Abstract: The present invention provides a structure in which the surface of a solid substrate of any shape is covered with metal oxide, in particular, a nanostructure composite in which polyethyleneimine, which is an organic substance, and metal oxide, which is an inorganic substance, are combined in nano-meter scale, spreads at the entire surface of a substrate, and the nanostructure composite forms a nano-boundary of complex shapes so as to thoroughly cover the entire surface of the substrate; a structure in which metal ions, metal nano-particles, organic pigment molecules are contained in the nanostructure composite; a process for producing these structures which can produce these structures with ease and efficiently; and an application method for the structures as an immobilized catalyst type reactor.

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

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube-based device is provided. A substrate having a shadow mask layer to define an unmasked surface area thereon is provided. A sputter source is disposed on the shadow mask layer. The sputter source is configured for supplying a catalyst material and depositing the catalyst material onto the substrate. A catalyst layer including at least one catalyst block is formed on the substrate. A thickness of the at least one catalyst block is gradually decreased from one end to another opposite end thereof. The at least one catalyst block has a region with a thickness proximal or equal to an optimum thickness. A carbon source gas is introduced. At least one carbon nanotube array extending from the catalyst layer using a chemical vapor deposition process is formed. The at least one carbon nanotube array is arc-shaped, and bend in a direction of deviating from the region.

Abstract: A method for the non-catalytic growth of nanowires is provided. The method includes a reaction chamber with the chamber having an inlet end, an exit end and capable of being heated to an elevated temperature. A carrier gas with a flow rate is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through the inlet end and exit the chamber through the exit end. Upon passing through the chamber the carrier gas comes into contact with a precursor which is heated within the reaction chamber. A collection substrate placed downstream from the precursor allows for the formation and growth of nanowires thereon without the use of a catalyst. A second embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a reaction chamber, a carrier gas, a precursor target, a laser beam and a collection substrate. The carrier gas with a flow rate and a gas pressure is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through an inlet end and exit the reaction chamber through the exit end.

Abstract: Anchored nanostructure materials and methods for their fabrication are described. The anchored nanostructure materials may utilize nano-catalysts that are formed by mechanical ball milling of a metal powder. Nanostructures may be formed as anchored to the nano-catalyst by heating the nanocatalysts and then exposing the nano-catalysts to an organic vapor. The nanostructures are typically single wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Separation of carbon nanotubes or fullerenes according to diameter through non-covalent pi-pi interaction with molecular clips is provided. Molecular clips are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of polyacenes with a variety of dienophiles. The pi-pi complexes of carbon nanotrubes with molecular clips are also used for selective placement of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on substrates.

Abstract: Electrochemical methods for making nanostructures, for example, titanium oxide (TiO2) nanostructures are described. The morphology of the nanostructures can be manipulated by controlling reaction parameters, for example, solution composition, applied voltage, and time. The methods can be used at ambient conditions, for example, room temperature and atmospheric pressure and use moderate electric potentials. The methods are scalable with a high degree of controllability and reproducibility.

Abstract: A method and system for production of powders, such as micropowders and nanopowders, utilizing an axial injection plasma torch. Liquid precursor is atomized and injected into the convergence area of the plasma torch. The hot stream of particles is subsequently quenched and the resultant powders collected.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, systems and devices for fabricating individual CNT collimators. Micron size fiber coated CNT samples are synthesized with chemical vapor deposition method and then the individual CNT collimators are fabricated with focused ion beam technique. Unfocused electron beams are successfully propagated through the CNT collimators. The CNT nano-collimators are used for applications including single ion implantation and in high-energy physics, and allow rapid, reliable testing of the transmission of CNT arrays for transport of molecules.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing inorganic nanofibers, without using an organic polymer, using a highly reactive metal alkoxide such as titanium alkoxide or zirconium alkoxide, in particular, a process in which inorganic nanofibers can be stably produced over a long period, is provided. It is a process of manufacturing inorganic nanofibers by electrospinning using a sol solution containing an inorganic component as a main component, characterized in that the sol solution contains a metal alkoxide having a high reactivity and a salt catalyst, and that the salt catalyst is an amine compound having an N—N bond, an N—O bond, an N—C?N bond, or an N—C?S bond.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube-based device is provided. A substrate with a shadow mask layer formed thereon is provided, to define an unmasked surface area on the substrate. The substrate is rotated around an axis. A catalyst layer including at least one catalyst block is formed on the unmasked surface area of the substrate. A thickness of the at least one catalyst block is decreased gradually from a first end thereof to an opposite second end thereof, and somewhere the at least one catalyst block having a region with a thickness proximal or equal to an optimum thickness at which carbon nanotubes growing fastest. A carbon source gas is introduced. At least one carbon nanotube array extending from the catalyst layer using a chemical vapor deposition process is formed. The at least one carbon nanotube array is arc-shaped, and bend in a direction of deviating from the region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing nanoparticles, which comprises maintaining a minute space of 1 mm or less between two processing surfaces capable of approaching to and separating from each other and being rotating relative to each other, allowing the minute space maintained between the two processing surfaces to serve as a flow path of a processed fluid thereby forming a forced thin film of the processed fluid and separating nanoparticles in the forced thin film.

