Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have been reversibly and readily oxidized and reduced with common chemicals in solution, thereby allowing the nanotubes to be used as catalysts for chemical reactions and as stable charge storage devices.

Abstract: A nano-fusion reactor comprised of nano-particles such as carbon based nanotubes, endohedral fullerenes and other nano materials encapsulating fusible fuels such as the hydrogen isotopes, deuterium, and tritium. The nano-devices encapsulate the fusible materials and ignite fusion reactions which in some of the embodiments consume the nano-fusion reactor device requiring the replenishment of these devices so to continue the fusible reactions. The reactions can be controlled and scaled through modulated presentation of fusion targets to the ignition chamber. The fusion reactions are ignited in the embodiments through one or more of the applied forces in the fusion reactor: electromagnetic compressive, electrostatic, and thermo. These applied forces in conjunction with the extreme structural strength, the ablation forces and purity of the nano-fusion device produces maximum forces necessary for the production of a shock wave on the nano-encapsulated device to ignite one or a plurality of fusion reactions.

Abstract: An exemplary lens module includes a number of optical components, a barrel receiving the optical components therein, an image sensor and a holder engaged with the barrel. The holder receives the image sensor therein. The holder has an electromagnetic shielding coating formed thereon. The electromagnetic shielding coating is comprised of a polymeric matrix and a number of carbon nanotubes dispersed in the polymeric matrix and is configured for blocking electromagnetic interference from outside the holder. The lens module can block electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: Vertically oriented carbon nanotubes (CNT) arrays have been simultaneously synthesized at relatively low growth temperatures (i.e., <700° C.) on both sides of aluminum foil via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The resulting CNT arrays were highly dense, and the average CNT diameter in the arrays was approximately 10 nm, A CNT TIM that consist of CNT arrays directly and simultaneously synthesized on both sides of aluminum foil has been fabricated. The TIM is insertable and allows temperature sensitive and/or rough substrates to be interfaced by highly conductive and conformable CNT arrays. The use of metallic foil is economical and may prove favorable in manufacturing due to its wide use.

Abstract: Nanoporous membranes comprising single walled, double walled, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes embedded in a matrix material were fabricated for fluid mechanics and mass transfer studies on the nanometer scale and commercial applications. Average pore size can be 2 nm to 20 nm, or seven nm or less, or two nanometers or less. The membrane can be free of large voids spanning the membrane such that transport of material such as gas or liquid occurs exclusively through the tubes. Fast fluid, vapor, and liquid transport are observed. Versatile micromachining methods can be used for membrane fabrication. A single chip can comprise multiple membranes. These membranes are a robust platform for the study of confined molecular transport, with applications in liquid and gas separations and chemical sensing including desalination, dialysis, and fabric formation.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing single-wall carbon nanotubes by extracting metals from a carbide by halogen treatment at a temperature ranging between 700 to 1700° C. at ambient or low pressure are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the simultaneous and selective growth of single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes using electric arc discharge technique. According to present development it is possible to synthesise and collect catalyst free carbon nanotubes from cathode deposit. A mechanism of cooling coil arrangement was designed and used inside the arc discharge chamber so as to be capable to grow sufficient amount of single walled carbon nanotubes in the form of webs surrounding the coil. The present invention offers a scalable way for producing both SWNTs and MWNTs in the single run.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the preparation of radioisotope-labeled compounds using CNT. It comprises filling the carbon nanotube with a radioisotope; and labeling a physiologically active material with the radioisotope charged in the carbon nanotube. Taking advantage of CNT, the method can prepare a radioisotope-labeled compound invention at a high yield and in a simple manner. Also, the radioisotope, when remaining unreacted, can be recovered by the filtration of the CNT, thereby achieving the prevention of radioactive contamination and the reduction of radioactive waste. Further, the radioisotope-labeled compound is useful as a contrast medium for imaging the hepatobiliary system.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel and carbon nanotubes includes the steps of providing a flow of methane gas, and providing a catalyst mixture comprising a Fe based catalyst and carbon. The method also includes the steps of pretreating the catalyst mixture using microwave irradiation and exposure to CH4, heating the catalyst mixture and the methane gas using microwave irradiation at a selected microwave power, directing the flow of methane gas over the catalyst mixture, and controlling the microwave power to produce a product gas having a selected composition and the carbon nanotubes. For producing multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) only a flow of methane gas into the reactor is required. For producing single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), a combination of hydrogen gas and methane gas into the reactor is required.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods (processes) of providing large quantities of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of defined diameter and chirality (i.e., precise populations). In such processes, CNT seeds of a pre-selected diameter and chirality are grown to many (e.g., hundreds) times their original length. This is optionally followed by cycling some of the newly grown material back as seed material for regrowth. Thus, the present invention provides for the large-scale production of precise populations of CNTs, the precise composition of such populations capable of being optimized for a particular application (e.g., hydrogen storage). The present invention is also directed to complexes of CNTs and transition metal catalyst precurors, such complexes typically being formed en route to forming CNT seeds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods for incorporating low work function metals and salts of such metals into carbon nanotubes for use as field emitting materials. The present invention is also directed toward field emission devices, and associated components, comprising treated carbon nanotubes that have, incorporated into them, low work function metals and/or metal salts, and methods for making same. The treatments of the carbon nanotubes with the low work function metals and/or metal salts serve to improve their field emission properties relative to untreated carbon nanotubes when employed as a cathode material in field emission devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst system for the selective conversion of hydrocarbons into multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hydrogen comprising a compound of the formula: (Ni,Co)FeyOz(Al2O3)w wherein ‘y’ represents the molar fraction of Fe relative to Co and Ni and wherein 0.11?y?9.0, 1.12?z?14.5, and 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer material comprising 99 to 20 parts by weight of polymer(s), 0.1 to 80 parts by weight of carbon nanotubes, and 0.05 to 80 parts by weight of at least one type of dispersant selected from A-B-C, B-C and/or C-B-C block copolymers, wherein each block is bonded to the other by means of a covalent bond, C is a chemical and/or physical interaction with the polymer material and in preferably is miscible therwith, B is not miscible with the polymer material and with the block B and the glass transition temperature thereof. Tg is less than the polymer material use temperature, A is not miscible with the polymer material and with the blocks B and the block C and the Tg or the fusion temperature Tf is greater than the Tg of B.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube is adapted to pass current between two conductive elements. In one implementation, each conductive element includes a catalyst material, wherein electrical connection is made to opposite ends of the nanotube at each of the catalyst portions. In one implementation, the electrical connection is used to detect an electrical characteristic of the nanotube, such as the response of the nanotube to exposure to one or more of a variety of materials. In another implementation, the nanotube is used for chemical and biological sensing. In still another implementation, a particular functionality is imparted to the nanotube using one or more of a variety of materials coupled to the nanotube, such as metal particles, biological particles and/or layers of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer composite materials containing carbon nanotubes, particularly to those containing singled-walled nanotubes. The invention provides a polymer composite comprising one or more base polymers, one or more functionalized m-phenylenevinylene-2,5-disubstituted-p-phenylenevinylene polymers and carbon nanotubes. The invention also relates to functionalized m-phenylenevinylene-2,5-disubstituted-p-phenylenevinylene polymers, particularly to m-phenylenevinylene-2,5-disubstituted-p-phenylenevinylene polymers having side chain functionalization, and more particularly to m-phenylenevinylene-2,5-disubstituted-p-phenylenevinylene polymers having olefin side chains and alkyl epoxy side chains. The invention further relates to methods of making polymer composites comprising carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing controlled growth and assembly of nanostructures is presented. A first substrate including at least one reaction site is provided. Energy is provided to the reaction site and a reaction species is introduced to the first substrate. A nanostructure is grown from the reaction site. The growth process of the nanostructure is controlled while continuously monitoring the properties of at least one of the nanostructure and the at least one reaction site, and by controlling process variables based on the monitored properties of the nanostructure and the at least one reaction site.

