Patent
US 10,647,580THREE-DIMENSIONAL DETERMINISTIC GRAPHENE ARCHITECTURES FORMED USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL TEMPLATES
Jianchao Ye
Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC·US
Copyright © 2026 Matter42. All rights reserved.
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,647,580Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of a conventional 3 D graphene architecture characterized by a random or stochastic arrangement of …
FIG. 2A is a SEM image of a 3 D graphene architecture exhibiting a deterministic structure, according to one embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 3C is an image of a 3 D printed substrate produced by direct ink writing (DIW) and having formed thereon porous graphene layer to produce a 3 D graphene …
FIG. 4A is a SEM image of a Kelvin foam made of carbon hollow tubes after Ni assisted pyrolysis of a polymer substrate by projection microstereolithography …
FIG. 5A is a SEM image of a 3D printed substrate produced by two-photon polymerization stereolithography and suitable for forming a 3D graphene architecture …
FIG. 6A is a simplified cross-sectional schematic depicting an exemplary structure of concentric, hollow bilayers of a graphene or amorphous carbon ligament …
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for forming a 3D graphene architecture characterized by a deterministic structure, according to various embodiments. [0029]
FIG. 8 is a chart depicting a relationship between Young's modulus (E) and yield strength (a) as a function of density, according to various embodiments of …
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
A composition of matter, comprising: a plurality of ligaments each independently comprising one or more layers of graphene; wherein at least portions of the ligaments independently comprise a concentric, hollow bilayer structure; and wherein the plurality of ligaments are arranged according to a deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein either or both of: the portions of the ligaments, and second portions of the ligaments, are perforated. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the deterministic 3D pattern is ordered, and comprises positive features characterized by a feature size of about 100 nm. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein second portions of the ligaments are hollow. Previously presented
(PREVIOUSLY PRESEN T ED) The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein at least portions of the deterministic 3D pattern exhibit a gradient in density along at least one axis thereof; and wherein the ligaments are characterized by a constant ligament density along the at least one axis. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the concentric, hollow bilayer structure comprises: an exterior ligament layer; an interior ligament layer; and an interstitial void between the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer; and wherein the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer are characterized by a coaxial arrangement. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the concentric, hollow bilayer structure comprises: an exterior ligament layer surrounding an interior ligament layer along a longitudinal axis thereof; wherein the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer are arranged to form a first, interstitial void therebetween; and wherein an inner surface of the interior ligament layer defines a second void interior to the interior ligament layer. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the composition of matter is characterized by a density in a range from about 1 mg/cm 3 to about 500 mg/cm 3. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern is characterized by a logpile architecture; and wherein the logpile architecture is characterized by an x/y-axis ligament spacing in a range from about two fold to about ten fold. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of ligaments are coupled to a perforated polymeric substrate. Previously presented
A composition of matter, comprising: a plurality of ligaments each independently comprising one or more layers of graphene; and wherein the plurality of ligaments are arranged according to a deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern; and wherein at least portions of the plurality of ligaments independently consist of a single layer of graphene. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein the deterministic 3D pattern comprises at least some positive features each independently characterized by a feature size in a range from about 100 nm to about 400 nm y. Currently amended
The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein the plurality of ligaments are coupled to a metal substrate. Previously presented
(PREVIOUSLY PRESEN T ED) The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein at least portions of the ligaments independently comprise a pair of concentric, hollow bilayers. Previously presented
A method of forming a three-dimensional (3D) architecture of graphene, comprising: forming or providing a substrate structurally characterized by a deterministic 3D pattern; forming one or more layers of metal on surfaces of the substrate; and forming one or more layers of graphene on surfaces of the metal. Withdrawn
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
deterministic 3D graphene architecture
Materials described outside the worked examples.
graphene
metal substrate
Additional fabrication and treatment steps described in the patent.
Measurements and analyses referenced in the patent, with their drawing references.
