moieties. Methods of the invention may provide the ability to introduce a wide range of charged moieties to carbon-based nanostructures. The present invention may provide a facile and modular approach to synthesizing molecules that may be useful in various applications including sensors, catalysts, and electrodes.

Abstract: A magnetic cell structure including a nonmagnetic filament contact, and methods of fabricating the structure are provided. The magnetic cell structure includes a free layer, a pinned layer, an insulative layer between the free and pinned layers, and a nonmagnetic filament contact in the insulative layer which electrically connects the free and pinned layers. The nonmagnetic filament contact is formed from a nonmagnetic source layer, also between the free and pinned layers. The filament contact directs a programming current through the magnetic cell structure such that the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer is less than the cross section of the structure. The decrease in the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer enables a lower programming current to reach a critical switching current density in the free layer and switch the magnetization of the free layer, programming the magnetic cell.

Abstract: A one step method and system for producing nanofluids by a nanoparticle-source evaporation and deposition of the evaporant into a base fluid. The base fluid such oil or ethylene glycol is placed in a rotating cylindrical drum having an adjustable heater-boat-evaporator and heat exchanger-cooler apparatus. As the drum rotates, a thin liquid layer is formed on the inside surface of the drum. An insulated heater-boat-evaporator having an evaporant material (nanoparticle-source) placed within its boat evaporator is adjustably positioned near a portion of the rotating thin liquid layer, the evaporant material being heated thereby evaporating a portion of the evaporant material and forming nanoparticles, the nanoparticles absorbed by the liquid film to form nanofluid.

Abstract: This semi-electroactive material comprises a self-supporting polymer matrix, inserted into which is an electroactive system comprising or constituted by: at least one electroactive organic compound capable of being oxidized and/or of ejecting electrons and cations acting as compensation charges; or at least one electroactive organic compound capable of being reduced and/or of accepting electrons and cations acting as compensation charges; and ionic charges; and also a solubilization liquid for said semi-electroactive system, said liquid not dissolving said self-supporting polymer matrix, the latter being chosen to provide a percolation pathway for ionic charges, this allowing, under the action of a dielectric current, oxidation and reduction reactions of said electroactive organic compounds, which reactions are necessary to obtain a color contrast.

Abstract: A method includes producing deposition conditions in a collection area above a reactant liquid containing one or more catalyst metals. The reactant liquid is maintained under conditions in which atoms of the catalyst metal may escape from the reactant liquid into the collection area. A suitable carrier gas is directed to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and flow along a collection path that passes over a collection surface in the collection area. This flow of carrier gas is maintained so that escaped atoms of catalyst metal are entrained in the gas traversing the surface of the reactant liquid and are deposited on the collection surface prior to or concurrently with nanocarbon structure formation at the collection surface.

Abstract: A new method for forming stable polyaniline nanofiber colloids uses electrostatic repulsion to maintain dispersion of the nanofibers and prevent aggregation during synthesis of the nanofibers. The colloidal suspensions are formed directly from the reactants in solution maintained at a pH of about 1.0 to about 4.0 and a temperature of about 10° C. to about 100° C. with minimal or no stirring. Also set forth are new methods for forming ultrathin films of polyaniline nanofibers via self-assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3, wherein A and B represent one or more metals with A having a valence lower than B, to methods of making the perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3 comprising their synthesis within and precipitation from reverse micelles, and the use of the perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3 as capacitors, and their use in dynamic random access memory, electromechanics, and non-linear optics.

Abstract: Provided are a phase change memory device that can operate at low power and improve the scale of integration by reducing a contact area between a phase change material and a bottom electrode, and a method for fabricating the same. The phase change memory comprises a current source electrode, a phase change material layer, a plurality of carbon nanotube electrodes, and an insulation layer. The current source electrode supplies external current to a target. The phase change material layer is disposed to face the current source electrode in side direction. The carbon nanotube electrodes are disposed between the current source electrode and the phase change material layer. The insulation layer is formed outside the carbon nanotube electrodes and functions to reduce the loss of heat generated at the carbon nanotube electrodes.

