Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a silicon nanowire array comprising (a) preparing a porous metal film; (b) placing the porous metal film in contact with a silicon substrate; and (c) etching the silicon substrate with a silicon etching solution. The present invention allows manufacturing vertically aligned large-area silicon nanowires by using the porous metal film as a catalyst and manufacturing nanowires having a porous structure, a porous nodular structure, an inclined structure and a zig-zag structure, which are distinguishable from nanowires of the prior art in their shape and crystallographic orientation, by adjusting etching conditions such as the composition of the silicon etching solution and the etching temperature in the step in which the silicon substrate is subjected to wet etching.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, metal nanoparticles, mixed-metal (alloy) nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and mixed-metal oxide nanoparticles are provided. According to embodiments, the nanoparticles may possess narrow size distributions and high purities. In certain preferred embodiments, methods of preparing metal nanoparticles, mixed-metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and mixed-metal nanoparticles are provided. These methods may provide tight control of particle size, size distribution, and oxidation state. Other preferred embodiments relate to a precursor material that may be used to form nanoparticles. In addition, products prepared from such nanoparticles are disclosed.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, such as noble metal nanoparticles, having improved stability against aggregation in aqueous solution are provided. In addition to having improved stability against aggregation, the nanoparticles are highly photostable. Also provided are aqueous solutions containing the stabilized nanoparticles, methods of making the stabilized nanoparticles, imaging methods and organisms employing the nanoparticles, and in vivo assays for screening and characterizing the toxicity and biocompatibility of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Capture particles for harvesting analytes from solution and methods for using them are described. The capture particles are made up of a polymeric matrix having pore size that allows for the analytes to enter the capture particles. The pore size of the capture particles are changeable upon application of a stimulus to the particles, allowing the pore size of the particles to be changed so that analytes of interest remain sequestered inside the particles. The polymeric matrix of the capture particles are made of co-polymeric materials having a structural monomer and an affinity monomer, the affinity monomer having properties that attract the analyte to the capture particle. The capture particles may be used to isolate and identify analytes present in a mixture. They may also be used to protect analytes which are typically subject to degradation upon harvesting and to concentrate low an analyte in low abundance in a fluid.

Abstract: Starting from, as the initial composite, an LAS component in accordance with the composition LixAlySizOw, where x varies between 0.8 and 1.2, y varies between 0.8 and 1.2, z varies between 0.8 and 2, and w varies between 4 and 6, the LAS component is subsequently mixed with SiC nanoparticles, to obtain a stable, homogeneous suspension. Thereafter, the resulting suspension is dried. Subsequently, the material obtained is shaped and, finally, the material obtained in the preceding step is sintered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor grown carbon fiber having a mean fiber diameter of 80 to 500 nm, an aspect ratio of 100 to 200 and preferably a bulk density of 0.02 g/cm3 or less, wherein filaments having a diameter within ±20% of the mean fiber diameter occupies 65% (on a number basis) or more of the total. The production method involves thermal decomposition of a carbon source at 800 to 1,300° C. in the presence of, as a catalyst, a transition metal compound having a vapor pressure of 0.13 kPa (1 mmHg) or more at 150° C. and spraying of the carbon source and the transition metal compound in gas form toward the reactor inner wall to allow reaction to proceed. The vapor grown carbon fiber having a larger aspect ratio has excellent dispersibility, and when added in a resin, a smaller amount contributes to enhancement in electroconductivity and thermal conductivity, as compared with a case using conventional one.

Abstract: The present invention directs to a detection apparatus for detecting the fluorescence signal emitting from a single and individual analyte molecule. By integrating the excitation light source, the detector array and the nanowell array all together within the detection apparatus, the single analyte molecule trapped in the nanowell can be excited by the light source and emits fluorescence signal to the detector array.

