Abstract: Devices including a coating layer formed of a transparent, conductive coating composition described. The coating layer may function as an active antifog coating for the prevention of water vapor condensation as droplets on a surface. The coating includes a conductive polymer and functionalized carbon nanostructures and may be crosslinked with a transition metal crosslinking agent. The composition may be coated on a surface used in a visualization application such as a face shield, glasses, safety glasses, goggles, oculars, etc., to prevent fogging on the surface.

Abstract: A macrocyclic pore-apertured carbon nanotube apparatus is disclosed. The carbon nanotube apparatus can be used to filter or exclude ions, solutes in solution, as well as particles suspended in a colloidal mixture. The nanotube apparatus includes a carbon nanotube having a carboxylated portion at least one pore entrance and at least one molecular aperture adapted to be bonded to the carboxylated portion of the carbon nanotube. The molecular aperture is further adapted to prevent dissolved ions in a solution from entering the pore entrance. Methods for preparing and using the apparatus are also disclosed. The apparatus can also be incorporated into to filtration media for conducting reverse osmosis filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanomaterials and/or carbon micromaterials, in particular multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The method is characterized according to the invention in that at least one molecule that has a reactive group in terminal position is bound to the surface of the material. In addition, the invention also relates to a correspondingly modified material.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus and filtration method can be used to reduce at least one contaminant (e.g., organic molecules, ions and/or biological microorganisms) in an aqueous fluid. The filtration apparatuses and methods of the invention can separate at least one contaminant from an aqueous fluid and/or oxidize at least one contaminant. In operation, an aqueous fluid is flowed through a filtration apparatus comprising a porous carbon nanotube filter material at an applied voltage. In some embodiments, the filtration apparatus described herein can be used for dead-end filtration. In some embodiments, the filtration apparatus described herein can be used for cross-over filtration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thin film transistor which includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a semiconducting layer, an insulating layer and a gate electrode. The drain electrode is spaced apart from the source electrode. The semiconducting layer is electrically connected with the source electrode and the drain electrode. The gate electrode is insulated from the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the semiconducting layer by the insulating layer. At least one of the gate electrode, the drain electrode, the source electrode includes a carbon nanotube composite layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the exfoliation and dispersion of carbon nanotubes resulting in high aspect ratio, surface-modified carbon nanotubes that are readily dispersed in various media. A method is disclosed for their production in high yield. Further modifications by surface active or modifying agents are also disclosed. Application of the carbon nanotubes of this invention as composites with materials such as elastomers, thermosets and thermoplastics are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying electrical properties of carbon nanotubes by subjecting a composition of carbon nanotubes to one or more radical initiator(s). The invention also relates to an electronic component such as field-effect transistor comprising a carbon nanotube obtained using the method of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of the modified carbon nanotubes in conductive and high-strength nanotube/polymer composites, transparent electrodes, sensors and nanoelectromechanical devices, additives for batteries, radiation sources, semiconductor devices (e.g. transistors) or interconnects.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a carbon-nanomaterial-supported catalyst, including: a carbon nanomaterial, and a polymer grafted onto the carbon nanomaterial, wherein the polymer has a repeat unit containing a phosphonium salt and its molecular weight is 1,000-200,000. The disclosure is also related to a method of preparing carbonate, which includes using the carbon nanomaterial-supported catalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of carbon dioxide into the epoxy group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of integrating carbon nanotubes into epoxy polymer composites via chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes, and to the carbon nanotube-epoxy polymer composites produced by such methods. Integration is enhanced through improved dispersion and/or covalent bonding with the epoxy matrix during the curing process. In general, such methods involve the attachment of chemical moieties (i.e., functional groups) to the sidewall and/or end-cap of carbon nanotubes such that the chemical moieties react with either the epoxy precursor(s) or the curing agent(s) (or both) during the curing process. Additionally, in some embodiments, these or additional chemical moieties can function to facilitate dispersion of the carbon nanotubes by decreasing the van der Waals attractive forces between the nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for enhancing the electron transport property measurements of a molecule when the molecule is placed between chemically functionalized carbon-based nanoscopic electrodes to which a suitable voltage bias is applied. The invention includes selecting a dopant atom for the nanoscopic electrodes, the dopant atoms being chemically similar to atoms present in the molecule, and functionalizing the outer surface and terminations of the electrodes with the dopant atoms.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a methodology of incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into an epoxy matrix and thereby producing epoxy-based CNT nanocomposites. Both the pristine and ozonized CNTs are almost homogeneously dispersed into the resin by this approach. Compared with the pristine CNTs (p-MWCNTs), the ozonized ones (f-MWCNTs) offer considerable improvements on mechanical properties within the epoxy resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube-metal particle complex composition prepared by: a) a step of preparing a carbon nanotube solution in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed; b) a step of performing acid treatment on the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation a); c) a step of neutralizing the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation b); and d) a step of mixing the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation c) and a metal solution containing metal particles, in order to bond said metal particles to the surfaces of said carbon nanotubes. The present invention also relates to a heated steering wheel including a carbon nanotube heating coating layer formed from the composition.

