Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221240 | FUNCTIONALIZATION OF NANOSCALE ARTICLES INCLUDING NANOTUBES AND FULLERENES - The present invention generally provides compositions including carbon-containing molecules, and related methods. In some cases, the present invention relates to aromatic molecules comprising functional groups bonded to the aromatic portion of the molecule, including nonplanar portions of the molecules. Methods of the invention may provide the ability to introduce a wide range of functional groups to carbon-containing molecules. In some cases, methods of the invention may be performed using relatively mild reaction conditions, such as relatively low temperature, low pressure, and/or in the absence of strong acids or strong bases. The present invention may provide a facile and modular approach to synthesizing molecules that may be useful in various applications including photovoltaic devices, sensors, and electrodes (e.g., for electrocatalysis). | 09-11-2008 |
20080248578 | Detection of explosives and other species - The present invention provides a series of systems, devices, and methods relating to the determination of explosives, such as peroxides or peroxide precursors, and other species. Embodiments of the invention may allow a sample suspected of containing an explosive (e.g., a peroxide) or other species to interact with a reactant, wherein the sample may react and cause light emission from the reactant. Advantages of the present invention may include the simplification of devices for determination of peroxide-based explosives, wherein the devices are portable and, in some cases, disposable. Other advantages may include relative ease of fabrication and operation. | 10-09-2008 |
20090215189 | Sensor of species including toxins and chemical warfare agents - The present invention generally relates to emissive materials, devices, and related methods. In some cases, the present invention provides sensors and methods for the determination of analytes, wherein the analytes may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of an emissive material upon exposure to an analyte. The analyte and the emissive material may interact via a chemical reaction, such as an oxidative addition reaction, or other chemical, biochemical or biological interaction (e.g., recognition), to form a new emissive species. In some cases, the present invention may be useful in the detection of a wide variety of analytes, such as toxins, chemical warfare agents, and explosives. The present invention also provides emissive compounds, and related methods, including metal complexes that are capable of interacting with an analyte to produce a change in the emission of the compound. Some advantages of the present invention include the determination of analytes with high specificity and sensitivity and the ability to fabricate simplified and highly portable devices. | 08-27-2009 |
20090302842 | BIRADICAL POLARIZING AGENTS FOR DYNAMIC NUCLEAR POLARIZATION - The present invention provides methods for performing dynamic nuclear polarization using biradicals with a structure of formula (I) as described herein. In general, the methods involve (a) providing a frozen sample in a magnetic field, wherein the frozen sample includes a biradical of formula (I) and an analyte with at least one spin half nucleus; (b) polarizing the at least one spin half nucleus of the analyte by irradiating the frozen sample with radiation having a frequency that excites electron spin transitions in the biradical; (c) optionally melting the sample to produce a molten sample; and (d) detecting nuclear spin transitions in the at least one spin half nucleus of the analyte in the frozen or molten sample. The present invention also provides biradicals with a structure of formula (I) with the proviso that Q | 12-10-2009 |
20100022011 | DETERMINATION OF EXPLOSIVES INCLUDING RDX - The present invention provides sensors and methods for determination of an analyte. The analytes may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of an emissive material upon exposure to an analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the emissive material may interact via a chemical reaction, or other chemical, biochemical or biological interaction (e.g., recognition), to form a new emissive species. In some cases, the present invention may be used for the detection of analytes such as explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN). Methods of the present invention may be advantageous in that the high sensitivity of luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) spectroscopy can allow for the reliable detection of small changes in luminescence intensity. | 01-28-2010 |
20100025630 | COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING POLYMERS ALIGNED VIA INTERCHAIN INTERACTIONS - The present invention provides compositions, devices and methods related to the alignment of materials including polymers. In some cases, the present invention comprises the assembly of molecules (e.g., polymers) via intermolecular interactions to produce extended networks, which may have enhanced properties relative to the individual molecules. Such networks may be advantageous for use in electronics, photovoltaics, sensor applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the present invention may enhance the performance of certain optical devices, such as liquid crystal displays (e.g., color liquid crystal displays) by providing enhanced contrast ratio, faster response times, and/or lower operating voltage. | 02-04-2010 |
