Abstract: Embodiments of a superhydrophobic structure comprise a substrate and a hierarchical surface structure disposed on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the hierarchical surface structure comprises a microstructure comprising a plurality of microasperities disposed in a spaced geometric pattern on at least one surface of the substrate. The fraction of the surface area of the substrate covered by the microasperities is from between about 0.1 to about 1. The hierarchical structure comprises a nanostructure comprising a plurality of nanoasperities disposed on at least one surface of the microstructure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Luminescent nanoparticles comprising (a) a core made from a luminescent metal salt selected from phosphates, sulfates or fluorides, being surrounded by (b) a shell made from a metal salt or oxide capable of preventing or reducing energy transfer from the core after its electronic excitation to the surface of the nanoparticle, e.g. a shell made from a non-luminescent metal salt or oxide, which are characterized by higher quantum yields and can be used in various fields including light generation and security marking.

Abstract: A nanotube-shaped titania having an aspect ratio of 6 or greater can be produced by anodizing a titanium metal or an alloy containing mainly titanium in an electrolyte solution containing a halogen atom-containing ion, such as a perchloric acid aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a nanostructure, comprising the following steps: prestructuring a substrate (1) adapted to receive the nanostructure to form a nanorelief (2) on the substrate, the nanorelief having flanks (4) extending from a bottom (1a) of the substrate and a top face (3) extending from said flanks, and then depositing on the substrate pre-structured in this way a single layer or multilayer coating intended to form the nanostructure; and further comprising: adding to the prestructured substrate or to the coating a separation layer adapted to enable separation of the coating and the substrate by external action of mechanical, thermomechanical or vibratory type; and exerting this external action on the substrate and/or the coating to recover selectively a top portion of the coating by separating it from the top face of the nanorelief so that this top portion constitutes some or all of the nanostructure.

Abstract: A self-replicating monolayer system employing polymerization of monomers or nanoparticle ensembles on a defined template provides a method for synthesis of two-dimensional single molecule polymers. Systems of self-replicating monolayers are used as templates for growth of inorganic colloids. A preferred embodiment employs SAM-based replication, wherein an initial monolayer is patterned and used as a template for self-assembly of a second monolayer by molecular recognition. The second monolayer is polymerized in place and the monolayers are separated to form a replicate. Both may then function as templates for monolayer assemblies. A generic self-replicating monomer unit comprises a polymerizable moiety attached by methylene repeats to a recognition element and an ending unit that will not interfere with the chosen recognition chemistry. The recognition element is self-complementary, unless a set of two replicating monomers with compatible cross-linking chemistry is employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode material and a composite electrode including same. The electrode material consists of particles or particulate aggregates of a complex LiiMmM?m?ZzOoNnFf oxide, wherein M is at least one transition metal, M? is at least one metal other than a transition metal, Z is at least one non-metal, coefficients i, m, m?, z, o, n and f are selected in such a way that the complex oxide is electrically neutral, with i=0, m>0, z=0, m?=0, o>0, n=0 and f=0. At least part of the complex oxide particle or particulate aggregate surface is coated with a carbon layer bound by chemical bonds and/or physical bonds to the carbon. The complex oxide has formula; the carbon has covalently bonded functional groups GF.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel coatings and other components of articles of manufacture featuring the inclusion of nanodiamonds therein. Also disclosed are methods of achieving such inclusion and methods of utilizing the resultant, improved articles.

Abstract: A process for the modification of carbon-containing substrates, including 1-dimensional nanowire and nanofiber structures. In the process, polymeric material is deposited on a surface of the carbon containing-substrates using physical vapor deposition. The deposition process may be carried out under controlled conditions to produce a variety of useful modifications, including modifications at discrete intervals, as well as functional modifications. Also disclosed are carbon fibers, carbon nanowires, carbon nanotubes and nano-hybrid structures made by the modification processes of the present invention.