Abstract: Compositions include a multi-walled nanotube including metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles are bound to the multi-walled nanotube through functional groups on a surface of the multi-walled nanotube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sequential functionalization methodology for the covalent modification of nanotubes with between one and four repeat units of a polymer. Covalent attachment of oligomer units to the surface of nanotubes results in oligomer units forming an organic sheath around the nanotubes, polymer-functionalized-nanotubes (P-NTs). P-NTs possess chemical functionality identical to that of the functionalizing polymer, and thus provide nanoscale scaffolds which may be readily dispersed within a monomer solution and participate in the polymerization reaction to form a polymer-nanotube/polymer composite. Formation of polymer in the presence of P-NTs leads to a uniform dispersion of nanotubes within the polymer matrix, in contrast to aggregated masses of nanotubes in the case of pristine-NTs.

Abstract: A method of co-functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes for gas sensors, which includes the steps of: fabricating single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects; synthesizing tin oxide onto the single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects; and synthesizing metal nanoparticles onto the tin oxide coated single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of functionalizing the sidewalls of a plurality of carbon nanotubes with oxygen moieties, the method comprising: exposing a carbon nanotube dispersion to an ozone/oxygen mixture to form a plurality of ozonized carbon nanotubes; and contacting the plurality of ozonized carbon nanotubes with a cleaving agent to form a plurality of sidewall-functionalized carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A tunable nanostructure such as a nanotube is used to make an electromechanical oscillator. The mechanically oscillating nanotube can be provided with inertial clamps in the form of metal beads. The metal beads serve to clamp the nanotube so that the fundamental resonance frequency is in the microwave range, i.e., greater than at least 1 GHz, and up to 4 GHz and beyond. An electric current can be run through the nanotube to cause the metal beads to move along the nanotube and changing the length of the intervening nanotube segments. The oscillator can operate at ambient temperature and in air without significant loss of resonance quality. The nanotube is can be fabricated in a semiconductor style process and the device can be provided with source, drain, and gate electrodes, which may be connected to appropriate circuitry for driving and measuring the oscillation. Novel driving and measuring circuits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process of ozonolysis of carbon nanotubes assisted by water vapour. The improved methodology provides an eco-friendly, cheaper, practical and efficient approach to functionalize carbon nanotubes with oxygen-containing moieties for further chemical functionalization and composite dispersion.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses novel responsive polymers that comprise a rod segment and (or) a coil segment. This disclosure also discloses nanomaterial-polymer composite comprising the responsive polymers that are covalently linked with nanomaterials. Also disclosed are polymeric transducer materials and sensor systems that comprise the nanomaterial-polymer composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon nanotubes comprising hydroxy groups, wherein the surface thereof comprises hydroxy alkyl ester groups covalently bound thereon, chosen from the group according to the general formula (1) and/or the general formula (2), wherein (CNT) stands for the surface of the carbon nanotube and R1 and R2 are independently from each other hydrocarbon, an alkyl radical or an aryl radical. The invention further relates to a method for the production thereof by means of reaction of carbon acid groups of the carbon nanotubes with an epoxy, furthermore a polyurethane polymer, wherein said carbon nanotubes are covalently bound, a method for producing a polymer of said kind and use of the carbon nanotubes for producing polymers.

Abstract: A structure comprising high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARM-structures), wherein the structure comprises an essentially planar network (2) of HARM-structures, and a support (3) in contact with the network (2). The support (3) has an opening (5) therein, at the peripheral region (4) of which opening (5) the network (2) is in contact with the support (3), such that the middle part of the network (2) is unsupported by the support (3). The network (2) comprises essentially randomly oriented HARM-structures.