20100063225 | Polymer synthetic technique - The present invention generally relates to methods for the synthesis of species including monomers and polymers. Methods of the invention comprise the use of chemical techniques including metathesis chemistry to synthesize, for example, monomers and/or polymers with desired functional groups. | 03-11-2010 |
20100091222 | Devices and methods involving polymers aligned via interchain interactions - The present invention provides compositions, devices and methods related to the alignment of materials including polymers. In some cases, the present invention comprises the assembly of molecules (e.g., polymers) via intermolecular interactions to produce extended networks, which may have enhanced properties relative to the individual molecules. Such networks may be advantageous for use in electronics, photovoltaics, sensor applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the present invention may enhance the performance of certain optical devices, such as liquid crystal displays (e.g., color liquid crystal displays) by providing enhanced contrast ratio, faster response times, and/or lower operating voltage. | 04-15-2010 |
20100112715 | DETECTION OF EXPLOSIVES, TOXINS, AND OTHER COMPOSITIONS - The present invention generally relates to methods for modulating the optical properties of a luminescent polymer via interaction with a species (e.g., an analyte). In some cases, the present invention provides methods for determination of an analyte by monitoring a change in an optical signal of a luminescent polymer upon exposure to an analyte. Methods of the present invention may be useful for the vapor phase detection of analytes such as explosives and toxins. The present invention also provides methods for increasing the luminescence intensity of a polymer, such as a polymer that has been photobleached, by exposing the luminescent polymer to a species such as a reducing agent. | 05-06-2010 |
20100179054 | HIGH CHARGE DENSITY STRUCTURES, INCLUDING CARBON-BASED NANOSTRUCTURES AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - The present invention generally provides compositions including carbon-based nanostructures, catalyst materials and systems, and related methods. In some cases, the present invention relates to carbon-based nanostructures comprising a high density of charged moieties. Methods of the invention may provide the ability to introduce a wide range of charged moieties to carbon-based nanostructures. The present invention may provide a facile and modular approach to synthesizing molecules that may be useful in various applications including sensors, catalysts, and electrodes. | 07-15-2010 |
20100213451 | EMISSIVE POLYMERS AND DEVICES INCORPORATING THESE POLYMERS - The present invention relates to a class of luminescent and conductive polymer compositions having chromophores, and particularly solid films of these compositions exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields and amplified emissions. These desirable properties can be provided through polymers having rigid groups designed to prevent polymer reorganization, aggregation or π-stacking upon solidification. These polymers can also display an unusually high stability with respect to solvent and heat exposures. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through the luminescent and conductive properties of these polymers. Analytes can be sensed by activation of a chromophore at a polymer surface. Analytes include aromatics, phosphate ester groups and in particular explosives and chemical warfare agents in a gaseous state. The present invention also relates to devices and methods for amplifying emissions by incorporating a polymer having an energy migration pathway and/or providing the polymer as a block co-polymer or as a multi-layer. | 08-26-2010 |
20100303672 | DETERMINATION OF EXPLOSIVES INCLUDNIG RDX - The present invention provides sensors and methods for determination of an analyte. The analytes may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of an emissive material upon exposure to an analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the emissive material may interact via a chemical reaction, or other chemical, biochemical or biological interaction (e.g., recognition), to form a new emissive species. In some cases, the present invention may be used for the detection of analytes such as explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN). Methods of the present invention may be advantageous in that the high sensitivity of luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) spectroscopy can allow for the reliable detection of small changes in luminescence intensity. | 12-02-2010 |
