A graphene-based membrane, along with its methods of formation and use, is provided. The graphene membrane includes at least two graphene-oxide layers. Each graphene-oxide layer has a plurality of graphene-oxide flakes, with each graphene-oxide flake having a planar graphene structure with oxygen moieties extending therefrom. The graphene-based membrane can have a thickness of about 2 nm to about 20 nm. Such a graphene-based membrane can be utilized to remove ions from water.

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.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide textured surfaces to be lubricated, the texturing to enhance the effectiveness of the intended nano-lubrication. The texturing may make asperities and depressions in the surface to be lubricated. This texturing may be executed, for example, by chemical etching, laser etching, or other techniques. This texturing may create locations in the lubricated surface to hold or anchor the intended nano-lubricants, to facilitate the creation of a tribo-film on the surface when the lubricated surface is used under pressure, and resulting in delivery of multiple chemistries from the nano-lubricant.