Abstract: A method for preparing a silica particle incorporating at least one phthalocyanine derivative is provided. In the method, the particle may be prepared from at least one silicon phthalocyanine derivative via an inverse micro-emulsion. In addition, the silica particles and their uses are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming compositionally homogeneous particles is provided. The method includes forming a homogenous melt from a plurality of constituent materials under a first pressure sufficient to prevent substantial vaporization of the constituent materials. Droplets are generated from the homogenous melt. The droplets are cooled under a second pressure sufficient to prevent substantial vaporization of the constituent materials at least until the homogeneous particles formed therefrom have stabilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for the preparation of nanoparticles with a diameter smaller than or equal to 500 nm, comprising bringing a solution (1) comprising nanoparticles of a first polyelectrolyte in the charged state, bearing hydrophobic side groups, together with (2) at least one second polyelectrolyte of opposite polarity to that of the first polyelectrolyte, characterized in that the ratio Z of the number of cationic groups relative to the number of anionic groups in the mixture of the two polyelectrolytes is comprised between 0.1 and 0.75 or between 1.3 and 2; and the total mass concentration C of polyelectrolytes is strictly less than 2 mg/g of the mixture.

Abstract: A structure and method for at least one array of nanowires partially embedded in a matrix includes nanowires and one or more fill materials located between the nanowires. Each of the nanowires including a first segment associated with a first end, a second segment associated with a second end, and a third segment between the first segment and the second segment. The nanowires are substantially parallel to each other and are fixed in position relative to each other by the one or more fill materials. The third segment is substantially surrounded by the one or more fill materials. The first segment protrudes from the one or more fill materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nano-fabrication method, which includes the step of: (a) forming an inorganic resist layer on a substrate; (b) forming an organic photoresist layer on the inorganic resist layer; (c) irradiating both the organic photoresist layer and the inorganic resist layer with a laser beam to form a first exposed region of the inorganic resist layer and a second exposed region of the organic photoresist layer; (d) removing the inorganic resist layer of the first exposed region and the organic photoresist layer of the second exposed region to form a patterned inorganic resist layer and a patterned organic photoresist layer; and (e) removing the patterned organic photoresist layer from the patterned inorganic resist layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel process for the preparation of supported metallic catalysts in which the metallic phase is deposited in the form of agglomerates of nanoparticles of metallic oxide and forms a layer of fine thickness at the surface of the support. The process for the preparation of a catalyst comprises preparing in aqueous phase a colloidal suspension of agglomerates of nanoparticles of metallic oxide, then depositing that suspension on a porous support, drying the catalyst precursor obtained, and optionally calcining and reducing the precursor by means of any reducing compound. The invention also concerns the catalysts obtained by said process and their uses in reactions for the transformation of unsaturated organic compounds. The invention is applied to the refining field and more particularly to the treatment of gasolines obtained by steam cracking and/or obtained by catalytic cracking.

Abstract: Nanoparticulate material containing a matrix and embedded therein a radiopacifier are bioactive, show a high alkaline capacity and are radio-opaque. Compositions and formulations including such material are particularly useful in advanced dental applications, such as dental fillings and/or disinfection.

Abstract: A nanosensor comprising a substrate in which an opening defining a hole is formed; a first layer disposed on the substrate, which comprises a first nanopore in communication with the hole in the substrate; and a second layer contacted or coupled with the first layer and formed of a porous material.

Abstract: A metron refers to a molecule which contains a pre-defined number of high affinity binding sites for metal ions. Metrons may be used to prepare homogenous populations of nanoparticles each composed of a same, specific number of atoms, wherein each particle has the same size ranging from 2 atoms to about ten nanometers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to nano-filters and methods of forming same, and methods of filtration. The nano-filter includes a substrate and at least one nanowire structure located between an inlet and an outlet. The nanowire structure may include a plurality of vertically stacked horizontal nanowires.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerogel composite material, a process and a composition for producing the composite material, and also the use of the composite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofibre membrane layer having a basis weight of 0.01-50 g/m2 and a porosity of 60-95%, comprising a nanoweb made of polymeric nanofibres with a number average diameter in the range of 50-600 nm, consisting of a polymer composition comprising a semicrystalline polyamide having a C/N ratio of at most 5.5. The invention also relates to water and air filtration devices comprising such a nanofibre membrane layer.

Abstract: Provided are a flexible organic memory device and a method of manufacturing the same. The flexible organic memory device comprises a flexible substrate. A control gate electrode is disposed on the flexible substrate. A blocking organic insulating layer is disposed on the control gate electrode. A charge trapping layer is disposed on the blocking organic insulating layer, and includes a plurality of nanoparticles. A tunneling organic insulating layer is disposed on the charge trapping layer. An organic semiconductor layer is disposed on the tunneling organic insulating layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanoparticulate material comprising long ultrathin metal nanowires, and to processes for making it. The nanoparticulate material may be used as a catalyst and, in the presence of a chiral modifier, can catalyse enantioselective reactions.

