Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to imprint compositions and materials and related processes useful for nanoimprint lithography (NIL). In one or more embodiments, an imprint composition is provided and contains a plurality of passivated nanoparticles, one or more solvents, a surface ligand, an additive, and an acrylate. Each passivated nanoparticle contains a core and one or more shells, where the core contains one or more metal oxides and the shell contains one or more passivation materials. The passivation material of the shell contains one or more atomic layer deposition (ALD) materials, one or more block copolymers, or one or more silicon-containing compounds.

Abstract: A high temperature resistant wire is provided. The high temperature resistant wire comprises a carbon nanotube wire and a boron nitride layer coated on a surface of the carbon nanotube wire. The boron nitride layer is coaxially arranged with the carbon nanotube wire. A working temperature of the high temperature resistant wire in the air ranges from 0K to 1600K. A working temperature of the high temperature resistant wire in vacuum ranges from 0K to 2500K. A detector using the high temperature resistant wire is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing graphene functionalized at its edge positions of graphite. Organic material having one or more functional groups is reacted with graphite in reaction medium comprising methanesulfonic acid and phosphorus pentoxide, or in reaction medium comprising trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, to produce graphene having organic material fuctionalized at edges. And then, high purity and large scaled graphene and film can be obtained by dispersing, centrifugal separating the functionalized graphene in a solvent and reducing, in particular heat treating the graphene. According to the present invention graphene can be produced inexpensively in a large amount with a minimum loss of graphite. (FIG.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to carbon nanostructures, e.g., carbon nanotubes, methods of covalently functionalizing carbon nanostructures, and methods of separating and isolating covalently functionalized carbon. In some embodiments, carbon nanotubes are reacted with alkylating agents to provide water soluble covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes. In other embodiments, carbon nanotubes are reacted with a thermally-responsive agent and exposed to light in order to separate carbon nanotubes of a specific chirality from a mixture of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing nano-size graphene-based material and an equipment for producing the same. The present invention provides a method of producing graphitic oxide by forcing graphite sulfuric slurry and KMnO4 sulfuric solution into a lengthy micro-channel and by sustaining the mixture of the said graphite sulfuric slurry and the said KMnO4 sulfuric solution in the said micro-channel at predetermined temperatures, by putting the said aqua solution of hydrogen peroxide to the reaction mixture to terminate oxidation, and by washing and drying the reaction mixture. The present invention provides a method of producing nano-size graphene-based material by exfoliating graphitic oxide by thermal shock in a vertical fluidized furnace.

Abstract: A multi-walled titanium-based nanotube array containing metal or non-metal dopants is formed, in which the dopants are in the form of ions, compounds, clusters and particles located on at least one of a surface, inter-wall space and core of the nanotube. The structure can include multiple dopants, in the form of metal or non-metal ions, compounds, clusters or particles. The dopants can be located on one or more of on the surface of the nanotube, the inter-wall space (interlayer) of the nanotube and the core of the nanotube. The nanotubes may be formed by providing a titanium precursor, converting the titanium precursor into titanium-based layered materials to form titanium-based nanosheets, and transforming the titanium-based nanosheets to multi-walled titanium-based nanotubes.

Abstract: In a method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube surface, the nanotube surface is exposed to at least one vapor including at least one functionalization species that non-covalently bonds to the nanotube surface, providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a functionalized nanotube surface. A functionalized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one vapor stabilization species that reacts with the functionalization layer to form a stabilization layer that stabilizes the functionalization layer against desorption from the nanotube surface while providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a stabilized nanotube surface. The stabilized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one material layer precursor species that deposits a material layer on the stabilized nanotube surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making nanofiber yarns. In some embodiments, the nanotube yarns comprise carbon nanotubes. Particularly, such carbon nanotube yarns of the present invention provide unique properties and property combinations such as extreme toughness, resistance to failure at knots, high electrical and thermal conductivities, high absorption of energy that occurs reversibly, up to 13% strain-to-failure compared with the few percent strain-to-failure of other fibers with similar toughness, very high resistance to creep, retention of strength even when heated in air at 450° C. for one hour, and very high radiation and UV resistance, even when irradiated in air.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides a filter that is modified by a polymer-carbon based nanomaterial nanocomposite intended to significantly enhance the performance of filtration, separation, and remediation of a broad variety of chemicals, heavy metal ions, organic matters, and living organisms. Polymeric materials, such as but not limited to poly-N-vinyl carbazole (PVK), are combined with (1) graphene (G) and/or graphene-like materials based nanomaterials and (2) graphene oxide (GO) chemically modified with a chelating agent such as but not limited to EDTA. The nanocomposite is homogenously deposited on the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device includes a charging device, a cleaning device, and a fuser member that each include hydrophobic carbon nanotubes. The use of hydrophobic carbon nanotubes can increases the charging device's, the cleaning device's, and the fuser member's durability, conductivity, and contaminants deposition.

