Abstract: Disclosed herein is fine particles of core-shell structure, each particle being composed of a core particle which is formed from a first material and has the face-centered cubic crystal structure and a shell layer which is formed from a second material differing from the first material on the surface of the core particle and has the face-centered cubic crystal structure, the fine particles containing particles which are multiply twinned fine particles and are surrounded by the {111} crystal plane.

Abstract: An electromagnetically active composite has an electrically-nonconductive host matrix and electrically-conductive nanostrand bodies embedded in a substantially uniform distribution throughout the host matrix. Each of the nanostrand bodies comprises a volume containing at least one nanostrand of filamentary metal. Adjacent nanostrand bodies that are sufficiently mutually proximate will interact electromagnetically with each other. The filamentary metal of the one or more nanostrands in each of the nanostrand bodies occupies a deminimus fraction of the overall volume occupied by the at least one nanostrand that comprises each of the nanostrand bodies. The filamentary metal is chosen from among the group of metals that includes nickel, nickel aluminides, iron, iron aluminides, alloys of nickel and iron, and alloys of nickel and copper.

Abstract: There are provided a conductive paste composition for internal electrodes and a multilayer ceramic electronic component including the same. The conductive paste composition includes: a metal powder; and a refractory metal oxide powder having a smaller average grain diameter than the metal powder and a higher melting point than the metal powder. The conductive paste composition can raise the sintering shrinkage temperature of the internal electrodes and improve the connectivity of the internal electrodes.

Abstract: A catalyst material for use at elevated temperatures is provided. The material can include a plurality of fibers and a plurality of particles supported on the fibers. In addition, a porous layer can cover the plurality of particles and allow for process fluid to come into contact with the particles, and yet retard sintering of the particles at elevated temperatures is present. The plurality of fibers can be a plurality of nanofibers which may or may not be oxide nanofibers. The particles can be metallic nanoparticles and the porous layer can be a porous oxide layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a multilayer ceramic substrate and a method for manufacturing the same. In a method for manufacturing the multilayer ceramic substrate, which has a ceramic laminate including multiple ceramic layers and allowing interconnection between layers through vias respectively formed in the multiple ceramic layers, the method includes: preparing a ceramic laminate in which a void is formed around a via in at least one ceramic layer of multiple ceramic layers; immersing the ceramic laminate in a precipitating bath in which an electrode solution is contained; putting the ceramic laminate out of the precipitating bath after a predetermined period of time, and then removing a nanoparticle film stacked on a surface of a multilayer ceramic substrate; and applying heat to the multilayer ceramic substrate to form nanoparticles filling an inside of the void, after the removing of the nanoparticle film.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.

Abstract: LiFePO4 flakes for a Li-ion battery and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The LiFePO4 flakes of the present invention have a thickness of 5 nm-200 nm, and the angle between the flat surface normal of the flake and the Li-ion diffusion channel is 0°-80°. In addition, according to the present invention, the LiFePO4 flakes with short Li ion diffusion path can be prepared through a simple process. Hence, not only the charge-discharge efficiency of the Li-ion battery can be improved by use of the LiFePO4 flakes of the present invention, but also the cost of the Li-ion battery can be further reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing magnetite nanoparticles from low-grade iron ore and magnetite nanoparticles prepared by the same. According to the method of the present invention, in which iron ore leachate is obtained by adding low-grade iron ore powder to an acidic solution, Si and Mg that inhibit the formation of magnetite nanoparticles present in the leachate are selectively removed, iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) is allowed to be precipitated from a supernatant containing Fe2+ ions and Fe3+ ions, a mixed iron solution containing Fe2+ ions and Fe3+ ions is prepared using the iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3), and the mixed iron solution is added to an alkaline solution to react, thereby preparing magnetite nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing nanoparticles of at least one oxide of a transition metal selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb and Ta, which are coated with amorphous carbon, wherein said method includes the following successive steps: (i) a liquid mixture containing as precursors at least one alkoxyde of the transition metal, an alcohol, and an acetic acid relative to the transition metal is prepared and diluted in water in order to form an aqueous solution, the precursors being present in the solution according to a molar ratio such that it prevents or sufficiently limits the formation of a sol so that the aqueous solution can be freeze-dried, and such that the transition metal, the carbon and the oxygen are present in a stoichiometric ratio according to which they are included in the nanoparticles; (ii) the aqueous solution is freeze-dried; (ii) the freeze-dried product obtained during the preceding step is submitted to pyrolysis under vacuum or in an inert atmosphere in order to obtain the nano