Abstract: A method for forming a photomask includes detecting a defect of the photomask which has a mirror layer formed on a first surface of a substrate, and forming a recess groove on a first layer which is formed on a second surface of the substrate, wherein the coordinate of the recess groove corresponds to the coordinate of the defect.

Abstract: Techniques herein prepare an alloy catalyst using a protective conductive polymer coating. More particularly, an alloy catalyst is prepared by: preparing a platinum catalyst supported on carbon; coating the surface of the platinum catalyst with a conductive polymer; supporting a transition metal salt on the coated catalyst; and heat treating the catalyst on which the transition metal salt is supported. Also, an alloy catalyst may be prepared by: preparing a platinum-transition metal catalyst supported on carbon; coating the surface of the platinum-transition metal catalyst with a conductive polymer; and heat treating the coated catalyst. Accordingly an alloy catalyst with superior dispersity can be prepared by increasing the degree of alloying of the catalyst through heat treatment while preventing the increase of catalyst particle size through carbonization of the conductive polymer. The prepared catalyst may be useful, for example, for a fuel cell electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for forming phase change material composites and to the thus formed phase change material composites. In some examples, a method for forming a phase change material (PCM) composite may include dispersing nanowire material in a nonpolar solvent to form a nanowire-solvent dispersion, adding a PCM to the nanowire-solvent dispersion to form a nanowire-solvent-PCM dispersion, heating the nanowire-solvent-PCM dispersion, and removing the solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a composition which enables the more effective development of the efficacy of a water-soluble drug in a solution containing the drug; and a dispersion in which a hydrophobic drug can be dispersed stably without requiring the use of any surfactant. Specifically disclosed are: a composition comprising ultra-fine bubbles having a mode particle size of 500 nm or less, a drug and water; and a process for producing a composition comprising ultra-fine bubbles having a mode particle size of 500 nm or less, a drug and water, which utilizes an ultra-fine bubble generation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligomeric or polymeric saccharide derivatives comprising glucosamine moieties, e.g. derivatives of oligomeric or polymeric glucosamines such as chitosan oligomers or polymers, in which one or more amine groups are substituted by anchoring groups that chemisorb to the surface of a nanoparticle or form an interdigitated bilayer with a surfactant layer surrounding the nanoparticle. The invention also relates to functionalized nanoparticles comprising such derivatives, a method for forming the functionalized particles and to uses thereof as molecular imaging agents, biosensing agents or drug delivery agents, or in the preparation of such agents.

Abstract: A resonator and a method for manufacturing a resonator are provided. The method may include doping a wafer, and forming on the wafer a substrate, a drain electrode, a source electrode, a gate electrode, and at least one nanowire.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing ceramic nanoparticles, which comprises hydrolyzing a ceramic material in a thin film fluid formed between processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other.

Abstract: A nanosphere or microsphere drug carrier, formulations comprising the drug carrier and the preparation method of the formulations and the use of the carrier are disclosed. The carrier comprises a biodegradable methoxy end-capped polyethylene glycol-polylactide block copolymersor a derivative thereof represented by formula (I) as the main carrier material: CH3O—[CH2—CH2—O]m—[C(O)—CH(CH3)—O]n—R (I).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a device is disclosed. The method comprises coating a solid structure by nanostructures selected from the group consisting of peptides and amino acids, under conditions that at least partially prevent assembly of the nanostructures into supramolecular structures.

Abstract: Electro-optical components are disclosed having intersubband transitions by quantum confinement between two Group III nitride elements, typically by means of GaN/AlN. Related devices or systems are also disclosed including such components, as well as to a method for manufacturing such a component. Such a component includes at least one active area that includes at least two so-called outer barrier layers surrounding one or more N-doped quantum well structures, and said quantum well structure(s) are each surrounded by two barrier areas that are unintentionally doped at a thickness of at least five monoatomic layers.

Abstract: Methods for preparing high quality and high yields of nanocrystals, i.e., metal-oxide-based nanocrystals, using a novel solvent-free method. The nanocrystals advantageously comprise organic alkyl chain capping groups and are stable in air and in nonpolar solvents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapidly disintegrating solid oral dosage form of a poorly soluble active ingredient and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble or water-dispersible excipient, wherein the poorly soluble active ingredient particles have an average diameter, prior to inclusion in the dosage form, of less than about 2000 nm. The dosage form of the invention has the advantage of combining rapid presentation and rapid dissolution of the active ingredient in the oral cavity.

