2015 NSF Small Business Innovation Research Conference-Showcase ABSTRACT BOOK

INATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
2015 NSF SBIR/STTR
Phase II Grantee Conference
Abstract
Book
ATLANTA MARRIOTT MARQUIS
JUNE 1-4, 2015

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COVER IMAGE CREDITS
(left to right)
Navillum Nanotechnologies, LLC (Phase II: 1430979) has developed an innovative method for fabricating
high quality Quantum Dots and other types of semiconducting nanocrystals at commercial scale using low
temperatures.
Credit: Navillum Nanotechnologies, LLC
Empire Robotics, Inc. (Phase II: 1353624) has created the VERSABALL®
, a spherical robotic hand filled with
granular material that conforms to and grips objects. At CES, Empire’s interdisciplinary team of experts will
demonstrate the hand’s abilities.
Credit: Empire Robotics
NCD Technologies, LLC (Phase II: 1127516) has developed nanocrystalline diamond-coated endmills with
innovative diamond tipped coating technology. The coated tools were tested to determine improvement in tool
performance, tool life and part quality and to compare with performance of uncoated tools and tools with
other coatings.
Credit: NCD Technologies
Vaporsens Inc. (Phase II: 1353637) has developed a handheld, portable device that senses explosive com-
pounds down to parts-per-trillion levels. The sensor materials have a shelf life of over one year, and the sensor
array has been tested over a period of 15 days of continuous sampling without exhibiting any significant change
in performance. When the sensing element does need to be replaced, the process is as simple as replacing a
secure digital (SD) card in a camera.
Credit: Dan Hixon, Univ. of Utah College of Engineering

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INTRODUCTION
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) pro-
gram were conceived at that National Science Foundation (NSF). In 1976, Roland Tibbetts initiated an NSF pro-
gram that would support the small business community with a specific objective to provide early-stage financial
support for high-risk technologies with commercial promise. Today the government-wide program is administered
by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and includes eleven federal departments that collectively award over
$2 billion to small high-tech firms.
NSF SBIR/STTR Program
The primary objective of the NSF SBIR/STTR Program is to increase the incentive and opportunity for small firms
to undertake cutting-edge, high-risk, high-quality scientific, engineering or science/engineering education re-
search that would have a high-potential economic payoff if the research is successful.
The current portfolio of the NSF SBIR/STTR program covers nine broad areas/topics:
• Advanced Manufacturing and Nanotechnology;
• Advanced Materials and Instrumentation;
• Biological Technologies;
• Chemical and Environmental Technologies;
• Educational Technologies and Applications;
• Electronic Hardware, Robotics and Wireless Technologies;
• Information and Communication Technologies;
• Semiconductors and Photonic Devices and Materials; and
• Smart Health and Biomedical Technologies
To learn more about NSF SBIR/STTR Program, visit our website at http://www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/sbir/
Accelerating Innovation Research (AIR) Technology Translation Program
The Accelerating Innovation Research-Technology Translation (AIR-TT) program provides funding for academic re-
searchers to translate prior NSF-supported research discoveries toward commercial reality. Some grantees have
already formed a small business while others have been guided from the outset by business partners who are
interested in commercializing their translated discoveries. All are interested in moving their technologies closer to
commercial application, creating new partnerships, and learning about additional markets/applications where
their technologies could be competitive. In addition, an important component of the AIR-TT program is to offer
an opportunity for post-docs and graduate students to engage in entrepreneurial and market-oriented thinking
along with their traditional research experience.
To learn more about the Accelerating Innovation Research Technology Translation Program, visit our website at
http://www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/pfi/air-tt.jsp
NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II Grantees Conference
The annual NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II Grantees Conference is an opportunity for small businesses that have re-
ceived Phase II awards and supplements to share their technical and commercial achievements. In the spirit of
networking and resource sharing, we have designed this Abstract Book as a resource for our grantees and other
conference attendees, potential investors, and strategic partners. We also hope to provide a snapshot of the
current portfolio of NSF SBIR/STTR program. During the conference, there will be “Technology Showcases” each
evening to provide an opportunity to visit and discuss the projects described within this book with the Principal
Investigators and other company representatives.
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE CONFERENCE!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 1
Advanced Energy Materials, LLC 2
SBIR Phase II: Advanced Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts 2
ARL Designs 3
SBIR Phase II: Scratch and Abrasion Resistant Superhydrophobic Polymer Coatings 3
Coulometrics 4
SBIR Phase II: The Development of Higher Voltage, Longer Life and Lower Cost Activated Carbon Materials
for Supercapacitors 4
ECOSIL Technologies LLC 5
SBIR Phase II: High-Performance Metal Pretreatments 5
Graphene Frontiers LLC 6
SBIR Phase II: Roll-to-roll Production of Uniform Graphene Films at Atmospheric Pressure and Low Temperature 6
Halotechnics, Inc. 7
SBIR Phase II: Advanced Molten Salt for Solar Thermal Power Generation with Supercritical Steam Turbines 7
Keystone Tower Systems 8
SBIR Phase II: Optimization of Tapered Spiral Welding for Wind Turbine Towers 8
Levant Power Corporation 9
SBIR Phase II: Integrated Hydraulic Suspension Energy Recovery System for Heavy Vehicles 9
Lite Enterprises Inc 10
SBIR Phase II: WIldlife Deterrence from Hazards Using High Brightness Ultraviolet Light 10
Nanofoundry, LLC 11
SBIR Phase II: Nanomanufacturing process simulation and design 11
nanoGriptech, Inc. 12
SBIR Phase II: Manufacturing of Bio-Inspired Polymer Micro/Nano-Fiber Arrays as New Gripping Materials 12
Navillum Nanotechnologies, LLC 13
SBIR Phase II: New Low Cost and Large Scale Manufacturing of Semiconductor Nanocrystals 13
NuMat Technologies, Inc. 14
SBIR Phase II: High Performance MOF-Based Storage and Delivery of Electronic Gases 14
Orthogonal, Inc 15
SBIR Phase II: Enabling Large-Scale Manufacturing of Organic Electronic Devices Using Photolithography 15
Persimmon Technologies Corporation 16
SBIR Phase II: SBIR Phase II Spray-Formed Soft Magnetic Material for Efficient Hybrid-Field Electric Machines 16
QuantLogic Corporation 17
SBIR Phase II: Development of an Adaptive Dual-Fuel Injector to Enable High Efficiency Clean Combustion for
SUV and Light Duty Truck Engines 17
SenSigma LLC 18
SBIR Phase II: Sensors for InLine Certification Capability for Robotic Welding and Additive Manufacturing 18
Sinovia Technologies 19
SBIR Phase II: Nanostructured Composite Transparent Electrodes for Touch Panels 19
TAG Optics, Inc. 20
SBIR Phase II: Development of high-volume manufacturing processes for variable focus TAG Lens technology 20
ThermoAura Inc. 21
SBIR Phase II: Development and manufacture of a new class of high-figure-of-merit bulk thermoelectric
nanomaterials 21

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XRSciences LLC 22
SBIR Phase II: Rapid Clinker Analyzer (RCA) 22
ZoomEssence, Inc. 23
SBIR Phase II: No Heat Spray Drying Technology 23
ADVANCED MATERIALS AND INSTRUMENTATION 24
Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing 25
SBIR Phase II: Autoclave Equivalent Composites Via In-Situ Pressurization 25
AeroValve LLC 26
SBIR Phase II: Energy Saving Solenoid Valve 26
Altaeros Energies, Inc. 27
SBIR Phase II: Ultra-light, modular wind turbine 27
Anasys Instruments Corp. 28
SBIR Phase II: Nanoscale Ultrafast Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (nu-DMA) 28
Chromation Partners, LLC 29
SBIR Phase II: A Photonic Crystal Based Spectrometer for Manufacturing Process Control 29
Construction Robotics, LLC 30
SBIR Phase II: Semi-Automated Masonry (SAM) Robotic System 30
Cyclewood Solutions, Inc 31
SBIR Phase II: Trans-esterified Lignin Thermoplastic 31
Daylight Solutions, Inc. 32
SBIR Phase II: Laser-Based Replacement for FTIR Microscopy 32
Double Helix LLC 33
SBIR Phase II: Widefield Three-Dimensional Superresolution Microscopy Module 33
Ecovative Design LLC 34
SBIR Phase II: Using Mycelium as a Matrix For Binding Natural Fibers And Core Filler Materials in Sustainable
Composites 34
eLutions Integrated Systems, Inc. 35
SBIR Phase II: A Miniaturized Raman Optical System for Trending Glucose Levels 35
FemtoScale Inc. 36
SBIR Phase II: MEMS Resonant Nanobalance Dew Point Meters 36
Ferric Semiconductor, Inc. 37
SBIR Phase II: Integrated DC-DC Converters Using Thin-film Magnetic Power Inductors 37
Free Form Fibers L.L.C. 38
SBIR Phase II: The Digital Spinneret 38
Gradient Engineering 39
SBIR Phase II: Bamboo Fiber Processing for Use in Reinforced Composites 39
Heavystone Laboratory, LLC 40
SBIR Phase II: Functionally Graded Cemented Tungsten Carbide -- Process and Properties 40
Hitron Technologies Inc. 41
SBIR Phase II: Liquid Crystal-based Next Generation e-paper Devices by Micro-engineered Surfaces 41
INFINITESIMAL LLC 42
SBIR Phase II: Biomolecular Cell Injection With Nanofountain Probe Systems 42
Inprentus, Inc. 43
SBIR Phase II: A Novel Method to Manufacture Ultra-Precise Diffraction Gratings for X-Ray Analysis and
Imaging 43
Iris AO, Inc. 44
SBIR Phase II: MEMS Deformable Mirrors for Laser Applications 44