Abstract: A method of producing a material capable of electrochemically storing and releasing a large amount of lithium ions is provided. The material is used as an electrode material for a negative electrode, and includes silicon or tin primary particles composed of crystal particles each having a specific diameter and an amorphous surface layer formed of at least a metal oxide, having a specific thickness. Gibbs free energy when the metal oxide is produced by oxidation of a metal is smaller than Gibbs free energy when silicon or tin is oxidized, and the metal oxide has higher thermodynamic stability than silicon oxide or tin oxide. The method of producing the electrode material includes reacting silicon or tin with a metal oxide, reacting a silicon oxide or a tin oxide with a metal, or reacting a silicon compound or a tin compound with a metal compound to react with each other.

Abstract: Methods of forming isolation structures are disclosed. A method of forming isolation structures for an image sensor array of one aspect may include forming a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. Narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures may be formed from the dielectric layer. The narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures may have a width that is no more than 0.3 micrometers and a height that is at least 1.5 micrometers. A semiconductor material may be epitaxially grown around the narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures. Other methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A base fluid may contain nanoparticles where the base fluid may include a non-aqueous fluid, an aqueous fluid, and combinations thereof. The fluid may have a resistivity range of from about 0.02 ohm-m to about 1,000,000 ohm-m. The non-aqueous fluid may be a brine-in-oil emulsion, or a water-in-oil emulsion; and the aqueous fluid may be an oil-in-water emulsion, or an oil-in-brine emulsion; and combinations thereof. The addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid may improve or increase the electrical conductivity and other electrical properties of the fluid. The fluid may be a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid, and/or a stimulation fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-diamond dispersion solution and a method of preparing the same. The method of preparing a nano-diamond dispersion solution comprises the following steps: providing a nano-diamond aggregation; mixing the nano-diamond aggregation with a metal hydroxide solution and stirring the mixture such that the nano-diamond aggregation is separated, to obtain a mixture solution; stabilizing the mixture solution such that the mixture solution is separated into a supernatant and precipitates; and extracting the supernatant and precipitates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel aqueous liquid pharmaceutical composition for the controlled release of buprenorphine or of an analogue of buprenorphine, comprising at least one prodrug with low aqueous solubility of said buprenorphine or analogue of buprenorphine, and at least one polymer having a linear backbone chosen from the polyglutamates, polyaspartates, poly(meth)acrylates and polysaccharides, to which one or more hydrophobic groups are grafted.

Abstract: Provided is a photocatalytic composition comprising zinc (Zn) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, wherein the ratio of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to zinc is from about 5 to about 150. The photocatalytic composition absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, and the absorbance of light of wavelengths longer than about 450 nm is less than 50% the absorbance of light of wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm. Further provided is a method for treating or preventing microbial diseases and infestations in a plant and a method for increasing crop yield of a plant by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to the surface of a plant. Also provided is a method for treating microbial diseases on a surface by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to a surface illuminated by artificial light.

Abstract: A photon-alignment optical film includes a film substrate on which at least one layer of core/shell nanoparticles is coated. The core/shell nanoparticle layer includes a plastic substance, which is photo curable or heat curable, and a plurality of core/shell nanoparticles, which is uniformly distributed in the plastic substance. Light energy is used as a driving force to induce electrical potential of the same polarity on the surfaces of the core/shell nanoparticles to make the core/shell nanoparticles rearranged in the form of a matrix due to repulsion induced between like electrical polarity. Spacing between the particles, which is relatively constant, allows light to pass therethrough. The plastic substance is cured by light or heat to have the core/shell nanoparticles set in position to thereby form the optical film. Such an optical film features both diffusion and brightness enhancement.

Abstract: Vanadium oxide nanoparticles prepared by an inverse micelle hydrolysis of vanadium alkoxide in the presence of a basic catalyst.