Abstract: One example of the present invention is a nanoscale electronic device comprising a first conductive electrode, a second conductive electrode, and an anisotropic dielectric material layered between the first and second electrodes having a permittivity in a direction approximately that of the shortest distance between the first and second electrodes less than the permittivity in other directions within the anisotropic dielectric material. Additional examples of the present invention include integrated circuits that contain multiple nanoscale electronic devices that each includes an anisotropic dielectric material layered between first and second electrodes having a permittivity in a direction approximately that of the shortest distance between the first and second electrodes less than the permittivity in other directions within the anisotropic dielectric material.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a material comprising one or more semiconductive substances is vaporized to generate a vapor phase condensate. The vapor phase condensate is allowed to form nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are annealed to yield substantially spherical nanoparticles.

Abstract: An energy conversion system, including a first and second electrodes with an inter-electrode gap therebetween that includes a functional medium, wherein the first electrode is made of at least one elongate electrically conductive media having a total length L, a curved cross-section, and a radius R, and arranged into a sturdy assembly structure having a more or less open pattern, capable of having the same electric potential at any location and thus of constituting said first electrode. Where R is lower than 40×10-6 m the inter-electrode gap has a thickness of between 1×10-9 m and 5×10-3 m, the total length L of the electrically conductive media of the first electrode is greater than 1×103 m, and the ratio L/R is greater than 106 such that the first electrode generates a significant increase in the electric field perceived by the second electrode.

Abstract: A light amplifying device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is disclosed herein. The device includes a dielectric layer having two opposed surfaces. A refractive index of the dielectric layer is higher than a refractive index of a material or environment directly adjacent thereto. At least one opening is formed in one of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer, and at least one nano-antenna is established on the one of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer. A gain region is positioned in the dielectric layer or adjacent to another of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to tuned multifunctional linker molecules for charge transport through organic-inorganic composite structures. The problem underlying the present invention is to provide multifunctional linker molecules for tuning the conductivity in nanoparticle-linker assemblies which can be used in the formation of electronic networks and circuits and thin films of nanoparticles. The problem is solved according to the invention by providing a multifunctional linker molecule of the general structure CON1—FUNC1—X—FUNC2—CON2 in which X is the central body of the molecule, FUNC1 and FUNC2 independently of each other are molecular groups introducing a dipole moment and/or capable of forming intermolecular and/or intramolecular hydrogen bonding networks, and CON1 and CON2 independently of each other are molecular groups binding to nanostructured units comprising metal and semiconductor materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing microtubular halloysite nanopowders by cutting halloysite nanotubes at a high pressure, microtubular halloysite nanopowders prepared by the method, and a cosmetic composition comprising the microtubular halloysite nanopowders. According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to prepare the halloysite nanopowders with a tubular shape using natural halloysite and effectively select a halloysite nanopowder having a desired shape. The microtubular halloysite nanopowders can be used in many industrial fields and used as a container or a carrier for nanoparticles or organic materials such as drugs, air fresheners, cosmetics, agricultural chemical materials, etc.

Abstract: The aqueous self-assembly of oligopeptide-flanked ?-conjugated molecules into discrete one-dimensional nanostructures is described. Unique to these molecules is the fact that the ?-conjugated unit has been directly embedded within the peptide backbone by way of a synthetic amino acid with ?-functionality that is compatible with standard Fmoc-based peptide synthesis or by way of a diacid or other bis(electrophile) that can covalently cross-link peptide chains presented on a synthesis support. The peptide-based molecular designs enforce intimate ?-? communication within the aggregates after charge-screening and self-assembly, making these nanostructures attractive for optical or electronic applications in biological environments. In other embodiments, a convenient method to incorporate ?-electron units into peptides that assemble into amyloid-like supramolecular polymers is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for forming polymer(s) including heating of a polymer to be formed to a temperature above its glass transition temperature, continuously depositing (preferably by flowing or laying) the polymer onto a moulding surface (herein the “lower moulding surface”) of a first mould, (preferably in a manner that reduces, eliminates or minimises shear stress or other stress in the polymer so deposited), the polymer remaining above the glass transition temperature, applying a moulding surface (herein the “upper surface”) of the polymer while the polymer remains at a temperature above the glass transition temperature, and allowing the polymer to transition to below the glass transition temperature while within or between the upper and lower moulding surfaces, wherein the polymer is removed from the moulding surfaces. Apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: In a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus (1) which produces nanofibers by electrically stretching a solution in space, a hollow supporting unit (32) which is rotated around an axial line AL by a motor (41) supports a cartridge (33) which supplies a solution (20) stored therein, a pressurizing member (38) is pressurized by air introduced through a rotary joint (43) so that the solution (20) flows into an interior space (34a) of an effusing body (34) which is rotated together with the supporting body (32), and the solution (20) is radially effused from effusing holes (34c) by the pressure of the air and centrifugal force due to the rotation of the effusing body (34).

