Multi-walled Patents (Class 977/752)
  • Publication number: 20100327247
    Abstract: Methods and systems of using nanotube elements as joule heating elements for memories and other applications. Under one aspect, a method includes providing an electrical stimulus, regulated by a drive circuit, through a nanotube element in order to heat an adjacent article. Further, a detection circuit electrically gauges the state of the article. The article heated by the nanotube element is, in preferred embodiments, a phase changing material, hi memory applications, the invention may be used as a small-scale CRAM capable of employing small amounts of current to induce rapid, large temperature changes in a chalcogenide material. Under various embodiments of the disclosed invention, the nanotube element is composed of a non-woven nanotube fabric which is either suspended from supports and positioned adjacent to the phase change material or is disposed on a substrate and in direct contact with the phase change material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: NANTERO, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Ward, Thomas Rueckes, Mitchell Meinhold, Brent M. Segal
  • Patent number: 7858648
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a carbon nanotube comprising positive and/or negative charges, the charges being carried by at least one charge-carrying group, the charge carrying group being covalently bound to the surface of the carbon nanotube, for the manufacture of a complex between the carbon nanotube and at least one charged molecule, the bond between the carbon nanotube and the charged molecule being essentially electrostatic, and the charged molecule comprising at least one negative charge if the carbon nanotube comprises positive charges and/or at least one positive charge if the carbon nanotube comprises negative charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.), University of London, The School of Pharmacy, Universita degli Studi di Trieste
    Inventors: Alberto Bianco, Davide Pantarotto, Kostas Kostarelos, Maurizio Prato
  • Publication number: 20100321861
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to capacitors comprising organized assemblies of carbon and non-carbon compounds. This invention further relates to methods of making such organized structures. It also relates to devices containing such structures. In preferred embodiments, the organized structures of the instant invention take the form of nanorods or their aggregate forms. More preferably, a nanorod is made up of a carbon nanotube filled, coated, or both filled and coated by a non-carbon material. In particular, the present invention is directed to a capacitor electrode comprising a carbon nanotube filled with one or more non-carbon materials comprising titanium, a titanium compound, manganese, a manganese compound, cobalt, nickel, palladium, platinum, bromine, iodine, an interhalogen compound, or the combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Leonid Grigorian, Steven G. Colbern, Sean Imtiaz Brahim
  • Publication number: 20100323573
    Abstract: Membranes suitable for microfiltration, ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) filters are provided. Such membranes may include a nanofibrous scaffold, optionally in combination with a non-woven substrate and/or a coating of a polymer and a functionalized nanofiller. Suitable membranes may also include a coating of a polymer and a functionalized nanofiller on a substrate, which can include a non-woven membrane, a nanofibrous scaffold, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin Chu, Benjamin S. Hsiao, Dufei Fang, Kwang-sok Kim
  • Publication number: 20100324315
    Abstract: A method for synthesizing carbon nanotube drug carriers and the carbon nanotube drug carriers are disclosed. Initially, carbon nanotubes, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid are mixed to oxidize carbon nanotubes in a first mixture. The oxidized carbon nanotubes are then extracted from the first mixture. The oxidized carbon nanotubes and monohydrated citric acid are mixed to synthesize carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) in a second mixture. The carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) are then extracted from the second mixture. The carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine are dissolved in anhydrous dimethylformamide in a third mixture. Next, a mixture that comprises a drug is added to the third mixture to synthesize the carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) and the drug in a fourth mixture. Then, the carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) and the drug are extracted from the fourth mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Fatemeh Atyabi, Mohsen Adeli, Zahra Sobhani, Rassoul Dinarvand, Mohammad Hossein Ghahremani
  • Patent number: 7854862
    Abstract: Facile ways towards the integration of the regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s onto carbon nanotubes, providing multifunctional materials that combine the extraordinary properties of the carbon nanotubes with those of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s, are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Advent Technologies
    Inventors: Christos Chochos, Joannis Kallitsis
  • Publication number: 20100313938