Abstract: Germanium-based polymers are described. In one embodiment, a germanium-based polymer includes a structure given by the formula: [GeR]n, wherein n is a non-negative integer that is at least one, and R is selected from a wide variety of groups, such as alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aryl groups, iminyl groups, and so forth. Also described are methods of forming germanium-based polymers, methods of forming nanoparticles from germanium-based polymers, methods of forming nanostructured materials from germanium-based polymers, nanoparticles formed from germanium-based polymers, nanostructured materials formed from germanium-based polymers, and devices formed from germanium-based polymers.

Abstract: A tunable super-lens (TSL) for nanoscale optical sensing and imaging of bio-molecules and nano-manufacturing utilizes negative-index materials (NIMs) that operate in the visible or near infrared light. The NIMs can create a lens that will perform sub-wavelength imaging, enhanced resolution imaging, or flat lens imaging. This new TSL covers two different operation scales. For short distances between the object and its image, a near-field super-lens (NFSL) can create or enhance images of objects located at distances much less than the wavelength of light. For the far-zone, negative values are necessary for both the permittivity ? a permeability ?. While well-structured periodic meta-materials, which require delicate design and precise fabrication, can be used, metal-dielectric composites are also candidates for NIMs in the optical range. The negative-refraction in the composite films can be made by using frequency-selective photomodification.

Abstract: Methodologies associated with fabricating aligned nanowire lattices are described. One exemplary method embodiment includes providing a twist wafer bonded thin single crystal semiconductor film and a bulk single crystal substrate of the same material. Periodic non-uniform elastic strains present on the surface of the film control the positions where nanocrystals will form on the film. The strains may be removed via annealing and alloying after the formation of nanocrystal arrays.

Abstract: A method of making graphene sheets having a desired thickness. The method starts with Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (“HOPG”). A plurality of graphene layers are pulled off of the HOPG and attached to a substrate. An adhesive device is then used to pull a selected number of graphene layers off of the HOPG sample attached to the substrate. The number of layers selected determines the thickness of the graphene sheet produced. The graphene sheet has many applications. It is particularly suitable as an X-ray window.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an epoxy nanocomposite material containing vapor-grown carbon nanofibers and an epoxy nanocomposite material produced thereby. The method comprises physically mixing 0.1-5.0 parts by weight of vapor-grown carbon nanofibers as reinforcing materials with 100 parts by weight of an epoxy matrix resin to disperse the carbon nanofibers in the epoxy matrix resin, adding a curing agent to the mixture, and curing the mixture. According to the disclosed method, the vapor-grown carbon nanofibers are physically mixed with an epoxy matrix resin without using any solvent. Thus, the vapor-grown carbon nanofibers are sufficiently dispersed in the epoxy matrix resin compared to the case of using a solvent. Therefore, it is possible to produce an epoxy nanocomposite material having excellent mechanical strength and low friction/wear properties at room temperature and excellent thermal properties even at high temperature.

