Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for the synthesis of thin multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNT). More particularly, this invention relates to a multi-component metal catalyst composition comprising i) main catalyst of Co and Al, ii) inactive support of Mg and iii) optional co-catalyst at least one selected from Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, W, Pb, Ti, Sn, or Cu. Further, the present invention affords thin multi-walled carbon nanotube having 5˜20 nm of diameter and 100˜10,000 of aspect ratio in a high yield.

Abstract: Nanoparticles which contain noble metals alone or noble metals in combination with base metals. The nanoparticles are embedded in an aqueous solution of a temporary stabilizer based on a polysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an assembly of photovoltaic cells having at least two different earth-toned colors, where different colors are situated in different cells, the cells color being defined by the donor-acceptor (DA) ?-conjugated polymer and an acceptor moiety combination comprising the photoactive layer of the cell, and where the different colored solar cells are coupled into an assembly. The assembly can be flexible and can have colors specifically arranged in a camouflage or other pattern.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductive resin composition, comprising: (a) a resin component, and (b) a fine carbon fiber dispersed in the resin component, wherein a graphite-net plane consisting solely of carbon atoms forms a temple-bell-shaped structural unit comprising closed head-top part and body-part with open lower-end, 2 to 30 of the temple-bell-shaped structural units are stacked sharing a common central axis to form an aggregate, and the aggregates are connected in head-to-tail style with a distance to form the fiber. The resin composition has high conductivity while maintaining the original physical properties of the resin.

Abstract: A wet electrolytic capacitor that includes a porous anode body containing a dielectric layer, a cathode containing a metal substrate on which is disposed a conductive polymer coating, and an electrolyte is provided. The conductive polymer coating is in the form of a dispersion of particles having a relatively small size, such as an average diameter of from about 1 to about 500 nanometers, in some embodiments from about 5 to about 400 nanometers, and in some embodiments, from about 10 to about 300 nanometers. The relatively small size of the particles used in the coating increases the surface area that is available for adhering to the metal substrate, which in turn improves mechanical robustness and electrical performance (e.g., reduced equivalent series resistance and leakage current). Another benefit of employing such a dispersion for the conductive polymer coating is that it may be able to better cover crevices of the metal substrate and improve electrical contact.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid supercapacitor manufactured according to a method of manufacturing a hybrid supercapacitor including: forming a lithium thin film on one surface of a separator; facing the lithium thin film and an active material layer of an anode each other; forming an electrode cell by alternately disposing the anode and the cathode, having the separator therebetween; and pre-doping the anode with lithium ions from the lithium thin film by receiving the electrode cell and an electrode solution in a housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inverted organic photovoltaic cell comprising a polymerizable fullerene interlayer adapted to enhance the device performance and lifetime. The polymerizable fullerene derivative comprises a fullerene core, a bridging functional group and a polymerizable functional group. The fullerene core can be either C60 or C70, and the bridging functional group comprises a cyclic hydrocarbon or a heterocyclic ring. The polymerizable functional group comprises a thermally polymerizable functional group or a photochemically polymerizable functional group.

Abstract: A solar cell structure includes silicon nano-particle diffusion regions. The diffusion regions may be formed by printing silicon nano-particles over a thin dielectric, such as silicon dioxide. A wetting agent may be formed on the thin dielectric prior to printing of the nano-particles. The nano-particles may be printed by inkjet printing. The nano-particles may be thermally processed in a first phase by heating the nano-particles to thermally drive out organic materials from the nano-particles, and in a second phase by heating the nano-particles to form a continuous nano-particle film over the thin dielectric.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to structures for the conversion of light into energy. More specifically, the disclosure describes devices for conversion of light to electricity using photovoltaic cells layered with a nanostructure that resonates and undergoes Whispering Gallery Mode.

