Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for fabrication of microtube engines using membrane template electrodeposition. Such nanomotors operate based on bubble-induced propulsion in biological fluids and salt-rich environments. In one aspect, fabricating microengines includes depositing a polymer layer on a membrane template, depositing a conductive metal layer on the polymer layer, and dissolving the membrane template to release the multilayer microtubes.

Systems and methods that facilitate enhancing the energy storage capabilities of MnO.sub.2 in nanowire energy storage devices such as nanowire-based capacitors or batteries.

In examples, a system comprises a member to receive a mechanical force, and a sensor to sense the mechanical force. The sensor is mounted on the member using a set of nanoparticles and a set of nanowires coupled to the set of nanoparticles.

The present application relates to systems and methods for forming catalysts for use in fuel cells, other energy storage/generation devices, and other applications where catalysts may be used. In embodiments, a catalyst comprising one or more metallic glass structures may be formed by disposing a porous mold in a plating bath comprising one or more dissolved metal salts. An electrodeposition process may be initiated by applying current to the plating bath, where the electrodeposition process forms the one or more metallic glass structures within pores of the porous mold. One or more sensors may be used to monitor one or more properties of the electrodeposition process during the application of the current to the plating bath, and the one or more properties of the electrode-position process may be controlled, based on the monitoring of the one or more parameters, to adjust one or more characteristics of the metallic glass structures.

Methods for forming an electrode structure, which can be used as a biosensor, are provided in which the electrode structure has non-random topography located on one surface of an electrode base. In some embodiments, an electrode structure is obtained that contains no interface between the non-random topography of the electrode structure and the electrode base of the electrode structure. In other embodiments, electrode structures are obtained that have an interface between the non-random topography of the electrode structure and the electrode base of the electrode structure.

Disclosed is a nanowire bundle array. Particularly, the nanowire bundle array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of nanowire assemblies arranged therein. Each of the nanowire assemblies includes nanowires, a surface of at least a portion of which is coated with a thin metal film and the widths between the nanowires gradually decrease from one end to another end.

Various examples are provided for vertically aligned ultra-high density nanowires and their transfer onto flexible substrates. In one example, a method includes forming a plurality of vertically aligned nanowires inside channels of an anodized alumina (AAO) template on an aluminum substrate, where individual nanowires of the plurality of vertically aligned nanowires extend to a distal end from a proximal end adjacent to the aluminum substrate; removing the aluminum substrate and a portion of the AAO template to expose a surface of the AAO template and a portion of the proximal end of the individual nanowires; depositing an interlayer on the exposed surface of the AAO template and the exposed portion of the individual nanowires; and removing the AAO template from around the plurality of vertically aligned nanowires embedded in the interlayer.

At least one embodiment relates to a method fabricating a solid-state battery cell. The method includes forming a plurality of spaced electrically conductive structures on a substrate. Forming the plurality of spaced electrically conductive structures on the substrate includes transforming at least part of a valve metal layer into a template that includes a plurality of spaced channels aligned longitudinally along a first direction. Transforming at least part of the valve metal layer into the template includes a first anodization step, a second anodization step, an etching step in an etching solution, and a deposition step. The method also includes forming a first layer of active electrode material on the plurality of spaced electrically conductive structures, depositing an electrolyte layer over the first layer of active electrode material, and forming a second layer of active electrode material over the electrolyte later.

A method for manufacturing a metallic nanospring includes preparing a nanotemplate having a nanopore and including a working electrode disposed on its one surface, preparing a first metal precursor mixture including ascorbic acid (C.sub.6H.sub.8O.sub.6), vanadium (IV) oxide sulfate (VOSO.sub.4.xH.sub.2O), and a metal precursor solution including a metal desired to be deposited, preparing a second metal precursor mixture by mixing the first metal precursor mixture with nitric acid (HNO.sub.3), depositing a metallic nanospring into the nanopore using electrodeposition by dipping the nanotemplate into the second metal precursor mixture and applying current between a counter electrode inserted into the second metal precursor mixture and the working electrode, and selectively removing the working electrode on the nanotemplate with the deposited metallic nanospring and the nanotemplate.

At least one embodiment relates to a method for forming a layer of functional material on an electrically conductive substrate. The method includes depositing an interlayer on the substrate. The interlayer includes a transition metal oxide, a noble metal, or a noble-metal oxide. The interlayer has a thickness between 0.5 nm and 30 nm. The method also includes depositing a functional material precursor layer on the interlayer. Further, the method includes activating the functional material precursor layer by annealing to form the layer of functional material.