Abstract: The invention describes a new class of crystalline silica material having two levels or porosity and structural order. At the first level, building units are nanoslabs of uniform size having zeolite framework. At the second structural level, nanoslabs are assembled, e.g. linked through their corners, edges or faces following patterns imposed by interaction with cationic surfactant or triblock copolymer molecules. After evacuation of these molecules, microporosity is obtained inside the nanoslabs, and a precise mesoporosity between the nanoslabs depending on the tiling pattern of the zeolite nanoslabs, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction. These materials are useful for the fixation of biologically active species, such as poorly soluble drugs.

Abstract: Thermal rectifiers using linear nanostructures as core thermal conductors have been fabricated. A high mass density material is added preferentially to one end of the nanostructures to produce an axially non-uniform mass distribution. The resulting nanoscale system conducts heat asymmetrically with greatest heat flow in the direction of decreasing mass density. Thermal rectification has been demonstrated for linear nanostructures that are electrical insulators, such as boron nitride nanotubes, and for nanostructures that are conductive, such as carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention features the local administration of complement inhibitors for treatment of complement-mediated disorders. In certain embodiments the invention features inhibiting activation of one or more locally produced complement proteins. The invention provides sustained release formulations and devices comprising a complement inhibitor and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube apparatus, and methods of carbon nanotube modification, include carbon nanotubes having locally modified properties with the positioning of the modifications being controlled. More specifically, the positioning of nanotubes on a substrate with a deposited substance, and partially vaporizing part of the deposited substance etches the nanotubes. The modifications of the carbon nanotubes determine the electrical properties of the apparatus and applications such as a transistor or Shockley diode. Other applications of the above mentioned apparatus include a nanolaboratory that assists in study of merged quantum states between nanosystems and a macroscopic host system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods to harvest, integrate and exploit nanomaterials, and particularly elongated nanowire materials. The invention provides methods for harvesting nanowires that include selectively etching a sacrificial layer placed on a nanowire growth substrate to remove nanowires. The invention also provides methods for integrating nanowires into electronic devices that include placing an outer surface of a cylinder in contact with a fluid suspension of nanowires and rolling the nanowire coated cylinder to deposit nanowires onto a surface. Methods are also provided to deposit nanowires using an ink-jet printer or an aperture to align nanowires. Additional aspects of the invention provide methods for preventing gate shorts in nanowire based transistors. Additional methods for harvesting and integrating nanowires are provided.

Abstract: Novel brominated poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) compounds are synthesized and found to have improved carbon dioxide separation properties, including improved carbon dioxide permeability and improved carbon dioxide/nitrogen selectivity.