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Materials Innovation Technologies, LLC. 45
SBIR Phase II: Long Fiber Thermoplastic Composites from Recycled Carbon Fiber 45
Mezmeriz, Inc. 46
SBIR Phase II: Next Generation Displays Based on Novel Carbon Fiber MEMS Micromirrors 46
Micro Laser Assisted Machining Technologies, LLC 47
SBIR Phase II: Micro Laser Assisted Machining 47
Molecular Vista, Inc. 48
SBIR Phase II: Resonance Force Microscopy for Nanoscale Manufacturing Process Monitoring 48
NanoConversion Technologies, Inc. 49
SBIR Phase II: High Efficiency Thermoelectric Converter 49
Optofluidics, Inc. 50
SBIR Phase II: Single Molecule NanoTweezers 50
Premix, Inc. 51
SBIR Phase II: Composites Based on High Bio-content, Low Toxicity, Green Matrix Resins 51
REL, Inc. 52
SBIR Phase II: Development of a Selectively Reinforced Aluminum Composite Brake Rotor 52
Renerge, Inc. 53
SBIR Phase II: River Electrical Energy Devices 53
Watershed Materials LLC 54
SBIR Phase II: Using Geopolymerisation of Natural Aluminosilicate Minerals to Develop Sustainable Masonry
Materials 54
zeroK NanoTech Corporation 55
SBIR Phase II: Low Temperature Ion Source for High-Brightness Focused Ion Beams 55
Zzyzx Polymers LLC 56
SBIR Phase II: Efficient and Effective Recycling of Post-Consumer Plastics for High-Value Applications 56
BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES 57
Active Motif, Inc. 58
SBIR Phase II: High-Throughput Multi-Analyte Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Assay Development 58
Advanced Polymer Monitoring Technologies, Inc. 59
SBIR Phase II: High Throughput Static Light Scattering Platform for Monitoring of Aggregation and Stability of
Protein Solutions 59
Affinity Biosensors 60
SBIR Phase II: Rapid Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance by Mass Measurement 60
Alpha Universe LLC 61
SBIR Phase II: Inexpensive and Effecient System for Signal Amplification 61
Apama Medical, Inc. 62
SBIR Phase II: An innovative ablation device for treating atrial fibrillation 62
ASL Analytical, Inc. 63
SBIR Phase II: Continuous Near Infrared Monitor for Pichia Pastoris Bioreactors 63
ASL Analytical, Inc. 64
SBIR Phase II: In Situ Optical Probe for Real-time Monitoring of Protein Expression Bioreactors 64
BHO Technology, LLC 65
SBIR Phase II: Development of microalgae for commercial hydrogen biofuels 65
Bioo Scientific Corporation 66
SBIR Phase II: High-throughput Small RNA Sequencing 66
CytoMag, LLC 67
SBIR Phase II: Magnetic Capture Device for Rapid Isolation of Rare Cells 67

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Dynamo Micropower 68
SBIR Phase II: A Novel 10 kW Micro-turbine for Distributed Generation Applications 68
Enevolv, Inc. 69
SBIR Phase II: Ultra Rapid Genome Engineering in Industrial Yeast Strains 69
Filter Sensing Technologies, Inc. 70
SBIR Phase II: Portable, Low-Cost, and Robust Black Carbon Measurement Instrument using Radio Frequency
Sensing 70
Fyodor Biotechnologies, Inc 71
SBIR Phase II: Recombinant Multi-epitope Mosaic Protein Design for Urine-based Diagnosis of Leptospirosis 71
Ginkgo BioWorks 72
SBIR Phase II: Novel Proteolysis-based Tools for Metabolic Engineering 72
Green Revolution Cooling, Inc 73
SBIR Phase II: Fluid Submersion Cooling for Energy and Cost Efficient Data Centers 73
Innervo Technology LLC 74
SBIR Phase II: Palatal Device Providing In-situ Sensory Feedback for Patients with Vestibular Imbalance 74
Lumicell Diagnostics, Inc 75
SBIR Phase II: Intraoperative Detection and Ablation of Microscopic Residual Cancer in the Tumor Bed 75
Lumiphore, Inc. 76
SBIR Phase II: Novel macrocyclic chelating groups for use in targeted radioisotope diagnostic and companion
diagnostic/therapeutic applications 76
Miromatrix Medical Inc. 77
SBIR Phase II: A Perfusable, Revascularized, Cardiac-Derived Patch for the Treatment of Heart Disease 77
Montana BioAgriculture Inc. 78
SBIR Phase II: Combining Fungal Metabolites and Fungal Insect Pathogens for Cost Effective Control of Bark
Beetles in Forestry 78
Ocular Dynamics 79
SBIR Phase II: Bio-inspired Multilayer Contact Lens to Treat Contact Lens-Induced Dry Eye Disease 79
OptiEnz Sensors 80
SBIR Phase II: Real-Time Biosensor for Measuring Hazardous Chemical Contaminants in Ground Water 80
Physcient, Inc. 81
SBIR Phase II: Detection and Prevention of Tissue Trauma During Surgical Retraction 81
REAL-TIME ANALYZERS, INCORPORATED 82
SBIR Phase II: A Rapid Foodborne Pathogen Analyzer 82
Solinas Medical, Inc. 83
SBIR Phase II: Application of a Durable Self-sealing Material for Hemodialysis Blood Access 83
TeselaGen Inc 84
SBIR Phase II: An Intelligent Rapid Prototyping System for Synthetic Biology 84
Third Eye Diagnostics, Inc. 85
SBIR Phase II: Non-Invasive Intracranial Pressure Monitor 85
vascuVis Inc. 86
SBIR Phase II: Computer Aided Prognosis of Debilitating Disease 86
Wasatch Photonics, Inc. 87
SBIR Phase II: High-speed Low-cost Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography System for Intravascular
Imaging Applications 87

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CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES 88
Absorbent Materials Company LLC 89
SBIR Phase II: Development of Activated Swelling Organosilica-Metal Composites Filter Media in Bioretention
Systems for Enhanced Remediation of Stormwater Runoff 89
Akervall Technologies Inc 90
SBIR Phase II: High-performance Polymer Composites for Mouth Guards 90
ATRP Solutions, Inc. 91
SBIR Phase II: Amphiphilic Copolymers as Thickening Agents for Personal Care Products 91
Bettergy Corp. 92
SBIR Phase II: ION Gate Membrane For High Performance Redox Flow Batteries 92
Bettergy Corp. 93
SBIR Phase II: Novel Zeolite Membranes for Olefin/Paraffin Separation 93
Cambrian Innovation Inc 94
SBIR Phase II: Energy Efficient COD Removal and De-nitrification for Re-circulating Aquaculture Facilities with a
Combined Bio-electrochemical Process 94
Cell-Free Bioinnovations Inc. 95
SBIR Phase II: High-Power and High-Energy-Density Enzymatic Fuel Cell through an In Vitro Synthetic Enzymatic
Pathway 95
ELECTROCHEMICAL MATERIALS, LLC 96
SBIR Phase II: Engineered Solid Electrolyte Interphase Films for Silicon-Based Lithium Insertion Anodes 96
Filter Sensing Technologies, Inc. 97
SBIR Phase II: Vibration-Based Cleaning for Ash Removal from Diesel Particulate Filters 97
FiveFocal LLC 98
SBIR Phase II: Real-time Camera Analysis and Process Tracking (ReCAPT) 98
Flodesign Sonics Inc. 99
SBIR Phase II: A novel economic, efficient, environmentally benign, and sustainable multi-component separation
technology based on acoustophoresis 99
Ground Fluor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 100
SBIR Phase II: PET Radiotracer Synthesis 100
Innovative Energy Solution 101
SBIR Phase II: Clean, Inexpensive, and Carbon-free Energy from a Toxic Waste 101
IntraMicron Inc 102
SBIR Phase II: Synergistic Combinations of New Materials & Systems for Scalable Desulfurization of Distributed
Biogas Resources 102
Itaconix Corporation 103
SBIR Phase II: Bio-Based Latex by Emulsion Polymerization of Alkyl Itaconates 103
Lignolink 104
SBIR Phase II: Advanced Development of Novel Maize and Sorghum Bioenergy Plants Using Lignolink Technology 104
Mango Materials 105
SBIR Phase II: A Novel Biodegradable Biopolymer from Waste Methane Gas 105
Modular Genetics, Inc. 106
SBIR Phase II: Production of an Acyl Glycinate Surfactant by Fermentation 106
Nanofiber Separations, LLC 107
SBIR Phase II: Efficient and Scalable Production of Functionalized Electrospun Nanofiber Felts of Regenerated
Cellulose with Superior Capacity and Throughput for Bioseparations 107
NEXTECH MATERIALS LTD 108
SBIR Phase II: Superior Spinel-perovskite Composite Catalysts for Combustion of Volatile Organic Compounds 108

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OMAX Corporation 109
SBIR Phase II: Development of Subminiature Abrasive-Waterjet Nozzles toward Micromachining 109
PH Matter, LLC 110
SBIR Phase II: Novel Catalysts for Air Cathodes 110
PolyInsight, LLC 111
SBIR Phase II: Scaling up the Synthesis of Novel Poly(ethylene glycol) Based Dendrimers for Targeted Drug
Delivery Applications 111
Polymer Exploration Group, LLC 112
SBIR Phase II: Ice-release Coatings 112
Prasidiux LLC 113
SBIR Phase II: Development of Polymer Gel-Based Indicators to Monitor the Exposure of Shipments of
Pharmaceuticals to Harmful Temperatures 113
Proton Energy Systems, Inc. 114
SBIR Phase II: High Efficiency Electrochemical Compressor Cell to Enable Cost Effective Small-Scale Hydrogen
Fuel Production and Recycling 114
Rheonix, Inc 115
SBIR Phase II: A Fully Integrated Molecular Biosensor for Rapid Monitoring of Recreational Water 115
Serionix Inc. 116
SBIR Phase II: Ion-Exchange Fiber Composites for Rapid and Selective Removal of Perchlorate from Water 116
Sustainable Bioproducts LLC 117
SBIR Phase II: Direct Conversion of Lignocellulosic Feedstocks to Lipids and High-Value Products using a
Proprietary Microbial Process 117
Sustainable Innovations, LLC 118
SBIR Phase II: Efficient Separation of Hydrogen From Reformate 118
Symbios Technologies LLC 119
SBIR Phase II: Advancing a Novel Low-voltage Electric Arc Method to Oxidize Organic Material in Contaminated
Water 119
TeraPore Technologies, Inc. 120
SBIR Phase II: Asymmetric Block Copolymer Membranes for Ultrafiltration 120
TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. 121
SBIR Phase II: Commercialization of Innovative Low Refractive Index, High Temperature Perfluorocyclobutyl
Polymers 121
Thixomat,Inc 122
STTR Phase II: New Process for High Strength/Weight Net-Shape Auto and Aero components from Mg Sheet 122
US Nano LLC 123
SBIR Phase II: Innovations in Nanowire Manufacturing: Large Scale Synthesis of Inorganic Semiconducting
Nanowires and Application to Printed Photosensors 123
Vaporsens Inc. 124
SBIR Phase II: Highly Sensitive Nanofiber Sensors for Trace Detection of Explosives 124
EDUCATION APPLICATIONS 125
Academic Success For All Learners 126
SBIR Phase II: Adaptive Mobile Applications for Beginning Early Reading Instruction, Progress Monitoring, and
Assessment 126
AgiVox, Inc. 127
SBIR Phase II: A Cloud-Based Service for Audio Access to News and Blogs 127