Abstract: A nanoporous templating substrate, which is an anodically oxidized alumina (AAO) substrate, is employed to form a pseudocapacitor having high stored energy density. A pseudocapacitive material is deposited conformally along the sidewalls of the AAO substrate by atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition), and/or electrochemical deposition employing a nucleation layer. The thickness of the pseudocapacitive material on the walls can be precisely controlled in the deposition process. The AAO is etched to form an array of nanotubes of the PC material that are cylindrical and structurally robust with cavities therein. Because the AAO substrate that acts as scaffolding is removed, only the active PC material is left behind, thereby maximizing the energy per mass. In addition, nanotubes may be de-anchored from a substrate so that free-standing nanotubes having randomized orientations may be deposited on a conductive substrate to form an electrode of a pseudocapacitor.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, methods of synthesizing iron phosphate precursors and lithium iron phosphate active material usable for a lithium secondary battery include the steps of first forming fine particle iron phosphate precursors hydrated and anhydrous, then forming electrode active material lithium iron phosphate with said iron phosphate precursors. The unique methods are generally efficient and cost effective, as well as stable and scalable for a high performance electrode active material with high capacity, good discharge profile, high electronic conductivity, as well as long cycle life.

Abstract: A quantum dot forming method for forming quantum dots on a surface of a substrate includes exciting a substrate surface with a laser beam having a standing wave which is irradiated from one side of the substrate along the surface of the substrate to excite the surface of the substrate at an interval of one half of a wavelength of the standing wave, and forming a quantum dot with a film differing in lattice constant from a base film forming the surface of the substrate by allowing the film differing in lattice constant to grow on the substrate to form the quantum dots in excited spots of the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of obtaining information about at least one variable existing at a target location in an underground well bore and/or surrounding subterranean formation includes delivering a plurality of signal generating devices to the target location(s), emitting at least one detectable signal from the target location and receiving at least one such signal. Information about the variable(s) is derived from at least some of the received signals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first electrode structure; a second electrode structure opposite to the first electrode structure; and an electrolyte positioned between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure, wherein the first electrode structure includes: a first current collector having a rugged structure; and a first active material layer conformally covering the rugged structure.

Abstract: Provided is a lithium ion capacitor. The lithium anode capacitor includes an anode including an anode active material layer including an anode current collector, first active material particles disposed on at least one surface of the anode current collector, and second active material particles disposed in pores between the first active material particles, increasing energy density of the lithium ion capacitor.

Abstract: Described herein are multi-functional composite materials containing energy storage assemblies that can be significantly resistant to tension/compression stress. The energy storage assemblies can contain at least one energy storage layer that contains an insulating layer having a plurality of openings arranged in a spaced apart manner, and a plurality of energy storage devices, each energy storage device being contained within one of the openings. The energy storage devices can be electrically connected to one another. The energy storage layer can contain a support material upon which electrical connections are formed. One or more energy storage layers can be disposed between two or more stress carrying layers to form an energy storage assembly that can have significant resistance to tension/compression stress. Energy storage devices suitable for use in the energy storage assemblies can include, for example, batteries, capacitors and/or supercapacitors.

Abstract: A silicon solar cell including a carbon nanotube layer is provided. The carbon nanotube layer is disposed on at least one of front and back surfaces of a p-n junction silicon substrate which includes a p-type silicon layer and an n-type silicon layer. Accordingly, the intensity of the electric field applied to devices may be increased due to introduction of the carbon nanotube layer, resulting in improved photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a nanocomposite for the catalyst layer of a fuel cell electrode including: a carbon nanofiber; and metal catalyst particles uniformly applied to the surface of the carbon nanofiber, wherein the carbon nanofiber has a surface oxygen content of at least 0.03 calculated by the formula: Oxygen content=[atomic percentage of oxygen/atomic percentage of carbon] using atomic percentages of oxygen and carbon, respectively calculated from an area of an oxygen peak having a binding energy of 524 to 540 eV, an area of a nitrogen peak having a binding energy of 392 to 404 eV, and an area of a carbon peak having a binding energy of 282 to 290 eV in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nanocomposite has high surface oxygen content and has metal catalyst nano particles densely and uniformly distributed on the outer wall of the carbon fibers, thereby having high electrochemical efficiency.

Abstract: Provided are a graphite material suitable as an electrode material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, a carbonaceous material for battery electrodes, and secondary batteries which exhibit excellent charge-discharge cycle characteristics and excellent severe-current-load characteristics. A graphite material which has specific sizes of optically anisotropic and isotropic structures, a specific content ratio between both structures, and various orientation of crystallization; and a carbonaceous material for battery electrodes which is made using the graphite material and which exhibits a large discharge capacity and a small irreversible capacity with the severe-current-load characteristics and cycle characteristics being kept at high levels.