Abstract: Receiver circuits using nanotube-based switches and transistors. A receiver circuit includes a differential input having a first and second input link, a differential output having a first and second output link, and first and second switching elements in electrical communication with the input links and the output links. Each switching element has an input node, an output node, a nanotube channel element, and a control structure disposed in relation to the nanotube channel element to controllably form and unform an electrically conductive channel between said input node and said output node. First and second MOS transistors are each in electrical communication with a reference signal and with the output node of a corresponding one of the first and second switching elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional organic particles having functional nanoparticles dispersed in an organic polymeric matrix, wherein the distribution of the functional nanoparticles is increased in the direction toward increasing the particle diameter from the center of the functional organic particles, and to a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: Matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals are provided. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The matrixes of the present invention can also be utilized in refractive index matching applications. In other embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals are embedded within matrixes to form a nanocrystal density gradient, thereby creating an effective refractive index gradient. The matrixes of the present invention can also be used as filters and antireflective coatings on optical devices and as down-converting layers. Processes for producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanostructured superconducting material of type REBa2Cu3O7, where RE=Rare Earth or yttrium, comprising two phases, a principal matrix of REBa2Cu3O7 and a secondary phase of BaZrO3, CeO2, BaSnO3, BaCeO3, SrRuO3, La1-xMxMnO3 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba), RE2O3 and/or RE2Cu2O5. The secondary phase is distributed at random within the matrix in such a way that it provides a high density of nanometric defects, thereby increasing the capacity for effectively anchoring the vortices. Another subject of the invention is the procedure through which these superconducting materials are produced.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices comprising multiple nanogaps having a separation of less than about 5 nm. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating these devices.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a procedure for bulk scale preparation of high aspect ratio, 2-dimensional nano platelets comprised of a few graphene layers, Gn. n may, for example, vary between about 2 to 10. Use of these nano platelets in applications such as thermal interface materials, advanced composites, and thin film coatings provide material systems with superior mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal, and antifriction characteristics.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of preparing a superhard material involves using mixtures of boron with carbon nitride of C3N4 stoichiometry as precursors. The C3N4 may be nanospherical. The result of chemical interaction of these components is the formation of new ternary compound B—C—N compound with a cubic structure. According to some embodiments, the composition is BCxN, where x is about 0.5. According to some embodiments, the composition is BCxN, where x is about 0.2. According to some embodiments, the compound has a unit cell parameter a=3.645±0.005 ?. According to some embodiments, the unit cell parameter a is about 3.655 A. Synthesis is carried out under the conditions of thermodynamic stability of diamond at pressures higher that 6.0 GPa and temperatures above 1000° C. The starting components are taken according to the following ratio: boron—20-60 wt. %, C3N4—40-80 wt. %.

Abstract: Methods of processing nanocrystals to remove excess free and bound organic material and particularly surfactants used during the synthesis process, and resulting nanocrystal compositions, devices and systems that are physically, electrically and chemically integratable into an end application.

Abstract: Nanoprisms containing silver and gold are disclosed. The nanoprisms exhibit the properties of pure silver nanoprisms, but are less susceptible to silver modification or reaction by a surrounding environment than pure silver nanoprisms due to the presence of the gold. The gold surface of the nanoprisms can be further modified, using known gold-modification techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino acid sequences that are directed against (as defined herein) receptors for proteins with an immunoglobulin fold (Fc receptors), as well as to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more such amino acid sequences. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such amino acid sequences and polypeptides; to methods for preparing such amino acid sequences and polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such amino acid sequences or polypeptides; to compositions, and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions, that comprise such amino acid sequences, polypeptides, nucleic acids and/or host cells; and to uses of such amino acid sequences or polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells and/or compositions, in particular for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic puiposes, such as the prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes mentioned herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a nano-array electrode with a controlled nano-structure by filling a compound having an electron-accepting structure or an electron donating structure into the fine pores of an anodic-oxide porous alumina film obtained by anodically oxidizing aluminum in electrolyte. The spaces defined between the nano-arrays formed of the compound by removing the alumina film are filled with a compound having an electron-donating structure if the nano-arrays have an electron-accepting structure and a compound having an electron-accepting structure if the nano-arrays have an electron-donating structure. A high-performance, high-efficiency photoelectric converting device comprising a nano-array electrode manufactured by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bioresorbable composite of a non-crystalline calcium phosphate ceramic synthesized within an encapsulating microspheres of bioresorbable polymeric material for use in bone repair and replacement is provided. Also provides are methods for producing these composites as well as porous, 3-dimensional scaffold produced by sintering together microspheres of this bioresorbable composite.

Abstract: A new class of light emitting and laser diodes is disclosed wherein ballistic (without collisions) electron propagation along the nanotubes, grown normally to the substrate plane on the common metal electrode, provides conditions for the light emission from the nanotubes. The electrons, tunneling from the input contact into high energy states in the nanotubes, emit light via electron energy relaxation between the quantum energy levels existing in the nanotubes due to quantum size effect. In the disclosed devices, planar layer deposition technology is used to form a diode structure with two electrodes attached to the nanotubes ends.