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ApprenNet LLC 128
SBIR Phase II: Crowd Sourcing Apprenticeship Learning: LawMeets - A Web Platform for Teaching Entrepreneurial
Lawyering 128
ArchieMD, Inc 129
STTR Phase II: Microgames for Improving Pediatric Compliance 129
Arqball LLC 130
SBIR Phase II: Interactive 3-D Technical Illustrations for Science and Engineering 130
Blank Slate Systems 131
SBIR Phase II: Sketch-based interaction for designing for laser cutters 131
Cohort FS, LLC 132
SBIR Phase II: CohortFS: A Replicated, Parallel Storage System for Cloud Computing 132
CueThink 133
SBIR Phase II: Development of a Media-Rich, Game-Based Social Learning Platform for Improving Math Process
Skills 133
Eduworks Corporation 134
SBIR Phase II: Applying Semantic Paradata to Outcomes-aligned Assessment 134
Enclavix, LLC 135
SBIR Phase II: Project to Create an Automated System to Identify and Curate Web-based Resources for
Entrepreneurs 135
EPIC Engineering & Consulting Group, LLC 136
SBIR Phase II: Implementing an Infrastructure Intelligence System for Water and Wastewater Utilities Using the
Software as a Service (SaaS) Delivery Model 136
FTL Labs Corporation 137
SBIR Phase II: Interactive Multi-Touch Collaborative Table for Classrooms 137
Health Fidelity, Inc. 138
SBIR Phase II: Applying Language Understanding at the Point of Care to Enhance Clinical Documentation and
Realize Quality Improvements 138
Independence Science, LLC 139
SBIR Phase II: Promoting STEM Education for Students Who are Blind or Print Disabled through the Development
of the First Talking Pocket Size Scientific Data Collection Device 139
IS3D LLC 140
SBIR Phase II: Skills- and Assessments-Based Learning Environments 140
LaunchPad Central Inc. 141
SBIR Phase II: Cloud-based platform to support experiential entrepreneurship education online at scale 141
MammaCare Corporation 142
SBIR Phase II: Novel Tactile Online Nursing Trainer for Clinical Breast Exams 142
Modular Robotics Incorporated 143
SBIR Phase II: Learning Design Synthesis with a Mechatronics Kit 143
NOA, Inc. 144
SBIR Phase II: TerraFly-based System for Querying and Control of Mobile Devices 144
Numedeon, Inc. 145
SBIR Phase II: Building K-5 mathematical fluency through curriculum-based puzzle games within a collaborative
virtual world 145
PublicRelay, Inc. 146
SBIR Phase II: Building a Flexible, Technology Adaptive Architecture to Support Processing of Content by
Knowledge Workers 146
Scientific Imaging and Visualization, LLC 147
SBIR Phase II: Autonomous 3D Scanner for Building Interiors and Exteriors 147

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Second Avenue Software, Inc. 148
SBIR Phase II: Martha Madison’s Marvelous Machines 148
Sensys Networks, Inc. 149
SBIR Phase II: Safety and Mobility System 149
starMobile, Inc. 150
SBIR Phase II: Enabling Rapid Mobilization of Enterprise Applications 150
Summit Performance Group 151
SBIR Phase II: Cloud-based Simulated Patients for Rapid Competency Development in Medical Education 151
The Spirituality Network, Inc. 152
SBIR Phase II: Emotionally Immersive Tele-Learning 152
Townsend Communications, Inc 153
SBIR Phase II: A Knowledge-Based System to Improve Student Advisement in Two Year Colleges 153
Triad Interactive Media 154
SBIR Phase II: An Online Professional Development Science Game for Pre-Service and In- Service Teachers 154
Workplace Technologies Research Inc. 155
SBIR Phase II: Accelerating Project Management Skills Development through “Experience”; Realistic Rehearsal for
Project Teams in 3-Dimensional Immersive Virtual Environments. 155
Zyante Inc 156
SBIR Phase II: Developing a web-based authoring framework for animated interactive university STEM web content
via curated crowdsourcing 156
ELECTRONIC HARDWARE, ROBOTICS AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 157
Active Spectrum Inc. 158
SBIR Phase II: Airborne Soot Sensor for Improving Fuel Efficiency and Reducing Pollutants 158
Adicep Technologies, Inc. 159
SBIR Phase II: Compliant Nonlinear Quasi-Passive Orthotic Joint 159
Artaic LLC 160
SBIR Phase II: High-Throughput Agile Robotic Manufacturing System for Tile Mosaics 160
Biorasis Inc. 161
SBIR Phase II: Self Calibrating, Wireless, Needle Implantable Sensor for Continuous Glucose Monitoring 161
Dioxide Materials Inc 162
SBIR Phase II: Sensors for Smart HVAC controls 162
Dynamic Spectrum Limited Liability Company 163
STTR Phase II: SpiderRadio: Enabling Cognitive Dynamic Spectrum Access Wireless Communications 163
Empire Robotics, Inc. 164
SBIR Phase II: An Innovative Robotic Jamming Gripper 164
FemtoScale Inc. 165
SBIR Phase II: Development of Particulate Mass and Count Monitoring Instruments Using Micro-Electro-Mechanical
Resonant Balances 165
GridBridge, Inc 166
SBIR Phase II: A Highly Efficient GridBridge Grid Energy Router for Grid Modernization 166
Imprint Energy, Inc. 167
SBIR Phase II: Integration of Custom, Printable Batteries in Robotic Technologies 167
InView technology Corporation 168
SBIR Phase II: Low cost shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectral imaging microscope camera based on Compressive
Sensing 168
KWJ Engineering Incorporated 169
SBIR Phase II: Screen-Printed Gas Sensor Using Nanoparticulate Catalyst 169

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Laserlith Corporation 170
STTR Phase II: Micromachined components for wireless applications 170
Leonardo Innovations Inc. 171
SBIR Phase II: Serendipitous Search System Using Lateral Analogy to Match Potential Solutions to Unmet Needs:
Feasibility Study Based on Screening Approved Drugs for Repurposing 171
netBlazr Incorporated 172
SBIR Phase II: Low Cost Transparent Wireless Mesh Network Node 172
NextInput, Inc. 173
SBIR Phase II: Microelectromechanical Sensor for Touch Surfaces 173
ORB Analytics 174
STTR Phase II: Reconfigurable Wireless Platforms for Spectrally Agile Coexistence 174
PaneraTech Inc. 175
SBIR Phase II: Structural Imaging of High Temperature Furnace Walls 175
Physical Devices LLC 176
STTR Phase II: Universal Wireless Channel Selection Filter for Enhanced Access to RF Spectrum 176
Polymer Braille Inc. 177
SBIR Phase II: Full-Page Electronic Braille Display 177
Power Fingerprinting, Inc. 178
STTR Phase II: Security Monitoring and Intrusion Detection in SDR and CR Using Power Fingerprinting 178
Promethean Power Systems 179
SBIR Phase II: Improved Cold Thermal Energy Storage for Refrigeration Applications 179
Ratrix Technologies, LLC 180
SBIR Phase II: Low-complexity, High-throughput Wireless Networking 180
Reach Bionics 181
SBIR Phase II: Assistive Control System Harnessing Vestigial Neuromuscular Biosignals 181
S2 Corporation 182
SBIR Phase II: Photonics Enabled Extreme Bandwidth Wireless Communications Receiver 182
Spensa Technologies Inc. 183
SBIR Phase II: A Multimodal Sensor Platform for Automated Detection and Classification of Pest Insects 183
Sunstream Scientific Incorporated 184
SBIR Phase II: A Pneumatically Actuated Robot System 184
SupraSensor Technologies, LLC 185
SBIR Phase II: Development and Commercialization of Nitrate-Selective Sensors for Precision Agriculture 185
Tangible Haptics, LLC 186
SBIR Phase II: Electrostatic Normal Force Modulation for Haptic Touch Screens 186
Thalchemy Corp 187
SBIR Phase II: Low power hardware-software subsystem for intelligent sensory stream analysis 187
Triune Systems 188
SBIR Phase II: Micro-Solar Powered Battery Charger Circuit 188
United Science LLC 189
SBIR Phase II: In situ PFC Monitoring Sensors 189
VECARIUS 190
SBIR Phase II: High Efficiency, Compact Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) 190
VERISTRIDE, Inc. 191
SBIR Phase II: Real-Time Rehab to Improve Gait Symmetry in Amputees 191
Zipalog, Inc. 192
SBIR Phase II: Analog/Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Verification Coverage 192

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INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES 193
Affectiva, Inc. 194
SBIR Phase II: Cloud-Enabled Analysis Of Facial Affect 194
BCL Technologies 195
SBIR Phase II: Automatic Extraction of Financial Data from Text 195
dMetrics Inc. 196
SBIR Phase II: Quantifying Consumer Rationale Expressed in Free Text Online Discussions 196
Gigashield Incorporated 197
SBIR Phase II: GigaShield USB Security 197
InferLink Corporation 198
SBIR Phase II:Statistical Inference for Advanced Entity Resolution 198
Learning Sites, Inc. 199
SBIR Phase II: Extracting Valuable Information Automatically from Objects with Surface Impressions via
Photographs and Interactive Digital Surrogates 199
Lynx Laboratories Inc. 200
SBIR Phase II: Real-time, Low Cost Point-and-Shoot 3D Camera 200
Mental Canvas, LLC 201
SBIR Phase II: Reimagining Sketch in the Digital Age 201
Observable Networks, Inc 202
SBIR Phase II: Securing Industrial Control Networks with Network Forecasting 202
OmniSpeech 203
SBIR Phase II: Single-Channel Stationary/Non-Stationary Speech Extraction for Mobile Phones 203
Power Fingerprinting, Inc. 204
SBIR Phase II: Cyber Security Monitoring for Critical Embedded and Wireless Systems Using Power Fingerprinting 204
Private Machines Inc. 205
SBIR Phase II: SecureVault Cloud Platform 205
Safaba Translation Solutions, LLC 206
SBIR Phase II: Software-as-a-Service Customized Machine Translation for Commercial Language Service
Providers and Their Clients 206
SecondWrite 207
SBIR Phase II: Analysis and Rewriting of Binary Code for Performance and Security 207
Sentient Corporation 208
SBIR Phase II: Analytical Modeling and Performance Prediction of Remanufactured Gearbox Components 208
Transmed Systems Inc 209
SBIR Phase II: Efficient Comparative Effective Research Tools In Real Time Environment 209
TRX SYSTEMS INC 210
SBIR Phase II: Collaborative Indoor Mapping Technologies 210
Veriflow Systems 211
SBIR Phase II: Reliable and Efficient Data-Plane Verification 211
VisiSonics Corporation 212
SBIR Phase II: Three Dimensional Headphone Audio for Music, Gaming, Entertainment and Telepresence 212
Whova 213
SBIR Phase II: Automated People Information Discovery and Mining 213
ZillionInfo 214
SBIR Phase II: Computing-Assisted Zoning Optimization and Service 214