Abstract: A metal-coated flake glass of the present invention includes: a flake glass; a metal coating layer formed to coat a surface of the flake glass; and a silicon oxide-based protective layer formed to coat a surface of the metal coating layer. The silicon oxide-based protective layer contains nitrogen at an amount of 0.05 mass % to 0.5 mass % relative to a whole of the metal-coated flake glass.

Abstract: An inverse micelle-based method for forming nanoparticles on supports includes dissolving a polymeric material in a solvent to provide a micelle solution. A nanoparticle source is dissolved in the micelle solution. A plurality of micelles having a nanoparticle in their core and an outer polymeric coating layer are formed in the micelle solution. The micelles are applied to a support. The polymeric coating layer is then removed from the micelles to expose the nanoparticles. A supported catalyst includes a nanocrystalline powder, thin film, or single crystal support. Metal nanoparticles having a median size from 0.5 nm to 25 nm, a size distribution having a standard deviation ?0.1 of their median size are on or embedded in the support. The plurality of metal nanoparticles are dispersed and in a periodic arrangement. The metal nanoparticles maintain their periodic arrangement and size distribution following heat treatments of at least 1,000° C.

Abstract: A stabilized platinum nanoparticle has a core portion surrounded by a plurality of outer surfaces. The outer surfaces include terrace regions formed of platinum atoms, and edge and corner regions formed of atoms from a second metal. The stabilized nanoparticle may be formed by combining a platinum nanoparticle with a metal salt in a solution. Ions of the second metal react with platinum and replace platinum atoms on the nanoparticle. Platinum atoms from the edge and corner regions react with the second metal ions quicker than surface atoms from the terraces, due to a greater difference in electrode potential between the platinum atoms at the edge and corner regions, as compared to the second metal in the solution. The platinum nanoparticle may include surface defects, such as steps and kinks, which may also be replaced with atoms of the second metal. In an exemplary embodiment, the platinum nanoparticle is a cathode catalyst in an electro-chemical cell.

Abstract: A transparent heat shielding material, a fabrication method thereof and a transparent heat shielding structure are provided. The transparent heat shielding material is represented by MxWO3-yAy, wherein M is at least one element of alkali metal, W is tungsten, O is oxygen, A is halogen, 0<x?1, and 0<y?0.5. The transparent heat shielding material MxWO3-yAy is formed from tungsten oxide with at least one alkali metal cation and halogen anion co-doping into. The transparent heat shielding structure includes one or more layers of a transparent heat shielding film, wherein the transparent heat shielding film includes the material MxWO3-yAy.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, there are nanostructured materials including WS2 nanostructures and composites of WS2 nanostructures and other materials and methods for synthesizing nanostructured materials. The method can include providing a plurality of precursor materials, wherein each of the plurality of precursor materials can include a tungsten reactant. The method can also include flowing, for a reaction time, a substantially continuous stream of carbon disulfide (CS2) vapor in a carrier gas over the plurality of precursor materials at a temperature in the range of about 700° C. to about 1000 C, wherein the reaction time is sufficient to permit the tungsten reactant to react with carbon disulfide to form a plurality of tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanostructures.

Abstract: A method for preparing nanoparticles includes preparing a mixture containing an organic solvent, surfactant and water; adding a first quantity of a first silica precursor and ammonia to the mixture; adding a second quantity of the first silica precursor and a second silica precursor to the mixture; adding acetone to the mixture; removing silica nanoparticles from the mixture; and drying the silica nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method includes positioning an effective amount of a thermal target material at a treatment site of a patient. The treatment site, that is, the location of the thermal target material, comprises a location adjacent to biological tissue to be treated. The thermal target material includes carbon molecules preferably in a carrier fluid. Regardless of the particular structure of the carbon, the carbon molecules in the material heat very rapidly in response to incident microwave radiation and radiate heat energy. The heat energy radiated from an effective amount of the thermal target material when subjected to an effective quantity of microwave energy causes localized heating around the thermal target material. This localized heating may be applied for therapeutic purposes. However, the microwave radiation necessary to produce therapeutically effective heating is insufficient to cause cellular damage in the biological tissue by direct absorption in the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting two joining surfaces, particularly in the field of semiconductors, wherein at least one joining surface is produced by depositing a layer comprising 20 to 40% gold and 80 to 60% silver onto a substrate and selectively removing the silver from the deposited layer in order to produce a nanoporous gold layer as a joining surface. The joining surface with the nanoporous gold layer and an additional joining surface are disposed one above the other and pressed together.