Abstract: A non-woven web, comprising one or more polymeric fibers, wherein the number-average fiber diameter distribution of said one or more polymeric fibers conforms to a Johnson unbounded distribution. Non-woven webs comprising such polymeric fibers are rendered with mean-flow pore size and porosity desirable for specific filtration applications such as hepafiltration.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanopatterned biopolymer optical device includes providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, providing a substrate with a nanopatterned surface, casting the biopolymer matrix solution on the nanopatterned surface of the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer film on the substrate, where the solidified biopolymer film is formed with a surface having a nanopattern thereon. In another embodiment, the method also includes annealing the solidified biopolymer film. A nanopatterned biopolymer optical device includes a solidified biopolymer film with a surface having a nanopattern is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibacterial nanofiber which comprises a polymer having an electron-withdrawing group and/or an electron-withdrawing atomic group and has an average fiber diameter of not less than 1 nm and less than 1000 nm, wherein the ratio of the binding energy of the minimum unit of the polymer at 25° C. to the binding energy of the electron-withdrawing group and/or the electron-withdrawing atomic group contained in the minimum unit of the polymer at 25° C. is 0.13 or greater. The nanofiber has an antibacterial activity by itself, and therefore can exhibit an antibacterial activity without the need of adding any antibacterial agent.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the invention, encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials are described. In certain embodiments the nanostructures described are semiconducting nanomaterials encapsulated with ordered carbon shells. In some aspects a method for producing encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials is disclosed. In some embodiments applications of encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials are described.

Abstract: A durable optical film or element includes a polymerized structure having a microstructured surface and a plurality of surface modified colloidal nanoparticles of silica, zirconia, or mixtures thereof. Display devices including the durable microstructured film are also described.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode having an electrochemical catalyst layer is disclosed. The method includes etching a surface of a substrate, followed by immersing the substrate in a solution containing surfactants to form a conditioner layer on the surface of the substrate, and immersing the substrate in a solution containing polymer-capped noble metal nanoclusters dispersed therein to form a polymer-protected electrochemical catalyst layer on the conditioner layer.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide improved carbon fibers and films, as well as methods of making the carbon fibers and films. The carbon fibers and films disclosed herein are generally formed from an acrylonitrile-containing polymer. The carbon fibers and/or films can also be formed from a composite that includes the acrylonitrile-containing polymer as well as carbon nanotubes, graphite sheets, or both. The fibers and films described herein can be tailored to exhibit one or more of high strength, high modulus, high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, or optical transparency, depending on the desired application for the fibers or films.

Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.

Abstract: Methods for the site-selective growth of horizontal nanowires are provided. According to the methods, horizontal nanowires having a predetermined length and diameter can be grown site-selectively at desired sites in a direction parallel to a substrate to fabricate a device with high degree of integration. Further provided are nanowires grown by the methods and nanodevices comprising the nanowires.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of forming functionally active fibers and substrates formed with functionally active fibers. The method includes forming a mixture of at least one polymer and at least one functional active. The mixture is then injected at a controlled flow rate into an electric field to cause the mixture to at least partially form fine fibers that have an average diameter of less than about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: Nanofibers are formed from a polymer material by rotating a conductive rotating container having a plurality of small holes while supplying a polymer solution formed by dissolving a polymer material in a solvent into the rotating container, charging the polymer solution discharged from the small holes of the rotating container by charging means, and drawing the discharged filamentous polymer solution by centrifugal force and an electrostatic explosion resulting from evaporation of the solvent. The nanofibers from this production step are oriented and made to flow from one side toward the other side in a shaft center direction of the rotating container by a reflecting electrode and/or blowing means, or those nanofibers are deposited, to produce a polymer web. The nanofibers and the polymer web using these nanofibers can be produced uniformly by a simple configuration with good productivity.

Abstract: A coherent confocal microscope for fully characterizing the elastic scattering properties of a nanoparticle as a function of wavelength. Using a high numerical aperture lens, two-dimensional scanning and a simple vector beam shaper, the rank-2 polarizability tensor is estimated from a single confocal image. A computationally efficient data processing method is described and numerical simulations show that this algorithm is robust to noise and uncertainty in the focal plane position. The measurement of the polarizability removes the need for a priori assumptions regarding the nanoparticle shape.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biopolymer sensor including providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, adding a biological material in the biopolymer matrix, providing a substrate, casting the matrix solution on the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer sensor on the substrate. A biopolymer sensor is also provided that includes a solidified biopolymer film with an embedded biological material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thermal interface material comprising the steps of: providing a carbon nanotube array comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes each having two opposite ends; forming a composite phase change material by filling clearances in the carbon nanotube array with a phase change material; forming a section with predetermined thickness by cutting the composite phase change material along a direction cross to an alignment direction of the carbon nanotubes; and heating up the section to a temperature higher than a phase change temperature of the phase change material and cooling down after the two opposite ends of the carbon nanotubes protruding out of the section.

