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Technology Pipeline
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Stage 1
Doped Tin Selenium Single Crystals
2014-015, 2014-170
Novel single crystal material for conversion of heat to electricity
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis
Tags: Energy, Thermoelectric, Materials, Electronic
Stage 1 Research
in Situ Photocatalytic and Thermocatalytic Activities 2015-019
Details
Single Platform Offers Dual in Situ Photocatalytic and Thermocatalytic Activities
2015-019
A catalytic material that photocatalytically synthesizes H2O2 in situ for a subsequent in situ thermocatalytic reaction
Primary Inventor: Justin Notestein
Tags: CHEMICAL: catalyst, CHEMICAL: methods, MANUFACTURE/PROCESSES
Stage 1 Research
New Class of Molecular Iodosalts for Use in Next Generation Solar Cells 2014-052
Details
New Class of Molecular Iodosalts for Use in Next Generation Solar Cells
2014-052
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis, Robert Chang
Tags: MATERIALS, MATERIALS: electronic
Stage 1 Research
PAH Scavenger System (ExBox) 2012-126
Details
ExBox: A High-Affinity Scavenger for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
2012-126
A high-affinity scavenger of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) ranging from two to seven fused rings in both organic and aqueous media
Primary Inventor: Fraser Stoddart
Tags: ENVIRONMENT: remediation
Stage 1 Research
Photocatalyst 2007-093, 2008-134
Details
Mixed-Phase Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst
2007-093, 2008-134
Titania composite photocatalyst with enhanced photoactivity
Primary Inventor: Kimberly Gray
Tags: ENVIRONMENT: remediation
Stage 1 Research
Photocatalytic Composite 2007-068, 2008-073
Details
Photocatalytic Composite for Organic Chemical Oxidation
2007-068, 2008-073
A novel photocatalytic structure that exhibits increased reactivity compared to other existing photocatalysts
Primary Inventor: Kimberly Gray
Tags: ENVIRONMENT: remediation, MATERIALS: CNT, MATERIALS: composite
Stage 1 Research
Polysulfide compounds for environmental remediation 2014-057
Details
Polysulfide Compounds for Environmental Remediation of Fossil Fuel And Nuclear Waste
2014-057
Novel polysulfide layered double hydroxide material for efficient capture of mercury vapor and uranium ions
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis
Stage 1 Research
Tin-Based 'Perovskites' for Solar Cell Production 2015-050
Details
Tin Based 'Perovskites' as Lead-Free Alternative Photovoltaic Materials for Solar Cell Production
2015-050
Primary Inventor: Robert Chang
Tags: ENERGY: solar, MATERIALS
Stage 1 Research
Stage 2
All-Carbon Counter Electrode 2011-159
Details
An All-Carbon Counter Electrode for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell
2011-159
Cost-effective carbon electrode to replace traditional platinum electrodes and improve solar cell efficiency
Primary Inventor: Robert Chang
Stage 2 Research Validation
Carbon Nanoparticle for Energy Storage 2013-141
Details
Carbon Nanoparticle for Energy Storage
2013-141
Design of a carbon-based high charge density nanostructure (HDN) for energy storage
Primary Inventor: Robert Chang
Stage 2 Research Validation
Controlling Charge Injection in OLEDs by Tuning Interfacial Properties of the Anode Hole Transport Layer 2004-013
Details
Controlling Charge Injection in OLEDs by Tuning Interfacial Properties of the Anode Hole Transport Layer
2004-013
Novel series of probe molecules designed to form robust, self-assembled monolayers at the interfacial regions of the anode hole transport layer
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Stage 2 Research Validation
Crosslinkable Polymer Dielectrics 2004-112
Details
Crosslinkable Polymer Dielectrics
2004-112
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Tags: MATERIALS: manufacturing, MATERIALS: thin films, SEMICONDUCTOR: transistor
Stage 2 Research Validation
Crumpled Graphene Coated Si Nanoparticles 2013-048
Details
Crumpled Graphene-Encapsulated Si Nanoparticles for Lithium Ion Battery Anodes
2013-048
A rapid, high-throughput method to prepare crumpled capsules of graphene-wrapped Si nanoparticles for Li ion battery anode applications
