Patents by Inventor Joseph R. D'Este

Joseph R. D'Este has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method for the photocatalytic conversion of methane
    Patent number: 5720858
    Abstract: A method for converting methane to methanol is provided comprising subjecting the methane to visible light in the presence of a catalyst and an electron transfer agent. Another embodiment of the invention provides for a method for reacting methane and water to produce methanol and hydrogen comprising preparing a fluid containing methane, an electron transfer agent and a photolysis catalyst, and subjecting said fluid to visible light for an effective period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Richard P. Noceti, Charles E. Taylor, Joseph R. D'Este