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Latest Innovations
Method of Fabricating a Microplasma Chip with Unique Topographies Dr. Gary Eden from the University of IL has developed a unique process of fabricating a microplasma chip that is useful for ozone generation. Dr. Eden’s new process is... Read More Dr. Gary Eden from the University of IL has developed a unique process of fabricating a microplasma chip that is useful for ozone generation. Dr. Eden’s new process is quicker and allows for microplasma chips to obtain unique topographies that result in a higher ozone concentration and production rate as well as higher electrical efficiency of ozone production.
SolvSEM: New Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries with Improved Performance and Processability Prof. Andrew Gewirth from the University of Illinois has developed a new technology which improves the safety, stability and processability of solid state batteries.... Read More Prof. Andrew Gewirth from the University of Illinois has developed a new technology which improves the safety, stability and processability of solid state batteries. Commercial liquid electrolytes (LEs) pose a fire and explosion hazard in lithium metal batteries due to the possibility of thermal runaway reactions. Solid electrolytes (SEs) have become a practical option for lithium ion and lithium metal batteries due to their improved safety over commercially available ionic liquids. However, current SE technologies suffer from poor stability and are difficult to process. Prof. Gewirth’s invention enhances the ease of processability of electrolytes for lithium metal batteries, increases the mechanical stability of the electrolyte, reduces the overall cost of the cell, and reduces the overall cell resistance. SolvSEM has a lower overall cell resistance than its bare pellet counterpart Stable over 100 cycles \| Current density x10 higher than pellet counterpart
Rapid Fabrication of Microvascular Polymers and Composites Dr. Sottos from the University of IL has developed a method of creating microscopic channels within a gel matrix. The process takes less time... Read More Dr. Sottos from the University of IL has developed a method of creating microscopic channels within a gel matrix. The process takes less time then conventional methods and operates are temperatures below 180ºC. The invention can be used for transporting fluids for various biological uses. This invention could be used for various medical purposes.
Integrated Rectifier-Generator for Offshore Wind Turbine Dr. Arijit Banerjee from the University of IL has developed an integrated rectifier-generator system that improves power electronics architecture reducing bulkiness and... Read More Dr. Arijit Banerjee from the University of IL has developed an integrated rectifier-generator system that improves power electronics architecture reducing bulkiness and weight of mega-watt rated systems. The architecture simplifies hardware and control schemes, improves efficiency of switch voltage ratings, and achieves ac-dc conversion at lower cost than conventional means. This system should be considered for the 2018 Department of Energy to mobilize a project pipeline of 25,434 MW of offshore wind turbine developments.
Improved Condensation of Organic Fluids on Lubricant-infused Surfaces Dr. Nenad Miljkovic from University of Illinois has developed an invention which improves the condensation of organic fluids. Vapor condensation is an ubiquitous process... Read More Dr. Nenad Miljkovic from University of Illinois has developed an invention which improves the condensation of organic fluids. Vapor condensation is an ubiquitous process applied in a wide range of industrial processes including power generation, distillation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems and natural gas processing. Over the past several decades, water-repellent or hydrophobic surfaces have been developed for water condensation. However, this approach does not work with low-surface-tension fluids such as alcohols and hydrocarbons. Other approaches, such as omniphobic surfaces, fail for condensation applications. Starting from regular metal tubes (e.g. copper), Dr. Miljkovic and coworkers developed scalable nanostructured lubricant infused surfaces (LIS) that can sustain rigorous condensation conditions.
