Nanocomposites

Abstract

This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 656,916, filed Sep. 4, 2003, “Nanocomposites” Mihai Buretea et al., which claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 408,722, filed Sep. 5, 2002, “Nanocomposites” Mihai Buretea et al. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is in the field of nanocomposites. More particularly, the invention includes composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, nanorods, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, quantum dots, and nanoparticles), methods and compositions for making such composites, and articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures that are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite are also features of the invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The nanocomposites achieve improved dielectric properties and light collection efficiency, enabling the formation of thin films and efficient solar concentrators with enhanced performance and reduced costs by optimizing the orientation and distribution of nanostructures within the composite materials.

Problems solved by technology

Finding single component materials possessing these properties is difficult.

For example, high dielectric constant ceramic materials such as ferroelectric SrTiO3, BaTiO3, or CaTiO3 are brittle and are processed at high temperatures that are incompatible with current microcircuit manufacturing processes, while polymer materials are very easy to process but have low dielectric constants.

For example, they are difficult to form into the thin uniform films used for many microelectronics applications.

Unfortunately, at the moment neither of these strategies is effective.

The complexity of increased-efficiency solar cells causes their cost to be substantially greater than the increase in performance.

Similarly, larger solar panels are proportionately more expensive due to difficulties in fabricating uniform devices over large areas.

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