CHM-0989: Low cost onsite generation of high purity oxygen Current on-site generators separate oxygen from the air using adsorption. These generators provide insufficient oxygen purity for most applications, in particular when producing high flow rates. Our technology uses a ceramic membrane that allows for fast generation of high quality oxygen at practically 100% concentration under any desired flow rate. This invention can be applied to several industries and applications such as: medicine, chemical manufacture, coal gasification, oxyfuel combustion, fish farms, aircraft, gear for trauma medicine, SCUBA or other breathing apparatuses. Read more...
CHM-0599: Efficient synthesis of a polyacene monomer An efficient method has been developed for synthesizing a monomer that, when polymerized, is anticipated to exhibit directional (i.e. anisotropic) conductivity substantial (possibly immense) mechanical strength, and possibly even room temperature superconductivity. These polymers are named polyacenes. Possible applications include VLSI interconnects, long distance transmission lines, MRI/NMR, RF, and microwave filters, among others. Read more...
CHM-1097: Microstructure control of ceramic matrix nanocomposites A method facilitating a way to obtain ceramic nanocomposites via a safe and very low cost process yielding ceramics with improved strengths and with a significantly improved Weibull modulus. The material also shows remarkable wear properties. Example applications include ceramic cutting tools, ballistic armor, car brake pads, parts for textile fabrication, advanced ceramics for a multitude of applications in the semiconductor manufacturing industry (e.g. capillaries for wire-bonding), and electronic components. Read more...
CHM-0665: Copper CMP slurry composition Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) is one of the processes wafers undergo during chip manufacturing. During CMP the wafer is polished by a polishing-pad, in conjunction with an abrasive and an electrolyte – the slurry – which protects the copper as well as mechanically scrapes the wafer surface. Our slurry composition improves VLSI production by preventing the corrosion of copper throughout the CMP process. The technology enables better wafer production yields. Read more...
COM-0619: Gamma-ray detector Gamma-ray detectors have wide applications in fields such as nuclear medicine, environmental monitoring and material testing. By analyzing emitted rays using a gamma ray spectrometer, diagnostically useful information can be obtained. Some of the methods used for the detection of gamma rays include Geiger counters, scintillation counters, neutron detectors, semiconductor detectors and variants including CCDs. Our invention improves the fabrication process of detectors using an acoustic wave treatment. This allows for improvements such as increased sensitivity and differentiation between energy levels of the detected rays. Read more...
CHM-1075: Seedless copper electroplating for Damascene process Copper interconnects for silicon chips are created in a process called Damascene. To prevent silicon degradation due to interaction with the copper, a barrier layer of tantalum is required to separate the two. Before electroplating is utilized to fill the channel with copper, a seed layer of copper needs to be deposited using PVD methods. Modern integrated circuits are designed with ever smaller channel lengths. Channel lengths of 32 nm and less pose a challenge to the current Damascene process as copper seeding via PVD creates a copper overhang on each side of the channel, sometimes blocking it altogether. Subsequent copper electroplating then results with faulty interconnects. The invention provides a thorough, tested solution of an electrochemical nature to this problem, which integrates seamlessly with current equipment utilized in the Damascene process. Read more...
CHM-1054: Novel p-dopant for organic semiconductors Hole transporting organic semiconductors (OSCs) are necessary for the realization of low voltage and efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) whose advantages over LCD displays are widely recognized. P-doping enhances such hole transporting properties. Halogenated C60 derivatives, previously unexploited in organic electronics, act as highly effective electron acceptors, or p-type dopants, for OSCs. In addition to facilitating high hole conductivity, these dopants were found to be stable and avoid the toxicity problems connected with usual organic acceptor dopants. Read more...
CHM-1107: Facile production method of novel family of highly catalytic tridentate ligand complexes This invention describes the development of novel methodology for the synthesis of a new class of pincer ligands. Pincer ligands exhibit unusual thermal stability and have been found to be extraordinarily useful in a variety of transition metal-catalyzed processes, as well as in coordination, mechanistic, synthetic and supramolecular chemistry, nanoscience, and the development of sensors and molecular switches. The usefulness of this technique and the resulting ligands have been demonstrated with extraordinary catalysis in the Heck reaction, a common reaction in many commercial chemical synthesis processes. Read more...
CHM-1202: Low-cost aerocellulose production; all-cellulose reinforced aerocellulose composite Aerogels are a class of highly porous materials which are characterized by their low solid content. Amongst this class of materials is aerocellulose which is produced from cellulose. Cellulose constitutes 70% of Earth’s biomass and is therefore a key player in the pursuit to replace oil-based products with products made from sustainable raw materials. Applications for aerocellulose products range from acoustic or thermal insulation to audio membranes. Read more...