Abstract: Sensor devices, methods and kits for detection of biomolecules are provided. According to various embodiments, the devices, methods and kits provide enhanced sensitivity through the measurement of electrochemical impedance and related properties. Certain embodiments employ nanostructured electrode elements including nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanocones. In a particular embodiment, single walled carbon nanotubes disposed in interconnected networks are used as electrodes. The device, methods and kits described herein have application for detection and measurement of biomolecular species including polynucleotides, proteins, polysaccharides and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon nanotube structures containing both single walled and multi walled carbon nanotubes, and methods for preparing same. These carbon nanotube structures include but are not limited to macroscopic two and three dimensional structures of carbon nanotubes such as assemblages, mats, plugs, networks, rigid porous structures, extrudates, etc. The carbon nanotube structures of the present invention have a variety of uses, including but not limited to, porous media for filtration, adsorption, chromatography; electrodes and current collectors for supercapacitors, batteries and fuel cells; catalyst supports, (including electrocatalysis), etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized and soluble nanomaterials, most specifically carbon nanotubes on a substrate, which can be used in the production or manufacture of biofuel cells. One embodiment provides for the coupling of biofuel cells with a nanomaterial, wherein the nanomaterial supports catalytic enzymes. Another embodiment provides for a biofuel cell which uses enzymes immobilized on nanomaterials as electrodes. Another embodiment provides for the construction of a biofuel cell, wherein the application of a microwave process, and/or an electrochemical technique, is used to develop a biofuel cell having nanomaterial/enzyme-based electrodes on a substrate. Another embodiment provides for a composite of nanomaterial grown on a substrate, coupled to tethered or bonded enzymes, which makes it possible to fabricate direct electron transfer electrodes. Another embodiment provides for an implanted device.

Abstract: A polymer solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The cell includes a substrate, a first electrode located on top of the substrate, a conductive polymer layer having a conductive polymer and an additive located on the first electrode, a semiconductor layer over the conductive polymer layer and a second electrode over the semiconductor layer. The manufacturing method of the polymer solar cell is composed of following steps: growing a first electrode on a substrate; mixing an additive and a conductive polymer to form a mixture; depositing the mixture on the first electrode to form a conductive polymer layer; depositing a semiconductor layer on the conductive polymer layer and evaporating a second electrode on the semiconductor layer. By adding additive into the conductive polymer, resistance of the conductive polymer layer is reduced and efficiency of the cell is improved.

