The addition of graphene to the pelletizing of carbon black during carbon black's manufacturing can allow a higher level of dispersion and exfoliation of the graphene when carbon black is compounded in rubber. This is applicable to pelletization of all grades of carbon black with all classes of graphene such as graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and pure graphene, and which any graphene organic functionality will have minimal effect. Amounts of graphene incorporated into the carbon black pellets will be from about 0.01 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, including as an example, between about 0.03 and about 6 weight percent. The use of carbon black as a carrier will mitigate graphene dusting (safety benefits), maximize dispersion in a rubber compound (processing benefits), and facilitate full attainment of rubber compound material properties through the inclusion of graphene (performance benefits).

A method for forming a copper coated particles includes combining a precipitating agent with a solution comprising copper nitrate and particles to forming coated particles. The particles are cobalt oxide (Co.sub.3O.sub.4) or carbon black. The coated particles are washed to obtain washed coated particles, the washed coated particles are filtered to obtain filtered coated particles, the filtered coated particles are dried to obtain dried coated particles, and the dried coated particles are calcined to obtain the copper coated particles. The copper coated particles have a reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation in a visible spectrum that is less than or equal to 5%, and a reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation in a near-IR and LiDAR spectrum that is greater than or equal to 5%.

A method for forming a copper coated particles includes combining a precipitating agent with a solution comprising copper nitrate and particles to forming coated particles. The particles are cobalt oxide (Co.sub.3O.sub.4) or carbon black. The coated particles are washed to obtain washed coated particles, the washed coated particles are filtered to obtain filtered coated particles, the filtered coated particles are dried to obtain dried coated particles, and the dried coated particles are calcined to obtain the copper coated particles. The copper coated particles have a reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation in a visible spectrum that is less than or equal to 5%, and a reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation in a near-IR and LiDAR spectrum that is greater than or equal to 5%.

Composite shell compositions for use in a cathode in a solid electrochemical cell are described. The composite shell compositions include sulfur, carbon, and a lubricant material. The composite shells improve the mechanical durability and the conductivity of the cathode.

Composite shell compositions for use in a cathode in a solid electrochemical cell are described. The composite shell compositions include sulfur, carbon, and a lubricant material. The composite shells improve the mechanical durability and the conductivity of the cathode.

A method for enhancing the dispersion stability of carbon black-based aqueous suspensions is provided. The method includes forming a thin sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) monolayer on the outer surface of the carbon black materials before the carbon black materials are dispersed in a base fluid. This is done by mixing SDS with dry carbon black powder at a ratio of about 1:0.5 by weight for about 15 minutes, under a controlled environment. After mixing the SDS with dry carbon black powder, the resulting mixture is added to distilled water and dispersed for 45 minutes using a sonicator. Once the dispersion process is completed, the suspension is stored for future use.

A method for enhancing the dispersion stability of carbon black-based aqueous suspensions is provided. The method includes forming a thin sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) monolayer on the outer surface of the carbon black materials before the carbon black materials are dispersed in a base fluid. This is done by mixing SDS with dry carbon black powder at a ratio of about 1:0.5 by weight for about 15 minutes, under a controlled environment. After mixing the SDS with dry carbon black powder, the resulting mixture is added to distilled water and dispersed for 45 minutes using a sonicator. Once the dispersion process is completed, the suspension is stored for future use.

The disclosed method and related systems and devices relate to producing a pigment from microbial biomass. The pigment may be an engineered black pigment. The method may include a thermal processing step where the microbial biomass is charred. The biomass in the charred and pre-charred state can be washed chemically and/or mechanically. In another step the biomass is ground via a grinding of milling process. The grinding/milling may occur at any various points in the process. In some embodiments the biomass has a particle size between 0.01 and 100 microns.

The disclosed method and related systems and devices relate to producing a pigment from microbial biomass. The pigment may be an engineered black pigment. The method may include a thermal processing step where the microbial biomass is charred. The biomass in the charred and pre-charred state can be washed chemically and/or mechanically. In another step the biomass is ground via a grinding of milling process. The grinding/milling may occur at any various points in the process. In some embodiments the biomass has a particle size between 0.01 and 100 microns.

Suggested is a composite particle comprising or consisting of a solid core partially or entirely coated with at least one inorganic compound, wherein (a) said solid core is a carbon black particle carrying functional groups on its surface, and (b) said at least one inorganic compound shows a particle size of from about 5 to about 100 nm, wherein said solid core particles show a diameter of primary particle size from about 5 to about 500 nm.