Primary Inventor: Jiaxing Huang
Tags: ENERGY: batteries, MATERIALS: graphene/graphite, NANOTECHNOLOGY: nanoparticles
Stage 2 Research Validation
Direct Hydrocarbon Fuel Cell 2000-063
Details
Integrated Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
2000-063
New design and method for fabrication of a hydrocarbon fuel cell that accomplishes direct oxidation of fuels without carbon deposition
Primary Inventor: Scott Barnett
Stage 2 Research Validation
DOPA-melanin films 2014-036
Details
DOPA-Melanin Films and Particles as Antimicrobial Compound Carriers and Heavy Metal Scavengers
2014-036
Novel method for production of DOPA-melanin films and particles
Primary Inventor: Phillip Messersmith
Tags: CHEMICAL: coatings, ENVIRONMENT: remediation, MATERIALS, MATERIALS: biomedical
Stage 2 Research Validation
Electric Energy Generation Using Metal Nanofilms 2014-102
Details
Electric Energy Generation
2014-102
Metal Nanofilms that convert gravitational energy to electric energy
Primary Inventor: Franz Geiger
Stage 2 Research Validation
Optimizing Location for Placing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations 2010-156, 2012-006
Details
Optimizing Location for Placing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
2010-156, 2012-006
An algorithm that facilitates the planning of future electric charging station infrastructure
Primary Inventor: Diego Klabjan
Tags: SOFTWARE: application
Stage 2 Research Validation
Electron-Blocking Layer For Organic Photovoltaics 2006-151
Details
Electron-Blocking Layer for Improved Organic Photovoltaics
2006-151
An electron-blocking / hole transport layer for organic photovoltaics
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Stage 2 Research Validation
Epoxidation of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons 2009-157
Details
A Novel Process for Epoxidation of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
2009-157
A novel method to produce important chemical intermediates for the synthesis of pharmaceutical and natural products
Primary Inventor: Harold Kung
Stage 2 Research Validation
Graphene-Titania Nanocomposite Photocatalysts 2011-059
Details
Improving efficiency and productivity of titania catalysts with graphene
2011-059
New material based on titania and graphene that exhibits increased photocatalytic conversion efficiency and higher throughput
Primary Inventor: Kimberly Gray, Mark Hersam
Tags: CHEMICAL: catalyst, MATERIALS: graphene/graphite, MATERIALS: composite, ENVIRONMENT: remediation
Stage 2 Research Validation
Graphitized Li-Ion Batteries 2011-061
Details
Lithium Ion Battery Anodes Based on Graphitized Silicon Carbide
2011-061
Development of a novel technique to substantially increase the lithium (Li) ion capacity of silicon carbide (SiC) via graphitization in ultra-high vacuum
Primary Inventor: Mark Hersam
Tags: ENERGY: batteries
Stage 2 Research Validation
High Energy Density Nanocomposites 2006-136
Details
Supported Catalysis For In Situ Synthesis Of High Energy Density Nanocomposites
2006-136
A process to produce homogeneously dispersed ceramic nanoparticles within the matrix of processable, high-strength polymers for use in high energy storage in capacitor and insulator applications
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Stage 2 Research Validation
Hole Array Films 2005-039
Details
Large-Area Subwavelength Hole Arrays
2005-039
A novel high throughput method for fabricating free-standing hole array films with precise dimensions and spacing has been developed by Northwestern researchers. Enhanced transmission and standing wave patterns are generated by coupling light to the subwavelength hole arrays using surface plasmon resonances. The tailorable combination of hole materials, shapes and polarized radiation afford a wide range of spectroscopic outputs with potential nanophotonic and sensing applications
Primary Inventor: Teri Odom
Tags: ENERGY: solar, MATERIALS: composite, NANOTECHNOLOGY: fabrication, NANOTECHNOLOGY: lithography, MATERIALS: thin film
Stage 2 Research Validation
PbTe Composite Material for Thermoelectric Devices 2007-079, 2009-047, 2009-107
Details
Improved Lead-Based Eutectic Composite