ENE-1167: Autonomous natural gas reformer for on-demand and on-site hydrogen generation The demand for hydrogen fuel cells is growing and consequently, the need for hydrogen is growing as well. We offer a natural gas autonomous membrane reformer for on-site and on-demand small-scale hydrogen production to facilitate hydrogen fuel-cell stack power generation. A working prototype of this compact, efficient and thermally-independent unit has shown much promise for autonomous generation of ultra-pure hydrogen from natural gas. Read more...
CHM-1251: Production of iodides from carboxylic acids This is a practical innovative method for the preparation of organic iodides from alkyl or aryl carboxylic acids. This novel environmentally-friendly process utilizes commercially available iodination agent in a simple, one-step process that produces high yields of high-purity organic iodides. The clean reaction and simple workup allow for use of the iodine products as an intermediate in subsequent transformations immediately after reaction without any isolation or purification procedures.
Process summary: R-COOH → R-I, when R = alkyl, aryl. Read more...
CHM-1065: Production of barium titanate layer Barium titanate (BaTiO3) is one of the most important ceramic materials used in electronics. As an intrinsic ferroelectric material it can be utilized for various applications like multilayer capacitors, grain boundary capacitors, low-temperature sensors and thermistors. There is a growing need for efficient methods of producing barium titanate layers, particularly if they are thin and crack-free. This method allows for the preparation of thin, whole layers even in complex shapes without the use of extremely toxic solutions currently in use in other methods. Read more...
MAE-0565: Voltage and light induced strains in porous crystalline materials Despite large efforts made in the last few decades, progress in the development of deformable mirrors has been slow, and there are only a few available types. The high price of these mirrors is an indicator of difficulties in their manufacture, such as complex construction, non-repeatability and non-uniformity. However, a simple silicon wafer, on the back of which porous silicon is etched, can serve as an agile mirror. Because porous silicon can induce stress or strain using electrical or optical signals it could be used in many technologies like communication devices, scanning microscopes, printers and any other place where one requires mechanical movements in response to electronic or optical signals. In addition, because porous silicon is piezooptic and optostrictive it can replace existing elements with these properties along with piezoelectric and electrostrictive elements. Read more...
CHM-1159: Calixurenes - novel binding molecules There are four main known families of macrocyclic host molecules based on specific host-guest reversible binding that are employed in a wide range of applications in chemistry, biology, the food industry, electronics or printing. Despite this, for more than a decade, no new family of macrocyclic host molecules has been discovered and the known macrocycles are usually limited to specific applications according to their chemical nature and binding properties. These new molecules called Calixurenes are the first binding macrocycles that contain thiourea combined with aromatic fragments and phenolic functions. This unique combination of functional groups in the same molecule is expected to produce unprecedented binding strength with high selectivity to almost any metal in any oxidation state as well as binding properties expected to be independent of the environment. Read more...
CHM-0708: Negative fullerene ion beams generation - method and apparatus The production of neutral and negative molecular ion beams is of considerable importance in diverse areas of physics, in the production of nano-electro-mechanical and nanophotonics systems, synthesis of new materials, electric propulsion devices, fundamental science areas as surface chemistry and catalysis, organic chemistry, and biology and other fields. This system ionizes neutral C60 fullerenes as they pass through a ceramic capillary giving a very pure, bright and focused ion beam with a narrow energy spread. Read more...
CHM-1307 : Electrospun metal and composite carbon-metal nanofibers There has been a growing effort to manufacture nanometric fibers from polymers, carbon, ceramics and metals due to a wide range of potential applications in optics, electronics, optoelectronics, filtration and separation, catalysis, micro- and nano-sensors, and also alternative energy. Metal fibers of submicron diameter are especially interesting due to their high electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. Conventional methods allow for the production of metallic nanofibers with a short overall length and a relatively small aspect ratio. The presented innovative method provides for the manufacture of long, high-quality fibers with a large aspect ratio and enhanced mechanical stability. Read more...
MAE-1046: Tactile feedback mechanism This invention uses local changes in pH caused by electrical current in a solution to create local topographical changes on a surface. Common applications include Braille displays and tactile feedback for touch-screen displays. Read more...
CHM-1236: Liquid droplet elastomer A liquid droplet elastomer is a novel, liquid-filled rubbery polymer which combines an elastomer with individually encapsulated micron-scale droplets of liquid or gel. This low-cost and scalable process based on Pickering emulsions and polyHIPEs produces liquid-filled capsules with capsule walls capable of withstanding repeated mechanical and thermal stresses without failure due to the high level of liquid retention. This innovative technology is highly customizable and lends itself to a wide range of applications including thermal and mechanical insulation, antibacterial medical equipment and fire-resistant cladding. Read more...
