Abstract: An anode, a flow cell including the anode, and a method for electrocatalytic treatment of bio-oil and/or wastewater are disclosed. The anode comprises RuO2 particles on a titanium support. The method includes flowing a process stream through the flow cell in the absence of added hydrogen, at a temperature of 0° C. to 50° C. and atmospheric pressure, and applying a potential across the flow cell such that the anode is positive with respect to the cathode, thereby electrocatalytically oxidizing compounds in the process stream to produce a treated process stream at the anode and generating hydrogen gas as a byproduct at the cathode.

Abstract: Flow cell systems are provided. Example flow cell systems can include an H+/H2 half-cell and a counterpart Fe3+/Fe2+ or V5+/V4+ half-cell. Flow cell systems can also include a half-cell in fluid communication with an electrolyte regeneration chamber. Embodiments of these flow cells systems can be configured to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Flow cell battery systems are also disclosed. Example flow cell battery systems can include an H+/H2 analyte; and a counterpart Fe3+/Fe2+ or V5+/V4+ catholyte. Processes for generating hydrogen are also disclosed. Example processes can include generating protons from a Fe3+/Fe2+ or V5+/V4+ electrolyte solution; and reacting the protons with H2O to form H2.

Abstract: A system and method for storing cold energy are detailed. The system includes a solid refrigerant in a structured form that stores cold energy. Upon deformation, the solid refrigerant transforms into a high energy deformed state from a low energy non-deformed state. In the deformed state, the solid refrigerant stores cold energy that can be released to a desired location upon demand.

Abstract: An on-board hydride storage system and process are described. The system includes a slurry storage system that includes a slurry reactor and a variable concentration slurry. In one preferred configuration, the storage system stores a slurry containing a hydride storage material in a carrier fluid at a first concentration of hydride solids. The slurry reactor receives the slurry containing a second concentration of the hydride storage material and releases hydrogen as a fuel to hydrogen-power devices and vehicles.

Abstract: A compact integrated combustion reactor is described. In a preferred embodiment, the combustion catalyst is disposed in a staggered configuration such that the hot spot in an adjacent endothermic reaction chamber is substantially less than would occur with a conventional, unstaggered configuration. The integrated reactor may also include a methanation chamber for methanation of a reformate product. Systems containing reactant and product streams, and methods of conducting integrated combustion reactions are also described. A staggered catalyst conformation can be used more broadly for thermal chemical reactions requiring heat transfer in a layered device.

Abstract: A system and method for storing cold energy are detailed. The system includes a solid refrigerant in a structured form that stores cold energy. Upon deformation, the solid refrigerant transforms into a high energy deformed state from a low energy non-deformed state. In the deformed state, the solid refrigerant stores cold energy that can be released to a desired location upon demand.

Abstract: An on-board hydride storage system and process are described. The system includes a slurry storage system that includes a slurry reactor and a variable concentration slurry. In one preferred configuration, the storage system stores a slurry containing a hydride storage material in a carrier fluid at a first concentration of hydride solids. The slurry reactor receives the slurry containing a second concentration of the hydride storage material and releases hydrogen as a fuel to hydrogen-power devices and vehicles.

Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.

Abstract: Methods for producing alcohols from CO or CO2 and H2 utilizing a palladium-zinc on alumina catalyst are described. Methods of synthesizing alcohols over various catalysts in microchannels are also described. Ethanol, higher alcohols, and other C2+ oxygenates can produced utilizing Rh—Mn or a Fisher-Tropsch catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing reagents for a chemical reaction by introducing a fuel containing hydrocarbons into a flash distillation process wherein the fuel is separated into a first component having a lower average molecular weight and a second component having a higher average molecular weight. The first component is then reformed to produce synthesis gas wherein the synthesis gas is reacted catalytically to produce the desire reagent.

Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.

Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides steam reforming catalyst compositions containing Pd and Zn, and methods of steam reforming alcohols over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties of the present invention, including low temperature activity and/or low carbon monoxide output, are also described. Methods of making a steam reforming catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing reagents for a chemical reaction by introducing a fuel containing hydrocarbons into a flash distillation process wherein the fuel is separated into a first component having a lower average molecular weight and a second component having a higher average molecular weight. The first component is then reformed to produce synthesis gas wherein the synthesis gas is reacted catalytically to produce the desire reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing reagents for a chemical reaction by introducing a fuel containing hydrocarbons into a flash distillation process wherein the fuel is separated into a first component having a lower average molecular weight and a second component having a higher average molecular weight. The first component is then reformed to produce synthesis gas wherein the synthesis gas is reacted catalytically to produce the desire reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides steam reforming catalyst compositions containing Pd and Zn, and methods of steam reforming alcohols over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties of the present invention, including low temperature activity and/or low carbon monoxide output, are also described. Methods of making a steam reforming catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides microcombustors, microreformers, and methods of steam reforming alcohols over a catalyst. The microcombustors can be manufactured with a very small size and can operate at very low temperature. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides microcombustors, microreformers, and methods of steam reforming alcohols over a catalyst. The microcombustors can be manufactured with a very small size and can operate at very low temperature. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods of the present invention are also described.