2007-079, 2009-047, 2009-107
Lead-based composite material for conversion of waste heat into electrical energy
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis
Tags: ENERGY: thermoelectric, MATERIALS: composite, MATERIALS: metals
Stage 2 Research Validation
Improved Nanoparticle Processing for Energy Use 2010-184
Details
Improved Monodispersity of Core/Shell Nanoparticles via Centrifugal Processing
2010-184
Development of an aqueous surfactant-free centrifugal sorting method for plasmonic nanoantennas
Primary Inventor: Mark Hersam, Richard Van Duyne
Stage 2 Research Validation
Improved Power Conversion For Organic Photovoltaics 2007-121
Details
TFB:TPDSi2 Interfacial Layer As A PEDOT:PSS Replacement in Organic Photovoltaic Cells
2007-121
Northwestern researchers have developed a new interfacial hole transport/electron-blocking layer for organic photovoltaics
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Stage 2 Research Validation
Integrated Solid Oxide Fuel Cells 2000-063
Details
Integrated Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
2000-063
Primary Inventor: Scott Barnett
Stage 2 Research Validation
Lead-Free Solar Cells 2014-049
Details
Lead-free Solar Cells
2014-049
Advanced lead-free solar cell that uses a perovskite mineral for harvesting light
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis
Tags: ENERGY, ENERGY: alternative, ENERGY: solar, MATERIALS
Stage 2 Research Validation
Mesoscale Metallic Pyramids With Nanoscale Tips 2005-026
Details
Mesoscale Metallic Pyramids With Nanoscale Tips
2005-026
A facile top-down process for fabricating anisotropic mesoscale (100-300 nm) metallic pyramids, with nanoscale tips (radii of curvature < 2 nm), has been devised by Northwestern researchers
Primary Inventor: Teri Odom
Tags: SENSOR: biosensor, SENSOR: chemical, MATERIALS: photovoltaic, NANOTECHNOLOGY: fabrication
Stage 2 Research Validation
Methane/Nat Gas-Powered SOFC 2002-028
Details
Operation of Anode Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells on Methane and Natural Gas
2002-028
New solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) construction that enables operation on methane and natural gas
Primary Inventor: Scott Barnett
Stage 2 Research Validation
MOF for Energy Storage 2009-170, 2010-077 and 2011-027
Details
Panacea Nano
2009-170, 2010-077 and 2011-027
All-natural metal-organic framework (MOF) consisting of sugars, salts and alcohol that can be utilized for energy storage
Primary Inventor: Fraser Stoddart
Tags: MATERIALS: MOF, ENVIRONMENT: remediation, NANOTECHNOLOGY: nanoparticles
Stage 2 Research Validation
Nanocomposites for Energy Storage 2012-162
Details
Aluminum Metallic Nanoparticle-Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage
2012-162
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks, Mark Ratner
Stage 2 Research Validation
Novel Batteries for Medical Devices 2007-059
Details
Novel Battery Cathode with High Rate Discharge Capability for Lithium Batteries
2007-059
A novel battery cathode composition with a higher discharge capacity
Primary Inventor: Kenneth Poeppelmeier
Tags: ENERGY: batteries
Stage 2 Research Validation
Novel Organic Photovoltaic Composition 2007-112
Details
p-Type Semiconductor Nickel Oxide As An Anodal Interfacial Layer In Organic Photovoltaics
2007-112
A novel composition organic photovoltaic cell that uses a nickel oxide layer to improve stability and performance over traditional formulations
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Tags: ENERGY: solar, MATERIALS: photovoltaic, MATERIALS: semiconductor
Stage 2 Research Validation
Novel Organic Self-Assembled Nanodielectrics 2006-042
Details
Self-Assembled Nanodielectrics (SANDs) with Improved Leakage Protection for High Performance Semiconductor Devices
2006-042
Novel SAND organic dielectrics suitable for high-performance III-V semiconductor devices such as metal-insulator-semiconductor field effect transistors (MISFETs)
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Stage 2 Research Validation
Novel Separator for Electricity Storage Devices 2013-170
Details
Novel Separator for Electricity Storage Devices
2013-170
