Energy Storage/generating Using Nanostructure (e.g., Fuel Cell, Battery, Etc.) Patents (Class 977/948)
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Publication number: 20130056068Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible photoelectrode and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. More specifically, the method for manufacturingg a photoelectrode comprises forming a nanoparticle metal oxide layer on a flexible substrate, adsorbing dyes, and then, coating polymer, thereby forming a nanoparticle metal oxide layer consisting of nanoparticle metal oxide-dye-polymer. According to the present invention, the polymer penetrated between the nanoparticle metal oxide after dye adsorption may increase adhesion to the substrate and improve mechanical properties. Particularly, when applied for a flexible substrate such as a plastic substrate, bending property is excellent, and it may be useful for a flexible dye-sensitized solar cell having durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Min-Jae KO, Hong-Gon KIM, Doh-Kwon LEE, Kyung-Kon KIM, Bong-Soo KIM, Ki-Cheon YOO
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Publication number: 20130048059Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin film solar cell having a photoactive layer interposed between two electrodes, wherein at least one of the two electrodes has an electric field emission layer including nanostructures having electric field emission effects. As the thin film solar cell of the present invention has electrodes with the above-described electric field emission layer, electrons and holes generated by the photoactive layer from light can be effectively delivered to each electrode, thereby improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: LUMINANO CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung-Hwan Han, Wonjoo Lee, SunKi Min
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Publication number: 20130052558Abstract: A fuel cell includes at least one fuel cell element, which includes an anode, a cathode, a proton exchange membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, a first flow guide plate, and a second flow guide plate. Each of the anode and the cathode includes a catalyst layer including a number of tube carriers having electron conductibility, a number of catalyst particles uniformly adsorbed on an inner wall of each of the tube carriers, and a proton conductor filled in each of the plurality of tube carriers. A first end of each of the tube carriers connects with the proton exchange membrane. The first flow guide plate is disposed on a surface of the anode away from the proton exchange membrane. The second flow guide plate is disposed on a surface of the cathode away from the proton exchange membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: ZHI-XIANG LIU, CHENG WANG, ZONG-QIANG MAO
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Publication number: 20130048062Abstract: Provided is a bulk heterojunction inorganic thin film solar cell and a method for fabricating the same. More particularly, the solar cell includes an inorganic thin film having a bulk heterojunction formed by using vertically grown n-type semiconductor nanostructure electrodes and filling the void spaces among the nanostructures with p-type semiconductor materials, unlike the known planar type inorganic thin film solar cells including n-type semiconductors and p-type semiconductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Byoung Koun MIN, Jaehoon KIM, Jin Woo CHO, Jeong Myeong HA, Chang Soo KIM
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Publication number: 20130049692Abstract: A reversible storage system for electric energy, including charging or discharging surfaces as a positive collector terminal and a charging or discharging area as a negative collector terminal and a flow electrode with a pumpable dispersion with particles storing electric energy and at least one supply line and at least one drain line for the pumpable dispersion. The pumpable dispersion includes particles storing electric energy in a capacitive and/or chemical fashion, having an average grain size distribution: 1 nM to 500 ?m. For chemically storing particles, the negative and the positive collector terminals have a planar shape with a single exterior closed border and with their planar sides each contacting an ion-selective diaphragm or spacers, and the pumpable dispersion is arranged on a side facing away from the planar side of the respective collector, contacting the ion-selective diaphragm or spacers, and the dispersion at least partially penetrates the respective collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: ARYS GMBHInventor: Bernd Kuhs
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Publication number: 20130052532Abstract: An electrode for a battery and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electrode for a battery according to the present invention comprising silicon nanostructures integrally formed on a silicon thin film and having a period array can reduce the internal resistance, have better charge transport properties, and reduce the structural stress, thereby exhibiting high storage capacity, high efficiency charge/discharge characteristics, and long charge/discharge cycle characteristics. Moreover, the method for manufacturing the electrode for a battery according to the present invention can simply and easily form a nanopattern with nanostructures on a silicon thin film using laser interference lithography (LIL) and dry etching.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Won-Bae Kim, Gun-Young Jung, Sang-Hoon Nam, Ki-Seok Kim