Abstract: A nanoporous catalytic membrane which displays several unique features including pores which can go through the entire thickness of the membrane. The membrane has a higher catalytic and product selectivity than conventional catalysts. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes serve as the catalyst substrate. This substrate is then subjected to Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), which allows the controlled narrowing of the pores from 40 nm to 10 nm in the substrate by deposition of a preparatory material. Subsequent deposition of a catalytic layer on the inner surfaces of the pores reduces pore sizes to less than 10 nm and allows for a higher degree of reaction selectivity. The small pore sizes allow control over which molecules enter the pores, and the flow-through feature can allow for partial oxidation of reactant species as opposed to complete oxidation. A nanoporous separation membrane, produced by ALD is also provided for use in gaseous and liquid separations.

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 system for synthesizing nanostructures using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is provided. The system includes a housing, a porous substrate within the housing, and on a downstream surface of the substrate, a plurality of catalyst particles from which nanostructures can be synthesized upon interaction with a reaction gas moving through the porous substrate. Electrodes may be provided to generate an electric field to support the nanostructures during growth. A method for synthesizing extended length nanostructures is also provided. The nanostructures are useful as heat conductors, heat sinks, windings for electric motors, solenoid, transformers, for making fabric, protective armor, as well as other applications.

Abstract: A CNT transparent electrode may have a CNT layer consisting essentially of CNT only, together with a cover layer that may include conductive particles and a polymer. The cover layer may cover an upper and/or a lower portion of the CNT layer. The CNT transparent electrode including the CNT layer which essentially consists of CNT only and does not contain other materials such as a binder or a dispersing agent can exhibit excellent conductivity. When the CNT layer is covered by the cover layer, surface roughness, film uniformity, adhesion between the CNT transparent electrode and the substrate and stability in the process of applying the CNT transparent electrode to devices can be enhanced, compared to the case where only the CNT layer is used.

Abstract: An article has a surface, at least a portion of which has a local radius of curvature of about 1000 nm or less. For example, the article may be a nanoparticle or a surface, a portion of which has a roughness characterized by a radius of curvature of about 1000 nm or less. A monolayer coating disposed on the surface includes a plurality of ligands organized into ordered domains having a characteristic size of less than or about equal to 10 nm.

Abstract: An objective is to provide a nanosized semiconductor particle having a core/shell structure in which a ratio of shell thickness/core portion particle diameter exhibits an optimal ratio in optical properties of optical elements. The particle comprising the structure in which shell portion has a thickness of not more than 1/2 of core portion particle diameter, wherein core portion has a particle diameter of less than 20 nm, and shell portion has a thickness of at least 0.2 nm; core portion has a particle diameter of 20-100 nm, and shell portion has a thickness of at least 1/100 of a core portion particle diameter; core portion possesses at least one element of B, C, N, Al, Si, P, S, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Cd, In, Sb and Te; and shell portion has a composition exhibiting a larger band gap than that of core portion.

Abstract: A method for producing a carbon nanotube thin film comprises a step of dropping a mixed liquid containing carbon nanotubes and an ionic liquid onto a liquid surface of a film forming liquid to spread the carbon nanotubes on the liquid surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of a composite carbon nanotube structure comprising a number of carbon nanotubes disposed in a matrix comprised of a metal or a metal oxide. The composite carbon nanotube structures may be used as a thermal interface device in a packaged integrated circuit device.