Abstract: A method and composition wherein carbonaceous nano-scaled filler material is subjected to atmospheric plasma treatment using carbon monoxide as the active gas. The treatment with carbon monoxide plasma has been found to significantly increase the incorporation of oxygen groups on the surface of the filler material without degrading the surface and thus serves to increase wettability and dispersion throughout the matrix. The composite that incorporates the treated filler material has enhanced mechanical and electrical properties.

Abstract: A process comprises combining a Ce (IV) salt with a carbon material comprising CNT or graphene wherein the Ce (IV) salt is selected from a Ce (IV) ammonium salt of a nitrogen oxide acid and is dissolved in a solvent comprising water. The process is conducted under conditions to substantially oxidize the carbon material to produce an oxidized material that is substantially non-conducting. After the oxidation, the Ce (IV) is substantially removed from the oxidized material. This produces a product made by the process. An article of manufacture comprises the product on a substrate. The oxidized material can be formed as a pattern on the substrate. In another embodiment the substrate comprises an electronic device with the oxidized material patterning non-conductive areas separate from conductive areas of the non-oxidized carbon material, where the conductive areas are operatively associated with the device.

Abstract: Techniques for carbon nanotube (CNT) solubilization and surface-selective deposition via polymer-mediated assembly are provided. In one aspect, a method for self-assembly of carbon nanotubes on a substrate is provided. The method includes the following steps. A charge is created on one or more surfaces of the substrate. The substrate is contacted with carbon nanotube-polymer assemblies dispersed in a solvent, wherein the carbon nanotube-polymer assemblies include the carbon nanotubes wrapped in a polymer having side chains with charged functional groups, and wherein by way of the contacting step the carbon nanotube-polymer assemblies selectively bind to the charged surfaces of the substrate based on complementary electrostatic interactions between the charged functional groups on the polymer and the charged surfaces of the substrate and thereby self-assemble on the substrate. A resulting structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method for transferring PMMA-coated graphene can transfer graphene to a wide variety of different substrate surfaces. It transfers graphene to different surfaces by using of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polymer such as sponge, and deionized (DI) water. This method comprises easy steps of coating CVD graphene with a layer of PMMA; placing the PMMA-coated CVD graphene onto a polymer to form a PMMA-coated CVD graphene on the surface of a polymer; putting this polymer with PMMA-coated CVD graphene in DI water, and finally scooping up the PMMA-coated CVD graphene with one target substrate. In this way, it transfers the CVD graphene to a target substrate surface.

Abstract: In one preferred aspects, methods are provided to produce a three-dimensional feature, comprising: (a) providing a nano-manipulator device; (b) positioning an article with the nano-manipulator device; and (c) manipulating the article to produce the three-dimensional feature. The invention relates to production of nanoscale systems that can be tailored with specific physical and/or electrical characteristics or need to have these characteristics modified. Methods and apparatus are presented that can construct three-dimensional nanostructures and can also modify existing nanostructures in three dimensions.

Abstract: Compositions having a dispersion of nano-particles therein and methods of fabricating compositions having a dispersion of nano-particles therein are described. In an example, a method of forming a composition having a dispersion of nano-particles therein includes forming a mixture of semiconductor nano-particles and discrete prepolymer molecules. A polymer matrix is formed from the discrete prepolymer molecules. The polymer matrix includes a dispersion of the semiconductor nano-particles therein. In another example, a composition includes a medium including discrete prepolymer molecules. The medium is a liquid at 25 degrees Celsius. A plurality of semiconductor nano-particles is suspended in the medium.