Abstract: A carbon nanohorn (CNH) is oxidized to make an opening in the side of the CNH. A substance to be included, e.g., a metal, is introduced through the opening. The inclusion substance is moved to a tip part of the carbon nanohorn through heat treatment in vacuum or an inert gas. The CNH is further heat treated in an atmosphere containing oxygen in a low concentration to remove the carbon layer in the tip through catalysis of the inclusion substance. This exposes the inclusion substance. If the inclusion substance is a metal which is not moved to a tip part by the heat treatment in vacuum or an inert gas, the carbon part surrounding the fine catalyst particle is specifically burned by a heat treatment in an low oxygen concentration atmosphere, while utilizing the catalysis. Thus, the fine catalyst particle is fixed to the tip part of the CNH.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an electrolyte has favorable ionic conductivity at low temperatures. In one example embodiment, a solid electrolyte is provided between a cathode and an anode. In one example embodiment, the electrolyte is formed of electrolyte salt such as a lithium salt, carbon cluster such as fullerene, and a liquid having polarity and dissociating the electrolyte salts into ions like organic solvents such as acetone and ionic liquids such as EMITFSI (1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide).

Abstract: The present invention provides: a carbon nanohorn composite including a carbon nanohorn, a substance encapsulated in the carbon nanohorn, and a polyamine adsorbed by chemical reaction firmly to a surface functional group present on the opening part on the surface of the carbon nanohorn, wherein the release amount and release rate of the encapsulated substance can be controlled using the difference in size, substituent or three-dimensional structure of the polyamine, which is used as a plug; a method of controlling the release of the encapsulated substance; and a process for producing the carbon nanohorn composite. The release amount and release rate of the substance encapsulated in the carbon nanohorn composite is controlled by selecting a polyamine molecule, which plugs the opening part formed in the carbon nanohorn by oxidation, by its size, substituent or three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming dispersions of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are incorporated into first coordination complexes in which the nanoparticles are coordinated to hydrophobic ligands, and the first coordination complexes are dispersed within a non-polar solvent. While the first coordination complexes are within the non-polar solvent, the ligands are reacted with one or more reactants to convert the first coordination complexes into second coordination complexes that contain hydrophilic ligands. The second coordination complexes are then extracted from the non-polar solvent into water, to form a mixture of the second coordination complexes and the water. In some embodiments, the mixture may be dispersed across a semiconductor substrate to form a uniform distribution of the nanoparticles across the substrate. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may then be incorporated into flash memory devices as charge-trapping centers.

Abstract: An electrode for a battery is augmented with vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, allowing both improved storage density of lithium ions and the increase electrical and thermal conductivity. Carbon nanotubes are extremely good electrical and thermal conductors, and can be grown directly on the electrode (e.g., anode or cathode) current collector metals, allowing direct electrical contact. Additionally carbon nanotubes have an ideal aspect ratio, having lengths potentially thousands of times as long as their widths, 10 to 1,000 nanometers. In an embodiment, the carbon nanotube electrode (e.g., an anode) comprises a silicon matrix, allowing withstanding volumetric changes exhibited during cycling of the electrochemical cell. In an embodiment, the carbon nanotube electrode (e.g., a cathode) comprises embedded sulfur, allowing both the improved retention of elemental sulfur and increase electrical conductivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon nanotube composite material, to methods of its production and to uses of such composite material.

Abstract: In the method of embodiments of the invention, the metal seeded carbon allotropes are reacted in solution forming zero valent metallic nanowires at the seeded sites. A polymeric passivating reagent, which selects for anisotropic growth is also used in the reaction to facilitate nanowire formation. The resulting structure resembles a porcupine, where carbon allotropes have metallic wires of nanometer dimensions that emanate from the seed sites on the carbon allotrope. These sites are populated by nanowires having approximately the same diameter as the starting nanoparticle diameter.