Abstract: A nanocarbon film that is produced in such a manner that, after a nanocarbon dispersion containing nanocarbon and a dispersant is used to form a film containing the nanocarbon and the dispersant, an external stimulus is applied to the film to at least partially decompose the dispersant contained in the film. Light irradiation is preferably applied as the external stimulus.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a nanowire array epoxy composite with high structural integrity and low effective thermal conductivity to achieve a power conversion efficiency goal of approximately 20% and power density of about 104 W/m2 with a maximum temperature below about 380° C. Further, a method includes fabricating a self-supporting thick 3-D interconnected nanowire array with high structural integrity and low effective thermal conductivity to achieve a power conversion efficiency goal of 20% and power density of about 104 W/m2 with a maximum temperature of about 700° C., the nanowire array having substantially only air between nanowires.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus in which a conducting path formed from organic semiconductor molecules as a material has a novel structure and exhibits high mobility, and a manufacturing method for fabricating the same are provided. Fine particles that include a conductor or a semiconductor and organic semiconductor molecules, are alternately bonded through a functional group at both terminals of the organic semiconductor molecules to form a conducting path in a network form such that the conducting path in the fine particles and the conducting path in the organic semiconductor molecules are two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally linked together.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a method of forming at least one through-substrate interconnect, a semiconductor substrate having first surface and an opposing second surface is provided. At least one opening is formed in the semiconductor substrate to extend from the first surface to an intermediate depth within the semiconductor substrate. The at least one opening is partially defined by a base. At least one metal-catalyst nanoparticle is provided on the base. Conductive material is deposited within the at least one opening under conditions in which the metal-catalyst nanoparticle promotes deposition of the conductive material. Material of the semiconductor substrate may be removed from the second surface to expose a portion of the conductive material filling the at least one opening. In another embodiment, instead of using the nanoparticle, the conductive material may be selected to selectively deposit on the base partially defining the at least one opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a nanotubular titania substrate having a titanium dioxide surface comprised of a plurality of vertically oriented titanium dioxide nanotubes containing oxygen vacancies, including the steps of anodizing a titanium metal substrate in an acidified fluoride electrolyte and annealing the titanium oxide surface in a non-oxidating atmosphere. The invention further relates to a nanotubular titania substrate having an annealed titanium dioxide surface comprised of self-ordered titanium dioxide nanotubes containing oxygen vacancies. The invention further relates to a photo-electrolysis method for generating H2 wherein the photo-anode is a nanotubular titania substrate of the invention. The invention also relates to an electrochemical method of synthesizing CdZn/CdZnTe nanowires, wherein a nanoporous TiO2 template was used in combination with non-aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanoprobe comprising a silica fibre (2) with an end opening having a diameter of less than 100 nm, and a metallic sheath (11). The total diameter of the silica part and the metallic sheath (11) is less than 300 nm. The invention also relates to a method for producing one such nanoprobe.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making nanocomposite materials for carbon monoxide removal. Methods of using the nanocomposite materials for carbon monoxide removal are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming carbon nanomaterials or semiconductor nanomaterials. The method comprises providing a substrate and attaching a molecular precursor to the substrate. The molecular precursor includes a surface binding group for attachment to the substrate and a binding group for attachment of metal-containing species. The metal-containing species is selected from a metal cation, metal compound, or metal or metal-oxide nanoparticle to form a metallized molecular precursor. The metallized molecular precursor is then subjected to a heat treatment to provide a catalytic site from which the carbon nanomaterials or semiconductor nanomaterials form. The heating of the metallized molecular precursor is conducted under conditions suitable for chemical vapor deposition of the carbon nanomaterials or semiconductor nanomaterials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of tips, the order of magnitude of which lies in the micro- and/or nanometer range, comprising contacting a precursor material with a matrix and then energetically activating over a large area, wherein the precursor material contains an element other than carbon from the second to fifth main groups, the sixth main group with an atomic number Z?16 or a sub-group of the periodic table of the elements and organic groups which are chemically bonded to the respective element directly and/or via an element of the sixth main group.

Abstract: Discrete microstructures of predefined size and shape are prepared using sol-gel phase-reversible hydrogel templates. An aqueous solution of hydrogel-forming material is covered onto a microfabricated silicon wafer master template having predefined microfeatures, such as pillars. A hydrogel template is formed, usually by lowering the temperature, and the formed hydrogel template is peeled away from the silicon master template. The wells of predefined size and shape on the hydrogel template are filled with a solution or a paste of a water-insoluble polymer, and the solvent is removed to form solid structures. The formed microstructures are released from the hydrogel template by simply melting the hydrogel template in water. The microstructures are collected by centrifugation. The microstructures fabricated by this method exhibit pre-defined size and shape that exactly correspond to the microwells of the hydrogel template.