Abstract: Carbon nanostructures may be protected and functionalized using a layer-by-layer method whereby functional groups on the carbon nanostructure surface may be further derivatized to incorporate additional functional moieties. Exemplary moieties include redox mediator molecules, crown ethers, catalysts, boric acids, carbohydrates, oligonucleotides, DNA or RNA aptamers, peptide aptamers, proteins such as enzymes and antibodies, quantum dots and nanoparticles, cells, cell organelles, or other cellular components. The density of functional groups or functional moieties on carbon nanostructure surfaces may also be controlled as well as the degree of surface hydrophilicity of the nanostructure.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube based composite is provided. In the method, carriers, solution containing metal ions, and a carboxylic acid solution are mixed to form a mixed solution containing a complex compound. A reducing agent is added into the mixed solution. The metal ions are reduced to metal particles absorbed on the surface of the carriers. The carriers having the metal particles absorbed thereon are purified to obtain the carbon nanotube based composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively placing carbon nanotubes on a substrate surface by using functionalized carbon nanotubes having an organic compound that is covalently bonded to such carbon nanotubes. The organic compound comprises at least two functional groups, the first of which is capable of forming covalent bonds with carbon nanotubes, and the second of which is capable of selectively bonding metal oxides. Such functionalized carbon nanotubes are contacted with a substrate surface that has at least one portion containing a metal oxide. The second functional group of the organic compound selectively bonds to the metal oxide, so as to selectively place the functionalized carbon nanotubes on the at least one portion of the substrate surface that comprises the metal oxide.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanotubes having specific lengths, said method comprising: producing carbon nanotubes having at least two types of zones along their lengths, wherein each zone type has a characteristic structure that confers specific properties; and processing said carbon nanotubes to selectively attack one zone type more aggressively than another zone type.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of manufacturing a graphene-carbon nanotube nanostructure which includes mixing graphite, a catalytic metal, and an ionic liquid, and then radiating microwaves on the mixture, and a graphene-carbon nanotube nanostructure manufactured using the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to freestanding carbon nanotube paper comprising purified carbon nanotubes, where the purified carbon nanotubes form the freestanding carbon nanotube paper and carbon microparticles embedded in and/or present on a surface of the carbon nanotube paper. The invention also relates to a lithium ion battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, battery/capacitor, and fuel cell containing the freestanding carbon nanotube paper as an electrode. Also disclosed is a method of making a freestanding carbon nanotube paper. This method involves providing purified carbon nanotubes, contacting the purified carbon nanotubes with an organic solvent under conditions effective to form a dispersion comprising the purified carbon nanotubes. The dispersion is formed into a carbon nanotube paper and carbon microparticles are incorporated with the purified carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A polarizer includes a substrate, a carbon nanotube film, and a number of metal particles. The carbon nanotube film is located over the substrate and includes a number of carbon nanotube yarns, each of which comprises a number of substantially parallelly bundled carbon nanotubes. The metal particles are adhered to the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: A method of forming composite materials includes dispersing a conjugated material, a solvent for the conjugated material, and a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene including structures having an outer surface to form a dispersion. The solvent is evaporated from the dispersion to yield a CNT or graphene composite including a plurality of crystalline supramolecular structures having the conjugated material non-covalently secured to the outer surface of the CNT or the graphene including structure. The supramolecular structures have an average length which extends outward in a length direction from the outer surface of the CNT or graphene including structure, where the average length is greater than an average width of the supramolecular structures.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of graphene is provided, which includes: (a) oxidizing a graphite material to form graphite oxide; (b) dispersing graphite oxide into water to form an aqueous suspension of graphite oxide; (c) adding a dispersing agent to the aqueous suspension of graphite oxide; and (d) adding an acidic reducing agent to the aqueous suspension of graphite oxide, wherein graphite oxide is reduced to graphene by the acidic reducing agent, and graphene is further bonded with the dispersing agent to form a graphene dispersion containing a surface-modified graphene. The present invention provides a method for the preparation of graphene using an acidic reducing agent. The obtained graphene can be homogeneously dispersed in water, an acidic solution, a basic solution, or an organic solution.

Abstract: Included are a nano-carbon material production unit for producing a nano-carbon material using a fluidized catalyst formed by granulating a carrier supporting an active component, an acid treatment unit for dissolving and separating a catalyst by an acid solution by feeding a catalyst-containing nano-carbon material into the acid solution, and a pH adjustment unit, which is an anti-agglomeration treatment unit, provided on a downstream side of the acid treatment unit, for performing an anti-agglomeration treatment to prevent agglomeration among nano-carbons due to repulsion caused by dissociation among oxygen-containing functional groups added to the nano-carbon material.

Abstract: A method of cutting, thinning, welding and chemically functionalizing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with carboxyl and allyl moieties, and altering the electrical properties of the CNT films by applying high current densities combined with air-exposure is developed and demonstrated. Such welded high-conductance CNT networks of functionalized CNTs could be useful for device and sensor applications, and may serve as high mechanical toughness mat fillers that are amenable to integration with nanocomposite matrices.

Abstract: A method of making carbon nanotube contact structures on an electronic device includes growing a plurality of carbon nanotube columns on a mandrel. Electrically-conductive adhesive is applied to ends of the columns distal from the mandrel, and the columns are transferred to the electronic device. An electrically-conductive material is deposited onto some or all of the columns. The mandrel can be reused to grow a second plurality of carbon nanotube columns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing shaped graphene sheets, and the method includes the steps of providing an initial material of an artificial oriented graphite, performing a shaping process of the initial material of the artificial oriented graphite to produce a composite material, and carrying out an electrochemical process of the composite material to obtain the shaped graphene sheets, so as to achieve the mass production of high-quality shaped graphene sheets with a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles which have been modified by a modifier and a dispersion medium comprising the modified particles.