Abstract: A precursor chiral nanotube with a specified chirality is grown using an epitaxial process and then cloned. A substrate is provided of crystal material having sheet lattice properties complementary to the lattice properties of the selected material for the nanotube. A cylindrical surface(s) having a diameter of 1 to 100 nanometers are formed as a void in the substrate or as crystal material projecting from the substrate with an orientation with respect to the axes of the crystal substrate corresponding to the selected chirality. A monocrystalline film of the selected material is epitaxially grown on the cylindrical surface that takes on the sheet lattice properties and orientation of the crystal substrate to form a precursor chiral nanotube. A catalytic particle is placed on the precursor chiral nanotube and atoms of the selected material are dissolved into the catalytic particle to clone a chiral nanotube from the precursor chiral nanotube.

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

Abstract: A conductive paste composition is provided. The conductive paste composition includes 20 to 70 weight % of silver nanoparticles having an average particle size of 1 nm to 250 nm based on a total weight of the conductive paste composition, and 0.01 to 2 weight % of silver-decorated carbon nanotubes based on the total weight of the conductive paste composition.

Abstract: Some embodiments include devices that contain bundles of CNTs. An undulating topography extends over the CNTs and within spaces between the CNTs. A global maximum lateral width is defined as the greatest lateral width of any of the spaces. A material is directly over the CNTs, with the material being a plurality of particles that have minimum cross-sectional equatorial widths exceeding the global maximum lateral width. Some embodiments include methods in which a plurality of crossed carbon nanotubes are formed over a semiconductor substrate. The CNTs form an undulating upper topography extending across the CNTs and within spaces between the CNTs. A global maximum lateral width is defined as the greatest lateral width of any of the spaces. A material is deposited over the CNTs, with the material being deposited as particles that have minimum cross-sectional equatorial widths exceeding the global maximum lateral width.

Abstract: Fibrous composite comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes; and a silica-containing moiety having one of the structures: (SiO)3Si—(CH2)n—NR1R2) or (SiO)3Si—(CH2)n—NCO; where n is from 1 to 6, and R1 and R2 are each independently H, CH3, or C2H5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing at least one microgel, at least one carbon nanotube and at least one organic medium. Said organic medium can be cross-linked or non cross-linked.

Abstract: A method of dispersing nanotubes and/or nanoplatelets in a polyolefin is provided, involving A) preparing a solution comprising nanotubes or nanoplatelets or both; B) stirring the resulting solution from step (A); C) dissolving at least one polymeric material in the stirred solution from step (B) and isolating precipitates from the solution; and D) melt-blending the precipitates with at least one polyolefin, along with the nanocomposites prepared thereby, and articles formed from the nanocomposites.

Abstract: This is provided a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface configuration and method of forming a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material on a metallic substrate. The surface configuration comprises a metallic substrate having a carbon nanotube/carbon fibers configuration grown thereon, with the carbon nanotubes/carbon fibers configuration having a heirarchial structure formed to have a predetermined roughness in association with the surface. The method comprises providing a metallic substrate having a predetermined configuration, and growing a plurality of carbon nanotubes/fibers or other nanostructures formed into a predetermined architecture supported on the substrate.

Abstract: A piezoelectronic device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The piezoelectronic device of the present invention comprises: a plurality of carbon nanotubes; at least one piezoceramic layer covering the plurality of carbon nanotubes; and a supporting material for supporting the carbon nanotubes and disposed between the carbon nanotubes, the supporting layer being coated with at least one piezoceramic layer, wherein the plurality of carbon nanotubes is arranged in a comb-shape. The piezoelectronic device of the present invention is advantageous in having excellent elasticity (durability) and excellent piezoelectronical property. The induced current obtained from the piezoelectronic device of the present invention is about 1.5 ?A or above as well as induced voltage being over 1V when the size of the piezoelectronic block is 2.5 mm×1 mm×1 mm (length×width×height).

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube metal composite includes the following steps. A number of carbon nanotubes is dispersed in a solvent to obtain a suspension. Metal powder is added into the suspension, and then the suspension agitated. The suspension containing the metal powder is allowed to stand for a while. The solvent is reduced to obtain a mixture of the number of carbon nanotubes and the metal powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon surfaces modified with one or more azide groups. The invention also relates to methods of modifying carbon surfaces with one or more azide groups.