Abstract: Techniques for preparing nanocapsules are provided.

Abstract: A doping method using a three-step synthesis to make high-quality doped nanocrystals is provided. The first step includes synthesizing starting host particles. The second step includes dopant growth on the starting host particles. The third step includes final shell growth. In one embodiment, this method can be used to form Mn-doped CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals. The Mn dopant can be formed inside the CdS core, at the core/shell interface, and/or in the ZnS shell. The subject method allows precisely controlling the impurity radial position and doping level in the nanocrystals.

Abstract: Light-emitting diodes, and methods of manufacturing the light-emitting diode, are provided wherein a plurality of nano-rods may be formed on a reflection electrode. The plurality of nano-rods extend perpendicularly from an upper surface of the reflection electrode. Each of the nano-rods includes a first region doped with a first type dopant, a second region doped with a second type dopant that is an opposite type to the first type dopant, and an active region between the first region and the second region. A transparent insulating layer may be formed between the plurality of nano-rods. A transparent electrode may be formed on the plurality of nano-rods and the transparent insulating layer.

Abstract: Hydrogen is stored by adsorbing the hydrogen to a carbon nanomaterial that includes carbon nanospheres. The carbon nanospheres are multi-walled, hollow carbon nanostructures with a maximum diameter in a range from about 10 nm to about 200 nm. The nanospheres have an irregular outer surface and an aspect ratio of less than 3:1. The carbon nanospheres can store hydrogen in quantities of at least 1.0% by weight.

Abstract: Microstructured films such as brightness enhancing films, polymerizable resin compositions comprising an organic component and surface modified nanoparticles, and surface modified nanoparticles are described. The microstructured film has a polymerized structure comprising the reaction product of the polymerizable resin composition (e.g. having a refractive index of at least 1.58). The cured nanocomposite (e.g. structure) can exhibit improved crack resistance. In some embodiments, the flexibility is expressed in terms of a cylindrical mandrel bend test property (e.g. a mandrel size to failure of less than 6 mm or a mandrel size to failure according to the equation D=1000(T/0.025?T) wherein T is the thickness in millimeters of a (e.g. preformed base layer). In other embodiments, the flexibility is expressed in terms of a tensile and elongation property (e.g. a tensile strength at break of at least 25 MPa and an elongation at break of at least 1.75%).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of handling a hydrophobic agent, which method comprises (a) combining in an aqueous solution (i) a hydrophobic agent and (ii) an isolated peptide that is a structural analog of a transmembrane domain of an integral membrane protein, wherein one terminus of the peptide has one or more negatively charged residues, and (b) allowing the peptide to self-assemble into nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles comprise the hydrophobic agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming nanoparticles employs an inkjet dispenser and a nanoparticle formation device. The inkjet dispenser includes at least one orifice. A liquid solution with a substance to be transformed into nanoscale is received in the inkjet dispenser, and is dispensed from the at least one orifice to generate a plurality of microdroplets. The nanoparticle formation device is disposed to receive the microdroplets dispensed by the inkjet dispenser and form the nanoparticles therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a redispersible powder and aqueous dispersions of nanoparticles of water insoluble organic pesticides. The invention further provides methods for preparing the redispersible powder and the aqueous dispersion, wherein the methods include preparation of an oil-in-water nanoemulsion or microemulsion and solvent removal. The present invention also provides pesticidal compositions of the redispersible powder or aqueous dispersions, and their agricultural use in combating pests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel carbon nanoparticles, especially to carbon nanoparticles which comprise or consist of carbon nanotubes and have been modified by means of acyl groups, to a novel process with which these modified carbon nanoparticles, especially carbon nanoparticles comprising or consisting of carbon nanotubes, are obtainable, and to the use of the modified carbon nanoparticles, especially carbon nanoparticles comprising or consisting of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A nanostructure comprising a first structure comprising conductive material, which is attached to a second structure comprising one or more portions of conductive material separated by insulator material, which is attached to a third structure comprising a material in which a change can be effected. The third structure may comprise a dielectric or ferroelectric material, and the change effected in the material may be polarization of the material. The nanostructure may comprise one or more nanocapacitors, each of which comprises a part of the third structure in which a change comprising polarization may be effected. The nanocapacitors may be used to store data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing nanoparticles by attaching atoms or molecules constituting a nanoparticle precursor to an ionic liquid. According to this method, it is possible to produce nanoparticles that do not aggregate easily in a liquid without its surface modification. Furthermore, it is possible to produce nanoparticles without the need for a complicated operation or the formation of a by-product because of the direct production of the nanoparticles from the nanoparticle precursor.