Abstract: An electroless deposition method of depositing metal nanoparticles onto conductive substrates such as carbon nanotubes is provided. The carbon nanotubes are provided on a support comprising a metal substrate and then immersed in an aqueous solution containing metal ions. The metal substrate metal has a redox potential which is lower than that of the metal ions in solution such that the metal ions are readily reduced into metal nanoparticles on the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to biosensor technology, and pertains more particularly to novel multifunctional biosensors based on ordered arrays of metallic, semiconductors and magnetic nano-islands for medical, biological, biochemical, chemical and environmental applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming a patterned material layer on a structure, by condensing a vapor to a solid condensate layer on a surface of the structure and then localized removal of selected regions of the condensate layer by directing a beam of energy at the selected regions, exposing the structure at the selected regions. A material layer is then deposited on top of the solid condensate layer and the exposed structure at the selected regions. Then the solid condensate layer and regions of the material layer that were deposited on the solid condensate layer are removed, leaving a patterned material layer on the structure.

Abstract: Cigarettes and cigarette components such as tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, and methods for making cigarette components are provided that comprise nanostructured fibrils. The nanostructured fibrils, which can be formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler and/or cigarette paper by laser vaporization controlled condensation or chemical reaction, are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cigarettes are provided that comprise tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, wherein nanostructured fibrils are deposited on, or incorporated in, at least one of the tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper.

Abstract: A microparticle can include a central region and a peripheral region. The peripheral region can include a nanoparticle, such as a metal nanoparticle, a metal oxide nanoparticle, or a semiconductor nanocrystal. The microparticle can be a member of a monodisperse population of particles.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube emitter and its fabrication method, a Field Emission Device (FED) using the carbon nanotube emitter and its fabrication method include a carbon nanotube emitter having a plurality of first carbon nanotubes arranged on a substrate and in parallel with the substrate, and a plurality of the second carbon nanotubes arranged on a surface of the first carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Disclosed are fully transparent nanowire transistors having high field-effect mobilities. The fully transparent nanowire transistors disclosed herein include one or more nanowires, a gate dielectric prepared from a transparent inorganic or organic material, and transparent source, drain, and gate contacts fabricated on a transparent substrate. The fully transparent nanowire transistors disclosed herein also can be mechanically flexible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel (1), in particular a light-alloy wheel for motor vehicles, consisting essentially of a rim (2) and wheel spokes (3), the entire periphery of the outer rim flange (15) being provided with a rim-flange protection ring (10). A cavity (71) is formed between the outer rim flange (15) or the outer rim base (9) and the rim-flange protection ring (10), said cavity being suitable for receiving additional engineered elements. The rim-flange protection ring (10) also acts as a protective element in a collision.

Abstract: A miniaturized spring element is intended to be particularly suitable for use as a beam probe or cantilever for detecting atomic or molecular forces, in particular in an atomic force microscope, and, to this end, is intended to make it possible to detect its deflection in a particularly reliable manner and with high resolution. For this purpose, the spring element contains a basic body which is formed from a matrix containing embedded nanoparticles or defects. The spring element is produced using the principle of local deposition with focused energetic particles or electromagnetic waves or by pyrolytically induced deposition.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device and related methods are described. The MEMS device comprises a first member having a first surface and a second member having a second surface, the first and second surfaces being separated by a gap that is closable by a MEMS actuation force applied to at least one of the first and second members. A standoff layer is disposed on the first surface of the first member, the standoff layer providing standoff between the first and second surfaces upon a closing of the gap by the MEMS actuation force. The standoff layer comprises a plurality of nanowires that are anchored to the first surface of the first member and that extend outward therefrom.