    Abstract: The present invention provides a counter electrode that is excellent in photoelectric conversion efficiency and may achieve a photoelectric conversion element where a short circuit between a working electrode and a counter electrode hardly occurs, and a photoelectric conversion element including the counter electrode. The present invention is a counter electrode that includes an intermediate layer made of porous carbon, and an insulating separator that is disposed on one surface of the intermediate layer. The porous carbon includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki USUI
  • Publication number: 20100316557
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the purification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous liquid extraction are disclosed. Carbon nanotubes are introduced to a flow of liquid that enables the separation of CNTs from impurities due to differences in the dispersibility of the CNTs and the impurities within the liquid. Examples of such impurities may include amorphous carbon, graphitic nanoparticles, and metal containing nanoparticles. The continuous extraction process may be performed in one or more stages, where one or more of extraction parameters may be varied between the stages of the continuous extraction process in order to effect removal of selected impurities from the CNTs. The extraction parameters may include, but are not limited to, the extraction liquid, the flow rate of the extraction liquid, the agitation of the liquid, and the pH of the liquid, and may be varied, depending on the impurity to be removed from the CNTs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Carbon Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Haddon
  • Publication number: 20100317820
    Abstract: A method of making a water soluble carbon nanostructure includes treating a fluorinated carbon nanostructure material with a polyol in the presence of a base. A water soluble carbon nanostructure comprises a fluorinated carbon nanostructure covalently bound to a polyol. Exemplary uses of water soluble carbon nanostructures include use in polymer composites, biosensors and drug delivery vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Valery N. Khabashesku, Oleksandr Kuznetsov, Rui Lobo
  • Publication number: 20100314988
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel photoimageable compositions for improving the emission of electron field emitters. These compositions are comprised of carbon nanotubes and metal resinate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Haixin Yang, Angel R. Cartagena, Terry Roland Suess
  • Publication number: 20100311872
    Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides aqueous dispersions of carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments such aqueous dispersions can be applied to fiber glass strands to impart one or more electrically conductive properties to the fiber glass strands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaoyun Lai, Richard J. Pavlekovsky, Matthew E. Wehrle
  • Publication number: 20100301278
    Abstract: An aggregate of carbon nanotubes satisfying all of the following requirements (1) to (3): (1) the volume resistivity is from 1×10?5 ?·cm to 5×10?3 ?·cm; (2) at least 50 out of 100 carbon nanotubes are double-walled carbon nanotubes in observation by a transmission electron microscope; and (3) the weight loss from 200° C. to 400° C. in thermogravimetry at a temperature rise of 10° C./min is from 5% to 20%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Hirai, Hidekazu Nishino, Kenichi Sato, Naoyo Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20100301196
    Abstract: A portable and/or mobile detector for highly enriched uranium (HEU) and weapon grade plutonium (WGPu) is disclosed the detects HEU and/or WGPu based on neutron induced fission of a portion of the HEU and/or WGPu and detecting delayed neutron and/or ?-rays emission from delayed neutron emitters formed from the induced fission reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Wei-Kan Chu, Jia-Rui Liu
  • Publication number: 20100294998
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an aromatic imide-based dispersant for CNTs and a carbon nanotube composition comprising the same. Having an aromatic ring structure advantageously realizing adsorption on carbon nanotubes, the dispersant, even if used in a small amount, can disperse a large quantity of carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyo Sug LEE, Jae Young CHOI, Seon Mi YOON, Hyuk Soon CHOI, Kwang Hee KIM
  • Publication number: 20100295173
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention exploit physical properties of nanostructures by using nanostructures in a composite underfill. An embodiment is a composite underfill comprising an epoxy matrix applied between a substrate and a semiconductor chip and a suspension of nanostructures distributed within the epoxy matrix. Another embodiment is a semiconductor package comprising a semiconductor chip, a carrier, wherein the semiconductor chip is bonded to the carrier, and a composite underfill comprising a plurality of nanostructures dispersed in an epoxy medium between the carrier and the semiconductor chip. Further embodiments include a method for creating a semiconductor package comprising a composite underfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui-Lin Chang, Chih-Lung Lin, Syun-Ming Jang
  • Publication number: 20100288651