Abstract: An ion flux is directed to a carbon nanotube to permanently shape, straighten and/or bend the carbon nanotube into a desired configuration. Such carbon nanotubes have many properties that make them ideal as probes for Scanning Probe Microscopy and many other applications.

Abstract: A nanoelectrode array comprises a plurality of nanoelectrodes wherein the geometric dimensions of the electrode controls the electrochemical response, and the current density is independent of time. By combining a massive array of nanoelectrodes in parallel, the current signal can be amplified while still retaining the beneficial geometric advantages of nanoelectrodes. Such nanoelectrode arrays can be used in a sensor system for rapid, non-contaminating field analysis. For example, an array of suitably functionalized nanoelectrodes can be incorporated into a small, integrated sensor system that can identify many species rapidly and simultaneously under field conditions in high-resistivity water, without the need for chemical addition to increase conductivity.

Abstract: A method for moving high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARMS), which method comprises applying a force upon a dispersion comprising one or more bundled and individual HARM-structures, wherein the force moves the bundled and/or the individual HARM-structure based on one or more physical features and/or properties for substantially separating the bundled and individual HARM-structures from each other.

Abstract: A method for synthesis of high quality colloidal nanoparticles using comprises a high heating rate process. Irradiation of single mode, high power, microwave is a particularly well suited technique to realize high quality semiconductor nanoparticles. The use of microwave radiation effectively automates the synthesis, and more importantly, permits the use of a continuous flow microwave reactor for commercial preparation of the high quality colloidal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of selectively removing carbonaceous impurities from carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In an example method, impurities formed on the surface of the CNTs may be removed by a sulfidation reaction between the impurities and sulfur in a sealed space. More specifically, a method of selectively removing only amorphous carbon by which carbon nanotube walls do not react with sulfur and only carbonaceous impurities formed on the surface of the CNTs make sulfidation reaction (C+2S?CS2), that is, a method of selectively removing carbonaceous impurities from the CNTs integrated in a device by sulfidation is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a nanocluster. The method comprises providing a surface comprising at least one anchoring biomolecule, wherein the surface is in a solution; adding an initial recognition-nano-component to the solution wherein the initial recognition-nano-component comprises i) a nanoparticle and one specifically-bindable-biomolecule, or ii) a nanoparticle and two different types of specifically-bindable-biomolecules, wherein a biomolecule of the initial recognition-nano-component specifically binds to the anchoring biomolecule; and adding a releasing biomolecule to the solution, wherein the releasing biomolecule binds to the anchoring biomolecule with a greater binding strength than the anchoring biomolecule binds to the initial recognition-nano-component, or wherein the releasing biomolecule binds to the initial recognition-nano-component with a greater binding strength than anchoring biomolecule binds to the initial recognition-nano-component, thereby making a nanocluster.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoscale rutile or oxide powder that is obtained by producing amorphous TiO2 by mixing an alcoholic solution with a titanium alcoholate and with an aluminum alcohalate and adding water and acid. The amorphous, aluminum-containing TiO2 is isolated by removing the solvent, and is redispersed in water in the presence of a tin salt. Thermal or hydrothermal post-processing yields rutile or oxide that can be redispersed to primary particle size. The n-rutile or the obtained oxide having a primary particle size ranging between 5 and 20 nm can be incorporated into all organic matrices so that they remain transparent. Photocatalytic activity is suppressed by lattice doping with trivalent ions. If the amorphous precursor is redispersed in alcohol, or not isolated, but immediately crystallized, an anatase is obtained that can be redispersed to primary particle size.

Abstract: An electrode having an oriented array of multiple nanotubes is disclosed. Individual nanotubes have a lengthwise inner pore defined by interior tube walls which extends at least partially through the length of the nanotube. The nanotubes of the array may be oriented according to any identifiable pattern. Also disclosed is a device featuring an electrode and methods of fabrication.