Systems for the production of graphene oxide sheets are provided. The systems include electro-deposition and spray deposition techniques. The graphene oxide sheets may be used as pre-cursors for the formation of porous graphene network (PGN) anodes and lithiated porous graphene (Li-PGN) cathodes. The method of making PGN electrodes includes thermally reducing a pre-cursor sheet of graphene oxide to provide a PGN anode and exposing the sheet to lithium or a lithium-containing compound to produce a Li-PGN cathode. The Li-PGN cathode and PGN anode may be combined with an electrolyte to provide an all-carbon battery that is useful in various applications, such as automotive applications.

An electrophoretic deposition method of forming a boron nitride (BN) nanotube interface coating on ceramic fibers has been developed. The method comprises immersing first and second electrodes in a suspension including surface-modified BN nanotubes, where the first electrode includes ceramic fibers positioned on a surface thereof. The surface-modified BN nanotubes comprise BN nanotubes with an electrically charged polymer adsorbed on surfaces thereof. A voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, and the surface-modified BN nanotubes move toward the first electrode and deposit on the ceramic fibers. After the deposition of the surface-modified BN nanotubes, the ceramic fibers are removed from the suspension and heat treated. Accordingly, a BN nanotube interface coating is formed on the ceramic fibers.

An electrophoretic deposition method of forming a boron nitride (BN) nanotube interface coating on ceramic fibers has been developed. The method comprises immersing first and second electrodes in a suspension including surface-modified BN nanotubes, where the first electrode includes ceramic fibers positioned on a surface thereof. The surface-modified BN nanotubes comprise BN nanotubes with an electrically charged polymer adsorbed on surfaces thereof. A voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, and the surface-modified BN nanotubes move toward the first electrode and deposit on the ceramic fibers. After the deposition of the surface-modified BN nanotubes, the ceramic fibers are removed from the suspension and heat treated. Accordingly, a BN nanotube interface coating is formed on the ceramic fibers.

The present disclosure describes electrodeposited nanolaminate materials having layers comprised of nickel and/or chromium with high hardness. The uniform appearance, chemical resistance, and high hardness of the nanolaminate NiCr materials described herein render them useful for a variety of purposes including wear (abrasion) resistant barrier coatings for use both in decorative as well as demanding physical, structural and chemical environments.

The present disclosure describes electrodeposited nanolaminate materials having layers comprised of nickel and/or chromium with high hardness. The uniform appearance, chemical resistance, and high hardness of the nanolaminate NiCr materials described herein render them useful for a variety of purposes including wear (abrasion) resistant barrier coatings for use both in decorative as well as demanding physical, structural and chemical environments.

A multilayered film for performing spectroscopic measurements in a fluid are provided. The multilayered film includes a substrate; a porous layer adjacent to the substrate; and a reflective layer formed on the porous layer, wherein the porous layer selectively allows a component of a fluid to be optically measured when the multilayered film is immersed in the fluid. A sensor for spectroscopic measurements in crude oil samples including a multilayered film as above is also provided. A method of manufacturing a multilayered film for spectroscopic measurements in fluids as above is also provided.

A multilayered film for performing spectroscopic measurements in a fluid are provided. The multilayered film includes a substrate; a porous layer adjacent to the substrate; and a reflective layer formed on the porous layer, wherein the porous layer selectively allows a component of a fluid to be optically measured when the multilayered film is immersed in the fluid. A sensor for spectroscopic measurements in crude oil samples including a multilayered film as above is also provided. A method of manufacturing a multilayered film for spectroscopic measurements in fluids as above is also provided.

A substrate subject to degradation at temperatures above 100 C. is coated with a nanostructured ceramic coating having a thickness in excess of 100 nm, formed on a surface of the substrate, wherein a process temperature for deposition of the nanostructured coating does not exceed 90 C. The coating may be photocatalytic, photovoltaic, or piezoelectric. The coating, when moistened and exposed to ultraviolet light or sunlight, advantageously generates free radicals, which may be biocidal, deodorizing, or assist in degradation of surface deposits on the substrate after use. The substrate may be biological or organic, and may have a metallic or conductive intermediate layer.

A substrate subject to degradation at temperatures above 100 C. is coated with a nanostructured ceramic coating having a thickness in excess of 100 nm, formed on a surface of the substrate, wherein a process temperature for deposition of the nanostructured coating does not exceed 90 C. The coating may be photocatalytic, photovoltaic, or piezoelectric. The coating, when moistened and exposed to ultraviolet light or sunlight, advantageously generates free radicals, which may be biocidal, deodorizing, or assist in degradation of surface deposits on the substrate after use. The substrate may be biological or organic, and may have a metallic or conductive intermediate layer.

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.