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SEMICONDUCTORS AND PHOTONIC DEVICES AND MATERIALS 215
ARGIL, INC. 216
SBIR Phase II: Low-cost smart window film 216
Bridger Photonics, INC 217
SBIR Phase II: Fast and Accurate Laser Distance Metrology 217
ePack, Inc. 218
SBIR Phase II: A High Performance Environment Resistant Inertial Measurement Unit for Commercial Navigation
Applications 218
General Engineering & Research, L.L.C. 219
SBIR Phase II: Chemically Impregnated Nanoparticles for Use in Copper Chemical Mechanical Planarization Slurry 219
Greentech Solutions, Inc. 220
SBIR Phase II: High Speed Laser Crystallization of Aluminum Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for High Performance
Transparent Conductors 220
Innova Dynamics, Inc. 221
SBIR Phase II: Efficient Manufacturing of Nanostructured Flexible Transparent Conducting Electrodes 221
Inpria Corporation 222
SBIR Phase II: Aqueous Precursors for High Performance Metal Oxide Thin Films 222
Inston Inc 223
SBIR Phase II: Electric-Field-Controlled Nonvolatile Magnetic Memory 223
Invenio 224
SBIR Phase II: Dual-Wavelength Picosecond Fiber Laser Source for Label-Free Microscopy 224
Ler Technologies 225
SBIR Phase II: Defect Mapping Instrument for Optimizing Wafer Manufacturing Process 225
Lion Semiconductor 226
SBIR Phase II: Integrated Voltage Regulators for Small Footprint, Efficient Power Delivery in Mobile Electronics 226
LongWave Photonics LLC 227
SBIR Phase II: Tunable Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers for Spectroscopy 227
Lumiode, Inc. 228
SBIR Phase II: Monolithic Integration of LED Arrays and Silicon TFTs for Super High Brightness Microdisplays 228
NanoPhotonica 229
SBIR Phase II: Ultra High Efficiency Printable Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Display 229
Next Energy Technologies 230
SBIR Phase II: Improved Solution Processible Small Organic Molecule Architectures for Lightweight-Flexible
Photovoltaics. 230
OEPIC SEMICONDUCTORS, INC 231
SBIR Phase II:Next Generation Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers 231
PLANT PV 232
SBIR Phase II: Low-Cost, Nickel-Based Metallization Pastes for Solar Cell Applications 232
Reveal Design Automation, Inc. 233
SBIR Phase II: Automatic Scalable Architectural Validation for Microprocessors 233
SmarterShade, Inc 234
SBIR Phase II: Thin Film Patterned Optical Retarders for Low Energy Smart Glass Applications 234
Soliculture 235
SBIR Phase II: A Sustainable Wavelength Selective Energy Producing Greenhouse 235
The Laser Sensing Company 236
SBIR Phase II: Towards Precision Ultra-Portable 13C/12C CO2 Atmospheric Isotopic Ratio Monitors Using
Quantum Cascade Laser Spectroscopy 236

XVNATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc 237
SBIR Phase II: Transparent Molecular Photovoltaic Devices 237
SMART HEALTH AND BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES 238
4-Web Spine Inc. 239
SBIR Phase II: Development of an Innovative Total Knee Replacement Device Leveraging Truss Implant Technology 239
Actuated Medical, Inc. 240
SBIR Phase II: Grip-Act-Reposition Miniaturized Stable Working Platform for Minimally Invasive Procedures Inside
Active Organs 240
Avitus Orthopaedics, Inc. 241
SBIR Phase II: Development of a Minimally Invasive Device for Harvesting Autologous Bone Graft 241
Biodesy, Inc. 242
SBIR Phase II: Development of an SHG Instrument, Artemis QuantTM, for measuring conformational change in
real time 242
BioSentinel, Inc. 243
SBIR Phase II: De Novo Assays for Detection of the Proteolytic Activity in Botulinum Neurotoxin-Based
Pharmaceuticals 243
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. 244
SBIR Phase II: A new drug discovery method to transform peptides to small molecules: proof of principle with
p53-hdm2 244
CREmedical Corporation 245
SBIR Phase II: Innovative Electroencephalography to Advance the Research and Diagnosis of Brain Disorders 245
CytoVale, Inc 246
SBIR Phase II: A Cell Analysis Platform for Low-cost, Rapid Diagnosis of Sepsis Using Microfluidic Technologies 246
Deurion LLC 247
SBIR Phase II: A Surface Acoustic Wave Based Ion Source 247
Entanglement Technologies, Inc. 248
SBIR Phase II: A Real Time, High Sensitivity Atmospheric BTEX and 1,3-butadiene Vapor Monitor 248
Extend Biosciences Inc. 249
SBIR Phase II: A platform technology that significantly improves drug delivery 249
FlexDex, Inc 250
SBIR Phase II: Enhanced Dexterity Minimally Invasive Surgical Platform 250
Fluid Synchrony, LLC 251
SBIR Phase II: Wirelessly Operated Implantable Micropump for On-demand Drug Administration in Laboratory
Animals 251
GlucoSentient, Inc. 252
SBIR Phase II: A Novel Device for Convenient Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Tacrolimus 252
Hospi Corporation 253
SBIR Phase II: Optimized Medication Administration Device for Palliative Care 253
Jade Therapeutics 254
SBIR Phase II: Biodegradable Polymer Film for Sustained Delivery of Antibiotics to the Surface of the Eye 254
Kaliber Imaging, Incorporated 255
SBIR Phase II: Mobility Monitor: An autonomous intelligent system developed to quantitatively determine mobility. 255
Koli 256
SBIR Phase II: A Medical Device to Treat Gallstone Disease 256
Montana Molecular LLC 257
SBIR Phase II: New Fluorescent Biosensors for Drug Discovery in Living Cells 257

XVINATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Nano3D Biosciences, Inc. 258
SBIR Phase II: In Vitro 3D Tissue Model for Toxicity Screening and Drug Discovery 258
NanoValent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 259
SBIR Phase II: Targeted Nanoparticle Delivery Agent for Treatment of Adult Leukemia 259
OneBreath, Inc. 260
SBIR Phase II: A novel and cost effective mechanical ventilator for pandemic preparedness and emergency
stockpiling 260
Ontash & Ermac Inc 261
SBIR Phase II: Development of an Affordable and Versatile Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP) Borehole Tool 261
PharmaSeq, Inc. 262
SBIR Phase II: A microscopic electronic chip with sensors that can be implanted into living cells to monitor events in
real time 262
Phase One Medical, LLC 263
SBIR Phase II: Development of a Distal Locking Hemodialysis Catheter System 263
Phi Optics Inc. 264
SBIR Phase II: Quantitative Phase Imaging for Life Sciences 264
Picosense 265
SBIR Phase II: Contactless and portable heart-rate device based on magnetic sensing technology 265
ProLynx LLC 266
SBIR Phase II: Controlled Drug Release from and Degradation of Hydrogels 266
Puracath Medical Inc. 267
SBIR Phase II: Novel Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter to Reduce Infections 267
Remedium Technologies, Inc. 268
SBIR Phase II: Sprayable Reversible Hemostat for Treatment of Non-Compressible Hemorrhage 268
Rivanna Medical 269
SBIR Phase II: Safe, Portable, Non-ionizing Bone Imaging with an Ultrasound-based X-ray Replacement Device 269
Stemina Biomarker Discovery, Inc. 270
SBIR Phase II: Metabolomics of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Predict Teratogenicity: An Alternative
Developmental Toxicity Model 270
TeVido BioDevices LLC 271
SBIR Phase II: Bioprinted fat grafts for improved nipple reconstruction after breast cancer 271
Tymora Analytical Operations, LLC 272
SBIR Phase II: Development of Novel Dendrimer-based Technologies for Phosphorylation Analyses 272
Weinberg Medical Physics LLC 273
SBIR Phase II: Cost-Effective Compact Dental MRI Scanner 273
Z Lens LLC 274
SBIR Phase II: Development of a Lens Replacement Device that Provides Enhanced Visual Acuity. 274
ZSX Medical 275
SBIR Phase II: Novel Surgical Closure Device for Minimally Invasive Procedures 275
ACCELERATING INNOVATION RESEARCH (AIR) TECHNOLOGY TRANSLATION PROGRAM 276
Arizona State University 277
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation - Buckled Stiff Thin Films on Soft Substrates for High-Resolution Strain
Sensing 277
Arizona State University 278
Air Option 1: Technology Translation - Compiler Technology for Modern Manycore Architectures 278

XVIINATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Case Western Reserve University 279
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Low-cost, Metal-free, Carbon-based Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for
Highly-efficient Fuel Cells 279
Colorado State University 280
PFI:AIR - TT: Technology Translation of Discoveries in Computational Modeling to Advance Thin Film Manufacturing 280
CUNY City College 281
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Automated Targeted Destination Recognition for the Blind with Motion
Deblurring 281
Duke University 282
PFI:AIR - TT: Graphenated-Carbon Nanotube (G-CNT) Composites for a Miniature, Optical Fiber-Integrated
Spectroscopy Light Source 282
Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc. 283
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Glycan based point-of-care diagnostics 283
Georgia Tech Research Corporation 284
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Large-scale manufacturing of polymer nanotube array thermal interface
materials for efficient heat removal from high-temperature electronics 284
PFI:AIR - TT: An Accessible Robotic Platform for Children with Disabilities 285
Air Option 1: Technology Translation - Network Deduplication for Smartphones and Tablets 286
Illinois Institute of Technology 288
PFI:AIR-TT: WC/Co Materials with High Hardness and Toughness Simultaneously Enabled by the WC Platelet
Microstructure 288
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 289
PFI:AIR - TT: A Platform for Multi-Material Fabrication 289
Michigan State University 290
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Gliding Robotic Fish for Long-duration Sensing in Aquatic Environments 290
Michigan Technological University 291
PFI:AIR - TT: Blood Typing Device without Reagents: Sensing Electrodes to Replace Optics 291
Northeastern University 292
Air Option 1: Technology Translation - The Gear Bearing Drive: A Novel Compact Actuator for Robotic Joints 292
Northwestern University 294
PFI:AIR - TT: Hybrid Tri-pyramid Robot: A Novel Type of Double-Sided Incremental Forming Machine 294
Oregon State University 295
PFI:AIR - TT: Technology Translation: Air coupled transducer for acoustically assisted magnetic recording 295
Oregon State University 296
PFI:AIR - TT: Platform for Therapeutic Removal of Blood Constituents 296
Pennsylvania State Univ University Park 297
PFI:AIR - TT: One-Step Process for High Efficiency Textured Solar Cells 297
Princeton University 298
PFI:AIR - TT: Photo-type II-VI quantum well-based unipolar mid-infrared photodetectors 298
Tennessee Technological University 299
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation - Computationally Designed Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures for Concrete 299
Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station 300
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Enabling High Efficiency & Clean Combustion through the Integration of
Low Heat Rejection Concepts with Advanced Low Temperature Comb Engines 300
University of Arizona 301
PFI AIR-TT: Improving Data Base Management System Performance Through Micro-Specialization 301

XVIIINATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
University of California-Davis 303
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation - Plant Based Manufacturing of Orphan Drug Human Biobetter
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin 303
University of California-Los Angeles 304
PFI:AIR - TT: Integrated Substrate for High-Efficiency Low-Cost Organic Light-Emitting Diodes 304
University of Central Florida 305
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation - Superadiabatic Combustion in Porous Media for Efficient Heat Production 305
University of Colorado at Boulder 306
PFI:AIR - TT: Scalable NIL-membranes 306
University of Colorado at Boulder 307
PFI:AIR - TT: Technology for Sustainable Growth of Wireless Communication Capacity 307
University of Connecticut 308
PFI:AIR-TT: Prototyping bioabsorbable composites for bone-fixation applications involving low to medium loads 308
University of Houston 309
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Control of Ion Energy Distributions in Plasma Processing 309
University of Michigan Ann Arbor 310
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Prototyping a smart multi-dimensional micro-gas chromatography
instrument with unprecedented peak capacity 310
University of Michigan Ann Arbor 311
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Development and Evaluation of Field Prototype for Determining Excavator
Proximity to Buried Utilities 311
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 312
PFI:AIR - TT: Variable Displacement Linkage Pump Functional Demonstration 312
University of South Carolina at Columbia 313
Air Option 1: Technology Translation - Functionalized III-V Nitride based Microelectromechanical Sensors for
Neutron Detection 313
University of South Dakota Main Campus 314
PFI:AIR - TT: Complete Print-Read-Decode Prototype for RGB Upconverting Inks 314
University of Southern California 315
AIR Option 1: Technology Transition - Commercialization of Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Parts Using
Selective Inhibition from Sintering 315
PFI:AIR - TT: A Novel Reactive Separation Process for the Clean-up of Landfill Gas and Other Gaseous
Renewable Fuels 316
NSF PFI: AIR-TT: Real-time Power Measurement Software Technology for Microprocessor 317
PFI:AIR - TT: Games Programming Assessments for Personalized Mathematics Instruction 318
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation - Wireless control of distributed and implanted micro infusion pumps 319
University of Texas at Arlington 320
PFI:AIR - TT: A Fieldable Speciation-Capable Green Analyzer For Arsenic 320
University of Texas at Arlington 321
PFI:AIR - TT: Establishing Manufacturing and Large-Scale Casting Process and Structural Design Criteria for
Ultra-High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHP-FRC) 321
University of Texas at Dallas 322
AIR Option 1: Tech Translation - Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Coating Tech for Integrated Electrode-
Membrane-Inner Wall Case Coating for Long Life Commercial Li-Sulfur Battery 322

XIXNATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
University of Toledo 324
PFI:AIR - TT: Situational Awareness during Fire and Emergency (SAFE) 324
University of Virginia Main Campus 325
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation - Transition of Replicated Laser Micro-textured Surface Technology Through
Scalable Process and Reliability Testing 325
William Marsh Rice University 326
AIR Option 1: Technology Translation: Microbial fatty acid production from renewable biomass sugars 326
Worcester Polytechnic Institute 327
Air Option 1: AIR Technology Translation - Lithium Ion Battery Recycling: From Laboratory Research to Industrial
Commercialization 327

ADVANCED
MANUFACTURING &
NANOTECHNOLOGY

2NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Advanced Energy
Materials, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Advanced Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation
Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in removing sulfur compounds from various
fuels such as diesel, gasoline and mixture of refined fuels known as transmix.
It is critically important to reduce sulfur levels below 10 ppm as the emissions
from transportation vehicles can cause acid rain and associated undesired
effects. Sulfur removal from fuels is even more critical for implementation of
fuel cell technologies due to fuel reformer catalyst poisoning at sulfur levels
as low as 1 ppm or below. Finally, there is a need for sulfur-tolerant cata-
lysts and sulfur removal processes in value added chemical production using
bio-derived and fossil derived fuels. The global market for hydro-desulfur-
ization catalysts in the transportation fuel segment is estimated at over $1B
and growing fast. The company’s proposed catalyst could address a market
size of $150-200M/yr or more. It may find additional applications in com-
mercial markets in ultra-low sulfur diesel, fuel reformer technology and sulfur
tolerant catalysts. The development of a scalable manufacturing method for
advanced materials undertaken in this project will contribute to U.S. com-
petitiveness and strengthen Cleantech and energy sectors in the state of KY.
This project addresses the development of high performance catalysts need-
ed for the removal of sulfur from hydrocarbon fuels. However, sulfur re-
moval at concentrations below 50 ppm is difficult due to the presence of
hetero-cyclic thiophenic species. During Phase I, the company developed a
catalyst product and demonstrated its performance in terms of ultra-deep
hydrodesulfurization activity, reducing sulfur levels from 200 ppm to much
lower than 1 ppm in a variety of fuels. Phase II studies will allow optimization
of the catalysts for hydrodesulfurization activity and mechanical properties.
Catalysts with bi-functional activity toward aromatics hydrogenation and hy-
drodesulfurization will reduce several process steps, thereby reducing the
costs involved in hydroprocessing of fuels. Phase II studies will enable devel-
opment of a process for scalable production of nanowires. The fundamental
insight from the performance can be extended toward designing various
high performance catalysts using nanowire supports. Some beneficial effects
using nanowire supports include unique active metal/support interactions;
single crystal surfaces for uniform morphologies for active metals and their
alloys and management of active sites. Specifically, in the case of hydrode-
sulfurization, nanowire supports provided an easier diffusion pathway for
sulfur transfer to maintain active metal sites for desulfurization activity.
Phase II Award No.: 1430633
Award Amount: $743,052.00
Start Date: 10/01/2014
End Date: 09/30/2016
PI: Juan He
201 E. Jefferson St, Suite 302
Louisville, KY 40202-1249
Phone: (502) 296-4469
Email: hejn.uc@gmail.com
Program Director: Rajesh Mehta
Sector: Advanced Manufacturing
and Nanotechnology

ARL Designs SBIR Phase II: Scratch and Abrasion Resistant Superhydrophobic
Polymer Coatings
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will leverage
the advances we made in fabricating flexible polymer surfaces that shed
water at low tilt angles while remaining superhydrophobic after abrasion. In
Phase I we developed a model which correlated surface morphology with
mechanical robustness. In Phase II we will apply this model to the develop-
ment of a processes compatible with high speed, large-scale fabrication
techniques. The roofing industry seeks material that is self-cleaning, anti-foul-
ing and is highly resistant to weather events over time. A durable, superhy-
drophobic polymeric roof membrane will meet this market need. Commercial
success depends on (1) qualifying production speeds up to 100 feet/min,
(2) proving compliance to current product requirements and (3) showing val-
ue-add. Phase II studies will elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to the
stability of the surfaces when exposed to UV light, allowing us to improve
weatherability. Having demonstrated the self-cleaning properties of our
polymer surfaces in Phase I, we will focus on anti-fouling properties in Phase
II (i.e. low bacterial adhesion and reduced algae growth.)
The broader impact of this SBIR Phase II project will be twofold. Foremost, a
direct impact will be revenue and job growth in the US manufacturing sector.
Secondarily, the technology will support federal policy goals on energy and
the environment. Approximately $40 billion is spent annually in the US to air
condition buildings. DOE funded studies show that in warm climates, substi-
tuting a cool roof for a conventional roof can reduce carbon emissions which
drive climate change. Cool roofs also relieve strain on the electrical grid by
reducing peak power demand. Widespread use of cool roofs can improve
air quality, hence human health, by slowing the formation of smog. Super-
hydrophobic polymer membranes fabricated using technology developed
in this proposal will help keep roofs clean and better able to reflect heat.
Furthermore, coating of outdoor infrastructure equipment, such as wind tur-
bine blades and offshore energy exploration platforms, will enable the safe
operation of such facilities during icing conditions due to the ability of the
superhydrophobic surface to prevent ice accretion. Field tests are underway.
Food handling equipment will benefit from reduced adhesion of bacteria to
surfaces, thus improving food safety.
End Date: 08/31/2015
PI: Elizabeth Kujan
28 Morehouse Place
New Providence, NJ 07974-2426
Phone: (908) 468-8124
Email: beth@arldesignsllc.com
and Nanotechnology

Coulometrics SBIR Phase II: The Development of Higher Voltage, Longer Life and
Lower Cost Activated Carbon Materials for Supercapacitors
Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in significantly increasing the ways super-
capacitors and lithium ion batteries are used today. Supercapacitors offer
very high power capabilities and high energy efficiency and have been
used in many renewable energy applications such as hybrid buses and wind
turbines. Currently, their use is limited due to high cost and low energy den-
sity relative to Li-ion batteries. Coulometrics has developed a proprietary
process that can modify low cost activated carbon materials into superca-
pacitor grade carbons with 25% higher energy density and twice the cur-
rent lifespan of existing materials. These critical developments will lower
the overall system cost and improve cell life allowing for more widespread
use of supercapacitors in renewable energy applications. Coulometrics has
also shown that a very similar process can be used to convert natural graph-
ite to lithium ion grade anode materials with higher energy density and
significantly lower cost. This process will also enable a Northern American
company to become the first producer of graphite for lithium ion batteries
on the continent which can significantly reduce lithium ion battery cost for
applications such as electric vehicles. Both projects will have additional envi-
ronmental benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less burning
of fossil fuels, and help protect the environment.
The project seeks to break through a significant barrier that has kept ultra-
capacitor voltage and energy density stagnant for over a decade and sig-
nificantly reduce costs of lithium ion battery carbon materials. Supercapaci-
tor companies all produce products with different carbons, electrolytes, cell
construction, etc. and yet are all confined to the same performance specifi-
cations. We believe that this is related to oxidation/reduction reactions that
occur on the carbon surface; a fairly intuitive hypothesis; however attempts
at solutions have been futile. The surface treatment we developed in Phase
I has resulted in a reduction of these oxidation/reduction currents by more
than 50%. This technology will lead to the largest performance gains in the
ultracapacitor industry in over 10 years. Additionally, one of the most chal-
lenging factors limiting market growth for ultracapacitors is their high cost, of
which activated carbon accounts for 27%. Coulometrics’ treatment applied
to inexpensive water filtration carbon, also developed in Phase I, has shown
very similar performance enhancements, and will cost up to 95% less than
commercial activated carbon materials. The surface modification process for
graphitic carbons will enable the low cost and high quality production of
carbon anode materials for lithium ion batteries based on natural graphite.
This breakthrough can significantly reduce lithium ion battery cost which is a
key element for more wide spread adoption of electric vehicles which will
help reduce our nation’s dependence on the need to import foreign oil.
End Date: 09/30/2016
PI: Edward Buiel
100 Cherokee Boulevard
Chattanooga, TN 37405-3860
Phone: (423) 954-7766
Email: ebuiel@coulometrics.com
and Nanotechnology

