Abstract:
Polymer-inorganic particle blends are incorporated into structures generally involving interfaces with additional materials that can be used advantageously for forming desirable devices. In some embodiments, the structures are optical structures, and the interfaces are optical interfaces. The different materials at the interface can have differences in index-of-refraction to yield desired optical properties at the interface. In some embodiments, structures are formed with periodic variations in index-of-refraction. In particular, photonic crystals can be formed. Suitable methods can be used to form the desired structures.
Abstract:
Inorganic particle/polymer composites are described that involve chemical bonding between the elements of the composite. In some embodiments, the composite composition includes a polymer having side groups chemically bonded to inorganic particles. Furthermore, the composite composition can include chemically bonded inorganic particles and ordered polymers. Various electrical, optical and electro-optical devices can be formed from the composites.
Abstract:
Vanadium oxide nanoparticles with different vanadium oxidation states and different crystal structures. The particles have a narrow distribution of particle diameters and unique properties that result from their small size and correspondingly large surface area. The particles are produced by laser pyrolysis, and can be further treated to change their properties, without destroying their nanoscale size. The stoichiometry and crystal structure can be varied by initial heating under mild conditions. The materials may be used as cathode active materials in high energy density batteries.