A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels in a single step and in a single pot without requiring any solvent exchange is described. Porous matrices are synthesized through a modification of hydrolysis condensation of alkoxides in which addition of water is minimized. The reaction occurs in an ethanol-water azeotrope mixture; the water in the azeotrope slowly hydrolyzes the alkoxide. Additionally, after gelation, the porous matrix is dried in supercritical ethanol rather than liquid CO.sub.2, which allows for elimination of solvent exchange steps. These modifications allow for the preparation of aerogel monoliths in any size in one step and in one pot and much faster than conventional procedures. In addition, the method provides for custom aerogel parts with large dimensions, as well as high volume fabrication of aerogels. The custom aerogel parts may be used in a variety of thermal insulation applications.

The invention relates to a drug delivery device adapted for carrying and delivering both hydrophilic and lipophilic drug molecules. The drug delivery device includes a porous body for adsorption of drug molecules, the body including a plurality of microspheres, and a hydrogel forming cross-links connecting the plurality of microspheres.

A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels in a single step and in a single pot without requiring any solvent exchange is described. Porous matrices are synthesized through a modification of hydrolysis condensation of alkoxides in which addition of water is minimized. The reaction occurs in an ethanol-water azeotrope mixture; the water in the azeotrope slowly hydrolyzes the alkoxide. Additionally, after gelation, the porous matrix is dried in supercritical ethanol rather than liquid CO.sub.2, which allows for elimination of solvent exchange steps. These modifications allow for the preparation of aerogel monoliths in any size in one step and in one pot and much faster than conventional procedures. In addition, the method provides for custom aerogel parts with large dimensions, as well as high volume fabrication of aerogels. The custom aerogel parts may be used in a variety of thermal insulation applications.

The present invention teaches a QD hydrogel, a QD patterning method, and a QD transfer printing method. The QD transfer printing method includes the following steps. Step 10: forming a QD hydrogel by loading QD material in a hydrogel material capable of resisting high temperature; step 20: forming a film of the QD hydrogel on a metallic substrate; and step 30: covering the QD hydrogel film by a patterning mold conducting nano imprinting, and obtaining a patterned QD hydrogel film. The hydrogel of the present invention has a lower cost and a high utilization, and is appropriate for industrial production. The QD hydrogel of the present invention guarantees a maximum coverage for QD surface ligand and lowers the QD fluorescence loss in the manufacturing process. When applied to a QD CF sheet, its fluorescent efficiency may be enhanced.

A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels in a single step and in a single pot without requiring any solvent exchange is described. Porous matrices are synthesized through a modification of hydrolysis condensation of alkoxides in which addition of water is minimized. The reaction occurs in an ethanol-water azeotrope mixture; the water in the azeotrope slowly hydrolyzes the alkoxide. Additionally, after gelation, the porous matrix is dried in supercritical ethanol rather than liquid CO.sub.2, which allows for elimination of solvent exchange steps. These modifications allow for the preparation of aerogel monoliths in any size in one step and in one pot and much faster than conventional procedures. In addition, the method provides for custom aerogel parts with large dimensions, as well as high volume fabrication of aerogels. The custom aerogel parts may be used in a variety of thermal insulation applications.

A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels in a single step and in a single pot without requiring any solvent exchange is described. Porous matrices are synthesized through a modification of hydrolysis condensation of alkoxides in which addition of water is minimized. The reaction occurs in an ethanol-water azeotrope mixture; the water in the azeotrope slowly hydrolyzes the alkoxide. Additionally, after gelation, the porous matrix is dried in supercritical ethanol rather than liquid CO.sub.2, which allows for elimination of solvent exchange steps. These modifications allow for the preparation of aerogel monoliths in any size in one step and in one pot and much faster than conventional procedures. In addition, the method provides for custom aerogel parts with large dimensions, as well as high volume fabrication of aerogels. The custom aerogel parts may be used in a variety of thermal insulation applications.

The invention relates to a drug delivery device adapted for carrying and delivering both hydrophilic and lipophilic drug molecules. The drug delivery device includes a porous body for adsorption of drug molecules, the body including a plurality of microspheres, and a hydrogel forming cross-links connecting the plurality of microspheres.

A method of forming a carbon foam precursor for use in the formation of carbon foam materials. The carbon foam precursor comprises an aerogel of polymeric material which has a coating layer thereon, the coating layer comprising a material susceptible to dielectric heating, for example carbon nanotubes. The carbon foam precursor is suitable for forming into a carbon foam material using a dielectric heating step, despite the aerogel of polymeric material not being susceptible to dielectric heating, without adversely affecting the structure and physical properties of the carbon foam so formed. A carbon foam precursor, a carbon foam material and a method of forming such a carbon material are also disclosed.

A method of making a polyurethane polymerized high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) is disclosed. The method involves preparing a polyurethane prepolymer and crosslinking the polyurethane prepolymer using a thiol-alkene Michael addition, producing a polyurethane polymerized high internal phase emulsion. In one embodiment, the polyurethane prepolymer is prepared by reacting diisocyanate and trimethylolpropaneallylether (TMPAE).

Disclosed is a method for making a polymer or copolymer aerogel product by forming an aerogel polymer or copolymer solution in the presence of a polymer or copolymer catalyst and solvent therefor. The aerogel polymer or copolymer solution is drained onto a spinning disk or cup. The solvent is removed under aerogel forming conditions to produce the aerogel fiber web or yarn product.