Abstract: A method for producing a metallic carbon nanotube, by which a dispersion with a high concentration can be obtained. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing a metallic carbon nanotube, which comprises a fullerene addition step wherein fullerenes are added into a carbon nanotube-containing solution in which metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconductive carbon nanotubes are mixed, and a taking-out step wherein carbon nanotubes dispersed by the added fullerenes are taken out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of graphene which can be used in the development of graphene paper or films, graphene-based composites and articles for nanoelectronics, nanocomposites, batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage and bioapplications. This process comprises reducing purified exfoliated graphite oxide in the presence of a base.

Abstract: In the method of embodiments of the invention, the metal seeded carbon allotropes are reacted in solution forming zero valent metallic nanowires at the seeded sites. A polymeric passivating reagent, which selects for anisotropic growth is also used in the reaction to facilitate nanowire formation. The resulting structure resembles a porcupine, where carbon allotropes have metallic wires of nanometer dimensions that emanate from the seed sites on the carbon allotrope. These sites are populated by nanowires having approximately the same diameter as the starting nanoparticle diameter.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a two-phase liquid-liquid extraction process that enables sorting and separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes based on (n, m) type and/or diameter. The two-phase liquid extraction method of the invention is based upon the selective reaction of certain types of nanotubes with electron withdrawing functional groups as well as the interaction between a phase transfer agent and ionic moieties on the functionalized nanotubes when combined in a two-phase liquid solution. Preferably, the subject invention enables efficient, bulk separation of metallic/semi-metallic nanotubes from semi-conducting nanotubes. More preferably, the subject invention enables efficient, bulk separation of specific (n, m) types of nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for making field emission electron source comprises following steps. An insulating layer is coated on outer surface of a linear carbon nanotube structure. A field emission electron source preform is formed by locating a plurality of conductive ring on outer surface of the insulating layer, wherein the plurality of conductive ring is space from each other, and each conductive ring comprises a first ring face and a second ring face opposite to the first ring face. A plurality of field emission electron source is formed by cutting off the plurality of conductive ring, the insulating layer, and the linear carbon nanotube structure, wherein each field emission electron source comprises at least one conductive ring, and a ring face of the conductive ring, end surface of the insulating layer, and end surface of the linear carbon nanotube structure are coplanar.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polarizer utilizes a support, which is coated with a photoresist. A carbon nanotube film is located over the photoresist, and one portion of the carbon nanotube film is submerged in the photoresist. Metal or semi-metallic particles are deposited over the carbon nanotube film and the photoresist, which is removed. The carbon nanotube film with the metal particles or semi-metallic particles is adhered to a substrate to obtain the polarizer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sequential functionalization methodology for the covalent modification of nanotubes with between one and four repeat units of a polymer. Covalent attachment of oligomer units to the surface of nanotubes results in oligomer units forming an organic sheath around the nanotubes, polymer-functionalized-nanotubes (P-NTs). P-NTs possess chemical functionality identical to that of the functionalizing polymer, and thus provide nanoscale scaffolds which may be readily dispersed within a monomer solution and participate in the polymerization reaction to form a polymer-nanotube/polymer composite. Formation of polymer in the presence of P-NTs leads to a uniform dispersion of nanotubes within the polymer matrix, in contrast to aggregated masses of nanotubes in the case of pristine-NTs.

Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-nanotube composite catalyst for an electro-chemical oxygen reduction reaction includes: debundling carbon nanotubes (CNTs); loading a carbon-containing polymeric material onto the surfaces of the nanotubes that have been debundled; carbonizing in situ the carbon-containing polymeric material on the carbon nanotubes to form carbon char layers surrounding the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes; and loading metal catalyst particles on the carbon nanotubes. The carbon char layers contain high amount of nitrogen and may be formed into a porous structure.

Abstract: A mold includes: a base; and a contact surface which is provided on the base and which comes into contact with a molten material. The contact surface is provided with a first surface portion that includes a first fiber layer in which first carbon fibers are raised, and a second surface portion having different surface characteristics from the first surface portion.

