Abstract: In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing polymers from alkenone-producing algae, such as algae species of the Isochrysis family.

Abstract: This present disclosure is directed to methods for the preparation of a hydrotreatment catalyst, such as nanoscale nickel phosphide (i.e., Ni2P) particles supported on high-surface area metal oxides (e.g., silica, alumina, amorphous silica-alumina), in a manner that is compatible with conditions employed in commercial hydrotreating units. The catalyst synthesis includes impregnation, drying, and in situ reduction, and can provide highly active catalysts for the removal of S and N impurities from crude oil fractions.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes luminescent solar concentrators that include photoluminescent nanoparticles. The photoluminescent nanoparticles include a semiconductor nanocrystal that sensitizes the luminescence of a defect. The defect can include, for example, an atom, a cluster of atoms, or a lattice vacancy. The defect can be incorporated into the semiconductor nanocrystal, adsorbed onto, or otherwise associated with the surface of the semiconductor nanocrystal.

Abstract: Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) devices are provided herein. The provided LSCs include devices having an oriented luminophore in at least one layer of the LSC device. Other LSC devices include LSCs having both a collector wave guide, incorporating a luminophore, and a transport wave guide, having no luminophore, into which luminesced light from the collector wave guide travels. Additionally, wave guides for use in LSCs are provided that include guided-wave plasmon-polariton modes for improved optical transmission within LSC devices. The devices provided herein, either alone, or in combination, provide improved LSC device performance, particularly with regard to overall device efficiency.

Abstract: Oriented materials and methods for their formation are disclosed. The oriented material is formed by depositing an oriented component from an oriented liquid crystal medium. Oriented materials having multiple layers and methods for their formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Oriented materials and methods for their formation are disclosed. The oriented material is formed by depositing an oriented component from an oriented liquid crystal medium. Oriented materials having multiple layers and methods for their formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Oriented materials and methods for their formation are disclosed. The oriented material is formed by depositing an oriented component from an oriented liquid crystal medium. Oriented materials having multiple layers and methods for their formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable displacement engine is provided with a group of variably operated cylinders which are controllable to start and stop operation under predetermined operating conditions, and a group of invariable operated cylinders which are constantly in operation irrespective of the operating condition. The engine is operably connected to a variable displacement control system operable to deactivate the operation of the group of variably operated cylinders under predetermined operating conditions, such as idling, highway cruising speeds, and the like, so that the overall fuel efficiency of the engine is improved. In an aspect of the present invention, a turbocharger is provided. The turbocharger includes an inlet for receiving exhaust gas from the invariable operated cylinders and an outlet for supplying compressed air to the variable operated cylinders. In one embodiment, the engine is a reciprocating piston type engine, and in another embodiment, the engine is a rotary piston type engine.

Abstract: An attachment within the air cleaner housing of a liquid-fuel internal-combustion engine, the attachment having a circumferential venturi air passage and a gaseous fuel inlet slot inboard of the narrowest portion of the venturi air passage.