Abstract: Novel compositions and morphologies of carbon nanoflakes are described, as well as methods for making carbon nanoflakes using a radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) process. Acetylene is used as a CVD source gas. By utilizing high concentrations of acetylene in the CVD source gas at relatively low temperatures, carbon nanoflake growth rate and robustness are improved, and the resulting carbon nanoflakes have enhanced height uniformity.

Abstract: A golf club component, such as a golf club head and/or a golf club shaft, can comprise a golf club component substrate having an outer layer of titanium carbide, typically comprising at least forty percent (40%) carbon content. Alternatively, a golf club component can comprise a golf club component substrate, at least a portion of which is enveloped by a first coating layer of, for example, electroplated nickel, a second coating layer of, for example, electroplated chromium or palladium, and a third coating layer of titanium carbide applied by physical vapor deposition. The titanium carbide layer is durable and can provide the golf club component with a desired aesthetic appearance, such as a black color. Additionally, the golf club component can be coated with a fourth coating layer, such as a layer comprising a sealant or clear coat material.

Abstract: In a method for forming silicon nano-crystals using plasma ion implantation and a semiconductor memory device using the same, silicon nano-crystals may be formed using plasma ion implantation. An insulating layer may be formed on a substrate, and ions may be implanted into the insulating layer using hydrogen and a gas including silicon. Silicon nano-crystals may be formed using a heat treatment.

Abstract: A method and mold for creating nanoscale patterns in an ion-selective polymer membrane is provided, in which a mold comprising a substrate and a molding layer having at least one protruding feature is imprinted on the ion-selective polymer membrane, thereby creating a recessed feature in the membrane. Protruding features having nanoscale dimensions can be created, e.g., by using self-assembled nanostructures as a shadow mask for etching a molding layer. In one embodiment, an imprinted ion selective polymer membrane, suitable for use as a solid electrolyte, is adapted for use in an electrochemical device or fuel cell by adding a metal catalyst to one portion of the membrane to serve as a catalytic electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming a patterned material layer on a structure, by condensing a vapor to a solid condensate layer on a surface of the structure and then localized removal of selected regions of the condensate layer by directing a beam of energy at the selected regions. The structure can then be processed, with at least a portion of the patterned solid condensate layer on the structure surface, and then the solid condensate layer removed. Further there can be stimulated localized reaction between the solid condensate layer and the structure by directing a beam of energy at at least one selected region of the condensate layer.

Abstract: A composite quantum dot structure (4) comprises a charge carrier confinement region, such as a quantum dot (2), a barrier (5) and an electrically conductive layer (3). This structure allows the dimensions of the conductive layer (3) to be substantially independent of the size of the region (2), so that the dimensions of the region (2) can thus be selected in order to achieve desired optical properties, while the electrically conductive layer (3) can be of sufficient thickness to ensure that it can be reliably deposited. The structure may also include a cladding layer (7) (FIG. 4) to compensate for any lack of chemical affinity between the barrier (5) and conductive layer (3). An ensemble of such structures be provided in which the quantum dots (1) have various radii but the dimensions of the conductive layers (3) and the overall dimensions of the structures are substantially uniform, e.g. for use in an amplifier configured to amplify light of various wavelengths.

