Abstract:
A piezoelectric nanodevice may include a first substrate having formed thereon a multiple number of nanorods and a second substrate having formed thereon a multiple number of piezoelectric nanorods. The first substrate associates with the second substrate to generate friction between the nanorods of the first substrate and the piezoelectric nanorods of the second substrate.
Abstract:
Nanoimprint molds for molding a surface of a material are provided. A nanoimprint mold includes a body with a molding surface that is formed by shaped nanopillars. The nanopillars may be formed on a substrate and shaped by performing at least a first partial oxidation of the nanopillars and then removing at least a portion of the oxidized material. Once shaped, a hard substance is deposited on the nanopillars to begin forming the molding surface of the nanoimprint mold. The deposition of a hard substance is followed by the deposition of carbon nanotube on the hard substance and then the removal of the substrate and nanopillars from the molding surface.
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:
Techniques for making nanowires with a desired diameter are provided. The nanowires can be grown from catalytic nanoparticles, wherein the nanowires can have substantially same diameter as the catalytic nanoparticles. Since the size or the diameter of the catalytic nanoparticles can be controlled in production of the nanoparticles, the diameter of the nanowires can be subsequently controlled as well. The catalytic nanoparticles are melted and provided with a gaseous precursor of the nanowires. When supersaturation of the catalytic nanoparticles with the gaseous precursor is reached, the gaseous precursor starts to solidify and form nanowires. The nanowires are separate from each other and not bind with each other to form a plurality of nanowires having the substantially uniform diameter.
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:
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:
A self-cleaning surface and methods of forming a self-cleaning surface that has one or more of hydrophobic characteristics and hydrophilic properties are provided. The self-cleaning surface includes a first layer formed from first nanoparticles that are applied on a substrate. A second layer of second nanoparticles that adhere to the first nanoparticles are then formed on the first layer.
Abstract:
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to labeling reagents comprising a plurality of nanoplates attached to dye molecules. The nanoplates may be configured into stacks and/or at least partially surrounded by a surrounding layer. The reagent may then be used to label a target (e.g., structure or environment).
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for detecting molecules are disclosed. One such embodiment is an apparatus for detecting molecules. The apparatus includes a substrate having a surface; and an array of features formed over the surface in a grating pattern. Each of the features includes a top surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of receptors coupled to the top surfaces of the features. Each of the receptors is configured to bind to a target molecule. A sample is provided over the substrate while a light is illuminated onto the apparatus. A light scattered by the apparatus is detected by a spectrometer. The presence and/or concentration of target molecules can be determined, based at least partly on a shift in the spectral peak of the light.
Abstract:
A method of treating wood including providing wood having an outer layer, the outer layer including an acetylated wood cell wall; and applying a supercritical fluid mixture to the outer layer to form a treated wood, in which the supercritical fluid mixture includes a silicate precursor dissolved in a supercritical fluid, and in which the silicate precursor is attached to the acetylated wood cell wall in the treated wood is described. A glass fortified wood composition having: an acetylated wood cell wall; and a silicate precursor including a long chain alkyl group, in which the long chain alkyl group of the silicate precursor is embedded into the acetylated wood cell wall. A kit for treating wood is described including a silicate precursor; a supercritical fluid; and a catalyst capable of facilitating the formation of Si—O—Si linkages. The silicate precursor may be dissolved in the supercritical fluid.