Abstract: A composition containing fine silver particles which have a uniform particle size, can form a fine drawing pattern, and have a small environmental impact, a method for producing that composition, a method for producing fine silver particles, and a paste having fine silver particles are provided. The fine silver particles are produced by carrying out a fluid preparation step of preparing a reduction fluid, a silver reaction step, and a filtration/washing step. The reaction step is carried out by adding an aqueous silver nitrate fluid to a reduction fluid whose temperature has been increased to a range between 40 and 80° C. The aqueous silver nitrate fluid is added at a stretch. The composition containing fine silver particles is produced by dispersing the composition containing the fine silver particles in a polar fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to nanocomposite thermoelectric materials that exhibit enhanced thermoelectric properties. The nanocomposite materials include two or more components, with at least one of the components forming nano-sized structures within the composite material. The components are chosen such that thermal conductivity of the composite is decreased without substantially diminishing the composite's electrical conductivity. Suitable component materials exhibit similar electronic band structures. For example, a band-edge gap between at least one of a conduction band or a valence band of one component material and a corresponding band of the other component material at interfaces between the components can be less than about 5kBT, wherein kB is the Boltzman constant and T is an average temperature of said nanocomposite composition.

Abstract: A composition containing fine silver particles which have a uniform particle size, can form a fine drawing pattern, and have a small environmental impact, a method for producing that composition, a method for producing fine silver particles, and a paste having fine silver particles are provided. The fine silver particles are produced by carrying out a fluid preparation step of preparing a reduction fluid, a silver reaction step, and a filtration/washing step. The reaction step is carried out by adding an aqueous silver nitrate fluid to a reduction fluid whose temperature has been increased to a range between 40 and 800° C. The aqueous silver nitrate fluid is added at a stretch. The composition containing fine silver particles is produced by dispersing the composition containing the fine silver particles in a polar fluid.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing nanoparticles, comprising providing a precursor comprising a titanium alkoxide compound; forming a plasma from oxygen gas at a first location, wherein the plasma comprises plasma products that contain oxygen atoms; causing the plasma products to flow to a second location remote from the first location; contacting the precursor with the plasma products at the second location so as to oxidize the precursor and form nanoparticles; and collecting the nanoparticles with a collector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of producing high purity SiOx nanoparticles with excellent volatility and an apparatus for producing the same, which enables mass production of SiOx nanoparticles by melting silicon through induction heating and injecting gas to a surface of the molten silicon. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a graphite crucible into which raw silicon is charged, the graphite crucible being mounted inside the vacuum chamber, an induction melting part which forms molten silicon by induction heating of the silicon material received in the graphite crucible, a gas injector which injects a gas into the graphite crucible to be brought into direct contact with a surface of the molten silicon, and a collector disposed above the graphite crucible and collecting SiOx vapor produced by reaction between the molten silicon and the injected gas.

Abstract: There is provided a method of stably producing nanoparticles of a metal alone, in particular a transition metal alone, the method comprises heating a chelate complex (M-DMG) comprised of two dimethyl glyoxime (DMG) molecules and one transition metal (M) ion at 300 to 400° C. so as to generate transition metal (M) nanoparticles carried on carbon particles. The method preferably comprises heating a mixture of said chelate complex (M-DMG) and alumina so as to generate transition metal (M) nanoparticles carried on alumina. Preferably, the transition metal (M) is one of Ni, Cu, Pd, and Pt. Typically, the generated transition metal (M) nanoparticles have a size of a diameter of 5 to 15 nm.

Abstract: Chalcogen compound powder containing Cu—In—Ga—Se and having an average particle diameter (DSEM) of 80 nm or less and a low content of carbon is obtained by forming a mixed solvent by mixing together at least any one of a mixture of copper salt and indium salt, a composite hydroxide of copper and indium, and a composite oxide of copper and indium, any one of selenium and a selenium compound, and a solvent having a boiling point of 250° C. or less, and heating the mixed solvent to a temperature of 220° C. to 500° C. A thin film containing Cu—In—Ga—Se and having low resistance is obtained by using paste of the chalcogen compound powder.