Abstract: A non-woven web, comprising one or more polymeric fibers, wherein the number-average fiber diameter distribution of said one or more polymeric fibers conforms to a Johnson unbounded distribution. Non-woven webs comprising such polymeric fibers are rendered with mean-flow pore size and porosity desirable for specific filtration applications such as hepafiltration.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions of matter related to high efficiency InGaN-based photovoltaic devices. The disclosed synthesis of semiconductor heterostructures may be exploited to produce higher efficiency, longer lasting, photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A method for producing zeolite films or membranes at essentially ambient pressure, which includes preparing a synthesis mixture comprising an ionic liquid solvent and an aluminum and/or silicon and/or phosphate source and converting the synthesis mixture to form a continuous zeolite layer. In addition, a method of synthesizing zeolite nanocrystals, which includes preparing a synthesis mixture, the synthesis mixture having a silica or a silica and alumina source, and a template; and synthesizing the synthesis mixture to form zeolite nanocrystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanocarbon with the compound of 1:1 atomic number ratio of hydrogen and halogen among chemical compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and halogen and a preparation method thereof. The present invention relates to a new preparation method of carbons in various forms such as nanodiamond, fullerene, nanographite, carbon onion, carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber with the compound of 1:1 atomic number ratio of hydrogen and halogen among chemical compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and halogen by dehydrohalogenation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibacterial nanofiber which comprises a polymer having an electron-withdrawing group and/or an electron-withdrawing atomic group and has an average fiber diameter of not less than 1 nm and less than 1000 nm, wherein the ratio of the binding energy of the minimum unit of the polymer at 25° C. to the binding energy of the electron-withdrawing group and/or the electron-withdrawing atomic group contained in the minimum unit of the polymer at 25° C. is 0.13 or greater. The nanofiber has an antibacterial activity by itself, and therefore can exhibit an antibacterial activity without the need of adding any antibacterial agent.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for creating a diffused thin film surface treatments on one or more interior surfaces of closed or partially closed fluid transport or processing systems providing improved surface prophylaxis against fouling. The method involves contacting the interior surfaces to be treated with a metal compound composition, and converting the metal compound composition to metal oxide for example by heating the surfaces to the desired temperature after all or a part of the system has been assembled. Embodiments of the present invention can be performed in situ on existing fluid processing or transport systems, which minimizes the disruption to the surface treatment created by welds, joints, flanges, and damage caused by or during the system assembly process.

Abstract: A boron nitride fiber paper having a very small fiber diameter and exhibiting excellent heat resistance, mechanical properties and heat conductivity. The fiber paper is composed of a fiber assembly which contains boron nitride fibers having a fiber diameter of not more than 1 ?m in an amount of not less than 40 wt %.

Abstract: A system for synthesizing nanostructures using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is provided. The system includes a housing, a porous substrate within the housing, and on a downstream surface of the substrate, a plurality of catalyst particles from which nanostructures can be synthesized upon interaction with a reaction gas moving through the porous substrate. Electrodes may be provided to generate an electric field to support the nanostructures during growth. A method for synthesizing extended length nanostructures is also provided.

Abstract: High-surface-area carbon nanostructures coated with a smooth and conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin metal films and their method of manufacture are described. The preferred manufacturing process involves the initial oxidation of the carbon nanostructures followed by a surface preparation process involving immersion in a solution with the desired pH to create negative surface dipoles. The nanostructures are subsequently immersed in an alkaline solution containing a suitable quantity of non-noble metal ions which adsorb at surface reaction sites. The metal ions are then reduced via chemical or electrical means. The nanostructures are exposed to a solution containing a salt of one or more noble metals which replace adsorbed non-noble surface metal atoms by galvanic displacement. The process can be controlled and repeated to obtain a desired film coverage.