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Publication number: 20130048078Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube-invaded metal oxide composite film used as an N-type metal oxide conductive film of an organic solar cell, a manufacturing method thereof, and the organic solar cell with an improved photoelectric conversion efficiency and improved durability using the same, and more specifically, to a metal oxide-carbon nanotube composite film, a manufacturing method thereof, and an organic solar cell with an improved photoelectric conversion efficiency and improved durability using the same, characterized in that a single-wall carbon nanotube which has been surface-treated by a metal oxide is uniformly dispersed and is combined with the metal oxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY AND MATERIALSInventors: Dong Chan Lim, Kyu Hwan Lee, Yong Soo Jeong, Won Hyun Shim, Sun Young Park, Sung-Woo Cho
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Patent number: 8384058Abstract: A battery can be fabricated from a substrate including silicon. This allows the battery to be produced as an integrated unit. The battery includes a anode formed from an array of spaced elongated structures, such as pillars, which include silicon and which can be fabricated on the substrate. The battery also includes a cathode which can include lithium.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Nexeon Ltd.Inventor: Mino Green
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Publication number: 20130042911Abstract: Provided are a solar cell and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell may include a first electrode including a first substrate attached with a first transparent conductive film and a metal oxide nanotube provided on the first substrate and adsorbed with a dye, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and an electrolyte filling between the first and second electrodes. In example embodiments, metal nanoparticles may be provided on an inner surface of the metal oxide nanotube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Mi Hee JUNG, Moo Jung Chu, Yong Ju YUN, Mangu KANG
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Publication number: 20130044405Abstract: An electrode useful in an energy storage system, such as a capacitor, includes an electrode that includes at least one to a plurality of layers of compressed carbon nanotube aggregate. Methods of fabrication are provided. The resulting electrode exhibits superior electrical performance in terms of gravimetric and volumetric power density.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: FASTCAP SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Nicolo Michele Brambilla, Riccardo Signorelli
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Publication number: 20130037104Abstract: Embodiment methods and structures include a resonant plasmonic nanostructure located within a thin-film solar cell. This plasmonic nanostructure may trap light and thereby improve the efficiency and light absorption of the cell without increasing physical thickness. In various embodiments, the plasmonic nanostructure may be located within a p-type semiconductor layer of the solar cell. In further embodiments, the index of refraction may vary within the p-type semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: MiaSoleInventor: Mats I. Larsson
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Publication number: 20130040229Abstract: Cohesive carbon assemblies are prepared by obtaining a functionalized carbon starting material in the form of powder, particles, flakes, loose agglomerates, aqueous wet cake, or aqueous slurry, dispersing the carbon in water by mechanical agitation and/or refluxing, and substantially removing the water, typically by evaporation, whereby the cohesive assembly of carbon is formed. The method is suitable for preparing free-standing, monolithic assemblies of carbon nanotubes in the form of films, wafers, discs, fiber, or wire, having high carbon packing density and low electrical resistivity. The method is also suitable for preparing substrates coated with an adherent cohesive carbon assembly. The assemblies have various potential applications, such as electrodes or current collectors in electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells, and batteries, or as transparent conductors, conductive inks, pastes, and coatings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: Leonid GRIGORIAN, Sean Imtiaz BRAHIM
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Publication number: 20130040193Abstract: A composite positive electrode active material includes: a positive electrode active material which includes a transition metal; and a reaction suppressor which is formed so as to cover a surface of the positive electrode active material, and which is made of a polyanion structure-containing compound having a cation moiety composed of a metal atom that becomes a conducting ion and having a polyanion structural moiety composed of a center atom that is covalently bonded to a plurality of oxygen atoms. A transition metal-reducing layer which has self-assembled on the surface of the positive electrode active material in contact with the reaction suppressor owing to reaction of the transition metal with the polyanion structure-containing compound, has a thickness of 10 nm or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasushi Tsuchida, Toshihiro Seguchi
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Publication number: 20130037758Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a complex of a transition metal oxide and carbon nanotube. The method includes (a) dispersing carbon nanotube powder in a solvent, (b) mixing the dispersion with a transition metal salt, and (c) synthesizing a complex of transition metal oxide and carbon nanotube by applying microwave to the mixed solution. The method may considerably reduce the time required to synthesize the complex. In the complex of transition metal oxide and carbon nanotube prepared by the method, the transition metal oxide may be stacked on the surface of the carbon nanotube in the size of a nanoparticle, and may enhance charge/discharge characteristics when being applied to a lithium secondary battery as an anode material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: INDUSTRY ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEIInventors: Kwang Bum Kim, Hyun Kyung Kim, Ji Young Kim