Abstract: A method of making an anode includes the steps of providing fibers from a carbonaceous precursor, the carbon fibers having a glass transition temperature Tg. In one aspect the carbonaceous precursor is lignin. The carbonaceous fibers are placed into a layered fiber mat. The fiber mat is fused by heating the fiber mat in the presence of oxygen to above the Tg but no more than 20% above the Tg to fuse fibers together at fiber to fiber contact points and without melting the bulk fiber mat to create a fused fiber mat through oxidative stabilization. The fused fiber mat is carbonized by heating the fused fiber mat to at least 650° C. under an inert atmosphere to create a carbonized fused fiber mat. A battery anode formed from carbonaceous precursor fibers is also disclosed.

Abstract: Processing a composite material includes forming a nanomaterial comprising nanotubes. The nanotubes comprise first nanotubes and second nanotubes, where the first nanotubes and the second nanotubes have different lengths. The nanomaterial is combined with a matrix to yield a composite material.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube-metal particle composite is provided. Carbon nanotubes, polymer monomers, a first solution containing metal ions, and a second solution containing carboxylic acid radical ions are provided. The carbon nanotubes and the polymer monomers are mixed in a solvent to form a first mixture. The polymer monomers are adsorbed on the carbon nanotubes. A second mixture is formed by mixing the first mixture, the first solution, and the second solution. The polymer monomers, the first solution, and the second solution react with each other to form a coordination complex mixture containing the metal ions. The coordination complex mixture is adsorbed on the surface of the carbon nanotubes. A reducing agent is added into the second mixture to reduce the metal ions of the coordination complex mixture to metal particles, simultaneously, the polymer monomers are polymerize to in situ form the carbon nanotube-metal particle composite.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing stiction of a three-dimensional MEMS (microelectromechanical system) microstructure, the apparatus including: a substrate; and a plurality of micro projections formed on a top surface of the substrate with a predetermined height in such a way that a cleaning solution flowing out from the microstructure disposed thereabove is discharged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a graphene-coated member of a novel structure, and a process for producing such graphene-coated members. A graphene-coated member according to a first invention is a graphene-coated member that has a graphene film on a surface of a metallic base of a desired shape. The base includes carbon in a solid-solution state, and the graphene film is formed from solid-solution carbon precipitated at the base surface.

Abstract: A nanotube separation method includes depositing a tag on a nanotube in a nanotube mixture. The nanotube has a defect and the tag deposits at the defect where a deposition rate is greater than on another nanotube in the mixture lacking the defect. The method includes removing the tagged nanotube from the mixture by using the tag. As one option, the tag may contain a ferromagnetic material and the removing may include applying a magnetic field. As another option, the tag may contain an ionic material and the removing may include applying an electric field. As a further option, the tag may contain an atom having an atomic mass greater than the atomic mass of carbon and the removing may include applying a centrifugal force to the nanotube mixture. Any two or more of the indicated removal techniques may be combined.

Abstract: An electrically conductive coating composition is provided for use on aircraft and other substrate surfaces to prevent the formation of ice or to melt ice. The conductive coating composition may include a nanomaterial such as carbon nanotubes dispersed in a solvent which may be applied to a substrate surface to form a thin film which is resistively heatable. The conductive coating may also comprise a nanomaterial formed from carbon nanotubes or fullerenes grafted to a polymer containing an active functional group which renders a substrate surface icephobic and is also resistively heatable.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical conductor includes providing a substrate layer, depositing a graphene layer on the substrate layer and selectively depositing boundary cappings on defects of the graphene layer to inhibit corrosion of the substrate layer at the defects. Optionally, the boundary cappings may include nano-sized crystals deposited only at the defects. The selectively depositing may include electrodepositing boundary cappings on exposed portions of the substrate layer at the defects. The selectively depositing may include reacting boundary capping material with exposed portions of the substrate layer at the defects to deposit the boundary cappings only at the defects.

Abstract: A microscale device comprises a patterned forest of vertically grown and aligned carbon nanotubes defining a carbon nanotube forest with the nanotubes having a height defining a thickness of the forest, the patterned forest defining a patterned frame that defines one or more components of a microscale device. A conformal coating of substantially uniform thickness at least partially coats the nanotubes, defining coated nanotubes and connecting adjacent nanotubes together, without substantially filling interstices between individual coated nanotubes. A metallic interstitial material infiltrates the carbon nanotube forest and at least partially fills interstices between individual coated nanotubes.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes purification and deposition methods for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) that allow for purification without damaging the SWNTs. The present disclosure includes methods for reducing electrical resistance in SWNT networks.

Abstract: Method for making graphene sheets exfoliated by oxidation from graphite by mixing graphite powder with a solution of concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid and subjecting the resultant mixture to microware irradiation until a finely dispersed suspension graphene sheets is formed in the solution. Graphene sheets exfoliated by oxidation from graphite are also disclosed.