Abstract: Methods of forming nanoprisms or nanorods from gold seed particles by adding controlled amounts of iodide ion to the growth solution are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite structural element and a method for making same are provided. The element includes a polymer foam core and at least one fibrous layer adhered to the polymer foam core by epoxy. Nano-particles are suspended in the epoxy prior to curing; preferably they are mixed with the hardener before it is mixed with the resin. The polymer foam core is preferably an exothermic foam such as polyurethane, and heat generated by the exothermic foam cures the epoxy, thereby causing the fibrous layer to adhere to the foam core. The nano-particles may be made from at least one of carbon, a ceramic, tungsten, a carbide, titanium, zircon, aluminum, silver, or boron. When carbon nano-particles are used, the strength of the composite is greatly increased, and the curing time of the heat-curable epoxy is significantly reduced. Ceramic nano-particles can be used to increase penetration resistance and provide increased ballistic protection.

Abstract: Method for the dissolution of a gas in an input gas flow, in which a soaked solid comprising a porous substrate comprising pores each having a size less than 100 nanometres (nm) and each containing a solvent of the gas, is swept with the input gas flow comprising at least the gas.

Abstract: A nanofluidic channel fabricated in fused silica with an approximately 500 nm square cross section was used to isolate, detect and identify individual quantum dot conjugates. The channel enables the rapid detection of every fluorescent entity in solution. A laser of selected wavelength was used to excite multiple species of quantum dots and organic molecules, and the emission spectra were resolved without significant signal rejection. Quantum dots were then conjugated with organic molecules and detected to demonstrate efficient multicolor detection. PCH was used to analyze coincident detection and to characterize the degree of binding. The use of a small fluidic channel to detect quantum dots as fluorescent labels was shown to be an efficient technique for multiplexed single molecule studies. Detection of single molecule binding events has a variety of applications including high throughput immunoassays.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an electric-field-enhancement structure is disclosed. The electric-field-enhancement structure includes a substrate and an ordered arrangement of dielectric particles having at least two adjacent dielectric particles spaced from each other a controlled distance. The controlled distance is selected so that when a resonance mode is excited in each of the at least two adjacent dielectric particles responsive to excitation electromagnetic radiation, each of the resonance modes interacts with each other to result in an enhanced electric field between the at least two adjacent dielectric particles. Other aspects of the present invention are electric-field-enhancement apparatuses that utilize the described electric-field-enhancement structures, and methods of enhancing an electric field between adjacent dielectric particles.

Abstract: A composite material and related methods are described, the composite material configured to exhibit at least one of a negative effective permittivity and a negative effective permeability for incident radiation of at least one wavelength. The composite material comprises an arrangement of electromagnetically reactive cells of small dimension relative to the wavelength, each cell having a plurality of quantum dots associated therewith for enhancing a resonant response thereof to the incident radiation at the wavelength.

Abstract: Methods for the site-selective growth of horizontal nanowires are provided. According to the methods, horizontal nanowires having a predetermined length and diameter can be grown site-selectively at desired sites in a direction parallel to a substrate to fabricate a device with high degree of integration. Further provided are nanowires grown by the methods and nanodevices comprising the nanowires.

Abstract: Nanopatterned surfaces are prepared by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate, annealing and surface reconstructing the block copolymer film to create an array of cylindrical voids, depositing a metal on the surface-reconstructed block copolymer film, and heating the metal-coated block copolymer film to redistribute at least some of the metal into the cylindrical voids. When very thin metal layers and low heating temperatures are used, metal nanodots can be formed. When thicker metal layers and higher heating temperatures are used, the resulting metal structure includes nanoring-shaped voids. The nanopatterned surfaces can be transferred to the underlying substrates via etching, or used to prepare nanodot- or nanoring-decorated substrate surfaces.

Abstract: A method for forming an array of elongated nanostructures includes in one embodiment, providing a member having a top surface, forming a plurality of pores in the member having an upper portion opening onto the top surface and a lower portion to form a template, and the upper portion being sized greater than the lower portion, introducing a catalyst in the lower portion of the plurality of pores and below the upper portion, and growing a plurality of elongated nanostructures from the catalyst spaced from the sides of the upper portion of the plurality of pores.