    Abstract: There is provided a method of detecting an analyte in a sample, which comprises the steps of contacting the sample with a working electrode in the presence of an electrolyte and determining the electrochemical response of the working electrode to the sample, wherein the working electrode comprises a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and wherein detection takes place in the presence of a species which is capable of forming an intercalation compound with a carbon host material. Electrochemical sensors and compositions suitable for use in said method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: ISIS INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Guy Compton, Craig Edward Banks, Xiaobo Ji
  • Publication number: 20100288981
    Abstract: A method for making a flexible and clear plastics material article of manufacture having a low electric surface resistance, starting from a plastics material having a higher electric surface resistance, in which the electric surface conductivity of the starting article of manufacture is modified by partially including, into at least a portion of the outer surface of the article, carbon nanotubes. With respect to conventional methods, the inventive method allows to modify the starting plastics material electric surface resistance so as to lower it to values smaller than 102 k?/sq, even starting from articles having a higher resistance of the order of 1013 k?/sq, while preserving the starting clearness and flexibility thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: IVG COLBACHINI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Marcolongo, Moreno Meneghetti
  • Patent number: 7833505
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for production of nanoscale materials is disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, the invention is scalable and tunable to reliably produce nanoscale materials of specifically desired qualities and at relatively high levels of purity. In a preferred embodiment, combustible gas is discharged onto a substrate through a multi-zone flame facilitating the formation of nanoscale materials such as single and multi-wall nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Carbon Company
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Donnet, Marie Pontier Johnson, Don T. Norman, Thang Le Huu, Hanae Oulanti
  • Publication number: 20100282496
    Abstract: The present invention relates to freestanding carbon nanotube paper comprising purified carbon nanotubes, where the purified carbon nanotubes form the freestanding carbon nanotube paper and carbon microparticles embedded in and/or present on a surface of the carbon nanotube paper. The invention also relates to a lithium ion battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, battery/capacitor, and fuel cell containing the freestanding carbon nanotube paper as an electrode. Also disclosed is a method of making a freestanding carbon nanotube paper. This method involves providing purified carbon nanotubes, contacting the purified carbon nanotubes with an organic solvent under conditions effective to form a dispersion comprising the purified carbon nanotubes. The dispersion is formed into a carbon nanotube paper and carbon microparticles are incorporated with the purified carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Brian J. Landi, Ryne P. Raffaelle, Cory D. Cress
  • Publication number: 20100284903
    Abstract: The electronic structure of nanowires, nanotubes and thin films deposited on a substrate is varied by doping with electrons or holes. The electronic structure can then be tuned by varying the support material or by applying a gate voltage. The electronic structure can be controlled to absorb a gas, store a gas, or release a gas, such as hydrogen, oxygen, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA PATENTS & TECHNOLOGIES NORTH AMERICA, LLC
    Inventor: Avetik Harutyunyan
  • Publication number: 20100283090
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and processes for producing magnetic nanotransistors containing carbon nanotubes. The nanotube is attached to at least one magnetic particle, the nanotube is then placed in between the two fixed magnetic moments, and subjected to an external magnetic field. The current passing through the nanotube can be controlled using the external magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA PATENTS & TECHNOLOGIES NORTH AMERICA,LLC
    Inventor: Avetik Harutyunyan
  • Publication number: 20100286395
    Abstract: There is provided a method and nanocomposite for the reversible assembly of nanotubes, such as oxidized single wall carbon nanotubes, based on metal coordination. The method produces a thermally stable, neutral nanocomposite possessing enhanced mechanical, electrical, physical and chemical properties for example. Disassembly can be provided by treatment with a competing ligand compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: George R. Newkome, Charles N. Moorefield, Pingshan Wang, Sinan Li
  • Publication number: 20100286327
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide composite materials used for fixing members that can include silsesquioxane-based particles and/or carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carolyn Moorlag, Yu Qi, Qi Zhang, Sandra J. Gardner, Gordon Sisler, Guiqin Song, Nan-Xing Hu
  • Publication number: 20100286314