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Publication number: 20130038983Abstract: There is provided a conductive paste for an internal electrode of a multilayer ceramic electronic component and a multilayer ceramic electronic component using the same. One or more nitride powders containing a nitride selected from the group consisting of silicon nitride, boron nitride, aluminum nitride, a vanadium nitride are added to the conductive paste for an internal electrode to increase a shrinkage initiation temperature of the internal electrodes. Accordingly, the reliability of the multilayer ceramic electronic component can be improved by using the conductive paste for an internal electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: Hyo Sub KIM, Jeong Ryeol KIM, Sang Hoon KWON, Gun Woo KIM, Chang Hoon KIM
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Patent number: 8373060Abstract: Photovoltaic structures for the conversion of solar irradiance into electrical free energy. In particular implementations, the novel photovoltaic structures can be fabricated using low cost and scalable processes, such as magnetron sputtering. In a particular implementation, a photovoltaic cell includes a photoactive conversion layer comprising one or more granular semiconductor and oxide layers with nanometer-size semiconductor grains surrounded by a matrix of oxide. The semiconductor and oxide layer can be a disposed between electrode layers. In some implementations, multiple semiconductor and oxide layers can be deposited. These so-called semiconductor and oxide layers absorb sun light and convert solar irradiance into electrical free energy.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Zetta Research and Development LLC—AQT SeriesInventors: Mariana R. Munteanu, Erol Girt
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Publication number: 20130034803Abstract: Elongated noble-metal nanoparticles and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. The method involves the formation of a plurality of elongated noble-metal nanoparticles by electrochemical deposition of the noble metal on a high surface area carbon support, such as carbon nanoparticles. Prior to electrochemical deposition, the carbon support may be functionalized by oxidation, thus making the manufacturing process simple and cost-effective. The generated elongated nanoparticles are covalently bound to the carbon support and can be used directly in electrocatalysis. The process provides elongated noble-metal nanoparticles with high catalytic activities and improved durability in combination with high catalyst utilization since the nanoparticles are deposited and covalently bound to the carbon support in their final position and will not change in forming an electrode assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC/Brookhaven National LaboratoryInventor: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC/Brookhaven
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Publication number: 20130034804Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid porous carbon fiber and a method for fabrication thereof. Such fabricated porous carbon fibers contain a great amount of mesopores as a porous structure readily penetrable by electrolyte. Accordingly, the hybrid porous carbon fibers of the present disclosure are suitable for manufacturing electrodes with high electric capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Soon Hyung HONG, Yong Jin JEONG, Kyong Ho LEE, Chan Bin MO
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Publication number: 20130034794Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes two electrodes and a proton exchange membrane sandwiched between the two electrodes. Each electrode includes a catalyst layer. The catalyst layer includes a number of tube carriers having electron conductibility, a number of catalyst particles uniformly adsorbed on inner wall of each of the plurality of tube carriers, and proton conductor filled in each of the plurality of tube carriers. The tube carriers jointly define a plurality of reaction gas passages for transferring reaction gas to surfaces of the plurality of catalyst particles. One end of each of the tube carriers is connected with the proton exchange membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: ZHI-XIANG LIU, CHENG WANG, ZONG-QIANG MAO
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Publication number: 20130025685Abstract: The electrically active layer of an organic heterojunction solar cell is associated with an additional layer, so as to promote the vertical segregation between the p-type organic semiconductor material and the n-type carbonaceous semiconductor material that are present in the electrically active layer. The additional layer is in direct contact with the electrically active layer. Said additional layer comprises a compound forming noncovalent interactions with the n-type semiconductor carbonaceous material. In particular, said compound can be P4VP when the electrically active layer is formed of a mixture of P3HT:PCBM. Moreover, said additional layer comprises a n-type semiconductor material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Solenn Berson, Severine Bailly, Stephane Guillerez, Noella Lemaitre