Abstract: A novel back reflector formed by disposing conductive nanostructures in a distributed Bragg reflector for photovoltaic cells is provided. The distributed Bragg reflector is formed by alternatively stacking first refractive layers and second refractive layers. The conductive nanostructures are disposed in the interfaces between the first and the second refractive layers.

Abstract: A nanoparticle organic hybrid material (NOHM) containing an organic polymeric corona having a molecular weight in a range of 100-50,000 g/mol, wherein the organic polymeric corona is covalently attached to an inorganic nanoparticle core, wherein the NOHM exhibits liquid-like properties so that the NOHM moves freely and flows in a manner so that when the NOHM is in a container, the NOHM takes the shape of the container, and wherein the NOHM has a volume fraction (fc) of the inorganic particle ranging from about 0.05 to 0.75, methods of making the NOHMs, and compositions containing the NOHMs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for detection of H. Pylori in breath emissions utilizing an unlabelled urea, in which a patient ingests a safe quantity of unlabelled urea. After ingestion, expired breath of the patient is analyzed for ammonia, with a detection based on levels of ammonia lower than 50 parts per billion to 500 ppm to detect helicobacter pylori.

Abstract: A multi junction photovoltaic cell for converting light into electrical energy, comprising a substrate (3) having a surface (31), wherein a region (4) at the surface (31) of the substrate (3) is doped such that a first p-n junction is formed in the substrate (3). The photovoltaic cell has a nanowire (2) that is arranged on the surface (31) of the substrate (3) at a position where the doped region (4) is located in the substrate (3), such that a second p-n junction is formed at the nanowire (2) and in series connection with the first p-n junction.

Abstract: A multilayer composite getter, a method for its manufacturing and electrochemical devices for energy storage employing said multilayer composite getters are described.

Abstract: A solar battery including a transparent conductive film; and a solar battery element, wherein the transparent conductive film is bonded to a surface of the solar battery element, and the transparent conductive film is electrically connected to the solar battery element.

Abstract: Solar cells, methods for manufacturing a quantum dot layer for a solar cell, and methods for manufacturing solar cells are disclosed. An illustrative method for manufacturing a solar cell may include dissolving a cadmium-containing compound in a first non-aqueous solvent to form a cadmium precursor solution, dissolving a selenium-containing compound in a second non-aqueous solvent to form a selenium precursor solution, combining the cadmium precursor solution with the selenium precursor solution to form a mixed solution, and exposing an electron conductor film to the mixed solution. Exposing the electron conductor film to the mixed solution may cause a cadmium and selenium quantum dot layer to be provided on the electron conductor film. This is just one example method.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate on which carbon nanotubes each having one end connected to the substrate can be formed at a high synthetic rate and from which the carbon nanotubes are less likely to be peeled off. The substrate is a substrate for forming the carbon nanotubes and includes a buffer layer 13 formed on at least one of surfaces of a substrate main body 14 and containing aluminum atoms and fluorine atoms. The carbon nanotube complex includes the substrate and a plurality of carbon nanotubes 11 each having one end connected to a surface of the buffer layer 13.

Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polyaromatic and polyheteroaromatic compounds and derivatives thereof. The compounds display high solubility in organic solvents. A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the novel compounds in the fabrication of organic film based heterojunction devices. In one form the devices display high conversion efficiencies in solar cell applications.

Abstract: A photo-chemical solar cell with nanoneedle electrode and a method manufacturing the same includes at least a working electrode, a counter electrode, an electrolyte layer and a photosensitized dye layer. The working electrode is an nanoneedle electrode formed from an nanoneedle semiconductor layer, wherein the nanoneedle semiconductor layer is prepared by sol-gel method at a low temperature to increase the specific surface area, adsorb more dye, increase the conductive ratio of the electrode, and thus improve the photo-current and the conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A composite including a metal having oxygen-reducing activity, nitrogen and carbon, the composite comprising polyhedral particles, an electrode catalyst including the composite, a method of preparing the composite, and a fuel cell using the composite.

Abstract: A process for preparing a formulation comprising a carbon-deposited lithium metal phosphate, as precursor of a lithium ion battery electrode coating slurry.