ECOSIL Technologies LLC SBIR Phase II: High-Performance Metal Pretreatments
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to devel-
op a chromate- and phosphate-free metal surface pre-treatment product
that reduces cost, and provides significant environmental and health bene-
fits. Iron and zinc phosphate chemicals are currently widely used in surface
treatment processes, which require from 7 to 10 process steps, consume en-
ergy to heat treatment baths, and produce a large quantity of waste that
must be treated. This adds cost, and results in phosphate discharge to the
environment. Based on the Phase I project, a chromate- and phosphate-free
pre-treatment chemical will be further developed in this project. This chemi-
cal reduces the number of pre-treatment process to less than 5 steps, can be
used at ambient temperature, and produces 90% less waste. It is expected
to demonstrate enhanced performance in corrosion protection and paint ad-
hesion over similar products.
The broader commercial impacts of this project will be to dramatically re-
duce cost, complexity and negative environmental impact of metal surface
pretreatment in manufacturing processes without compromising performance.
Potential applications will be in automobile, aerospace, steel (coil coatings),
consumer electronics, appliance, and many other industries. An important so-
cietal impact will be the better protection to workers in plants, as this process
is not toxic and does not require elaborate waste disposal procedures. This
project will also enhance the scientific understanding of mechanisms by which
pretreatments contribute to the protection of metals.
End Date: 06/30/2015
PI: Danqing Zhu
160A Donald Drive
Fairfield, OH 45014-3018
Phone: (513) 858-2365
Email: zhud@ecosiltech.com
and Nanotechnology

Graphene Frontiers LLC SBIR Phase II: Roll-to-roll Production of Uniform Graphene Films at
Atmospheric Pressure and Low Temperature
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demon-
strate and develop technology for the roll-to-roll production of continuous
graphene films. The graphene production technology is based upon innova-
tions in the graphene synthesis and graphene handling, addressing critical
deficiencies limiting industrial manufacture of graphene. The synthesis pro-
cess is performed at atmospheric pressure, allowing roll-to-roll graphene
formation on continuous tapes of copper foil passed through the growth
region. This eliminates the need for an expensive vacuum furnace and allows
fabrication of graphene films larger than the furnace size. The graphene
handling process developed during Phase I enables the transfer of graphene
sheets from the metal catalyst to nearly any smooth surface without any high
temperature steps and without the use of harsh chemicals. Most importantly,
the graphene transfer preserves the original metal substrate for reuse. The
reusable substrate dramatically reduces the cost of graphene production
and eliminates the largest source of waste in the process. In Phase II, we will
demonstrate the continuous film processes for graphene synthesis and trans-
fer to new surfaces and design a large area roll-to-roll graphene production
system.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is through the indus-
trial scale availability of high quality, low cost graphene sheets. Transparent,
electrically and thermally conductive, strong, flexible, and gas impermeable,
graphene is an emerging “super material” with innumerable proposed ap-
plications including flexible transparent conductors for displays and photo-
voltaics; high frequency electronics for communications; chemical and bio-
logical sensors; corrosion barrier; filtration and water desalination; energy
storage; and many more. Industrial quantities of graphene films will enable
the development of these and other applications, with substantial benefit to
society. The technology that we will to develop has advantages of cost, qual-
ity, and design flexibility over competing concepts. Successful completion of
this SBIR project will establish Graphene Frontiers as a leading commercial
supplier of high-quality graphene to the business and research communities
at an attractive price. Our business model includes revenue from sale of the
graphene material, licensing of our proprietary growth technology, and spe-
cialized products. Our first graphene-based product, TEM grids for electron
microscopy, is already on sale with a development partner. These advances
will position Graphene Frontiers to attract additional funding from investors,
customers, and other non-SBIR sources.
End Date: 08/31/2015
PI: Bruce Willner
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2619
Phone: (267) 223-5051
Email: bruce@graphenefrontiers.com
and Nanotechnology

Halotechnics, Inc. SBIR Phase II: Advanced Molten Salt for Solar Thermal Power
Generation with Supercritical Steam Turbines
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to
develop a novel molten salt for solar thermal power generation with super-
critical steam turbines. Solar thermal technology developers must increase
the operating temperature of their plants to lower their levelized cost of
electricity and reduce the cost of thermal storage. Building upon a successful
Phase I program, the project team has developed a prototype salt mixture
that could enable this trend. It is low cost, exhibits a melting point below 240
deg. C, and has a high maximum temperature of 700 deg. C, a broad oper-
ating range currently unavailable elsewhere. The project will conduct a high
throughput R&D program to rapidly screen up to thousands of unique mix-
tures of inorganic salts to optimize the physical properties of the prototype
fluid. The project will apply combinatorial chemistry techniques, originally
developed for pharmaceutical applications, to this new field. After screening
many candidates, the project will evaluate the materials compatibility of a
few promising mixtures with common steel and nickel-based alloys. Corrosion
mitigation techniques will be developed and evaluated. The project will con-
duct flow testing in a lab-scale test loop capable of 700 deg. C operation.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the enabling
of low-cost electricity from the sun. It is imperative that society reduce its
usage of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to address pressing concerns -
climate change and environmental degradation, energy security, and price
volatility. Solar thermal power, a compelling source of renewable electricity
at large scale, is the most promising solution to reduce fossil fuel use. How-
ever, electricity from solar thermal power currently costs too much to be di-
rectly competitive with fossil fuels. Furthermore, solar thermal plants need a
cheap way to store heat in order to produce power after sundown or when
utilities demand it. This project focuses on the material at the heart of these
plants - the heat transfer fluid - and thermal storage system. The market for
thermal storage is projected to reach $3.7 billion by 2015. Thermal storage
is growing increasingly valuable as utilities realize the need for solar power
that can deliver smooth, reliable output regardless of weather conditions.
The development of the proposed innovation would both reduce the cost of
solar thermal power and enable economical thermal storage, bringing the
nation significantly closer to eliminating the use of coal.
End Date: 09/30/2015
PI: Justin Raade
867 Vermont St.
San Francisco, CA 94107-2614
Phone: (510) 693-7116
Email: jraade@halotechnics.com
and Nanotechnology

Keystone Tower Systems SBIR Phase II: Optimization of Tapered Spiral Welding for Wind
Turbine Towers
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses
two roadblocks to reducing the cost of wind energy: the labor-intensive con-
struction process, and size limitations imposed by road or rail transport for
turbine components. The former issue drives up manufacturing costs and re-
duces US competitiveness with countries with inexpensive labor, while the lat-
ter forces sub-optimized tower designs and prevents turbines from growing
larger and taking advantage of faster, steadier winds at higher hub heights.
This project addresses both of these problems by adapting spiral welding -
a well-understood system for pipe and piling manufacturing - to wind tower
production. Spiral welding is highly automated, requiring as little as 10% of
the labor of the equivalent manual process. It also combines multiple oper-
ations into a single machine that can be operated on-site, eliminating trans-
port costs and barriers. This project’s innovation is to adapt existing spiral
welders -that can manufacture only straight,constant wall-thickness pipe - to
producing tapered, variable wall thickness towers. A novel material geom-
etry and automated control of machine parameters are the keys to trans-
forming the standard system to one optimized for turbine tower production.
With on-site spiral welding of turbine towers, significant reductions in cost of
wind energy are possible.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be felt in many
areas: technical,commercial and environmental. The system’s major contribu-
tion is an increase in the use of wind energy for US electricity, enabled by
both reduction in energy cost and increase in the number of cost-effective
wind sites. Reducing the cost of tall towers enables increases in the height
and size of wind turbines, allowing them to reach and be optimized for
steadier, higher speed winds. With these increase in size and optimization,
decreases in cost of wind energy of 12% (for 120m tall towers) or more
are possible. In addition, the US land area for which wind energy is cost
effective can be doubled at 120m hub heights. Spiral-welding of turbine
towers also provides US jobs and increases American competitiveness with
overseas producers. Because on-site production is inherently local, manufac-
turing jobs are created in the communities where wind turbines are installed.
Also, this method gives local production a major cost advantage over imports
by producing towers that are too large to transport from port to wind farm.
This allows domestic manufacturing to not only compete, but dominate in a
domestic tower market worth roughly $1B in 2011.
End Date: 04/30/2016
PI: Eric Smith
337 Summer St.
Boston, MA 02210-1707
Phone: (857) 225-0552
Email: eric@keystonetowersystems.
com
and Nanotechnology

Levant Power Corporation SBIR Phase II: Integrated Hydraulic Suspension Energy Recovery
System for Heavy Vehicles
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to
develop a fully functional turnkey regenerative semi-active shock absorber
for heavy-duty transit buses and other commercial vehicles. An appreciable
amount of energy is lost in a typical suspension as heat, especially in heavy
vehicles. Existing technologies have been unable to efficiently capture this
energy in a cost-effective manner. This project entails hydraulic and elec-
tronic model optimization, design of vehicle-ready prototypes, fabrication,
lab testing, installation, and operational testing of a hydraulic adaptive
damping energy harvesting system. The objective of the project is to demon-
strate real-world benefits of an efficient, adjustable damping regenerative
shock absorber on a transit bus in operation with a municipal transit agency.
Emphasis will be on efficiency improvements, semi-active ride control, and
application specific integration requirements to ensure seamless installation
and operation. Work will culminate in a fully fielded pilot demonstration and
quantification of regenerated energy (improved fuel efficiency) and ride
improvement benefits using the regenerative semi-active shock absorber.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is significant if the
challenges of inexpensively, reliably, and efficiently capturing suspension
energy are overcome. The technology has the potential to save millions of
dollars per year in fuel for large fleets, and significantly reduce carbon
emissions in the United States and abroad. Effectively incorporating an af-
termarket or OEM retrofit-able regenerative energy capture system may
open doors to many new regenerative technologies in the transportation and
automotive sector, facilitating significant reductions in waste energy. In addi-
tion, the research may lead to enabling technology for compact, sealed, and
efficient hydraulic actuators and energy harvesters across several industrial
applications. This may have applications in other fields such as off grid ma-
rine (hydrokinetic) energy, aerospace actuators, heavy machinery dampers,
orthotics/prosthetics, and robotics.
Award Amount: $1,100,000.00
End Date: 04/30/2016
PI: Zackary Anderson
288 Norfolk St.
Cambridge, MA 02139-1430
Phone: (617) 313-0822
Email: zack@levantpower.com
and Nanotechnology