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Publication number: 20130025657Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell can include a plurality of a plasmon-forming nanostructures. The plasmon-forming nanostructures can include a metal nanoparticle and a semiconducting oxide on a surface of the metal nanoparticle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: Jifa Qi, Xiangnan Dang, Angela M. Belcher, Paula T. Hammond
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Publication number: 20130022873Abstract: A method of growing electrochemically active materials in situ within a dispersed conductive matrix to yield nanocomposite cathodes or anodes for electrochemical devices, such as lithium-ion batteries. The method involves an in situ formation of a precursor of the electrochemically active materials within the dispersed conductive matrix followed by a chemical reaction to subsequently produce the nanocomposite cathodes or anodes, wherein: the electrochemically active materials comprise nanocrystalline or microcrystalline electrochemically active metal oxides, metal phosphates or other electrochemically active materials; the dispersed conductive matrix forms an interconnected percolation network of electrically conductive filaments or particles, such as carbon nanotubes; and the nanocomposite cathodes or anodes comprise a homogeneous distribution of the electrochemically active materials within the dispersed conductive matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Jon Fold von Bulow, Hong-Li Zhang, Daniel E. Morse
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Publication number: 20130019941Abstract: [Problem] To provide a photovoltaic device capable of generating power whether day or night, without affecting the appearance of a structure or reducing lighting or other functions, and able to inhibit rises in room temperature by converting thermal radiation into electrical energy. [Means to Solve Problems] Provide a photoelectric conversion element 3 with a photovoltaic device 1 on structural members 2a-2d facing the outside of a house or other structure. Power generated by the photoelectric conversion element 3 is extracted via a power extraction unit 4. The power conversion element 3 includes a semiconductor layer 11, conductive layer 20, a metal nanostructure 30 having multiple periodic structures 33, a first electrode 41 and a second electrode 42. The first and second electrodes 41, 42 are separated in the direction of the surface of the photoelectric conversion element 1 with the terminals 71, 81 of the power extraction unit 4 respectively connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: Jose Briceno, Satoru Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20130022899Abstract: Core-shell type metal nanoparticles including a core portion and a shell portion covering the core portion, wherein the core portion includes a core metal material selected from metals and alloys, and wherein the shell portion includes an alloy of a first shell metal material and a second shell metal material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2010Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Arai, Naoki Takehiro, Atsuo Iio, Hiroko Kimura
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Publication number: 20130022895Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane for fuel cell applications a first layer including a first ion-conducting polymer and nanofibers dispersed therein. The first layer includes a first side and a second side. A second layer is disposed over the first side of the first layer and includes a second ion-conducting polymer without nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Timothy J. Fuller, Craig S. Gittleman
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Publication number: 20130008495Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a photoelectrode includes a semiconductor for photocarrier generation, and a catalyst layer for altering the reaction rate in an adjacent electrolyte. The catalyst layer covers part of the semiconductor. The thickness of the catalyst layer is less than 60% of its minority carrier diffusion distance. If the photoelectrode is a photoanode, it has an OEP that is more than the potential of the valance band edge but less than the potential of the Fermi level of the semiconductor. If it is a photocathode, it has an RHE potential that is less than the potential of the conduction band edge but more than the potential of the Fermi level of the semiconductor. The absolute value of difference (OEP minus potential of valence band edge, or RHE potential minus potential of conduction band edge) is greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.2V.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Kimin Jun, Joseph Jacobson
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Publication number: 20130008509Abstract: A polymer based solar cell having an inverted geometry includes a transparent cathode and a double interlayer that has a hole extracting layer and a hole transport/electron blocking layer situated between an active layer, for example, a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) layer, and an anode. The inverted solar cells according to embodiments of the invention display significant efficiency improvements over polymer based solar cells that do not have the inverted geometry and lack the double interlayer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.Inventors: JEGADESAN SUBBIAH, FRANKY SO, JOHN R. REYNOLDS