CHM-1198: Novel austenite stainless steel surface hardening treatment Austenitic stainless steel alloys have many desirable properties, but suffer from bad resistance to wear, limiting their use to mainly static applications. This deficiency can be overcome with surface treatments however, the conventional nitriding treatment performed at high temperatures negates the corrosion resistance of the alloy, which is one of its main advantages over other alloys. The common procedure of standard low-temperature nitriding preserves corrosion resistance but causes high internal tensile stresses, resulting in cracking of the treated layer. Our novel process allows for austenitic stainless steel to be treated for wear resistance to greater depth, while maintaining its corrosion resistance. A new combination of properties is created offering advantages for a wide variety of applications. Read more...
CHM-1441: Polymer-CNT transparent conductive films Thin transparent Indium tin oxide (ITO) films are widely used in many commercial products, such as touch screens and photovoltaic cells. However, ITO is very brittle making high-quality flexible films difficult to produce. Other solutions for flexible, transparent conductive films like those based just on carbon nanotubes or conductive polymers tend to exhibit poor substrate adhesion and have yet to come to market. This invention is an innovative hybrid electrically conducting system with almost all of the industrial benefits of existing films but without the disadvantages of ITO or other systems. Read more...
MAE-1033: Method for identifying electrophiles and nucleophiles in a sample This technology offers a low-cost, continuous and informative way of detecting electrophiles or nucleophiles in solution and in the gas phase. This has numerous applications like in early warning systems for nerve and mustard gas or for worker safety systems in various chemical industries. This technology works similar to the olfactory system of living organisms by using numerous chemosensors that identify electrophilic and nucleophilic molecules by chemically reacting with them. The technology was demonstrated using electrical (field effect transistors) as well as through optical (luminescence) means. Read more...
MAE-1232: Method for reversible and bistable switching of current in electron field emission Innovative memory switch devices require reliable bistable conductance properties. It would be desirable if such bistable characteristics were available in robust solid state materials such as diamond so they could benefit from outstanding physical properties. This invention exhibits a bistable current with reversible switching effect from surface transfer doped ultrananocrystalline diamond thin films measured by electron field emission. This switching is manifested by the appearance of huge jumps in the current emission, up to 4 orders of magnitude, occurring at specific extracting electric field values. Persistent hysteresis is exhibited whenever the field is ramped down. We propose that these phenomena are the result of resonant-tunneling through a double barrier junction composed of ta-C / Nano Diamond / adsorbent / vacuum.
This finding shows the first electron source material having ultrafast switching with memory effect; this may use for the realization of novel kinds of memory switch devices with unprecedented performance or electron sources with high resolution and fast response. Read more...
CHM-1414: Super oleophobic, hydrophobic, antimicrobial surfaces One of the most fascinating properties of materials in nature is the superhydrophobic and self-cleaning capabilities of different insects and plant surfaces. Superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit high water repellency and oleophobic surfaces resist the wetting of organic liquids which have lower surface tension than water. These capabilities could be useful for a wide range of applications such as micro-fluidics, microelectronics, textiles, self-cleaning surfaces, corrosion protection and more. Equally important, the application of this low-cost superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings act as antibacterial coating by preventing the growth of biofilm. This invention offers a way to form such surfaces utilizing a simple, versatile and low cost one-step production method. Read more...
CIV-1240: Plasticizer for concrete Water-reducing/plasticizing admixtures are used at an increasing rate for the production of both high-strength and normal strength concrete. The increase is due to the wide range of influence these additives have on the rheology of fresh concrete, as well as on the engineering properties of the hardened material. These admixtures improve the workability of concrete at a given water cement ratio or reduce water content in the mix allowing for the production of concrete of increased strength and increased resistance to physical and chemical attack. They also allow for a reduction of both water and cement in order to reduce the concrete cost. As opposed to other conventionally used plasticizers, this admixture is nontoxic, can be stored safely, is made of easily attainable raw materials, is easy to manufacture and is low-cost. Read more...
CHM-1396: Low-cost fabrication of vicinal and stepped surfaces for enhanced catalysis Despite their proven catalytic prowess, use of vicinal surfaces as catalysis enhancers has yet to take hold in the industry due to high production costs. Conventional formation of vicinal surfaces is performed on single crystals under high temperatures and ultra-high vacuum, making the manufacturing process expensive and inflexible. Such processes require additional complicated, energy and time-consuming treatments like low-angle miscuts, surface sputtering, and high-vacuum annealing. In contrast, our technology, allows for the formation of vicinal surfaces on various thin polycrystalline materials at almost room temperature and atmospheric pressure without the need for subsequent procedures - greatly increasing the flexibility, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their manufacture. Read more...
