Nanocomposites

#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.

#A composite material (a composite) is formed by combining two or more materials that have different properties. The composite typically has properties different from those of its constituent materials, but within the composite the original materials can still be identified (they do not dissolve; an interface is maintained between them). Typically, one material, called the matrix, surrounds and binds together discrete units (e.g., particles, fibers, or fragments) of a second material, called the filler.

#Many composite materials are currently known and widely used, for example, concrete (a composite in which the matrix is cement and the filler is aggregate), fiberglass (glass fibers in a plastic matrix), and many other types of reinforced plastics. However, there is continued demand for novel composites with desirable properties for many applications.

#FIG. 1 schematically depicts a quantum dot solar concentrator.

#FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a waveguide in which the core comprises substantially nonrandomly oriented nanowires.

#FIG. 3 schematically depicts a waveguide comprising a first core and a first layer in contact with each other.

#Composite materials comprising nanostructures (nanocomposites) are provided, along with articles comprising nanocomposites and methods and compositions for making such composites.

#One class of embodiments provides waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures. This class of embodiments is based on the ability of certain nanostructures (e.g., nanostructures comprising a fluorescent material) to absorb and re-emit light that can then be waveguided by total internal reflection within at least one core. In many but not all embodiments, the nanostructures are provided in the form of a nanocomposite. In some embodiments, the nanostructures are substantially nonrandomly oriented to increase the efficiency of the waveguide or light concentrator.

#Methods for orienting nanostructures within a composite material are discussed, including using the matrix or components thereof to orient the nanostructures. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides nanocomposites in which the matrix is used to orient nanowires.