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Publication number: 20130000727Abstract: Disclosed is a solar battery using a silicon semiconductor, having a high quantum-conversion efficiency, requiring few number of production steps during manufacturing, and capable of being recycled in view of environmental load and material recycling. Specifically, the solar battery has a basic structure of P-SN-N junction in which refined silicon clusters are inserted in P-N junction, and includes a quantum dot layer having a multiple energy level structure whose energy level is between an energy level of a valence band and an energy level of a conduction band. The quantum dot layer includes a periodic arrangement of silicon quantum dots formed of silicon clusters of 2.5 nm or less in average particle diameter and the distance between the quantum dots is 1 nm or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Yasushi Iwata, Kanako Tomita
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Publication number: 20130003256Abstract: A lower electrode film is formed above a substrate. A ferroelectric film is formed above the lower electrode film. An amorphous intermediate film of a perovskite-type conductive oxide is formed above the ferroelectric film. A first upper electrode film comprising oxide of at least one metal selected from a group of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru, and Os is formed on the intermediate film. The intermediate film is crystallized by carrying out a first heat treatment in an atmosphere containing an oxidizing gas after the formation of the first upper electrode film. After the first heat treatment, a second upper electrode film comprising oxide of at least one metal selected from a group of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru, and Os is formed on the first upper electrode film, at a temperature lower than the growth temperature for the first upper electrode film.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITEDInventor: Wensheng Wang
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Publication number: 20130000688Abstract: A thermoelectric device (100) includes a pair of spaced apart oppositely doped structures (110, 120) connecting between a common electrode (140) at a first end and different ones of a pair (150) of separate electrodes (150a, 150b) at a second end of the structures. Each oppositely doped structure includes a first material (112, 122) of a respectively doped semiconductor bounded by a second material (114, 124, 116, 126). Boundaries (111, 121) between the respective first and second materials are parallel to a charge carrier conduction path between the common electrode and the separate electrodes. The respectively doped semiconductor has a thickness configured to be less than a phonon scattering length.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Hans S. Cho, Alexandre M. Bratkovski, Theodore I. Kamins
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Publication number: 20130000713Abstract: A manufacturing method of a nanostructure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: adhering a plurality of first nanoparticles on a substrate to form a nanoseed layer; growing the nanoseed layer on the substrate to form a plurality of nanowires; adhering a plurality of second nanoparticles to the side surface of the nanowires to form a nanoshell layer; and growing the nanoshell layer to form a plurality of nanobranches.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Seung Hwan Ko, Hyun Wook Kang, Junyeob Yeo, Sukjoon Hong, Hyung Jin Sung
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Publication number: 20120328953Abstract: Graphene which is permeable to lithium ions and can be used for electric appliances is provided. A carbocyclic ring including nine or more ring members is provided in graphene. The maximum potential energy of the carbocyclic ring including nine or more ring members to a lithium ion is substantially 0 eV. Therefore, the carbocyclic ring including nine or more ring members can function as a hole through which lithium ions pass. When a surface of an electrode or an active material is coated with such graphene, reaction of the electrode or the active material with an electrolyte can be suppressed without interference with the movement of lithium ions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Takuya HIROHASHI, Shunsuke Adachi
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Publication number: 20120328915Abstract: A lithium-ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode containing an active material, and an electrolytic solution, in which the active material includes a core portion capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions, and a covering portion arranged on at least part of a surface of the core portion, in which the covering portion contains, as constituent elements, Si, O, and at least one element M1 selected from Li, C, Mg, Al, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ge, Zr, Mo, Ag, Sn, Ba, W, Ta, Na, and K, and the atomic ratio y (O/Si) of O to Si is 0.5?y?1.8.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Takakazu Hirose, Kenichi Kawase, Takashi Fujinaga, Isao Koizumi, Toshio Nishi
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Publication number: 20120328956Abstract: To provide graphene through which ions can transfer in the direction perpendicular to a plane of the graphene. Multilayer graphene includes a plurality of graphenes stacked in a layered manner. The plurality of graphenes contain a six-membered ring composed of carbon atoms, a poly-membered ring which is a seven or more-membered ring composed of carbon atoms or carbon atoms and one or more oxygen atoms, and an oxygen atom bonded to one of the carbon atoms in the six-membered ring and the poly-membered ring, which is a seven or more-membered ring. The interlayer distance between adjacent graphenes of the plurality of graphenes is greater than 0.34 nm and less than or equal to 0.5 nm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.38 nm and less than or equal to 0.42 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Teppei OGUNI, Hiroatsu TODORIKI, Takeshi OSADA
