Uwm Research Foundation, Inc.

Other

National Science Foundation

Junhong Chen

Ganhua Lu

Marija Gajdardziska-Josifovska

Haihui Pu

Michael Weinert

Kehan Yu

Eric Mattson

Shun Mao

Jingbo Chang

Zheng Bo

Guahua Lu

Xingkang Huang

Zhenhai Wen

Carol Hirschmugl

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of lithium-ion batteries and battery modules. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to Si-based anode materials for use as anode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. One example includes micron/nano-scale structures that include a carbonate template structure and a silicon (Si) layer conformally deposited over the carbonate template. Another example includes a hollow, micron/nano-scale silicon structure having an oxygen content less than approximately 9%, wherein the interior of the hollow micron/nano-scale silicon structure is substantially free of carbon.

Hollow silicon structures for use as anode active materials in lithium-ion batteries

Provided herein is a field-effect transistor based sensor for real-time detection of water contaminants and methods of use thereof.

Real-time detection of water contaminants

Provided are nanocomposites including an iron-based core and a nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon shell, and methods of making and using the same. Included in the nanocomposites is an FeC-based interlayer between the core and the shell. The nanocomposites can show a catalytic activity toward reducing oxygen comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts.

Advanced electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

The disclosure provides a field-effect transistor (FET)-based biosensor and uses thereof. In particular, to FET-based biosensors using thermally reduced graphene-based sheets as a conducting channel decorated with nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates. The present disclosure also relates to FET-based biosensors using metal nitride/graphene hybrid sheets. The disclosure provides a method for detecting a target biomolecule in a sample using the FET-based biosensor described herein.

Graphene-based field-effect transistor biosensors

A composition of graphene-based nanomaterials and a method of preparing the composition are provided. A carbon-based precursor is dissolved in water to form a precursor suspension. The precursor suspension is placed onto a substrate, thereby forming a precursor assembly. The precursor assembly is annealed, thereby forming the graphene-based nanomaterials. The graphene-based nanomaterials are crystallographically ordered at least in part and configured to form a plurality of diffraction rings when probed by an incident electron beam. In one aspect, the graphene-based nanomaterials are semiconducting. In one aspect, a method of engineering an energy bandgap of graphene monoxide generally includes providing at least one atomic layer of graphene monoxide having a first energy bandgap, and applying a substantially planar strain is applied to the graphene monoxide, thereby tuning the first energy band gap to a second energy bandgap.

Synthesis and applications of graphene based nanomaterials

A method of growing carbon nanostructures on a conductive substrate without the need for a vacuum or low-pressure environment provides high electrical field strengths to generate the necessary carbon ions from a feedstock gas and to promote alignment and separation of the resulting structures. In one embodiment, substantially uniform 'vertical' nanostructures may be formed around the periphery of an extended wire for use in corona discharge applications or the like. Growth on a planar substrate may provide use with a variety of apparatus requiring a high specific surface conductor such as capacitors, batteries, and solar cells.

High electric field fabrication of oriented nanostructures

The present invention addresses the problem of conveniently and efficiently decorating nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes with aerosol nanoparticles using electrostatic force directed assembly ('ESFDA'). ESFDA permits size selection as well as control of packing density spacing of nanoparticles. ESFDA is largely material independent allowing different compositions of such nanoparticle-nanotube structures to be produced.

Controlled decoration of carbon nanotubes with aerosol nanoparticles

The invention provides a novel method for the fabrication of nanomaterials, especially nanostructures arranged on a substrate with nanoparticles deposited thereon. The methods of the present invention can be used to fabricate a novel ambient-temperature gas sensor that is capable of detecting a variety of specific gasses over a range of concentrations.

Ambient-temperature gas sensor

An electrode for atmospheric corona discharge apparatus provide a passive conductor whose surface is decorated with nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes provide for a lower corona discharge initiation voltage and raise the possibility for reduced ozone production on corona discharge devices.

Growing community of inventors

Kenosha, WI, United States of America

Junhong Chen