Abstract: The present invention is powder constituted from particles of a compound represented by the following general formula (1), (Ca1-aMa)10(PO4)6((OH)1-bFb)2 (1), where in the formula M is a divalent metal element, and the following relations are satisfied: 0<a?1 and 0?b?1. Each of the particles has a surface, a central part, a specific distance part in which a distance from the surface toward the central part is 15 nm, and an area part from the specific distance part to the central part. An amount of the divalent metal element is 3.2 wt % or more in the area part.

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing a silica powder coated with an antibacterial agent and a topical dermatological composition including the silica powder, and more particularly, a method of preparing a silica powder coated with an antibacterial agent by forming a silica particle by inducing a reaction between silicon alkoxide and alcohol solvent in the presence of a catalyst and then forming an silver and metallic coating layer on the silica particle, and a method of preparing a topical dermatological composition including the silica powder. The silica powder coated with the antibacterial agent may have high antibacterial capability, and thus, topical dermatological products including the silica powder may be maintained for a long time without using a chemical antiseptic agent that may irritate the skin and cause an allergy in the human body. Even if a small amount of expensive silver (Ag) ion material is used, the silica powder has excellent antibacterial capability and stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to thermally-conductive pastes for use with integrated circuits, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to self-orienting microplates of graphite.

Abstract: A technique for bonding an organic group with the surface of fine particles such as nanoparticles through strong linkage is provided, whereas such fine particles are attracting attention as materials essential for development of high-tech products because of various unique excellent characteristics and functions thereof. Organically modified metal oxide fine particles can be obtained by adapting high-temperature, high-pressure water as a reaction field to bond an organic matter with the surface of metal oxide fine particles through strong linkage. The use of the same condition enables not only the formation of metal oxide fine particles but also the organic modification of the formed fine particles. The resulting organically modified metal oxide fine particles exhibit excellent properties, characteristics and functions.

Abstract: Disclosed are monodisperse gold nanoparticles (GNPs) manufactured by a facile, environmentally favorable process. Such a “green” synthesis process according to an embodiment of the invention effects the production of highly monodisperse, stable, catalytically active, and water-soluble GNPs in a considerable size range and advantageous yields. The production is accomplished inter alia through a single-step/single-phase method using dextrose as a reducing agent and as a capping agent in a buffered aqueous solution at moderate temperature. Disclosed also is a process for the direct embedment/integration of GNPs into biological systems such as the Escherichia coli bacterium without additional capping ligand or surface modification processes.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for ophthalmic and otic drugs. The nanoparticles may also be utilized to modify the rheological properties of the compositions, so as to enhance the viscosity or flow characteristics of the compositions and/or increase the retention time of the compositions in the eye or ear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing GaN powders using a GaN etching product produced during manufacture of a GaN-based light emitting device. The method includes collecting a GaN etching product produced during etching of the GaN-based light emitting device, cleaning the collected GaN etching product; heating the cleaned GaN etching product to remove indium (In) components from the GaN etching product, and pulverizing the GaN etching product having the indium components removed therefrom into powders. A nitride-based light emitting device using the GaN powders is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present methods may be used to produce energy in the form of an electrical current from water without the use of fossil fuel. Silicon hydride is very easy to make. This procedure in conjunction with an enzyme to produce hydrogen gas for fuel cells and other small devices. In fuel cells the production of protons may be bypassed, and an oxidant such as permanganate or oxygen from air may be used to drive the fuel cells. In such an embodiment, an intermediate reaction may not be needed to produce protons. In one embodiment, membrane-less laminar flow fuel cells with an external grid for oxygen supply from the air may be used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hybrid device comprising: an energy converting unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an energy converting medium arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the energy conversion takes place between the first electrode and the second electrode; an energy charge storing unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an electrolyte medium; wherein the energy charge is stored between the first and the second electrode; the second electrode of the energy converting unit and the second electrode of the energy charge storing unit being a shared electrode electrically connecting the energy converting unit and the energy charge storing unit; and wherein the shared electrode comprises a metal and a nanostructured material. The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing such a hybrid device.