CHM-1262: Surface microstructure for enhanced adhesion and friction In the process of evolution, nature has developed adhesive systems based on fine hairs that make it possible for many insects, spiders and lizards to attach and walk on surfaces almost irrespective of the orientation, geometry and chemical composition of said surfaces. Many efforts are being made to mimic effective natural solutions to the problem as a material with these properties would have endless applications. This invention utilizes an innovative microstructure created from a molded polymerized elastomer to allow for detachable adhesion to a wide range of textures without self-sticking. It can function in a wide range of environments like ambient air, vacuum, or underwater without using chemicals or leaving any residue. Read more...
CHM-1368: An interlayer for ultra-durable adhesion of diamond onto steel, tungsten carbide and other substrates The industrial use of diamond films for coating various substrates increases constantly due to diamond’s exceptional optical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, and particularly due to its structure which confers high hardness and good resistance to mechanical wear, damage and mechanical stresses. However, diamond coatings exhibit poor adhesion when deposited onto metallic substrates such as steel and tungsten carbide. The latter is used for industrial cutting tools and there is a great need for a durable diamond coating on these components to enhance their capability and lifetime. This invention uses an interlayer that acts as a diffusion barrier that adheres well to the substrate and acts as a substrate for the diamond coating creating a coating with superior properties. This can create a new level of performance cutting tools capable of dealing with the advanced materials of modern manufacturing. Read more...
CHM-1399: Preparation and use of alfa-hydrogen substituted nitroxyls as catalysts The synthesis of ketones and aldehydes is an ubiquitous process in industrial and academic preparation of organic compounds (drugs, fragrances, food additives etc). This new and innovative stable nitroxyl compound can be prepared in racemic form in only 5 chemical steps from cheap and environmentally-friendly starting materials. This compound catalyzes oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to ketones and aldehydes rapidly, efficiently and at room temperature. This compound allows for the synthesis of a wide range of alcohol derivatives without creating byproducts laden with heavy metals. Read more...
CHM-1337: Shape-memory foams Shape memory foams are lightweight materials that can undergo significant reversible and reproducible changes in their dimensions when heated above a specific stimulus temperature. The shape is then 'locked' in when the material is cooled. These materials can have biomedical applications, can be incorporated into mechanical systems and can be used to create 'healing' materials for spacecraft, automobiles or watercraft. This invention is a specific class of shape memory foam that can be customized for a wide range of stimulus temperatures and mechanical properties through variations in the chemical composition of the material. Read more...
CHM-1375: Grignard reagent Metal-organic Grignard reagents are widely used throughout the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries and are commonly combined with an ether solvent. This combination can make it difficult to control the reaction rate and ether is a volatile compound that must be stored and transported with great care to prevent accidents or the formation of explosive compounds. This invention is for a method for synthesizing Grignard reagents and then performing the reaction with the reagents in the same reactor vessel. This eliminates the need for the use of hazardous ethers and increases control over the reaction increasing the reliability, cost-efficiency and safety of the chemical manufacture. Read more...
CHM-1420: Cellulose encapsulated oil-in-water and water-in-oil dispersions and related thermal energy storage materials Encapsulation of a material inside of another has almost endless applications that include prolonging the shelf-life of a medicine, vitamin or chemical or causing its slow-release, creating 'self-healing' materials, energy or thermal storage or insulation, or in automobile, airplane or rocket engine heat exchangers. This novel method for the encapsulation of materials in cellulose shells allowing for the creation of oil-in-water or water-in-oil dispersions without the use of surfactants. These unique 'green' materials can be made with low-cost, non-toxic, inert, recyclable and biodegradable materials. Read more...
CHM-1434: Anti-bacterial polymeric additives Globalization trends changed customer needs for fresh, minimally processed, natural/organic and versatile food products. These demands have compelled the food industry and market to develop packaging which can meet those needs. For example, antimicrobial packages could increase shelf life by deactivating microbes while enhancing food safety and maintaining nutritional quality. This invention offers improved compatibility between non-toxic antibacterial polymers and polymers commonly used in plastic packaging allowing for the prevention of the migration of the antibacterial materials resulting in longer shelf life. Read more...
CHM-1280: Memory diodes One of the most promising memory technologies being developed these days in leading research labs across the world is Resistance Random Access Memory (ReRAM), also called memristors. This technology is based on dielectric materials that change their resistance between two or more states after application of sufficient voltage. This novel technology is a memory resistor that not only performs the memory operations (write, erase, and read operations) that are performed by typical memory devices, but also allows for logic operations in which the same cell serves simultaneously as a gate (logic) and latch (memory) using resistance instead of voltage or charge as the physical state variable. This opens up opportunities for new CPU and computation architectures that combine logic and memory operations. It is also capable of storing charge unlike most memristors under development. Read more...
