Abstract:
Methods for preparing one or more conductive nanostructures are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for preparing one or more conductive nanostructures may include providing a composite of nanoparticles and block copolymer including one or more first microdomains and one or more second microdomains, where conductive nanoparticles are selectively distributed in the one or more first microdomains, removing the first microdomains while leaving the conductive nanoparticles in the composite, forming one or more conductive nanostructures on the conductive nanoparticles, and removing the second microdomains.
Abstract:
Transparent structures, electrochromic devices, and methods for making such structures/devices are provided. A transparent structure may include a transparent substrate having a plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, at least one substance configured to block near-infrared or infrared radiation and partially cover at least substantial portions of the substrate and the plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, and at least one photocatalyst configured to at least partially cover an outermost surface of the transparent structure.
Abstract:
Techniques for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles are provided. In one embodiment, a method performed under the control of at least one apparatus for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles includes preparing a substrate that defines at least one cavity through a portion thereof, soaking the substrate with a solution, the solution including a multiple number of magnetic nanoparticles, and applying a magnetic field so as to collect at least a portion of the magnetic nanoparticles into the at least one cavity.
Abstract:
Magnetic mesoporous materials as chemical catalyst and methods of making magnetic mesoporous materials as catalyst are provided. The mesoporous materials have mesopores. The mesoporous materials can contain magnetic nanoparticles in wall of the mesoporous material and chemical catalysts in the mesopores. The mesoporous material continaing magnetic nanoparticles and catalysts can be used in a chemical reaction as a catalyst. The mesoporous materials can be removed after the chemical reaction by applying a magnetic field to the chemical reaction medium to isolate the mesoporous materials containing magnetic nanoparticles.
Abstract:
Methods of making a porous membrane and the applications of the porous membrane are disclosed. One such method includes providing a substrate; and forming a first layer over the substrate. The first layer is formed of a metallic material. The method also includes providing a second layer of oxide particles over the first layer; and pressing the second layer against the first layer such that at least portion of the first layer is inserted into gaps between the oxide particles. The resulting membrane can have various applications, including, but not limited to, a catalyst, in a chemical reaction, a component in an electrical or electronic device, or a filter component.
Abstract:
Techniques for coating a fiber with metal oxide include forming silica in the fiber to fix the metal oxide to the fiber. The coated fiber can be used to facilitate photocatalysis.
Abstract:
A method of making a porous membrane is disclosed. One such method optionally includes: forming a plurality of pillars in an array form over a substrate; and forming a layer with a mixture of a porous material precursor and a surfactant over the substrate. The method optionally includes removing the pillars to leave cavities in the layer; filling the cavities in the layer with a cavity filler; and removing the surfactant from the layer. The porous membrane can be used as, for example, a sieve for separating molecules from a chemical reaction.
Abstract:
Heterodimeric photocatalytic systems and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The systems can include a first nanomaterial comprising titanium dioxide (TiO2) having a first bandgap energy characterized by a first highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and a first lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). The systems can further include a second nanomaterial comprising semiconducting metal oxide and/or metal sulfide (MOX/MSX) having a second bandgap characterized by a second HOMO and a second LUMO, wherein the second bandgap energy is in the range of energies for a visible light spectrum, and the second LUMO is higher than the first LUMO.