FIG. 1 A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of a conventional 3 D graphene architecture characterized by a random or stochastic arrangement of …
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Density | 1–500 mg/cm3 | graphene |
Thickness | 100–400 nm |
Related documents with shared materials, methods, properties, or citations.
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,647,580Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of a conventional 3 D graphene architecture characterized by a random or stochastic arrangement of …
FIG. 2A is a SEM image of a 3 D graphene architecture exhibiting a deterministic structure, according to one embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 3C is an image of a 3 D printed substrate produced by direct ink writing (DIW) and having formed thereon porous graphene layer to produce a 3 D graphene …
FIG. 4A is a SEM image of a Kelvin foam made of carbon hollow tubes after Ni assisted pyrolysis of a polymer substrate by projection microstereolithography …
FIG. 5A is a SEM image of a 3D printed substrate produced by two-photon polymerization stereolithography and suitable for forming a 3D graphene architecture …
FIG. 6A is a simplified cross-sectional schematic depicting an exemplary structure of concentric, hollow bilayers of a graphene or amorphous carbon ligament …
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for forming a 3D graphene architecture characterized by a deterministic structure, according to various embodiments. [0029]
FIG. 8 is a chart depicting a relationship between Young's modulus (E) and yield strength (a) as a function of density, according to various embodiments of …
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
A composition of matter, comprising: a plurality of ligaments each independently comprising one or more layers of graphene; wherein at least portions of the ligaments independently comprise a concentric, hollow bilayer structure; and wherein the plurality of ligaments are arranged according to a deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein either or both of: the portions of the ligaments, and second portions of the ligaments, are perforated. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the deterministic 3D pattern is ordered, and comprises positive features characterized by a feature size of about 100 nm. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein second portions of the ligaments are hollow. Previously presented
(PREVIOUSLY PRESEN T ED) The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein at least portions of the deterministic 3D pattern exhibit a gradient in density along at least one axis thereof; and wherein the ligaments are characterized by a constant ligament density along the at least one axis. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the concentric, hollow bilayer structure comprises: an exterior ligament layer; an interior ligament layer; and an interstitial void between the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer; and wherein the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer are characterized by a coaxial arrangement. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the concentric, hollow bilayer structure comprises: an exterior ligament layer surrounding an interior ligament layer along a longitudinal axis thereof; wherein the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer are arranged to form a first, interstitial void therebetween; and wherein an inner surface of the interior ligament layer defines a second void interior to the interior ligament layer. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the composition of matter is characterized by a density in a range from about 1 mg/cm 3 to about 500 mg/cm 3. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern is characterized by a logpile architecture; and wherein the logpile architecture is characterized by an x/y-axis ligament spacing in a range from about two fold to about ten fold. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of ligaments are coupled to a perforated polymeric substrate. Previously presented
A composition of matter, comprising: a plurality of ligaments each independently comprising one or more layers of graphene; and wherein the plurality of ligaments are arranged according to a deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern; and wherein at least portions of the plurality of ligaments independently consist of a single layer of graphene. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein the deterministic 3D pattern comprises at least some positive features each independently characterized by a feature size in a range from about 100 nm to about 400 nm y. Currently amended
The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein the plurality of ligaments are coupled to a metal substrate. Previously presented
(PREVIOUSLY PRESEN T ED) The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein at least portions of the ligaments independently comprise a pair of concentric, hollow bilayers. Previously presented
A method of forming a three-dimensional (3D) architecture of graphene, comprising: forming or providing a substrate structurally characterized by a deterministic 3D pattern; forming one or more layers of metal on surfaces of the substrate; and forming one or more layers of graphene on surfaces of the metal. Withdrawn
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
deterministic 3D graphene architecture
Materials described outside the worked examples.
graphene
metal substrate
Additional fabrication and treatment steps described in the patent.
Measurements and analyses referenced in the patent, with their drawing references.
FIG. 1 A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of a conventional 3 D graphene architecture characterized by a random or stochastic arrangement of …
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Density | 1–500 mg/cm3 | graphene |
Thickness | 100–400 nm |
Related documents with shared materials, methods, properties, or citations.