Reversible, self-regulating, temperature-sensitive current-limiting separator for electrical energy storage devices
Primary Inventor: Harold Kung
Stage 2 Research Validation
Organic Photovoltaic Cells 2009-044
Details
Bithiophene-Based Interfacial Layer for High-Efficiency Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaic Cells
2009-044
A new technology that improves bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Tags: ENERGY: solar, ENERGY: alternative, MATERIALS: photovoltaic
Stage 2 Research Validation
Organic Silicate Matrices for Remediation 2001-075
Details
Organic Hosts Covalently Bonded to Silicate Matrices for Separations, Catalysis and Remediation
2001-075
New material in a new class of solid organic host silicon matrix polymers to create soluble and heterogeneous systems
Primary Inventor: Joseph Lambert
Tags: CHEMICAL: catalyst, ENVIRONMENT: remediation, MATERIALS: polymer
Stage 2 Research Validation
p-type Transparent Conductors 2001-006
Details
Commercial-Scale Synthesis of p-type Transparent Conductors
2001-006
A new process affording a single step route to polycrystalline samples of any delafossite-like(ABO2) material with phase purity has been developed. These materials exhibit luminescence, catalysis, and p-type conducting properties
Primary Inventor: Kenneth Poeppelmeier, Thomas Mason
Stage 2 Research Validation
Plant Polyphenoal Coatings & Methods 2012-188
Details
Nitrogen-Free Plant Polyphenol Derived Coatings
2012-188
Production and use of multifaceted surface coatings from polyphenols
Primary Inventor: Phillip Messersmith
Tags: CHEMICAL: coatings, CHEMICAL: methods, ENVIRONMENT: remediation
Stage 2 Research Validation
Polycrystal Memory Foam for Energy Applications 2009-109
Details
Magnetic Shape-Memory Foams for Actuators and Other Industrial Purposes
2009-109
Polycrystal memory foam for less expensive, more stable actuators
Primary Inventor: David Dunand, Peter Mullner
Stage 2 Research Validation
Silver Cathode Li-Ion Batteries for Medical Devices 2004-067
Details
New Silver Containing Cathode for Primary Lithium Batteries for Medical Devices
2004-067
Northwestern researchers have synthesized a new cathode, Ag4V2O6F2, (SVOF) with significantly higher accessible silver content than current medical battery cathodes employing silver vanadium oxide (SVO)
Primary Inventor: Kenneth Poeppelmeier
Stage 2 Research Validation
SMOFC Battery Cathode 2007-151
Details
SMOFC Battery Cathode
2007-151
A novel battery cathode composition having a higher discharge capacity available from silver reduction at a potential above 3V compared to that of the current standard medical battery cathode SVO material
Primary Inventor: Kenneth Poeppelmeier
Tags: ENERGY: batteries
Stage 2 Research Validation
Solar Cell Coating 2010-145
Details
Metal-Oxide Coating Method for Safer, More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
2010-145
Method to stabilize dye in dye-sensitized solar cells that improves performance and minimizes need for toxic solvents
Primary Inventor: Joseph Hupp
Tags: ENERGY: solar, DEVICES: fabrication, MATERIALS: photovoltaic
Stage 2 Research Validation
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells 2010-061
Details
A Novel Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell with Improved Efficiency and Durability
2010-061
Reversible solid oxide electrochemical cell operating system for large-scale electrical energy storage
Primary Inventor: Scott Barnett
Stage 2 Research Validation
Solid State Solar Cell 2011-088, 2011-092
Details
Solid State Solar Cell that Overcomes Limitations of Grätzel Cell
2011-088, 2011-092
Improved solid state solar cell technology with new electrolyte material
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis, Robert Chang
Tags: ENERGY: solar
Stage 2 Research Validation
Superlattice Dielectrics 2005-092
Details
Novel Intercalated Superlattices with Modulating Dielectric Properties
2005-092
A family of intercalated metal oxide self-assembled superlattice dielectrics providing extraordinary insulative and capacitance properties for thin film transistor and organic electronic devices
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Stage 2 Research Validation
Water Detoxification Method 2012-120