Abstract: A method for functionalizing the wall of single-wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes involves the use of acyl peroxides to generate carbon-centered free radicals. The method allows for the chemical attachment of a variety of functional groups to the wall or end cap of carbon nanotubes through covalent carbon bonds without destroying the wall or endcap structure of the nanotube. Carbon-centered radicals generated from acyl peroxides can have terminal functional groups that provide sites for further reaction with other compounds. Organic groups with terminal carboxylic acid functionality can be converted to an acyl chloride and further reacted with an amine to form an amide or with a diamine to form an amide with terminal amine. The reactive functional groups attached to the nanotubes provide improved solvent dispersibility and provide reaction sites for monomers for incorporation in polymer structures. The nanotubes can also be functionalized by generating free radicals from organic sulfoxides.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a p-type semiconductor substance, and an n-type semiconductor substance. The p-type semiconductor substance and the n-type semiconductor substance form a pn junction or a pin junction, and the p-type semiconductor substance or the n-type semiconductor substance includes a structure film having a plurality of carbon nanotubes electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A new method for preparing a supported catalyst is herein provided. Carbon nanotubes are functionalized by contacting them with an oxidizing agent to form functionalized carbon nanotubes. A metal catalyst is then loaded or deposited onto the functionalized carbon nanotubes. The mixture is then extruded to form the supported catalyst comprising a carbon nanotube structure containing metal catalyst more evenly dispersed within the internal structure of the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polarizer utilizes a support, which is coated with a photoresist. A carbon nanotube film is located over the photoresist, and one portion of the carbon nanotube film is submerged in the photoresist. Metal or semi-metallic particles are deposited over the carbon nanotube film and the photoresist, which is removed. The carbon nanotube film with the metal particles or semi-metallic particles is adhered to a substrate to obtain the polarizer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of separating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by their electronic type (e.g., metallic, semi-metallic, and semiconducting). Perhaps most generally, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of separating CNTs by bandgap, wherein such separation is effected by interacting the CNTs with a surface such that the surface interacts differentially with the CNTs on the basis of their bandgap, or lack thereof. In some embodiments, such methods can allow for such separations to be carried out in bulk quantities.

Abstract: Novel multiblock polymers are prepared and used to disperse carbon nanotubes in solution.

Abstract: A nanostructured molecular delivery vehicle comprising magnetic materials and configured to receive passenger biomolecules. The application of a an appropriate magnetic field having a gradient orients and drives the vehicle into a biological target, which may comprise cells, cell masses, tissue slices, tissues, etc. Under the control of the magnetic field, these vehicles can penetrate cell membranes. Then, the biomolecules carried by the vehicle can be released into the cells to perform their functions. Using this “nanospearing” technique, unprecendented high transfection efficiency has been achieved in several difficult-to-transfect cells. These include, but are not limited to, Bal 17 cells, ex vivo B cells, primary cultured cortical neurons, etc. This method advances the state of the art, providing an improved technique for the introduction of exogenous molecules to cells, with the clinical applications including, but not being limited to, drug delivery, gene therapy, vaccination, etc.

Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention comprises a cathode and an anode, one or both of the anode and the cathode including a catalyst comprising a bundle of longitudinally aligned graphitic carbon nanotubes including a catalytically active transition metal incorporated longitudinally and atomically distributed throughout the graphitic carbon walls of said nanotubes. The nanotubes also include nitrogen atoms and/or ions chemically bonded to the graphitic carbon and to the transition metal. Preferably, the transition metal comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cr.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube filter. The filter including a filter housing; and chemically active carbon nanotubes within the filter housing, the chemically active carbon nanotubes comprising a chemically active layer formed on carbon nanotubes or comprising chemically reactive groups on sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes; and media containing the chemically active carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A new method for preparing a supported catalyst is herein provided. The supported catalyst comprises a carbon nanotube network structure containing metal catalysts. The metal catalyst may be loaded onto functionalized carbon nanotubes before forming the carbon nanotube network structure. Alternatively, the metal catalyst may be loaded onto the carbon nanotube network structures themselves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a nano-composite comprising carbon nanotube and metal, more precisely a method for preparing a carbon nanotube-metal composite comprising the steps of preparing a dispersion solution by dispersing carbon nanotube in a reductive solvent; preparing a mixed solution by adding a stabilizer and a metal precursor; and reducing the metal precursor by heating the mixed solution, and a carbon nanotube-metal composite prepared by the same. The method of the present invention favors the production of a carbon nanotube-metal composite which is characterized by even metal particles from some nm to hundreds nm in size and even dispersion of those particles to be bound to carbon nanotube.