Abstract: A hybrid photovoltaic device comprising a plurality of nanostructures embedded in a matrix of a photosensitive material including one or more layers. A combination of innovative structural aspects of the hybrid photovoltaic device results in significant improvements in collection of incident light from the solar spectrum, better absorption of light, and better collection of the photo-carriers generated in response to the incident light, thereby improving efficiency of the hybrid photovoltaic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., transition metal dichalcogenide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm. The method comprises (a) dispersing particles of a non-graphite laminar compound in a liquid medium containing therein a surfactant or dispersing agent to obtain a stable suspension or slurry; and (b) exposing the suspension or slurry to ultrasonic waves at an energy level for a sufficient length of time to produce separated nano-scaled platelets. The nano-scaled platelets are candidate reinforcement fillers for polymer nanocomposites.

Abstract: The invention provides high efficient dye-sensitized solar cells using tio2-carbon nano tube (MWCNT) nanocomposite. More particularly, the invention provides TiO2-MWCNT nanocomposites prepared by hydrothermal route which result in higher efficiency of the dye sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: A supercapacitor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a solid-state polymer electrolyte. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced from each other and immersed in the solid-state polymer electrolyte. The first and second electrode includes a carbon nanotube structure and an electrically conductive polymer layer. The carbon nanotube structure includes a number of carbon nanotubes and a number of micropores defined between adjacent two carbon nanotubes. The electrically conductive polymer layer coats surfaces of the number of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Providing an organic thin-film solar cell that can be easily manufactured and then mass produced at low cost while increasing the photoelectric conversion efficiency, and the method of producing the same. Solar cells 100-102 include at least one of a mixed P-type organic semiconductor layer 12M and a mixed N-type organic semiconductor layer 14M. A plurality of organic semiconductor materials are mixed in the mixed P-type organic semiconductor layer 12M or the mixed N-type organic semiconductor layer 14M, respectively. In such a way, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cells is increased by selecting and mixing proper organic semiconductor materials to form the organic semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A shiny is manufactured using a low-molecular-weight organic acid as a dispersant and a nonaqueous organic solvent as a solvent, whereby a coated electrode for a power storage device in which an active material which has been made into microparticles each having a particle diameter of 100 nm or less is uniformly dispersed can be manufactured. By the use of the coated electrode manufactured in this manner, a power storage device with high charge/discharge characteristics can be manufactured. In other words, a power storage device with high capacity density can be realized because the amount of impurities is small and the power density is high due to the sufficient dispersion of the active material in the active material layer.

Abstract: Copolymers of formula (I): where each A is S, Se or C?C; each x is an integer from 1 to 4; each R1 is independently H, F, CN or a C1-C20 linear or branched aliphatic group; Ar is one or more substituted or unsubstituted aromatic units; and, n is an integer 5 or greater, can be formed into films or membranes that are useful as active layers in organic electronic device, such as PV solar cells, providing high power conversion efficiencies and good thermal stability. Such copolymers may be synthesized from monomers of formula (II): by Stille or Suzuki coupling reactions. Such monomers may be synthesized by a variation of the Pinner synthesis.

Abstract: Designs of extremely high efficiency solar cells are described. A novel alternating bias scheme enhances the photovoltaic power extraction capability above the cell band-gap by enabling the extraction of hot carriers. When applied in conventional solar cells, this alternating bias scheme has the potential of more than doubling their yielded net efficiency. When applied in conjunction with solar cells incorporating quantum wells (QWs) or quantum dots (QDs) based solar cells, the described alternating bias scheme has the potential of extending such solar cell power extraction coverage, possibly across the entire solar spectrum, thus enabling unprecedented solar power extraction efficiency. Within such cells, a novel alternating bias scheme extends the cell energy conversion capability above the cell material band-gap while the quantum confinement structures are used to extend the cell energy conversion capability below the cell band-gap.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a low work function cathode, an active layer of an organic-inorganic nanoparticle composite, a ZnO nanoparticle layer situated between and physically contacting the cathode and active layers; and a transparent high work function anode that is a bilayer electrode. The inclusion of the ZnO nanoparticle layer results in a solar cell displaying a conversion efficiency increase and reduces the device degradation rate. Embodiments of the invention are directed to novel ZnO nanoparticles that are advantageous for use as the ZnO nanoparticle layers of the novel solar cells and a method to prepare the ZnO nanoparticles.