Abstract: Various methods for forming active electronic devices, such as field-effect transistors, and devices made using these methods are disclosed. Some of the methods include growing freestanding nano-, micro- and milli-scale semiconducting structures that are used for the active semiconducting channels of the active electronic devices. Others of the methods include forming strands of active electronic devices along a wire. Yet others of the methods utilize both of these concepts so that the active electronic devices on a particular strand include freestanding semiconducting structures.

Abstract: A xerographic transfer member includes a resistive, electrically relaxable, polyimide substrate, and a conformance resistive layer that includes a fluoroelastomer composite. The fluoroelastomer composite includes a cross-linked fluoropolymer, a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and exhibits a resistivity from about 107 ohm-cm to about 1013 ohm-cm.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes field emission device embodiments. The present disclosure also includes method embodiments for forming field emitting devices. One device embodiment includes a housing defining an interior space including a lower portion and an upper portion, a cathode positioned in the lower portion of the housing, a elongate nanostructure coupled to the cathode, an anode positioned in the upper portion of the housing, and a control grid positioned between the elongate nanostructure and the anode to control electron flow between the anode and the elongate nanostructure.

Abstract: An upper frequency-range circuit (160) includes a load element (168) exhibiting a capacitive load impedance. A first matching network (166) includes at least one nano-scale Litz wire (100) inductor. The first matching network (166) exhibits an inductive reactance that nominally matches the capacitive load reactance. An electrical conductor for providing connections for radio-frequency signals includes a plurality of nano-scale conductors (120) that are arranged in the form of a Litz wire (100). In one method of making a Litz wire (142), a plurality of carbon nanotubes (144) is placed on a substrate (146). The carbon nanotubes (144) are woven according to a predefined scheme so as to form a Litz wire (142). An inductor may be formed by manipulating the Litz wire (100) to form a coil (150).

Abstract: Fuel cell electrodes are fabricated on electrode base substrates. The electrode substrates can be evenly and uniformly covered with electrocatalysts, which are supported on carbon nanomaterials, and ionomers by means of filtration and pressing. The electrodes can be used as anodes or cathodes for membrane fuel cells, such as DMFC and PEMFC.

Abstract: Adhesive tape having a carrier which is composed of one or more carrier films, at least one side of the carrier bearing an adhesive applied at least partially, characterized in that at least one of the carrier films comprises at least one homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer of propylene and in that there are carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in at least one of the carrier films.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulation of nanotubes using an organic material that is presented to the nanotubes. Exemplary types of manipulation include cutting nanotubes into shortened nanotubes, dispersing nanotubes, enabling dissolution of nanotubes, and noncovalently functionalizing nanotubes. The organic material used in manipulating nanotubes preferably comprises a solid organic material, soluble organic material, and/or an organic material that acts as a dispersing reagent for dispersing nanotubes. In a preferred embodiment, the organic material used for manipulating nanotubes comprises cyclodextrin.

Abstract: An armor apparatus and method according to which a transparent armor laminate is provided.

Abstract: There is provided shorte nanotubes and nanoparticles. The nanotubes are in general terms shorter than conventionally produced nanotubes. An improved apparatus for production of the fullerenes and nanocarbons is also disclosed wherein a moveable contactor is attached to a first electrode within a sealable chamber, and is spaced from the second electrode such that an electric discharge can pass between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a telescoped multiwall nanotube. Such a telescoped multiwall nanotube may find use as a linear or rotational bearing in microelectromechanical systems or may find use as a constant force nanospring. In the method of the invention, a multiwall nanotube is affixed to a solid, conducting substrate at one end. The tip of the free end of the multiwall nanotube is then removed, revealing the intact end of the inner wall. A nanomanipulator is then attached to the intact end, and the intact, core segments of the multiwall nanotube are partially extracted, thereby telescoping out a segment of nanotube.

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for growing carbon nanotubes using a catalyst system that preferentially promotes the growth of single- and double-wall carbon nanotubes, rather than larger multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Ropes of the carbon nanotubes are formed that comprise single-wall and/or double-wall carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A rotational actuator/motor based on rotation of a carbon nanotube is disclosed. The carbon nanotube is provided with a rotor plate attached to an outer wall, which moves relative to an inner wall of the nanotube. After deposit of a nanotube on a silicon chip substrate, the entire structure may be fabricated by lithography using selected techniques adapted from silicon manufacturing technology. The structures to be fabricated may comprise a multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT), two in plane stators S1, S2 and a gate stator S3 buried beneath the substrate surface. The MWNT is suspended between two anchor pads and comprises a rotator attached to an outer wall and arranged to move in response to electromagnetic inputs. The substrate is etched away to allow the rotor to freely rotate. Rotation may be either in a reciprocal or fully rotatable manner.