Abstract: A touch screen includes a substrate, and a coating attached to the substrate. The coating includes titanium dioxide and cadmium selenide in a relative weight ratio of about 3:1. The particle size of the titanium dioxide is about 2 nanometers. The particle size of the cadmium selenide ranges from about 2.3 to about 3.7 nanometers.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a rechargeable Li-ion battery, comprising a current collector provided with an electrode composition comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder material and silicon powder provided with a layer of SiO2 or silicon suboxides SiOx, with 0<x?2, such that the oxygen content of said silicon is between 3 and 18% by weight.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing graphene oxide nanoplatelets and derivative products and the graphene oxide nanoplatelets obtained, comprising two distinct phases, a first phase for obtaining an intermediate material consisting of carbon nanofilaments, each one having a structure comprising continuous ribbon of graphitic material with a small number of stacked monoatomic graphene layers and spirally rolled around and along the main axis of said nanofilaments, and a second phase wherein said carbon nanofilaments are subjected to a high-temperature treatment in order to clean said filaments and increase their degree of crystallinity. Once these nanofilaments are treated, a chemical etching is performed on them comprising an oxidation that causes the fragmentation of the carbon nanofilaments and starts a cleaving method that is completed by physical means in order to obtain graphene oxide nanoplatelets.

Abstract: A nano-coating comprises multiple alternating layers of a first layer comprising a first nanoparticle having an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 10 and having a positive or negative charge, and a second layer comprising a second nanoparticle having an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 10 and having a positive or negative charge opposite that of the first nanoparticle, wherein the nano-coating is disposed on a surface of a substrate. An article comprising the nano-coating, and a method of forming the nano-coating, are each disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product, and more specifically, to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods may involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. In some embodiments, an olefin compound may be co-fed to the reactor and/or separated from a product stream and recycled to the reactor to improve yield and/or selectivity of certain products. The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts. For example, in some cases, zeolite catalysts may be used. In some instances, the catalysts are characterized by particle sizes in certain identified ranges that can lead to improve yield and/or selectivity of certain products.

Abstract: Some or all of the needs above can be addressed by embodiments of the invention. According to embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for facilitating hydrogen storage using naturally occurring nanostructure assemblies can be implemented. In one embodiment, a method for storing hydrogen can be provided. The method can include providing diatoms comprising diatomaceous earth or diatoms from a predefined culture. In addition, the method can include heating the diatoms in a sealed environment in the presence of at least one of titanium, a transition metal, or a noble metal to provide a porous hydrogen storage medium. Furthermore, the method can include exposing the porous hydrogen storage medium to hydrogen. In addition, the method can include storing at least a portion of the hydrogen in the porous hydrogen storage medium.

Abstract: A process comprises (a) combining (1) at least one base and (2) at least one metal carboxylate salt comprising (i) a metal cation selected from metal cations that form amphoteric metal oxides or oxyhydroxides and (ii) a carboxylate anion comprising from one to four alkyleneoxy moieties, or metal carboxylate salt precursors comprising (i) at least one metal salt comprising the metal cation and a non-interfering anion and (ii) at least one carboxylic acid comprising from one to four alkyleneoxy moieties, at least one salt of the carboxylic acid and a non-interfering, non-metal cation, or a mixture thereof; and (b) allowing the base and the metal carboxylate salt or metal carboxylate salt precursors to react.

Abstract: Core-shell nanoparticles having a core material and a mesoporous silica shell, and a method for manufacturing the core-shell nanoparticles are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing nano graphene platelets (NGPs) that are both dispersible and electrically conducting. The process comprises: (a) preparing a pristine NGP material from a graphitic material; and (b) subjecting the pristine NGP material to an oxidation treatment to obtain the dispersible NGP material, wherein the NGP material has an oxygen content no greater than 25% by weight. Conductive NGPs can find applications in transparent electrodes for solar cells or flat panel displays, additives for battery and supercapacitor electrodes, conductive nanocomposite for electromagnetic wave interference (EMI) shielding and static charge dissipation, etc.