Abstract: Platinum particles have been formed as porous, hollow tubular dendrites by using silver dendrite particles in a galvanic replacement reaction conducted in an aqueous solution of a platinum compound. The dendritic platinum particles have been found useful as catalysts and particularly useful as a hydrogen-oxidation electrocatalyst and/or an oxygen-reduction catalyst in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of forming a supported catalyst for a fuel cell includes depositing platinum onto a carbon support material, depositing a first alloy metal onto the carbon support material following the deposition of the platinum, and depositing a second alloy metal onto the carbon support material following the deposition of the first alloy metal. The first alloy metal is selected from iridium, rhodium, palladium, and combinations thereof, and the second alloy metal includes a first or second row transition metal.

Abstract: A chemical fullerene derivative is for a proton conducting membrane electrolyte, in which sulfonic acid group SO3M and/or phosphonic acid group PO(OM)2 is directly bonded, but an organic compound is substantially not bonded. A production method is for the chemical fullerene derivative, which uses dimethylacetamide plus water in the case of sulfonation reagent K2SO3 and dioxane in the case of phosphonation reagent LiPO(OEt)2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode catalyst layer for a fuel cell which includes a polymer electrolyte, a catalyst material and carbon particles, wherein the electrode catalyst layer employs a non-precious metal catalyst and has a high level of power generation performance. The electrode catalyst layer is used as a pair of electrode catalyst layers in a fuel cell in which a polymer electrolyte membrane is interposed between the pair of the electrode catalyst layers which are further interposed between a pair of gas diffusion layers. The method of the present invention has such a feature that the catalyst material or the carbon particles are preliminarily embedded in the polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electron-donating polymer including a repeating unit A including one repeating unit selected from a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1, a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2, and a combination thereof; and a repeating unit B represented by Chemical Formula 3.

Abstract: Provided is a nanocomposite for the catalyst layer of a fuel cell electrode including: a carbon nanofiber; and metal catalyst particles uniformly applied to the surface of the carbon nanofiber, wherein the carbon nanofiber has a surface oxygen content of at least 0.03 calculated by the formula: Oxygen content=[atomic percentage of oxygen/atomic percentage of carbon] using atomic percentages of oxygen and carbon, respectively calculated from an area of an oxygen peak having a binding energy of 524 to 540 eV, an area of a nitrogen peak having a binding energy of 392 to 404 eV, and an area of a carbon peak having a binding energy of 282 to 290 eV in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nanocomposite according to the present invention has high surface oxygen content and has metal catalyst nano particles densely and uniformly distributed on the outer wall of the carbon fibers, thereby having high electrochemical efficiency. Thus, efficiency of fuel cells can be improved using the nanocomposite.

Abstract: Hybrid silicon-carbon nanostructured electrodes are fabricated by forming a suspension including carbon nanostructures and a fluid, disposing the suspension on a substrate, removing at least some of the fluid from the suspension to form a carbon nanostructure layer on the substrate, and sputtering a layer of silicon over the carbon nanostructure layer to form the hybrid silicon-carbon nanostructured electrode. Sputtering the layer of silicon facilitates fabrication of large dimension electrodes at room temperature. The hybrid silicon-carbon nanostructured electrode may be used as an anode in a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A novel photoelectric conversion device in which energy of light can be effectively utilized and performance can be improved is provided. A photoelectric conversion device includes a photoelectric conversion element and an energy conversion layer provided on a light-receiving side of a photoelectric conversion layer included in the photoelectric conversion element. The energy conversion layer includes a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers. The first layer and the second layer are alternately stacked. The thickness of the first layer is greater than or equal to 0.5 nm and less than or equal to 10 nm, and the thickness of the second layer is greater than or equal to 0.5 nm and less than or equal to 10 nm. The second layer can be formed using a material having a larger energy band gap than that of a material used for the first layer.

Abstract: An electrical storage device includes high surface area fibers (e.g., shaped fibers and/or microfibers) coated with carbon (graphite, expanded graphite, activated carbon, carbon black, carbon nanofibers, CNT, or graphite coated CNT), electrolyte, and/or electrode active material (e.g., lead oxide) in electrodes. The electrodes are used to form electrical storage devices such as electrochemical batteries, electrochemical double layer capacitors, and asymmetrical capacitors.