20100310424 | ORGANIC MATERIALS ABLE TO DETECT ANALYTES - The present invention generally relates to polymers with lasing characteristics that allow the polymers to be useful in detecting analytes. In one aspect, the polymer, upon an interaction with an analyte, may exhibit a change in a lasing characteristic that can be determined in some fashion. For example, interaction of an analyte with the polymer may affect the ability of the polymer to reach an excited state that allows stimulated emission of photons to occur, which may be determined, thereby determining the analyte. In another aspect, the polymer, upon interaction with an analyte, may exhibit a change in stimulated emission that is at least 10 times greater with respect to a change in the spontaneous emission of the polymer upon interaction with the analyte. The polymer may be a conjugated polymer in some cases. In one set of embodiments, the polymer includes one or more hydrocarbon side chains, which may be parallel to the polymer backbone in some instances. In another set of embodiments, the polymer may include one or more pendant aromatic rings. In yet another set of embodiments, the polymer may be substantially encapsulated in a hydrocarbon. In still another set of embodiments, the polymer may be substantially resistant to photobleaching. In certain aspects, the polymer may be useful in the detection of explosive agents, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). | 12-09-2010 |
20110028676 | Molecular Actuators, and Methods of Use Thereof - The synthesis of thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions is reported. Actuation is believed to be the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level, not simply ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation results from π-π stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement that leads to surprising material properties, such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The existence of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques have been used to characterize the molecular actuators. | 02-03-2011 |
20110081724 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING RADIATION - The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for determination of ionizing radiation. In some embodiments, the devices comprise nanocomposite materials containing nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes) dispersed in radiation sensitive polymers. In some cases, the device may include a conductive pathway that may be affected upon exposure to ionizing radiation. Embodiments described herein may provide inexpensive, large area, low power, and highly sensitive radiation detection materials/devices. | 04-07-2011 |
20110089051 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF SPECIES INCLUDING CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS - The application generally describes devices, systems, and methods for determination of one or more analytes. Embodiments described herein may be useful as sensors for analytes such as explosives, chemical warfare agents, and/or toxins. In some cases, chemiresistor or chemFET sensor devices for monitoring volatile organics, especially chemical warfare agents such as sarin, are described. Some embodiments comprise functionalised carbon nanotube/conjugated polymer composites (6) as sensing material. In some embodiments, the polymer is poly(3-hexylthiophene), 3PHT, optionally substituted with calixarenes, or hexafluoroisopropanol susbstituted polythiophene, HFIP-PT. Biosensing embodiments are also described, as well as methods of manufacturing the devices. | 04-21-2011 |
20110142717 | EMISSIVE SENSORS AND DEVICES INCORPORATING THESE SENSORS - The present invention generally relates to luminescent and/or optically absorbing compositions and/or precursors to those compositions, including solid films incorporating these compositions/precursors, exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields, enhanced stabilities and/or amplified emissions. The present invention also relates to sensors and methods for sensing analytes through luminescent and/or optically absorbing properties of these compositions and/or precursors. Examples of analytes detectable by the invention include electrophiles, alkylating agents, thionyl halides, and phosphate ester groups including phosphoryl halides, cyanides and thioates such as those found in certain chemical warfare agents. The present invention additionally relates to devices and methods for amplifying emissions, such as those produced using the above-described compositions and/or precursors, by incorporating the composition and/or precursor within a polymer having an energy migration pathway. In some cases, the compositions and/or precursors thereof include a compound capable of undergoing a cyclization reaction. | 06-16-2011 |
20110171629 | NANOSTRUCTURED DEVICES INCLUDING ANALYTE DETECTORS, AND RELATED METHODS - The present invention provides compositions and devices comprising nanostructure networks, and related methods. The compositions may exhibit enhanced interaction between nanostructures, providing improved device performance (e.g., improved conductivity). In some embodiments, the devices are capable of interacting with various species to produce an observable signal from the device. In some cases, the compositions and devices may be useful in the determination of analytes, including—biological analytes (e.g., DNA, ebola virus, other infective agents, etc.), small, organic analytes, and the like. The embodiments described herein may exhibit high sensitivity and specificity to analytes and may be capable of analyte detection at femtomolar concentrations (e.g., 10 fM). | 07-14-2011 |