Abstract: The invention provides a lithographic method referred to as “dip pen” nanolithography (DPN). Capillary transport of molecules from the SPM tip to the solid substrate is used in DPN to directly write patterns consisting of a relatively small collection of molecules in submicrometer dimensions, making DPN useful in the fabrication of a variety of microscale and nanoscale devices. The invention also provides substrates patterned by DPN and kits for performing DPN. The invention further provides a method of performing AFM imaging in air. The method comprises coating an AFM tip with a hydrophobic compound, the hydrophobic compound being selected so that AFM imaging performed using the coated AFM tip is improved compared to AFM imaging performed using an uncoated AFM tip. Finally, the invention provides AFM tips coated with the hydrophobic compounds.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of a nanodispersion, which comprises: a) a membrane-forming molecule, b) a co-emulsifier, c) a lipophilic component, and d) a water-soluble ingredient sensitive to oxidation in cosmetic end formulations, the nanodispersion being obtainable by (?) mixing the components (a), (b) and (c) until a homogeneous liquid is obtained (so-called nanodispersion pre-phase), and (?) adding the water or aqueous phase (discontinuous phase) which contains the water-soluble ingredient and optionally the non-aqueous polar organic solvent to the liquid obtained in step (?). Component (d) is preferably ascorbic acid or vitamin C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stable pharmaceutical composition of diclofenac or salts thereof comprising nano size droplets of diclofenac or salts thereof, wherein the composition exhibits a significant difference in one or both of the rate and extent of absorption of diclofenac or salts thereof as compared to formulation of diclofenac marketed under the trade name Voveran®

Abstract: The present invention involves synthesizing conducting polymer nanofibers by mixing an oxidant solution with a monomer solution, which includes a monomer and an oligomer of the monomer that is used as an initiator. The oxidant solution includes an oxidizing agent, or oxidant, such as ferric chloride to oxidize the monomer, the oligomer, or both, and begin polymerization. By including an initiator in the form of the oligomer, which may have a lower oxidation potential than the monomer, the rate of polymerization is accelerated, resulting in the nanofibrous morphology. Therefore, the conducting polymer nanofibers may be synthesized without the use of surfactants, hard templates, or seeds, resulting in a simplified and accelerated polymerization process, which enhances homogenous nucleation of the conducting polymer nanofibers.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating photovoltaic devices include forming a plurality of subcells in a vertically stacked arrangement on the semiconductor material, each of the subcells being formed at a different temperature than an adjacent subcell such that the adjacent subcells have differing effective band-gaps. The methods of fabricating also include inverting the structure, attaching another substrate to the second semiconductor material, and removing the substrate. For example, each of the subcells may comprise a III-nitride material, and each subsequent subcell may include an indium content different than the adjacent subcell. Novel structures may be formed using such methods.

Abstract: Rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries having a cathode that includes a graphene-sulfur nanocomposite can exhibit improved characteristics. The graphene-sulfur nanocomposite can be characterized by graphene sheets with particles of sulfur adsorbed to the graphene sheets. The sulfur particles have an average diameter less than 50 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides targeted delivery compositions and their methods of use in treating and diagnosing a disease state in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polysiloxane nanoparticles have the following properties: an average particle size d50 (measured using REM recordings) in the range of 10-200 nm, a specific surface area Ao of at least 50 m2/g, a pore volume of at least 0.2 cm3/g, an average pore volume d50 of at least 0.8 mn, whereas the particles have groups that contain carbon, which groups are bonded to the silicon at least partially in the form of unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl groups.