Volume 1, Issue 5

No abstract available.

High-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) analysis has contributed to the direct structure analysis of advanced nanostructured materials, of which the properties of these materials are strongly dependent on the atomic arrangements. In the present article, the direct structure analysis of nanostructured materials such as boride and oxide materials was described and the high-resolution imaging methods were applied to boron nitride nanomaterials such as nanotubes and nanoparticles. An aberration correction technique is also expected as an advanced nanostructure analysis with higher resolution. The HREM image of TlBa 2 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 11 was taken with the incident beam parallel to the a axis together with a structure model after image processing.

This review covers topics related to the synthesis of nanoparticles, the anodic and cathodic electrochemical reactions and low temperature electrochemical energy devices. The thermodynamic aspects of nucleation and growth of nanoparticles are discussed. Different methods of chemical synthesis such as w/o microemulsion, Bönnemann, polyol and carbonyl are presented. How the electrochemical reactions take place on the surface of the catalytic nanoparticles and the importance of the substrate is put in evidence. The use of nanomaterials in low temperature energy devices such as H 2 /O 2 polymer electrolyte or proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and micro-direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC), as well as recent progress and durability, is discussed. Special attention is given to the novel laminar flow fuel cell (LFFC). This review starts with the genesis of catalytic nanoparticles, continues with the surface electrochemical reactions that occur on them, and finally it discusses their application in electrochemical energy devices such as low temperature fuel cells or Li-air batteries.

With the enactment of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act on September 16, 2011, there are now multiple opportunities to speed up the patenting process for which companies, such as those focusing on nanotechnology-related inventions, can take advantage. The three main options include (1) prioritized examination, (2) accelerated examination, and (3) certain categories under petition to make special. This article provides an overview of each option, so nanotech companies can decide which strategy is right for them.

No abstract available.