20110175035 | EMISSIVE POLYMERS AND DEVICES INCORPORATING THESE POLYMERS - The present invention relates to a class of luminescent and conductive polymer compositions having chromophores, and particularly solid films of these compositions exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields and amplified emissions. These desirable properties can be provided through polymers having rigid groups designed to prevent polymer reorganization, aggregation or π-stacking upon solidification. These polymers can also display an unusually high stability with respect to solvent and heat exposures. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through the luminescent and conductive properties of these polymers. Analytes can be sensed by activation of a chromophore at a polymer surface. Analytes include aromatics, phosphate ester groups and in particular explosives and chemical warfare agents in a gaseous state. The present invention also relates to devices and methods for amplifying emissions by incorporating a polymer having an energy migration pathway and/or providing the polymer as a block co-polymer or as a multi-layer. | 07-21-2011 |
20110190457 | PROTECTIVE POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND RELATED DEVICES - The present invention relates to polymeric materials having enhanced properties. In some cases, the materials may comprise polymers having shape-persistent portions which may enhance the mechanical properties of the material. The materials may exhibit higher stiffness or strength and ductility values, resulting in higher energy absorption and enhanced protection, as well as longer lifetimes for product usage. In some cases, the materials may be optically transparent and lightweight, making them suitable for in various applications including protective materials. | 08-04-2011 |
20120073662 | COMPOSITIONS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS COMPRISING POLY(THIOPHENES) - The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising at least one poly(thiophene) and an n-type material. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, for example, in photovoltaic cells. | 03-29-2012 |
20120107946 | DETECTION OF EXPLOSIVES AND OTHER SPECIES - The present invention provides a series of systems, devices, and methods relating to the determination of explosives, such as peroxides or peroxide precursors, and other species. Embodiments of the invention may allow a sample suspected of containing an explosive (e.g., a peroxide) or other species to interact with a reactant, wherein the sample may react and cause light emission from the reactant. Advantages of the present invention may include the simplification of devices for determination of peroxide-based explosives, wherein the devices are portable and, in some cases, disposable. Other advantages may include relative ease of fabrication and operation. | 05-03-2012 |
20120116094 | COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING AND METHODS FOR FORMING FUNCTIONALIZED CARBON-BASED NANOSTRUCTURES - The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising and methods for forming functionalized carbon-based nanostructures. | 05-10-2012 |
20120130025 | CHARGED POLYMERS AND THEIR USES IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES - The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods comprising charged polymers. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, for example, in photovoltaic cells, field-effect transistors, and light emitting diodes. In some embodiments, the backbone of a charged polymer comprises at least one quaternary nitrogen and/or is conjugated. | 05-24-2012 |
20120171093 | COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING FUNCTIONALIZED CARBON-BASED NANOSTRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS - The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising and methods for forming functionalized carbon-based nanostructures. | 07-05-2012 |
20120177578 | COMPOSITIONS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS COMPRISING FLUOROUS-SOLUBLE POLYMERS - The present invention generally relates to compositions, methods, and systems comprising polymers that are fluorous-soluble and/or organize at interfaces between a fluorous phase and a non-fluorous phase. In some embodiments, emulsions or films are provided comprising a polymer. The polymers, emulsions, and films can be used in many applications, including for determining, treating, and/or imaging a condition and/or disease in a subject. The polymer may also be incorporated into various optoelectronic device such as photovoltaic cells, organic light-emitting diodes, organic field effect transistors, or the like. In some embodiments, the polymers comprise pi-conjugated backbones, and in some cases, are highly emissive. | 07-12-2012 |