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides polyolefin blends and nanocomposites and methods for their production. In embodiments, a blend or nanocomposite of the present disclosure may include at least one polyolefin and at least one ionic liquid and/or one modified carbon nanofiller. In embodiments, the at least one modified carbon nanotube may be treated with at least one ionic compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Benjamin Chu, Benjamin S. Hsiao, Hongyang Ma, Nobuyuki Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20100283008
    Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one type of carbon nanotube, at least one surfactant, and at least one polymer are disclosed. The compositions provide stable fluorescence over a wide range of pH in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the compositions are biocompatible. Methods for preparing the compositions from at least one pre-formed polymer are disclosed. Methods for preparing the compositions from at least one monomer are disclosed. Heating methods utilizing the compositions are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Juan G. Duque, Matteo Pasquali, Howard K. Schmidt, Laurent Cogent, A. Nicholas G. Parra-Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20100282668
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanostructured material comprising carbon nanotubes fused together to form a three-dimensional structure. Methods of making the nanostructured material are also disclosed. Such methods include a batch type process, as well as multi-step recycling methods or continuous single-step methods. A wide range of articles made from the nanostructured material, including fabrics, ballistic mitigation materials, structural supports, mechanical actuators, heat sink, thermal conductor, and membranes for fluid purification is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher H. Cooper, Alan G. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20100283174
    Abstract: A composite bipolar plate for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is prepared as follows: a) melt compounding a polypropylene resin and graphite powder to form a melt compounding material, the graphite powder content ranging from 50 wt % to 95 wt % based on the total weight of the melt compounding material and the polypropylene resin being a homopolymer of propylene or a random copolymer of propylene and ethylene, butylenes or hexalene, wherein 0.01-15 wt % of polymer-grafted carbon nanotubes by an acyl chlorination-amidization reaction, based on the weight of the polypropylene resin, are added during the compounding; and b) molding the melt compounding material from step a) to form a bipolar plates having a desired shaped at 100-250° C. and 500-4000 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: YUAN ZE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chen-Chi Martin Ma, Min-Chien Hsiao, Shu-Hang Liao, Jeng-Chih Weng, Shuo-Jen Lee, Ay Su
  • Patent number: 7829886
    Abstract: A nonvolatile carbon nanotube memory device using multiwall carbon nanotubes and methods of operating and fabricating the same are provided. The nonvolatile memory device may include a substrate, at least one first electrode on the substrate, first and second vertical walls on the at least one first electrode spaced from each other, a multiwall carbon nanotube on the at least one first electrode between the first and second vertical walls, second and third electrodes on the first and second vertical walls respectively and at least one fourth electrode spaced a variable distance D (where D?0) from the multiwall carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Leonid Maslov, Jin-Gyoo Yoo, Cheol-Soon Kim
  • Publication number: 20100272985
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a self-assembly fullerene array on the surface of a substrate, comprising the following steps: (1) providing a substrate; (2) pre-annealing the substrate at a temperature ranging from 200° C. to 1200° C. in a vacuum system; and (3) providing powdered fullerene nanoparticles and depositing them on the surface of the substrate by means of physical vapor deposition technology in the vacuum system, so as to form a self-assembly fullerene array on the surface of the substrate. The present invention also provides a fullerene embedded substrate prepared therefrom, which has excellent field emission properties and can be used as a field emitter for any field emission displays. Finally, the present invention provides a fullerene embedded substrate prepared therefrom, which can be used to substitute for semiconductor carbides as optoelectronic devices and high-temperature, high-power, or high-frequency electric devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Mon-Shu Ho, Chih-Pong Huang
  • Publication number: 20100269270
    Abstract: A process for preparing a photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is disclosed, which contains nano TiO2 and functionalized carbon nanomateiral. The process includes reacting a dispersion of functionalized carbon nanomateiral and a TiO2 precursor in a liquid organic medium under sol-gel conditions to form a carbon nanomaterial/nano TiO2 composite colloidal solution; mixing with an aqueous polymer solution, and forming a paste suitable for coating by concentrating the resulting mixture; coating the paste on a conductive glass substrate and calcining the coated layer at 300-520° C. in air for 10-60 minutes to obtain a conductive glass plate having a coating of nanocomposite, which can be used to prepare a photoanode of DSSCs by immersing in a dye solution to adsorb a dye thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Chen-Chi M. Ma, Chuan-Yu Yen, Yu-Feng Lin, Shu-Hang Liao
