This application features a method of forming a nanoporous layer. The method includes steps of reducing metal ions in a reverse micelle phase composition to form nanoparticles, removing surfactant from the composition to form clusters of the nanoparticles, dispensing the composition including the nanoparticle clusters dispersed in a liquid on a substrate, and drying to form the nanoporous layer. The nanoporous layer includes nanoparticles deposited to form a three dimensional network of irregularly shaped bodies. The nanoporous layer also includes a three dimensional network of intercluster spaces that are not occupied by the three dimensional network of irregularly shaped bodies.

This application discloses a method for developing a conductive nano-gap. The first step can comprise depositing a brittle material on a substrate. Next, a conductive graphene layer can be deposited at the surface of the brittle material. Lastly, a crack can be propagated through the brittle material and the graphene using a force, the crack a nano-gap.

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of blue-fluorescence emitting carbon dots (CDTs) from sub-bituminous tertiary high sulfur Indian coals. More particularly, the present invention relates to the production of characteristics carbon dots from low-quality Indian coals by an ultrasonic-assisted wet-chemical method. Also, the present invention provides a simple and environmentally benign method for fabrication of characteristics and size-controlled carbon dots.

The method for producing noble metal nanocomposites involves reducing noble metal ions (Ag, Au and Pt) on graphene oxide (GO) or carbon nanotubes (CNT) by using Artocarpus integer leaves extract as a reducing agent. As synthesized MNPs/GO and MNPs/CNT composites have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The TEM images of prepared materials showed that the nanocomposites were 1-30 nm in size with spherical nanoparticles embedded on the surface of GO and CNT. This synthetic route is easy and rapid for preparing a variety of nanocomposites. The method avoids use of toxic chemicals, and the prepared nanocomposites can be used for biosensor, fuel cell, and biomedical applications.

The method for producing noble metal nanocomposites involves reducing noble metal ions (Ag, Au and Pt) on graphene oxide (GO) or carbon nanotubes (CNT) by using Artocarpus integer leaves extract as a reducing agent. As synthesized MNPs/GO and MNPs/CNT composites have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The TEM images of prepared materials showed that the nanocomposites were 1-30 nm in size with spherical nanoparticles embedded on the surface of GO and CNT. This synthetic route is easy and rapid for preparing a variety of nanocomposites. The method avoids use of toxic chemicals, and the prepared nanocomposites can be used for biosensor, fuel cell, and biomedical applications.

A method for forming nanoparticles includes forming a stack of alternating layers including a first material disposed between a second material. The stack of alternating layers is patterned to form pillars. A dielectric layer is conformally deposited over the pillars. The pillars are annealed in an oxygen environment to modify a shape of the first material of the alternating layers. The dielectric layer and the second material are etched selectively to the first material to form nanoparticles from the first material.

Systems comprising a nanocrystal and a luminescent chromophore are disclosed herein. The luminescent chromophore can emit energy having a first wavelength. The luminescent chromophore is configured to transfer the emitted energy having a first wavelength to the nanocrystal. The luminescent chromophore can be linked to the nanocrystal via a covalent bond. Absorption of the energy having first wavelength by the nanocrystal can activate the nanocrystal and result in an increase in quantum yield. In some embodiments, the nanocrystal can include silicon, germanium, carbon, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the luminescent chromophore can be pyrene. The luminescent chromophore and the silicon containing nanocrystal can be in a ratio of about 1:1 to 100:1 in the nanocrystal system. Methods of making and using the system are also disclosed.

A method for forming nanoparticles includes forming a stack of alternating layers including a first material disposed between a second material. The stack of alternating layers is patterned to form pillars. A dielectric layer is conformally deposited over the pillars. The pillars are annealed in an oxygen environment to modify a shape of the first material of the alternating layers. The dielectric layer and the second material are etched selectively to the first material to form nanoparticles from the first material.

A method for forming nanoparticles includes forming a stack of alternating layers including a first material disposed between a second material. The stack of alternating layers is patterned to form pillars. A dielectric layer is conformally deposited over the pillars. The pillars are annealed in an oxygen environment to modify a shape of the first material of the alternating layers. The dielectric layer and the second material are etched selectively to the first material to form nanoparticles from the first material.

This disclosure relates to an apparatus for glucose-sensing that address interference of ascorbic acid and acetaminophen. The apparatus includes a first electrode capable of oxidizing glucose and at least one of ascorbic acid and acetaminophen. The apparatus further includes a second electrode capable of oxidizing at least one of ascorbic acid and acetaminophen but not capable of oxidizing glucose. The first electrode includes a deposit of irregularly shaped bodies that are formed of numerous nanoparticles having a generally oval or spherical shape with a length ranging between about 2 nm and about 5 nm. The deposit is substantially free of a surfactant. If any surfactant is contained in the deposit, the surfactant is in an amount smaller than 0.5 parts by weight with reference to 100 parts by weight of the deposit. The first electrode does not include a glucose-specific enzyme.