Lite Enterprises Inc SBIR Phase II: WIldlife Deterrence from Hazards Using High
Brightness Ultraviolet Light
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project represents
a new development in man’s ability to keep birds away from the airspace
surrounding an airplane or out of the way of the massive rotors of wind
turbines. Animals respond to a bright ultraviolet light in the same way as hu-
mans respond to a bright flashlight in their eyes. If the light is strong enough,
it causes an involuntary behavioral response resulting in the animal being
deterred from the area of the light source. Ultraviolet light has the advan-
tage of being visible to most species of animals while being invisible to
humans. This Phase II project builds on the Phase I project that demonstrated
with 98% confidence that bird behavior is influenced by the presence of the
wildlife deterrence system’s bright ultraviolet light in a completely natural
environment with no human presence.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is focused on three
high value applications of the wildlife deterrence system. They are renew-
able alternative energy (wind farms), air transportation (planes and air-
ports), and agriculture (aquaculture and agriculture). Renewable energy is
at the top of the U.S. priority list. Wind energy is one of the most promising
forms of alternative energy. At the same time, there is an immediate and
pressing need to reduce the mortality rate of endangered and protected
species at wind farms. A compelling global need for the wildlife deterrence
system is exemplified by the aviation industry and the incidence of bird
strikes. The U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General reported
in August 2012 that in the past two decades, wildlife strikes have increased
from 1,770 reported in 1990 to 9,840 reported in 2011, a greater than
five-fold increase. Thirdly, although not at the level of importance as pro-
tection of aircraft and deterrence of birds from wind farm turbine rotors,
worldwide seafood demand has grown annually by 8.3 percent since 1970.
This means that worldwide aquaculture production has rapidly expanded.
Of particularly promising potential are solutions to the mussel farming prob-
lems of the international aquaculture industry which is well established in
many parts of the world. All producing locations in North America and Eu-
rope share a common problem of severe predation loss from diving ducks
such as the Common Eider that can be devastating to the mussel producer,
with the potential to wipe out an entire crop (100%).
End Date: 03/31/2016
PI: Donald Ronning
4 Bud Way, Ste. 15
Nashua, NH 03063-0072
Phone: (603) 821-0991
Email: liteenterprises@yahoo.com
and Nanotechnology

Nanofoundry, LLC SBIR Phase II: Nanomanufacturing process simulation and design
Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in launching a scalable, environmental-
ly-safe, chemical manufacturing process capable of producing high perfor-
mance, cost-competitive, and domestically-sourced magnetic materials suit-
able for a large range of industrial and consumer applications. This will
drive jobs growth in the US, reduce supply chain risk, improve national se-
curity by reducing reliance on foreign sole sources for critical materials, and
enable greater energy efficiency nationwide. Nanofoundry’s carbide-based
nanostructured magnet material represents the first major innovation in per-
manent magnetic materials since the early 1980’s. In combination with an
innovative manufacturing method, Nanofoundry expects to produce a large
range of high value nanoparticle materials at low cost at industrial vol-
umes. The permanent magnet market is $14 billion and is growing at nearly
9% annually. Nanofoundry projects that its first generation product, Cobalt
Carbide nanoparticles, could capture $600 million of that market in 2018
dollars and that its second generation product (for which this project is foun-
dational), could have an 80% to 90% cost advantage over current products,
with the potential to capture over 30% of the global market.
This project will break through historical barriers in two areas: launching
a new product technology to the magnet market-the first transformational
innovation in three decades-and developing a commercially-viable manu-
facturing capability to produce high-quality magnetic nanoparticle material
at industrial scales. The specific focus of this project is to develop a scal-
able chemical production process to manufacture magnetic Cobalt Carbide
nanoparticle material, and to prototype the use of the material in an end-
use application. Several key innovations of this program include (1) the op-
timization of a class of cobalt carbide nanoparticles for use as a permanent
magnet material, (2) the application of continuous flow microreactor wet
chemical process technology to the manufacturing of high quality nanopar-
ticle carbides at large scale, and (3) the use of supercritical solvents for
efficiency and environmentally-friendly processing.
End Date: 09/30/2016
PI: Daniel Hudgins
P.O. Box 6061
Glen Allen, VA 23058-6061
Phone: (804) 869-3594
Email: hudginsdm@gmail.com
and Nanotechnology

nanoGriptech, Inc. SBIR Phase II: Manufacturing of Bio-Inspired Polymer Micro/
Nano-Fiber Arrays as New Gripping Materials
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to de-
velop a pilot-scale production system and process to enable the large-scale
fabrication of continuous arrays of elastomeric micro/nano-scale fibers with
complex geometry. Inspired by hairs that occur naturally on gecko feet,
these micro/nano-scale elastomeric fibers demonstrate strong adhesive,
shear, and peel strengths over a wide range of test substrates. Unlike other
classes of adhesives such as pressure-sensitive tapes, these biologically-in-
spired adhesives can be repeatedly used over thousands of test cycles with
very little contamination and performance degradation over the material
lifespan. However, this class of material has only been able to be fabricated
through expensive micro/nano fabrication processes including photolithog-
raphy, chemical etching, or time-consuming batch micro/nano molding pro-
cesses. In this project, a pilot-scale manufacturing system will be constructed,
optimized and evaluated. A roller-based molding and peeling process for
high-speed, continuous, and large-area manufacturing of high aspect-ra-
tio and three-dimensional micro/nano-scale fibers with a compliant backing
layer will be developed using elastomer materials.
The broader/commercial impacts of this project will be the potential to pro-
vide a low-cost, high-volume process to mass produce continuous arrays of
elastomeric micro/nano-scale fibers with complex geometry for applications
in apparel, sporting equipment, healthcare, defense, industrial clamping,
and consumer goods. These fibers will provide strong reversible adhesive or
enhanced shear interfaces that are resistant to contamination and maintain
their adhesive ability over the product lifespan.
Start Date: 4/15/12
End Date: 9/30/14
PI: Paul Glass
91 43rd St, Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15201-3109
Phone: (412) 224-2136
Email: pglass@nanogriptech.com
and Nanotechnology

Navillum Nanotechnologies,
LLC
SBIR Phase II: New Low Cost and Large Scale Manufacturing of
Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Research (SBIR) phase II project is in removing key manufacturing barriers
that are currently hindering commercialization of semiconductor nanocrystals
in diverse market segments worldwide. The unique size- and shape-related
properties of these materials make them ideal for light emission applica-
tions (including lighting and displays) and light harnessing applications (so-
lar panels). If successful, nanocrystals will be produced in large quantities,
inexpensively, and uniformly, resulting in a disruptive advance for existing
markets and emerging applications. With greater availability and afford-
ability, nanocrystals can be more easily utilized for more energy efficient
lighting and displays, improve color quality in displays (laptops, tablets,
cameras and mobile devices), increase efficiency of solar panels, and pene-
trate more widely into advancing applications in medical research, diagnos-
tics and treatment. Emerging applications include the use of semiconductor
nanocrystals for biofuel cells, lasers, fiber optics, electronics, security and
surveillance, aviation and geothermal tracers.
This project continues the work initiated in Phase I on development of a low
cost manufacturing method for production of large-scale and consistently
high-quality semiconductor nanocrystals quantum dots urgently needed for
their commercialization. The proposed research activities directly address
this need through an innovative proprietary low-temperature wet chemical
synthesis route. Compared to the conventional high-temperature synthesis
route, this method can more precisely control the size and shape of products
- properties that are necessary for successful incorporation of these products
into end-user applications. Additionally, it circumvents scaling limitations of
conventional high-temperature synthesis routes. In Phase I, we have success-
fully demonstrated scale up of high quality CdSe nanocrystal quantum dots
in a laboratory scale while lowering cost of production using our method. This
Phase II funding focuses on demonstrating scaled-up production of larger
quantities of high-quality nanocrystals, including heavy metal free quantum
dots using our low-temperature method. It will also focus on post-synthesis
processing of CdSe quantum dots developed in Phase I to meet Original
Equipment Manufacturers’ specifications. Scale up to commercially viable
amounts will be studied by developing a continuous flow model as well as by
improving purification efficiency of the low temperature method.
End Date: 08/31/2016
PI: Jacqueline Siy-Ronquillo
717 5th Avenue, #204
Salt Lake City, UT 84103-3572
Phone: (801) 502-4601
Email: j.siy@navillum.com
and Nanotechnology

NuMat Technologies, Inc. SBIR Phase II: High Performance MOF-Based Storage and Delivery
of Electronic Gases
Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in the development of a new hazardous
gas storage and delivery system for semiconductor fabrication that will sig-
nificantly promote worker health and safety benefits at a reduced cost. The
new system incorporates a new class of ultra-high performing absorbents,
namely Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), that will greatly mitigate the
environmental and public health risks by reducing incidents of toxic gas re-
lease, chances of equipment damage, and fabrication facility evacuation.
Moreover, the use of MOFs enables an increase in the storage capacity
while providing savings in ventilation energy, and reducing the risk of leak-
ages over both high pressure mechanical cylinders and sub-atmospheric
carbon-based storage. Given the current vast market share of activated
carbon cylinders, the higher capacity MOF filled cylinders offer the pros-
pect of substantial decreased in per wafer production costs by minimizing
gas cylinder change-outs and fabrication facility downtime. Furthermore,
this technology represents the first large scale commercial application for
MOFs, thus opening the doors for this promising class of materials for other
gas storage applications.
This project aims to increase the capacity of gas cylinders for the storage
and delivery of highly toxic gases, such as arsine (AsH3), phosphine (PH3),
and boron trifluoride (BF3), that are commonly used in semiconductor fab-
rication. As a safety measure, these highly toxic gases are currently stored
at low pressure in activated carbon-filled cylinders. However, the capacity
of activated carbon adsorbents is severely limited by their ill-defined inter-
nal pore structure. NuMat is developing higher capacity gas cylinders by
focusing on the following key technical objectives: 1) Design highly porous,
well-defined, crystalline MOF absorbents to be integrated into cylinders,
allowing for high capacity storage of these highly toxic gases at sub-atmo-
spheric pressures, 2) Develop industrially relevant MOF scale-up procedures
to minimize the cost of production, 3) Maximize the volumetric storage of
MOFs in cylinders by developing high density MOF pellets, and 4) Integrate
high density MOF pellets into cylinders to displace the lower performing
activated carbon filled cylinders currently used this commercial application.
Additionally, the technical milestones achieved in this project will help to
establish the necessary foundation for incorporating this class of ultra-high
performing materials (MOFs) into other gas storage applications.
End Date: 08/31/2016
PI: Mitchell Weston
2 N LA SALLE ST STE 1601
Chicago, IL 60602-4081
Phone: (847) 859-9404
Email: mitch@numat-tech.com
Sector: Advanced Manufacturing and
Nanotechnology