Carbon Nanotube Portfolio for Manufacturing Applications This portfolio includes carbon nanotube growth and processing methods relevant to nanotube manufacturing.... Read More This portfolio includes carbon nanotube growth and processing methods relevant to nanotube manufacturing. Patterned Catalyst Techniques for Aligned Single-walled Carbon Nanotube Growth Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) feature exceptional electric properties (conductivity and semi-conductivity) that make them attractive for nano-electronics, optics, material applications and more. This SWNT growth technology yields a dense structure without degraded alignment by eliminating undesired interactions between the SWNT and catalysts on the growth surface. More specifically, a patterned catalyst is used to provide a template to direct SWNT growth, resulting in perfectly aligned high coverage SWNTS. Benefits Higher density Large scale Higher quality Applications Patterned catalyst techniques are applicable for standard electronic devices that use thin film semiconductors, such as field effect transistors (FETs), sensors, thin-film transistors (TFTs). These devices can benefit from ability to deposit SWNT onto plastics and other unusual device substrates: steerable antenna arrays, flexible displays, etc. Medium Scale Carbon Nanotube Thin Film Integrated Circuits on Flexible Plastic Substrates This technology improves the performance and consistency of integrated circuits featuring semi-conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors. Specifically, metallic conductive pathways in random nanotube networks are reduced using a medium scale carbon nanotube thin film. This process reduces these pathways by cutting fine lines into the carbon nanotube network while preserving its semiconducting properties. Benefits Reduces purely metallic conductive pathways in a carbon nanotube network used to construct electronic circuits. Vastly improves carbon nanotube device consistency in production (yield). Applications Primary application is integrated circuits for flexible substrate materials. Using Nanoscale Thermocapillary Flows to Create Arrays of Purely Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes This carbon nanotube (CNT) purification technology facilitates scalable, damage-free separation of arrayed metallic and semi-conductive CNTs. Resulting CNT arrays may be large and feature high Ion/Ioff ratios, allowing for less power loss while powered off, faster switching times, and overall lower operating voltage. The invention improves CNT array quality by creating a temperature gradient to release metallic CNTs from the array matrix. Benefits Less lost power while off Faster switching time Lower operating voltage
Process for Removing and Incorporating Heteroatoms into Small Pore Zeotype Materials Dr. Flaherty from the University of Illinois has a developed a method for significantly removing aluminum from standard zeolite crystals and incorporating other... Read More Dr. Flaherty from the University of Illinois has a developed a method for significantly removing aluminum from standard zeolite crystals and incorporating other catalytically active heteroatoms. Other post-synthesis modification methods produce a product with lower densities of active metal atoms, provide lower yields, are more time consuming, or require expensive structure directing agents. The result is an inexpensive method for synthesizing known zeolite structures with compositions of matter that have not yet been reported, or reducing the resources required to synthesize known materials. Primary Application: Adsorbent Materials
A new class of monomers for the fabrication of sustainable polyurethane materials Dr. Zimmerman from the University of Illinois has developed a new class of compounds for the fabrication of repurposable polyurethane materials. The polyurethanes made... Read More Dr. Zimmerman from the University of Illinois has developed a new class of compounds for the fabrication of repurposable polyurethane materials. The polyurethanes made from these compounds can be decomposed, under mild conditions, to useful alternative compounds and reused as adhesives with superior strength. Additionally, the polyurethanes made from these compounds exhibit nearly identical properties to those currently used in industry and are vitrimers that can self-heal. Benefit This invention minimizes the waste associated with the production and use of polyurethanes. Application Primary use is fabrication of polyurethane elastomers and foams for a variety of industrially relevant applications. These relevant applications include manufacture of high-resilience foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, durable elastomeric wheels and tires, automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, high-performance adhesives, surface coatings and surface sealants, synthetic fibers, carpet underlay, hard-plastic parts, condoms, and hoses.
Plant SWEET and Yeast MSF Transporter Capable of Transporting Difference Sugars Simultaneously Dr. Jin from the University of Illinois has developed a strain of yeast for enhanced biofuel production. Dr. Jin’s yeast expresses specific transporters which enable... Read More Dr. Jin from the University of Illinois has developed a strain of yeast for enhanced biofuel production. Dr. Jin’s yeast expresses specific transporters which enable simultaneous use of glucose and xylose. Co-fermentation can reduce the amount of time needed for fermentation in the biofuel production process.
Maximum Power Point Tracking System for use in Offshore Windmill Turbines Dr. Arijit Banerjee from the University of Illinois has developed a system and method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in windmill turbine motors. This is a method... Read More Dr. Arijit Banerjee from the University of Illinois has developed a system and method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in windmill turbine motors. This is a method uses an already disclosed and pursued integrated generator-rectifier system which has one active rectifier and several passive rectifier. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) relies on using the small active rectifier to control the power flow of the whole system, because passive rectifiers don’t have this power flow control capability. It also reduces bulkiness, simplifies hardware and control schemes and improves efficiency of power electronics switch voltage ratings to achieve ac-dc conversion at medium voltage level. Benefit Improved power-to-weight ratio, density, cost and efficiency in windmill turbine moters Applications Off-shore wind turbines, wind power genration

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