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Publication number: 20120328943Abstract: An Si/C composite includes carbon (C) dispersed in porous silicon (Si) particles. The Si/C composite may be used to form an anode active material to provide a lithium battery having a high capacity and excellent capacity retention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Sang-kook MAH, Han-su KIM
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Publication number: 20120328946Abstract: Compositions, and methods of obtaining them, useful for lithium ion batteries comprising discrete oxidized carbon nanotubes having attached to their surface lithium ion active materials in the form of nanometer sized crystals or layers. The composition can further comprise graphene or oxygenated graphene.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Designed Nanotubes, LLCInventors: Clive P. Bosnyak, Kurt W. Swogger
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Publication number: 20120328923Abstract: The present invention provides a negative-electrode material for a lithium secondary battery which has a very low resistance, allows the lithium secondary battery to be charged and discharged (high output) at a high current and have a high capacity, and achieve a cycle life to such an extent that the lithium secondary battery can be mounted on a vehicle. The electrode material is composed of (a) at least one active substance (4) selected from among a metal oxide containing metal therein and an alloy material each of which is coated with a carbon material and has a graphene phase or an amorphous phase (8) on at least a surface thereof, (b) a graphite-based carbon material (5) having the graphene phase or the amorphous phase on at least a surface thereof; and (c) carbon material (6) other than the graphite-based carbon material and having the graphene phase or the amorphous phase on at least a surface thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicants: DENKI KAGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SEI CORPORATIONInventors: Takehiko Sawai, Shinji Saito, Kazunori Urao, Takashi Kawasaki
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Publication number: 20120325305Abstract: A photovoltaic device and method include a photovoltaic stack having an N-doped layer, a P-doped layer and an intrinsic layer. A transparent electrode is formed on the photovoltaic stack and includes a carbon based layer and a high work function metal layer. The high work function metal layer is disposed at an interface between the carbon based layer and the P-doped layer such that the high work function metal layer forms a reduced barrier contact and is light transmissive.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: BHUPESH CHANDRA, Augustin J. Hong, Jeehwan Kim, Devendra K. Sadana, George S. Tulevski
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Publication number: 20120328947Abstract: LiFePO4 flakes for a Li-ion battery and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The LiFePO4 flakes of the present invention have a thickness of 5 nm-200 nm, and the angle between the flat surface normal of the flake and the Li-ion diffusion channel is 0°-80°. In addition, according to the present invention, the LiFePO4 flakes with short Li ion diffusion path can be prepared through a simple process. Hence, not only the charge-discharge efficiency of the Li-ion battery can be improved by use of the LiFePO4 flakes of the present invention, but also the cost of the Li-ion battery can be further reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Lih-Hsin Chou, Kuei-Chao Wu
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Publication number: 20120322977Abstract: An inorganic nanoparticle array is self-assembled onto an unpatterned or patterned, peptide-functionalized substrate surface using peptide constructs comprising a substrate-binding peptide and a mineralization peptide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Eric H. Hill
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Publication number: 20120318324Abstract: A solar cell assembly can be prepared having one or more laterally-arranged multiple bandgap (LAMB) solar cells and a dispersive concentrator positioned to provide light to a surface of each of the LAMB cells. As described herein, each LAMB cell comprises a plurality of laterally-arranged solar cells each having a different bandgap.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the State of Arizona, Acting for and on behalf of ArizInventors: Cun-Zheng Ning, Derek Caselli
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Publication number: 20120321961Abstract: Material compositions are provided that may comprise, for example, a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) array, a conductive layer, and a carbon interlayer coupling the VACNT array to the conductive layer. Methods of manufacturing are provided. Such methods may comprise, for example, providing a VACNT array, providing a conductive layer, and bonding the VACNT array to the conductive layer via a carbon interlayer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATIONInventors: Gleb Nikolayevich Yushin, Kara Linn Evanoff
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Publication number: 20120318359Abstract: Photovoltaic cells comprising an active layer comprising, as p-type material, conjugated polymers such as polythiophene and regioregular polythiophene, and as n-type material at least one fullerene derivative. The fullerene derivative can be C60, C70, or C84. The fullerene also can be functionalized with indene groups. Improved efficiency can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Darin W. Laird, Reza Stegamat, Malika Daadi, Henning Richter, Viktor Vejins, Larry Scott, Thomas A. Lada