20120295360 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING RADIATION - The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for determination of ionizing radiation. In some embodiments, the devices comprise nanocomposite materials containing nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes) dispersed in radiation sensitive polymers. In some cases, the device may include a conductive pathway that may be affected upon exposure to ionizing radiation. Embodiments described herein may provide inexpensive, large area, low power, and highly sensitive radiation detection materials/devices. | 11-22-2012 |
20130065318 | DETECTION OF ANALYTES INCLUDING NITRO-CONTAINING ANALYTES - Sensors and methods for determination of analytes are provided. Analytes including explosives (e.g., RDX or PETN) may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of a material upon exposure to the analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the material may interact via a chemical reaction to form a new emissive species. Embodiments described herein may provide inexpensive sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity. | 03-14-2013 |
20130113359 | FIELD EMISSION DEVICES INCLUDING NANOTUBES OR OTHER NANOSCALE ARTICLES - The present invention provides devices comprising an assembly of carbon nanotubes, and related methods. In some cases, the carbon nanotubes may have enhanced alignment. Devices of the invention may comprise features and/or components which may enhance the emission of electrons and may lower the operating voltage of the devices. Using methods described herein, carbon nanotube assemblies may be manufactured rapidly, at low cost, and over a large surface area. Such devices may be useful in display applications such as field emission devices, or other applications requiring high image quality, low power consumption, and stability over a wide to temperature range. | 05-09-2013 |
20130271090 | DEVICES AND METHODS INCLUDING POLYACETYLENES - Embodiments described herein relate to compositions, devices, and methods for storage of energy (e.g., electrical energy). In some cases, devices including polyacetylene-containing polymers are provided. | 10-17-2013 |
20130273665 | Ethylene Sensor - A sensor device can include a transition metal complex capable of interacting with a carbon-carbon multiple bond moiety. The sensor can detect the fruit-ripening hormone ethylene with high sensitivity. | 10-17-2013 |
20130330231 | METHODS FOR DEPOSITION OF MATERIALS INCLUDING MECHANICAL ABRASION - Methods described herein may be useful in the fabrication and/or screening of devices (e.g., sensors, circuits, etc.) including conductive materials. In some embodiments, a conductive material is formed on a substrate using mechanical abrasion. The methods described herein may be useful in fabricating sensors, circuits, tags for remotely-monitored sensors or human/object labeling and tracking, among other devices. In some cases, devices for determining analytes are also provided. | 12-12-2013 |
20130333612 | PHOTOALIGNMENT OF MATERIALS INCLUDING LIQUID CRYSTALS - Embodiments described herein relate to compositions, devices, and methods for the alignment of certain materials including liquid crystals. In some cases, a photoresponsive material include a moiety capable of undergoing a di-pi-methane rearrangement. Methods described herein may provide chemically and/or thermally stable alignment materials for use in a various technologies, including transistors, luminescent devices, and liquid crystal devices. | 12-19-2013 |
20140102539 | FUNCTIONALIZED NANOSTRUCTURES AND RELATED DEVICES - Embodiments described herein provide functionalized carbon nanostructures for use in various devices, including photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells). In some embodiments, carbon nanostructures substituted with at least one cyclobutyl and/or cyclobutenyl group are provided. Devices including such materials may exhibit increased efficiency, increased open circuit potential, high electron/hole mobility, and/or low electrical resistance. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107326 | METHODS INVOLVING GRAPHENE AND FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE - Embodiments relating to the synthesis and processing of graphene molecules are provided. In some cases, methods for the electrochemical expansion and/or functionalization of graphene molecules are provided. In some embodiments, one or more species may be intercalated between adjacent graphene sheets. | 04-17-2014 |
20140124762 | ORGANIC CONDUCTIVE MATERIALS AND DEVICES - Embodiments described herein relate to compositions including iptycene-based structures and extended iptycene structures. In some embodiments, the compositions may be useful in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics, and other devices. | 05-08-2014 |
20150031138 | EMISSIVE COMPOSITIONS WITH INTERNAL STANDARD AND RELATED TECHNIQUES - The present invention provides materials, devices, and methods related to determination of an analyte. In some embodiments, an analyte may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of a luminescent material (e.g., particle) upon exposure to an analyte. The present invention may be particularly advantageous in that some embodiments may comprise an emissive species useful as an internal reference standard. Methods of the invention may also be useful in the quantitative determination of an analyte. In some cases, the present invention may allow for selective determination of an analyte. | 01-29-2015 |