  • Publication number: 20100271692
    Abstract: Flexible metamaterials and three-dimensional metamaterials operable in the terahertz range are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for fabricating terahertz response metamaterials using microfluidic-jetted techniques. Layers of material including substrate and deposited material are stacked to form three dimensional bulk metamaterials. The fabricated metamaterials act as left-handed metamaterials in the range 0.1 to 3.0 THz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yew Li Hor, Hee Chuan Lim, Yew Fong Hor, John Francis Federici
  • Publication number: 20100273100
    Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrostatographic, including digital, apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member incorporating a thermoplastic material pre-compounded to impart conductivity to the anti-curl back coating layer and may also contain an adhesion promoter which provides a conductively and optically anti-curl back coating layer. The conductive anti-curl back coating of the present disclosure may be formulated to have a single layer, dual layers, or triple layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert C. U. Yu, Yuhua Tong, Edward F. Grabowski, Kock-Yee Law
  • Publication number: 20100266838
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a conductive film, and a conductive film fabricated by the same. The method comprises: preprocessing carbon nanotubes by at least one of a cutting step using ultrasonic wave, and a chemical reaction step with acid; dispersing the carbon nanotubes in a solvent; mixing metal wires with the carbon nanotubes dispersion solution; and forming an electrode layer by coating the mixed resultant on a substrate. Accordingly, can be easily fabricated the conductive film having high transmittance and high electric conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Hyun-Jung LEE, Hee-Suk KIM, Jun-Kyung KIM, Kyoung-Ah OH, Seung-Woong NAM, Soon-Ho LIM
  • Publication number: 20100263908
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for fabricating a conductive film, and a conductive film fabricated by the same. The method comprises: forming a mixed solution consisting of at least one of a metallic precursor and a conductive polymer; spraying atomized droplets of the mixed solution on a surface of a substrate so as to form conductive frames; and coupling carbon nanotubes to the conductive frames so as to enhance electric conductivity. Accordingly, the conductive film can have enhanced electric conductivity, and can be easily fabricated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Hyun-Jung LEE, Hee-Suk KIM, Sun-Young NOH, Sun-Na Hwang, Soon-Ho LIM, Min PARK, Jun-Kyung KIM
  • Publication number: 20100266694
    Abstract: A novel composite for internal application within wounds, incisions, and the like, for the prevention of biofilm growth therein is provided. Such a composite includes an antibiotic introduced within a sponge-like chitosan delivery product with electrically conductive nanomaterials present. Such a delivery product is also lyophilized subsequent to nanomaterial introduction but prior to antibiotic inclusion. The inventive lyophilized composite permits delivery of needed antibiotics internally within a patient with the simultaneous exposure to a sufficiently strong electrical current to permit a synergistic effect of increased antibiotic efficacy. In such a manner, relatively low amounts of antibiotic may be utilized to reduce the propensity of biofilm formation and/or growth within a wound or incision, or on the surface of an implant. Additionally, the lyophilized chitosan/nanomaterial composite allows for a maximum amount of antibiotic to be introduced with maximum elution therefrom as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Jessica Amber Jennings, Warren Oliver Haggard, Joel David Bumgardner
  • Publication number: 20100264399
    Abstract: Nanosized filamentary carbon structures (CNTs) nucleating over a catalyzed surface may be grown in an up-right direction reaching a second surface, spaced from the first surface, without the need of applying any external voltage source bias. The growth process may be inherently self-stopping, upon reaching a significant population of grown CNTs on the second surface. A gap between the two surfaces may be defined for CNT devices being simultaneously fabricated by common integrated circuit integration techniques. The process includes finding that for separation gaps of up to a hundred or more nanometers, a difference between the respective work functions of the materials delimiting the gap space, for example, different metallic materials or a doped semiconductor of different dopant concentration or type, may produce an electric field intensity orienting the growth of nucleated CNTs from the surface of one of the materials toward the surface of the other material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Danilo MASCOLO, Maria Fortuna Bevilacqua
  • Publication number: 20100260927