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Publication number: 20120312467Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing electrically conductive bonds between solar cells, in which an adhesive comprising electrically conductive particles is first transferred from a carrier to the substrate by irradiating the carrier with a laser, the adhesive transferred to the substrate is partly dried and/or cured to form an adhesive layer, in a further step the adhesive is bonded to an electrical connection, and finally the adhesive layer is cured. The invention further relates to an adhesive for performing the process, comprising 20 to 98% by weight of electrically conductive particles, 0.01 to 60% by weight of an organic binder component used as a matrix material, based in each case on the solids content of the adhesive, 0.005 to 20% by weight of absorbent based on the weight of the conductive particles in the adhesive, and 0 to 50% by weight of a dispersant and 1 to 20% by weight of solvent, based in each case on the total mass of the undried and uncured adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: BASF SEInventors: Frank Kleine Jaeger, Juergen Kaczun, Stephan Hermes
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Publication number: 20120312585Abstract: There is provided a soft electrode material including an electrode layer containing a mixture of carbon black and at least one selected from carbon nanotube and graphene, so that the soft electrode material can facilitate various transformation thereof in response to physical transformation of an electrode, such as warpage, elongation, and the like; prevent the rapid reduction in electric conductivity of an electrode while maintaining flexibility and elasticity of the electrode at the time of the transformation; and provide excellent reliability, and thus, electrical-mechanical energy conversion efficiency of a soft electronic component such as an actuator including the soft electrode material, can be increased, and electric conductivity of the electrode layer can be improved as the electrical-mechanical conversion efficiency increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: CIJ. CO., LTD.Inventors: Jong Tae Baek, Moon Pyung Park, Hyung-Ho Park, Hyuncheol Kim, Jin-Seok Lee
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Publication number: 20120313587Abstract: Several embodiments related to lithium-ion batteries having electrodes with nanostructures, compositions of such nanostructures, and associated methods of making such electrodes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for producing an anode suitable for a lithium-ion battery comprising preparing a surface of a substrate material and forming a plurality of conductive nanostructures on the surface of the substrate material via electrodeposition without using a template.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: Washington Stat University Research FoundationInventors: M. Grant Norton, Uttara Sahaym
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Publication number: 20120313591Abstract: An ultracapacitor includes at least one electrode that includes carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes may be applied in a variety of ways, and a plurality of layers may be included. Methods of fabrication of carbon nanotubes and ultracapacitors are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: FASTCAP SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Nicolo M. Brambilla, Riccardo Signorelli, Kavya Ramachandra
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Publication number: 20120313586Abstract: A propulsion energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle includes ultracapacitor based energy storage to provide rechargeable energy storage. The rechargeable energy storage used performs well over a wide thermal range and thus permits vehicle designers and manufacturers to forego incorporation of temperature management systems. Further, as the rechargeable energy storage exhibit excellent thermal stability, the form factor of the cells of the rechargeable energy storage (e.g., ultracapacitors) may be adjusted to meet the desires of designers, manufacturers and users.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: FastCAP Systems CorporationInventors: Riccardo Signorelli, John Cooley
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Publication number: 20120308892Abstract: A Lithium-ion storage battery includes: LiFePO4 as active material for a positive electrode, an active material for a negative electrode having a lithium insertion/extraction potential equal to or greater than 0.5 V vs. Li+/Li, chosen from a lithiated titanium oxide, a derivative of a lithiated titanium oxide, a non lithiated titanium oxide, a derivative of a non lithiated titanium oxide and a mixture thereof, and a separating element placed between the positive and negative electrodes, formed from a non-woven fabric containing fibers of nanometric and/or micrometric size, chosen from cellulose fibers and glass fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Marianne Chami, Sébastien Martinet, Florence Masse
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Publication number: 20120305069Abstract: Provided are a photoelectrode including a zinc oxide hemisphere, a method of fabricating the same, and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. The photoelectrode includes a conductive substrate, a zinc oxide hemisphere disposed on the conductive substrate, and a porous metal oxide layer covering the zinc oxide hemisphere. Light scattering effects of photoelectrodes can be increased, and recombination losses of electrons can be minimized to improve photovoltaic properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Ki Seok Kim, Sang Hoon Nam, Hui Su Jeong, Hui Song, Sang-Mook Kim, Won Bae Kim, Gun-Young Jung