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,647,580Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of a conventional 3 D graphene architecture characterized by a random or stochastic arrangement of …
FIG. 2A is a SEM image of a 3 D graphene architecture exhibiting a deterministic structure, according to one embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 3C is an image of a 3 D printed substrate produced by direct ink writing (DIW) and having formed thereon porous graphene layer to produce a 3 D graphene …
FIG. 4A is a SEM image of a Kelvin foam made of carbon hollow tubes after Ni assisted pyrolysis of a polymer substrate by projection microstereolithography …
FIG. 5A is a SEM image of a 3D printed substrate produced by two-photon polymerization stereolithography and suitable for forming a 3D graphene architecture …
FIG. 6A is a simplified cross-sectional schematic depicting an exemplary structure of concentric, hollow bilayers of a graphene or amorphous carbon ligament …
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for forming a 3D graphene architecture characterized by a deterministic structure, according to various embodiments. [0029]
FIG. 8 is a chart depicting a relationship between Young's modulus (E) and yield strength (a) as a function of density, according to various embodiments of …
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
A composition of matter, comprising: a plurality of ligaments each independently comprising one or more layers of graphene; wherein at least portions of the ligaments independently comprise a concentric, hollow bilayer structure; and wherein the plurality of ligaments are arranged according to a deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein either or both of: the portions of the ligaments, and second portions of the ligaments, are perforated. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the deterministic 3D pattern is ordered, and comprises positive features characterized by a feature size of about 100 nm. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein second portions of the ligaments are hollow. Previously presented
(PREVIOUSLY PRESEN T ED) The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein at least portions of the deterministic 3D pattern exhibit a gradient in density along at least one axis thereof; and wherein the ligaments are characterized by a constant ligament density along the at least one axis. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the concentric, hollow bilayer structure comprises: an exterior ligament layer; an interior ligament layer; and an interstitial void between the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer; and wherein the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer are characterized by a coaxial arrangement. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the concentric, hollow bilayer structure comprises: an exterior ligament layer surrounding an interior ligament layer along a longitudinal axis thereof; wherein the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer are arranged to form a first, interstitial void therebetween; and wherein an inner surface of the interior ligament layer defines a second void interior to the interior ligament layer. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the composition of matter is characterized by a density in a range from about 1 mg/cm 3 to about 500 mg/cm 3. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern is characterized by a logpile architecture; and wherein the logpile architecture is characterized by an x/y-axis ligament spacing in a range from about two fold to about ten fold. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of ligaments are coupled to a perforated polymeric substrate. Previously presented
A composition of matter, comprising: a plurality of ligaments each independently comprising one or more layers of graphene; and wherein the plurality of ligaments are arranged according to a deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern; and wherein at least portions of the plurality of ligaments independently consist of a single layer of graphene. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein the deterministic 3D pattern comprises at least some positive features each independently characterized by a feature size in a range from about 100 nm to about 400 nm y. Currently amended
The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein the plurality of ligaments are coupled to a metal substrate. Previously presented
(PREVIOUSLY PRESEN T ED) The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein at least portions of the ligaments independently comprise a pair of concentric, hollow bilayers. Previously presented
A method of forming a three-dimensional (3D) architecture of graphene, comprising: forming or providing a substrate structurally characterized by a deterministic 3D pattern; forming one or more layers of metal on surfaces of the substrate; and forming one or more layers of graphene on surfaces of the metal. Withdrawn
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
deterministic 3D graphene architecture
Materials described outside the worked examples.
graphene
metal substrate
Additional fabrication and treatment steps described in the patent.
Measurements and analyses referenced in the patent, with their drawing references.
FIG. 1 A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of a conventional 3 D graphene architecture characterized by a random or stochastic arrangement of …
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Density | 1–500 mg/cm3 | graphene |
Thickness | 100–400 nm |
Related documents with shared materials, methods, properties, or citations.