Details
Water Detoxification by a Substrate-Bound Catecholamine Adsorbent
2012-120
Novel adsorbent for removal of heavy metals, radioisotopes and insecticides from water
Primary Inventor: Phillip Messersmith
Tags: ENVIRONMENT: remediation
Stage 2 Research Validation
Water Processable Graphene Oxide 2011-126
Details
Water Processable Graphene Oxide
2011-126
Single walled carbon nanotube composite as anode modifier for polymer solar cells
Primary Inventor: Jiaxing Huang
Tags: ENERGY: solar, MATERIALS: CNT, MATERIALS: graphene/graphite
Stage 2 Research Validation
Stage 3
Removal of Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollutants from Water 2007-080, 2007-012, 2008-099, 2008-169, 2008-171, 2010-034
Details
Decontamination of Radioactive Water Using a Novel Polymer for Ion Exchange
2007-080, 2007-012, 2008-099, 2008-169, 2008-171, 2010-034
Advanced material for specific capture of radioactive ions from mixed solutions at high temperature and alkaline pH
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis
Tags: ENVIRONMENT: remediation, MATERIALS: manufacturing, MATERIALS: composite
Stage 3 Commercial Validation
Gas-Absorbing Metal Organic Frameworks 2008-146, 2010-081, 2007-126
Details
NuMat Technologies
2008-146, 2010-081, 2007-126
NuMat Technologies is an advanced materials company that computationally designs and synthesizes nanoporous materials for gas storage and separation applications
Primary Inventor: Joseph Hupp
Tags: MATERIALS: MOF, MATERIALS: manufacturing, ENVIRONMENT: remediation, ENERGY: alternative
Stage 3 Commercial Validation
Gold Isolation Method 2013-071, 2013-111
Details
Cycladex
2013-071, 2013-111
Selective Isolation of Gold Facilitated by Second-Sphere Coordination with a-cyclodextrin
Primary Inventor: Fraser Stoddart
Stage 3 Commercial Validation
Heavy Metal Removal and Gas Separation 2010-020, 2010-169, 2012-024
Details
Cost-Effective Chalcogenide Polymers for Gas Separation and Heavy Metal Removal
2010-020, 2010-169, 2012-024
Novel cost-effective material for gas absorption and metal removal from the environment
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis
Tags: ENVIRONMENT: remediation, MATERIALS: biomedical, MATERIALS: MOF
Stage 3 Commercial Validation
Hybrid Thin-Film Transistors 2005-093
Details
Flexterra
2005-093
Backed by over ten years of chemistry and physics R&D, Flexterra Flexible Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs) are at the core of our Digital Fabric Technology. These devices behave just like the transistors found in traditional electronics, but are also physically flexible. They can be easily used in standard display fabs, as well as with other advanced manufacturing techniques.
Primary Inventor: Tobin Marks
Stage 3 Commercial Validation
Large Scale Preparation of Ion Exchangers 2008-171
Details
Decontamination of Radioactive Water Using a Novel Polymer for Ion Exchange
2008-171
Advanced material for specific capture of radioactive ions from mixed solutions at high temperature and alkaline pH
Primary Inventor: Mercouri Kanatzidis
Tags: ENVIRONMENT: remediation, MATERIALS: manufacturing, MATERIALS: composite
Stage 3 Commercial Validation
Polymeric Blends Formed by Solid-State Shear Pulverization 2000-068
Details
Zzyzx Polymers
2000-068
An SSSP process to make polymeric materials that cannot be made via conventional techniques. Zzyzx’s products fall within three distinct areas: engineered materials, recycled plastics, and biobased and biodegradable polymer composites
Primary Inventor: Klementina Khait
Stage 3 Commercial Validation
Si Nanoparticles for Batteries 2009-011, 2009-168, 2011-029, 2011-035
Details
Si Nanoparticles for Batteries
2009-011, 2009-168, 2011-029, 2011-035
SiNode Systems pursues advances in Lithium-ion battery anodes to transform a wide range of industries from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. SiNode’s anode technology utilizes a composite of silicon nano-particles within a patent-pending graphene scaffolding system that increases a battery's energy density (5-7 times) and reduces the charging time of a lithium-ion battery (up to a factor of 10).
Primary Inventor: Harold Kung
Stage 3 Commercial Validation