Abstract: An apparatus (and a method of making the apparatus) that includes a hydrophobic surface layer (e.g. ultra-hydrophobic surfaces and superhydrophobic surfaces). The hydrophobic surface layer has a morphology due to non-uniformly distributed nano-particles in a nano-particle layer(s). The nano-particle layer(s) are bonded to a linking agent layer(s). A hydrophobic surface layer may be formed over a non-uniform nano-particle layer(s), which allows the hydrophobic layer to have a fine roughness (i.e. morphology) with relatively strong water repellency characteristics. Since at least one of the nano-particle layer(s), the cross linking layer(s), and the hydrophobic surface layer may be formed by a self-assembly method, a hydrophobic surface may be formed in a practical and/or cost effective manner to allow for implementation in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A method for fabricating substrate material to include trenches and unreleased beams with submicron dimensions includes etching a first oxide layer on the substrate to define a first set of voids in the first oxide layer to expose the substrate. A second oxide layer is accreted to the first oxide layer to narrow the first set of voids to become a second set of voids on the substrate. A polysilicon layer is deposited over the second oxide layer, the first oxide layer and the substrate. A third set of voids is etched into the polysilicon layer. Further etching widens the third set of voids to define a fourth set of voids to expose the first oxide layer and the substrate. The first oxide layer and the substrate is deeply etched to define beams and trenches in the substrate.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing carbon fibers in a vapor phase by causing a carbon compound to contact a catalyst and/or a catalyst precursor compound in a heating zone. In this process, the carbon compound, the catalyst precursor compound and an additional component are supplied to the heating zone, and these components are subjected to a reaction under a reaction condition such that at least a portion of the additional component is present as a solid or liquid in the heating zone.

Abstract: Method for producing a nanostructure based on interconnected nanowires, nanostructure and use as thermoelectric converter The nanostructure comprises two arrays of nanowires made from respectively n-doped and p-doped semi-conducting material. The nanowires of the first array, for example of n type, are formed for example by VLS growth. A droplet of electrically conducting material that acted as catalyst during the growth step remains on the tip of each nanowire of the first array at the end of growth. A nanowire of the second array is then formed around each nanowire of the first array by covering a layer of electrically insulating material formed around each nanowire of the first array, and the associated droplet, with a layer of p-type semi-conducting material. A droplet thus automatically connects a nanowire of the first array with a single coaxial nanowire of the second array. This type of nanostructure can be used in particular to form a thermoelectric converter.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has lateral conductors or traces that are formed of nanotubes such as carbon. A sacrificial layer is formed overlying the substrate. A dielectric layer is formed overlying the sacrificial layer. A lateral opening is formed by removing a portion of the dielectric layer and the sacrificial layer which is located between two columns of metallic catalysts. The lateral opening includes a neck portion and a cavity portion which is used as a constrained space to grow a nanotube. A plasma is used to apply electric charge that forms an electric field which controls the direction of formation of the nanotubes. Nanotubes from each column of metallic catalyst are laterally grown and either abut or merge into one nanotube. Contact to the nanotube may be made from either the neck portion or the columns of metallic catalysts.

Abstract: An alignment unit and an alignment method for aligning needle-like structures. The alignment unit includes a substrate having a surface and grooves defined in the surface. The grooves are sized and arranged such that when the needle-like structures are received therein, the needle-like structures are aligned.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating one-dimensional composite nanofiber on a template membrane with porous array by chemical or physical process are disclosed. The whole procedures are established under a base concept of “secondary template”. First of all, tubular first nanofibers are grown up in the pores of the template membrane. Next, by using the hollow first nanofibers as the secondary templates, second nanofibers are produced therein. Finally, the template membrane is removed to obtain composite nanofibers. Showing superior performance in weight energy density, current discharge efficiency and irreversible capacity, the composite nanofibers are applied to extensive scopes like thin-film battery, hydrogen storage, molecular sieving, biosensor and catalyst support in addition to applications in lithium batteries.

Abstract: Evaporation and condensation of carbon is effected by arc discharge between an anode formed of a carbon electrode and a cathode disposed facing the carbon electrode 2 in an inert gas atmosphere, and at the same time, the generated carbon nanotubes are dispersed into an inert gas and transported along with the inert gas through a transporting tube, and a jet of the inert gas containing the carbon nanotubes is emitted from a nozzle, thereby forming carbon nanotubes on a target substrate. This provides a carbon nanotube manufacturing method wherein carbon nanotubes are generated with a simple process, and the CNT patterning process is simplified by forming a carbon nanotube film on a substrate, thereby reducing costs.