A ceramic composite material comprises a ceramic compound, a plurality of shaping particles dispersed in the ceramic compound, and a plurality void spaces dispersed in the ceramic compound. The plurality of shaping particles are contained within the plurality of void spaces, and each of the plurality of void spaces is a closed cell. The plurality of shaping particles also comprise nanostructures have a length to diameter ratio of less than or equal to 10 to 1 and a length of less than or equal to 500 nanometers.

Stem cell, bone and nerve scaffolding comprising discrete carbon nanotubes is disclosed. The discrete carbon nanotubes may be have targeted, or selective oxidation levels and/or content on the interior and exterior of the tube walls. The described scaffolding may be used to guide, target and protect stem cells upon injection into the body.

Discrete, individualized carbon nanotubes having targeted, or selective, oxidation levels and/or content on the interior and exterior of the tube walls are claimed. Such carbon nanotubes can have little to no inner tube surface oxidation, or differing amounts and/or types of oxidation between the tubes' inner and outer surfaces. These new discrete carbon nanotubes are useful in plasticizers, which can then be used as an additive in compounding and formulation of elastomeric, thermoplastic and thermoset composite for improvement of mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.

Disclosed is a composition of matter comprising a biologically active substance bound to a graphene-coated dielectric-core particle, and methods for making and using the same.

A ceramic composite material comprises a ceramic compound, a plurality of shaping particles dispersed in the ceramic compound, and a plurality void spaces dispersed in the ceramic compound. The plurality of shaping particles are contained within the plurality of void spaces, and each of the plurality of void spaces is a closed cell. The plurality of shaping particles also comprise nanostructures have a length to diameter ratio of less than or equal to 10 to 1 and a length of less than or equal to 500 nanometers.

Membranes are described that may include aligned carbon nanotubes coated with an inorganic support layer and a polymeric matrix. Methods of membrane fabrication are described that may include coating an aligned carbon nanotube array with an inorganic support layer followed by infiltration with a polymeric solvent or solution. The support carbon nanotube membrane may have improved performance for separations such as desalination, drug delivery, or pharmaceuticals.

A method for making a carbon nanotube composite structure includes providing a polymer substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A first carbon nanotube layer including a plurality of carbon nanotubes is placed on the first surface to form a preformed structure, wherein the carbon nanotube layer and the polymer substrate are stacked with each other. The preformed structure is scanned with a laser according to a predetermined pattern. The treated preformed structure includes a first part and a second part. The first part is scanned by the laser, and the second part is not scanned by the laser. The first part includes a plurality of first carbon nanotubes, and the second part includes a plurality of second carbon nanotubes. The plurality of second carbon nanotubes is removed.

A method for functionalizing carbon-based nanomaterials that may include: preparing a first suspension including an electrolyte solution, an amine source, and a plurality of carbon-based nanomaterials that are dispersed in the first suspension; and subjecting the first suspension to an electrochemical reaction by placing the first suspension between two electrodes and applying a voltage between the electrodes for a predetermined amount of time to obtain functionalized carbon-based nanomaterials in a second suspension.

A membrane is electrically charged to a polarity. A surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a solution is caused to acquire a charge of the polarity. The solution is filtered through the membrane. An electromagnetic repulsion between the membrane of the polarity and the CNTs of the polarity causes the CNTs to spontaneously align to form a crystalline structure.

Stable CNT dispersions having a combination of polymeric dispersants, including at least one first dispersant and at least one second dispersant, wherein the second dispersant is stable under saline conditions, and methods of using the CNT dispersions in subterranean formations for enhancing oil recovery therefrom.