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,647,580Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of a conventional 3 D graphene architecture characterized by a random or stochastic arrangement of …
FIG. 2A is a SEM image of a 3 D graphene architecture exhibiting a deterministic structure, according to one embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 3C is an image of a 3 D printed substrate produced by direct ink writing (DIW) and having formed thereon porous graphene layer to produce a 3 D graphene …
FIG. 4A is a SEM image of a Kelvin foam made of carbon hollow tubes after Ni assisted pyrolysis of a polymer substrate by projection microstereolithography …
FIG. 5A is a SEM image of a 3D printed substrate produced by two-photon polymerization stereolithography and suitable for forming a 3D graphene architecture …
FIG. 6A is a simplified cross-sectional schematic depicting an exemplary structure of concentric, hollow bilayers of a graphene or amorphous carbon ligament …
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for forming a 3D graphene architecture characterized by a deterministic structure, according to various embodiments. [0029]
FIG. 8 is a chart depicting a relationship between Young's modulus (E) and yield strength (a) as a function of density, according to various embodiments of …
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
A composition of matter, comprising: a plurality of ligaments each independently comprising one or more layers of graphene; wherein at least portions of the ligaments independently comprise a concentric, hollow bilayer structure; and wherein the plurality of ligaments are arranged according to a deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein either or both of: the portions of the ligaments, and second portions of the ligaments, are perforated. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the deterministic 3D pattern is ordered, and comprises positive features characterized by a feature size of about 100 nm. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein second portions of the ligaments are hollow. Previously presented
(PREVIOUSLY PRESEN T ED) The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein at least portions of the deterministic 3D pattern exhibit a gradient in density along at least one axis thereof; and wherein the ligaments are characterized by a constant ligament density along the at least one axis. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the concentric, hollow bilayer structure comprises: an exterior ligament layer; an interior ligament layer; and an interstitial void between the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer; and wherein the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer are characterized by a coaxial arrangement. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the concentric, hollow bilayer structure comprises: an exterior ligament layer surrounding an interior ligament layer along a longitudinal axis thereof; wherein the exterior ligament layer and the interior ligament layer are arranged to form a first, interstitial void therebetween; and wherein an inner surface of the interior ligament layer defines a second void interior to the interior ligament layer. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the composition of matter is characterized by a density in a range from about 1 mg/cm 3 to about 500 mg/cm 3. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern is characterized by a logpile architecture; and wherein the logpile architecture is characterized by an x/y-axis ligament spacing in a range from about two fold to about ten fold. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of ligaments are coupled to a perforated polymeric substrate. Previously presented
A composition of matter, comprising: a plurality of ligaments each independently comprising one or more layers of graphene; and wherein the plurality of ligaments are arranged according to a deterministic three-dimensional (3D) pattern; and wherein at least portions of the plurality of ligaments independently consist of a single layer of graphene. Previously presented
The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein the deterministic 3D pattern comprises at least some positive features each independently characterized by a feature size in a range from about 100 nm to about 400 nm y. Currently amended
The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein the plurality of ligaments are coupled to a metal substrate. Previously presented
(PREVIOUSLY PRESEN T ED) The composition of matter as recited in claim 2, wherein at least portions of the ligaments independently comprise a pair of concentric, hollow bilayers. Previously presented
A method of forming a three-dimensional (3D) architecture of graphene, comprising: forming or providing a substrate structurally characterized by a deterministic 3D pattern; forming one or more layers of metal on surfaces of the substrate; and forming one or more layers of graphene on surfaces of the metal. Withdrawn
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
deterministic 3D graphene architecture
Materials described outside the worked examples.
graphene
metal substrate
Additional fabrication and treatment steps described in the patent.
Measurements and analyses referenced in the patent, with their drawing references.