    Abstract: In a method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube surface, the nanotube surface is exposed to at least one vapor including at least one functionalization species that non-covalently bonds to the nanotube surface, providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a functionalized nanotube surface. A functionalized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one vapor stabilization species that reacts with the functionalization layer to form a stabilization layer that stabilizes the functionalization layer against desorption from the nanotube surface while providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a stabilized nanotube surface. The stabilized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one material layer precursor species that deposits a material layer on the stabilized nanotube surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Roy G. Gordon, Damon B. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7811542
    Abstract: A method for making carbon nanotube particulates involves providing a catalyst comprising catalytic metals, such as iron and molybdenum or metals from Group VIB or Group VIIIB elements, on a support material, such as magnesia, and contacting the catalyst with a gaseous carbon-containing feedstock, such as methane, at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient contact time to make small-diameter carbon nanotubes having one or more walls and outer wall diameters of less than about 3 nm. Removal of the support material from the carbon nanotubes yields particulates of enmeshed carbon nanotubes that retain an approximate three-dimensional shape and size of the particulate support that was removed. The carbon nanotube particulates can comprise ropes of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube particulates disperse well in polymers and show high conductivity in polymers at low loadings. As electrical emitters, the carbon nanotube particulates exhibit very low “turn on” emission field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Unidym, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Yuemei Yang, Kenneth A. Smith, Xiaodong Hu
  • Publication number: 20100255402
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube, a method of preparing the same, a supported catalyst including the same, and a fuel cell using the supported catalyst are provided. The method of preparing the carbon nanotube includes: depositing a metal catalyst in single wall nanotubes and growing multi wall nanotubes over the single wall nanotubes using the metal catalyst. The carbon nanotubes of the present invention have satisfactory specific surface area and low surface resistance. Thus, the carbon nanotubes perform remarkably better than a conventional catalyst carrier. Accordingly, the carbon nanotubes, when used as a catalyst carrier of an electrode for a fuel cell, can improve the electrical conductivity of the fuel cell. In addition, a fuel cell employing the electrode has excellent efficiency and overall performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Jeong-na Heo, Jeong-hee Lee, Tae-won Jeong, Shang-hyeun Park
  • Publication number: 20100256290
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate systems and methods for the separation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in solution. In certain embodiments, the CNTs are isolated by sonication and chemical modification of the CNTs using functionalization reactions, including thermo-initiated free radical polymerization and esterification. Beneficially, sonication facilitates mechanical separation of the CNTs, while the chemical modification of the CNTs results in more favorable interactions between the CNTs and their surrounding media which enables the separated CNTs to remain isolated. Embodiments of the isolated CNTs may also be employed into coating systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Phillip J. Costanzo, Keith Vorst, Greg Curtzwiler
  • Publication number: 20100247419
    Abstract: A carbon nano tube characterized by Bragg diffraction pattern peaks appearing at 2 theta (2?)=26.5°, 44.5°, 51.8°. A carbon nano fiber is disclosed and characterized by Bragg diffraction pattern peaks appearing 2 theta (2?)=44.5°, 51.8°. These carbon nano materials can be prepared in a solid phase by combustion and heating of the solid raw materials both with and without a tube control agent. The carbon nano tube growth process can include controlling the length of the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Khe C. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20100239673
    Abstract: The invention provides blood compatible nanomaterials, biomaterials prepared therewith and blood compatible medical devices fabricated using the biomaterials of the invention. The invention further provides methods of making and using the nanomaterials, biomaterials and medical devices of the invention for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of medical conditions. The invention further provides methods of using room temperature ionic liquids to make blood compatible nanomaterials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Robert J. Linhardt, Saravanababu Murugesan, TaeJoon Park
  • Publication number: 20100237340