Orthogonal, Inc SBIR Phase II: Enabling Large-Scale Manufacturing of Organic
Electronic Devices Using Photolithography
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to devel-
op a photoresist system that is compatible with a much wider range of ma-
terials than traditional photoresists, allowing for the patterning of advanced
semiconducting polymers and small molecules on existing photolithographic
equipment. Through Phase I project, Orthogonal has improved its fluorinated
photoresist system by making two new materials with lower manufacturing
cost and enhanced performance. In this Phase II project, the patterning of the
widely used conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(sty-
rene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) and similar acidic materials will be studied.
Multiple approaches will be taken to continuously improve the performance
of the new photoresist materials. The scalability of one or both photoresist
materials to large quantities will be investigated by addressing the major
issues that may be challenging to the scale-up, including dealing with heat
generation and finding a suitable initiator.
The broader/commercial impacts of this project will be the potential to en-
able the large-scale manufacturing of organic electronic devices by lever-
aging the existing photolithographic infrastructure currently used in the in-
dustry. The availability of the new photoresist materials in large quantities
and consistent quality will help meet the performance and volume demands
of organic electronic industry, which is expected to grow rapidly once a scal-
able and high-yield manufacturing technique is available.
End Date: 09/30/2016
PI: John DeFranco
95 Brown Road
Ithaca, NY 14850-1257
Phone: (917) 687-5792
Email: john@orthogonalinc.com
and Nanotechnology

Persimmon Technologies
Corporation
SBIR Phase II: SBIR Phase II Spray-Formed Soft Magnetic Material
for Efficient Hybrid-Field Electric Machines
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to de-
velop a novel soft magnetic material and fabrication process for magnetic
circuits of electric machines, such as winding cores of electric motors. The
technology utilizes a unique single-step near net-shape fabrication process
based on metal spray deposition to produce an isotropic metal microstruc-
ture characterized by small domains with high permeability, high saturation
and low coercivity with a controlled formation of insulation boundaries that
limit electric conductivity between neighboring domains. The resulting mate-
rial provides an excellent three-dimensional magnetic path while minimizing
energy losses associated with eddy currents. It can replace anisotropic lam-
inated winding cores, which currently constrain the design of conventional
electric motors to geometries with two-dimensional magnetic paths. As a
further objective of the project, a new hybrid-field motor topology, with
three-dimensional magnetic paths enabled by the proposed material and
fabrication process, is being developed.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is to enable pro-
duction of electric motors with improved performance and efficiency while
reducing cost and material scrap associated with manufacturing of motor
winding cores. Electric motors are used extensively in a growing number of
applications, including robotics, semiconductor and LED process equipment,
industrial automation, electric vehicles, heating, ventilation and air condi-
tioning systems, appliances, power tools, medical devices, and military and
space exploration applications. These markets drive an increasing demand
for electric motors with improved performance, higher efficiency, and lower
cost. Considering the extensive use of electric motors globally, the disrup-
tive change resulting from the proposed hybrid-field motor technology with
spray-formed winding cores is expected to provide significant commercial,
societal and environmental benefits, including improved manufacturing effi-
ciency, waste reduction, and energy conservation.
Award Amount: $1,027,658.00
End Date: 08/31/2016
PI: Martin Hosek
200 Harvard Mill Square
Wakefield, MA 01880-3239
Phone: (978) 397-6240
Email: mhosek@persimmontech.com
and Nanotechnology

QuantLogic Corporation SBIR Phase II: Development of an Adaptive Dual-Fuel Injector to
Enable High Efficiency Clean Combustion for SUV and Light Duty
Truck Engines
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will prototype,
characterize, and verify performance merits and the commercial viability
of an Adaptive Dual-Fuel (ADF) Injector. Diesel engines are 30~40% more
efficient than port-injected gasoline, spark-ignited engines. Gasoline and
E85 fuels are among the most widely available fuels, but are mostly used
on spark-ignition gasoline engines with much lower thermal efficiency than
diesel engines. The key innovation of the ADF injector enables direct-injec-
tions of both gasoline/E85 and diesel fuel selectively on-demand from a
single injector. The ADF injector can enable advanced combustion modes that
have demonstrated simultaneous reduction of NOx and Particulate Matter
(PM) emissions and improved engine efficiency through advanced low tem-
perature combustion. The advanced combustion mode enabled by the ADF
injector can improve the thermal efficiency of gasoline/E85 engines by ap-
proximately 30~40% by using gasoline and/or E85 fuels in a compression
ignition combustion mode. The adaptive dual-fuel injector also provides flex-
ibility for enabling engines to run on either pure diesel, gasoline-diesel, or
E85-diesel dual fuels. The Phase II work includes prototyping, spray visual-
ization imaging and laser based measurements, computational optimization,
and single-cylinder engine combustion testing to demonstrate the commercial
viability of the proposed ADF injector.
The broader/commercial impacts of this project pertain to significant bene-
fits for energy security and environmental protection. The potential customers
include engine OEMs and auto makers. This project will significantly benefit
US consumers through fuel cost saving, enable low cost methods to meet the
new CAFE standards, and benefit the US economy by expanding the “green”
manufacturing base. The dual fuel injector, developed and analyzed in this
work, provides new capabilities, which can enable transformative combus-
tion methods for ultra-high efficiency, clean combustion. The industry-univer-
sity collaborative engineering research directly support graduate student
research and will train and educate the workforce of the future, providing
them with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges of
energy utilization. The research and development efforts, which focus on a
critical problem of global importance, will be widely disseminated to engine
designers, OEMs, and researchers, while the next generation of engineers is
being trained.
End Date: 03/31/2016
PI: Deyang Hou
5111 Avondale Drive
Sugar Land, TX 77479-3809
Phone: (281) 980-7288
Email: dalianqlc@aol.com
and Nanotechnology

SenSigma LLC SBIR Phase II: Sensors for InLine Certification Capability for Robotic
Welding and Additive Manufacturing
Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in influencing the whole metal manufactur-
ing and materials processing industries by providing the capability of “Cer-
tify as You Build”. The in-situ measurement/prediction of composition, phase
transformation and manufacturing defect using the proposed spectroscopic
sensor may also allow for the fabrication of near net shape and proper-
ty (NNSP) components with heterogeneous structures and complex geom-
etries for additive manufacturing industry. The project’s vision is to achieve
“zero-scrap” materials processing and metal manufacturing operations, en-
abling dramatically reduced post-processing to identify composition, micro-
structure and manufacturing qualities. The project would provide sensing and
process control to reduce waste and save time during welding and additive
manufacturing processes. These savings would directly convert to dollars for
the manufacturer, so there is strong motivation for adoption. Thus the pro-
posed smart optical monitoring sensor will significantly contribute to the much
needed transformation of the U.S. manufacturing industries.
The key innovation is to use optical emission spectroscopy of plasma to dra-
matically improve welding and additive manufacturing processes. The inno-
vation actually goes far beyond sensing to categorize defects and predict
composition and phase transformations. Its success relies heavily on signal
processing and understanding the physical mechanisms of the manufactur-
ing processes being monitored. The sensor and associated algorithms will
lead to much more efficient manufacturing because of improved feedback
control afforded by the process information provided. The key challenges
lie in demonstrating on the shop floor 1) in-situ monitoring and control of
phase transformation and composition by systematic diagnosis of the laser
induced plasma, and 2) ability to detect and categorize manufacturing de-
fects through understanding the effects of different defects on plasma and
designing effective algorithms to interpret plasma signals. Phase II activi-
ties are directed towards meeting those challenges and establish the sen-
sor’s reliability for its earliest possible commercialization. The project will
contribute to the competitive advantage for American metal manufacturing
industry with “Certify as You Build” capability with its spectroscopic sensor
called, minimize material wastage and lost labor time, and increase long-
term product quality.
End Date: 09/30/2016
PI: Lijun Song
1600 Huron Parkway
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5001
Phone: (734) 998-8328
Email: ljsong@SenSigmaLLC.com
and Nanotechnology

Sinovia Technologies SBIR Phase II: Nanostructured Composite Transparent Electrodes
for Touch Panels
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on
bringing the company’s transparent conductive films to the touch panel mar-
ket. The performance, cost, and durability of current touch sensors are lim-
ited by shortfalls of the current industry standard material, indium tin oxide
(ITO). The company is commercializing a conductive plastic film with supe-
rior performance, cost, and durability. This study will cover expansion of its
scale manufacturing capabilities, allowing it to provide both pre-patterned
and customer-patternable transparent conductive films suitable for use in
the market. During SBIR Phase I period, the company migrated its lab-scale
prototyping methods to processes compatible with at-scale roll-to-roll manu-
facture of unpattenered conductive films. While each step of its process was
individually scaled to high throughput, production of a final product requires
that all of the steps be combined into a single process flow. This Phase II
grant will allow it to combine these processes while adding the ability to pro-
duce functional circuits in addition to bulk films. It will also allow it to continue
pushing its films’ performance higher by utilizing new techniques and mate-
rials to increase the clarity of its films. Finally, the company will thoroughly
characterize the lifetime properties of its final product.
The broader impact/commercial impact of this project will be significant, as
it will result in a fully designed process by which the company can produce
market-ready products. It will also result in functional demonstration touch
panels to put into the hands of its customers. At the conclusion of the study the
company expects to have secured a design win with a customer and will be
in an excellent position to raise operating capital at low risk to its investors so
that the company may begin shipping products. As a Silicon Valley materials
technology company, the company’s success in the touch panel market will
help bring part of a major market back to the US that has moved overseas.
This SBIR Phase II study will allow it to expand the staff and also support
jobs at the US companies whose toll-coating facilities the company uses for
its product development and manufacturing.
End Date: 01/31/2016
PI: Whitney Gaynor
247 Santa Ana Ct.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085-4511
Phone: (650) 704-8629
Email: whitney@sinoviatech.com
and Nanotechnology

2015 NSF Small Business Innovation Research Conference-Showcase ABSTRACT BOOK

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