FIG. 1 A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of a conventional 3 D graphene architecture characterized by a random or stochastic arrangement of …
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Density | 1–500 mg/cm3 | graphene |
Thickness | 100–400 nm |
Related documents with shared materials, methods, properties, or citations.
polymeric substrate
nickel
Ni
copper
Cu
hexane diol diacrylate
polyethylene glycol diacrylate
poly(methyl methacrylate)
FIG. 2A is a SEM image of a 3 D graphene architecture exhibiting a deterministic structure, according to one embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 4A is a SEM image of a Kelvin foam made of carbon hollow tubes after Ni assisted pyrolysis of a polymer substrate by projection microstereolithography …
FIG. 5A is a SEM image of a 3D printed substrate produced by two-photon polymerization stereolithography and suitable for forming a 3D graphene architecture …
FIG. 6A is a simplified cross-sectional schematic depicting an exemplary structure of concentric, hollow bilayers of a graphene or amorphous carbon ligament …
| — |
Pressure | 2–3000 MPa | — |
Pressure | 0.1–3000 MPa | — |
Pressure | 2–10 MPa | — |
GRAPHENE WINDOWS, METHODS FOR MAKING SAME, AND DEVICES CONTAINING SAME
polymeric substrate
nickel
Ni
copper
Cu
hexane diol diacrylate
polyethylene glycol diacrylate
poly(methyl methacrylate)
FIG. 2A is a SEM image of a 3 D graphene architecture exhibiting a deterministic structure, according to one embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 4A is a SEM image of a Kelvin foam made of carbon hollow tubes after Ni assisted pyrolysis of a polymer substrate by projection microstereolithography …
FIG. 5A is a SEM image of a 3D printed substrate produced by two-photon polymerization stereolithography and suitable for forming a 3D graphene architecture …
FIG. 6A is a simplified cross-sectional schematic depicting an exemplary structure of concentric, hollow bilayers of a graphene or amorphous carbon ligament …
| — |
Pressure | 2–3000 MPa | — |
Pressure | 0.1–3000 MPa | — |
Pressure | 2–10 MPa | — |
GRAPHENE WINDOWS, METHODS FOR MAKING SAME, AND DEVICES CONTAINING SAME
polymeric substrate
nickel
Ni
copper
Cu
hexane diol diacrylate
polyethylene glycol diacrylate
poly(methyl methacrylate)
FIG. 2A is a SEM image of a 3 D graphene architecture exhibiting a deterministic structure, according to one embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 4A is a SEM image of a Kelvin foam made of carbon hollow tubes after Ni assisted pyrolysis of a polymer substrate by projection microstereolithography …
FIG. 5A is a SEM image of a 3D printed substrate produced by two-photon polymerization stereolithography and suitable for forming a 3D graphene architecture …
FIG. 6A is a simplified cross-sectional schematic depicting an exemplary structure of concentric, hollow bilayers of a graphene or amorphous carbon ligament …
| — |
Pressure | 2–3000 MPa | — |
Pressure | 0.1–3000 MPa | — |
Pressure | 2–10 MPa | — |
GRAPHENE WINDOWS, METHODS FOR MAKING SAME, AND DEVICES CONTAINING SAME
polymeric substrate
nickel
Ni
copper
Cu
hexane diol diacrylate
polyethylene glycol diacrylate
poly(methyl methacrylate)
FIG. 2A is a SEM image of a 3 D graphene architecture exhibiting a deterministic structure, according to one embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 4A is a SEM image of a Kelvin foam made of carbon hollow tubes after Ni assisted pyrolysis of a polymer substrate by projection microstereolithography …
FIG. 5A is a SEM image of a 3D printed substrate produced by two-photon polymerization stereolithography and suitable for forming a 3D graphene architecture …
FIG. 6A is a simplified cross-sectional schematic depicting an exemplary structure of concentric, hollow bilayers of a graphene or amorphous carbon ligament …
| — |
Pressure | 2–3000 MPa | — |
Pressure | 0.1–3000 MPa | — |
Pressure | 2–10 MPa | — |
GRAPHENE WINDOWS, METHODS FOR MAKING SAME, AND DEVICES CONTAINING SAME