    Abstract: A diode includes an organic composite plate, a first electrode and a second electrode. The organic composite plate includes a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of carbon nanotubes distributed therein. The carbon nanotubes in the first portion have a first band gap and the carbon nanotubes in the second portion have a second band gap. The first band gap and the second band gap are different from each other. The first electrode is electrically connected to the first portion. The second electrode electrically is connected to the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicants: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHUN-HUA HU, CHANG-HONG LIU, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Publication number: 20100239491
    Abstract: The present teachings are directed to methods of preparing cylindrical carbon structures, specifically single-walled carbon nanotubes, with a desired chirality. The methods include the steps of providing a catalyst component on a substrate and a carbon component, contacting the catalyst component and the carbon component to produce a cylindrical carbon structure. Then, no longer providing the carbon component and determining the chirality of the cylindrical carbon structure. The catalyst component is then cleaned and the process is repeated until the cylindrical carbon structure fulfills a desired characteristic, such as, length. The chirality of the single-walled carbon nanotube grown, after cleaning of the catalyst component, has the same chirality as the initially produced nanotube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Avetik Harutyunyan
  • Publication number: 20100239966
    Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrostatographic, including digital, apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member incorporating a carbon nano tube dispersion into a high molecular weight polycarbonate and an anti-static copolymer with polyester, polycarbonate, and polyethylene glycol units in a formulation for the anti-curl back coating layer which provides a conductively suitable and stable dispersion coating solution for making an optically suitable anti-curl back coating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuhua Tong, Edward F. Grabowski, Donald J. Goodman, Kock-Yee Law, Robert C.U. Yu
  • Patent number: 7799861
    Abstract: The present invention provides a CNT/polymer composite, in which properties of the polymer is modified and improved. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the CNT/polymer composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Kuan-Jiuh Lin, Jun-Wei Su
  • Publication number: 20100224836
    Abstract: Objective is to provide an aqueous composition for conductive coating which enables to form a conductive coating. In more specific embodiment, an object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous composition for conductive coating which enables to form a conductive and transparent coating, while being excellent in environmental safety and dispersion stability. An aqueous composition for conductive coating, comprising a water-soluble xylan, a resin and a carbon nanotube in an aqueous medium. The carbon nanotube may be a multilayer carbon nanotube or a single-layer carbon nanotube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Shinichi Kitamura, Yoshinobu Terada, Takeshi Takaha, Motohide Ikeda, Yoshiyuki Morimoto, Nobuo Kubozaki
  • Publication number: 20100222536
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Valery N. Khabashesku, Haiqing Peng, John L. Margrave, Mary Lou Margrave, Wilbur Edward Billups, Yunming Ying
  • Publication number: 20100222480
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toughened film forming agent for use in a fiber sizing, a finish coating or a binder composition, where the toughened film forming agent includes a film fowling polymer and a toughening agent both dispersed in water. The toughening agent may be core shell polymers, rubber, thermoplastic materials, nanomaterials, nanofibers, including any combination or subset thereof. The film forming polymer may be epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy-polyurethane resins, polyester resins, epoxy-polyester resins, polyvinylacetate resins, polypropylene resins, including any combination or subset thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Walter Henry Christiansen, III, Carlton E. Ash, Paul W. Langemeier
  • Publication number: 20100222501
    Abstract: A method for making composite nanoparticles comprises a) providing an amount of a polyelectrolyte having a charge, b) providing an amount of a counterion having a valence of at least 2, the counterion having a charge opposite the charge of the polyelectrolyte, c) combining the polyelectrolyte and the counterion in a solution such that the polyelectrolyte self-assembles to form a plurality of polymer aggregates, the plurality of polymer aggregates having an average diameter less than about 100 nm, d) adding a precursor to the solution, wherein the precursor has a charge opposite the charge of the polyelectrolyte, and e) allowing the precursor to infuse each polymer aggregate and polymerize so as to produce composite nanoparticles. The composite nanoparticles comprise a polymer aggregate containing at least one polyelectrolyte and at least one counterion and a polymer network crosslinked throughout the polymer aggregate. The polymer network may be inorganic, e.g silicon-containing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: WM. MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Vinit S. Murthy, Tildon G. Belgard, Michael S. Wong