Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to multicolored carbon quantum dot nanoparticles (Cdots), “one-pot” methods of making same starting from coal and using mild reaction conditions, and applications of the same. The disclosed methods are safe and environmentally benign as well as inexpensive. Additionally, the disclosed carbon quantum dot nanoparticles are stable and have tunable properties based on reaction conditions used for their synthesis.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to relates to heterogeneous catalysts useful for the synthesis of ammonia under microwave irradiation, processes for preparing the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts, and processes for synthesizing ammonia using the heterogeneous catalysts with microwave irradiation. In various aspects, the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts comprise: a metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, or combinations thereof; a metal oxide support; and optionally a promoter material. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to relates to heterogeneous catalysts useful for the synthesis of ammonia under microwave irradiation, processes for preparing the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts, and processes for synthesizing ammonia using the heterogeneous catalysts with microwave irradiation. In various aspects, the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts comprise: a metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, or combinations thereof; a metal oxide support; and optionally a promoter material. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus relate to producing synthesis gas or carbon and hydrogen utilizing a reduced catalyst CuO—Fe2O3. The method comprises introducing CH4; reducing the CuO—Fe2O3 with the introduced CH4, yielding at least a reduced metal catalyst; oxidizing the reduced metal with O2 yielding CuO—Fe2O3; and generating heat that would be used for the hydrogen and carbon or syngas production with the reduced catalyst CuO—Fe2O3.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an oxygen carrier for a chemical looping cycle, such as the chemical looping combustion of solid carbonaceous fuels, such as coal, coke, coal and biomass char, and the like. The oxygen carrier is comprised of at least 24 weight % (wt %) CuO, at least 10 wt % Fe2O3, and an inert support, and is typically a calcine. The oxygen carrier exhibits a CuO crystalline structure and an absence of iron oxide crystalline structures under XRD crystallography, and provides an improved and sustained combustion reactivity in the temperature range of 600° C.-1000° C. particularly for solid fuels such as carbon and coal.