Abstract: Compounds and methods for sorbing organosulfur compounds from fluids are provided. Generally, compounds according to the present invention comprise mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxides. Preferred metal oxide compounds either exhibit soft Lewis acid properties or are impregnated with a material exhibiting soft Lewis acid properties. Methods according to the invention comprise contacting a fluid containing organosulfur contaminants with a mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxide. In a preferred embodiment, nanocrystalline metal oxide particles are formed into pellets (14) and placed inside a fuel filter housing (12) for removing organosulfur contaminants from a hydrocarbon fuel stream.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying biological agents such as toxins and bacteria are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with finely divided metal oxide or hydroxide nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals have reactive atoms stabilized on their surfaces, species adsorbed on their surfaces, or are coated with a second metal oxide. The desired metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, [Ce(NO3)3—Cu(NO3)2]TiO2, Mg(OH)2, Ca(OH)2, Al(OH)3, Sr(OH)2, Ba(OH)2, Fe(OH)3, Cu(OH)3, Ni(OH)2, Co(OH)2, Zn(OH)2, AgOH, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for sorbing organosulfur compounds from fluids are provided. Generally, compounds according to the present invention comprise mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxides. Preferred metal oxide compounds either exhibit soft Lewis acid properties or are impregnated with a material exhibiting soft Lewis acid properties. Methods according to the invention comprise contacting a fluid containing organosulfur contaminants with a mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxide. In a preferred embodiment, nanocrystalline metal oxide particles are formed into pellets (14) and placed inside a fuel filter housing (12) for removing organosulfur contaminants from a hydrocarbon fuel stream.

Abstract: An improved mixed metal oxide material suitable for use in electrochemical cells is provided. The mixed metal oxide material generally exhibits high surface area and pore volume than conventionally manufactured materials thereby imparting improved electrochemical performance. Batteries manufactured using the mixed metal oxide material are particularly suited for use in implantable medical devices.

Abstract: Methods of reducing smoke levels in smoke-affected areas, reducing the level of toxic compounds produced by fires, fire suppression, and increasing flame retardancy. In particular, methods according to the present invention comprise dispersing nanocrystalline particles in the areas affected by smoke for sorption of smoke particulates and toxic compounds produced from a fire. The nanocrystalline particles are also effective for use in methods of fire suppression and flame retardancy.

Abstract: Novel siloxanes are provided in the form of nanoscale bodies having discrete, observable structures, such as elongated wires, tubes, filaments and coils, having a length of at least about 100 nm and a diameter of from about 2-200 nm. The siloxanes are synthesized by reacting a substituted silane in a solvent system comprising water and a polar organic solvent, and in the presence of a metallic nanoparticle catalyst such as gold.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for sorbing organosulfur compounds from fluids are provided. Generally, compounds according to the present invention comprise mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxides. Preferred metal oxide compounds either exhibit soft Lewis acid properties or are impregnated with a material exhibiting soft Lewis acid properties. Methods according to the invention comprise contacting a fluid containing organosulfur contaminants with a mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxide. In a preferred embodiment, nanocrystalline metal oxide particles are formed into pellets (14) and placed inside a fuel filter housing (12) for removing organosulfur contaminants from a hydrocarbon fuel stream.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying chemical and biological agents such as toxins and bacteria are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with finely divided metal oxide nanoparticles. The metal oxide nanoparticles are coated with a material selected from the group consisting of surfactants, waxes, oils, silyls, synthetic and natural polymers, resins, and mixtures thereof. The coatings are selected for their tendency to exclude water while not excluding the target compound or adsorbates. The desired metal oxide nanoparticles can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, the corresponding hydroxides of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for sorbing organosulfur compounds from fluids are provided. Generally, compounds according to the present invention comprise mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxides. Preferred metal oxide compounds either exhibit soft Lewis acid properties or are impregnated with a material exhibiting soft Lewis acid properties. Methods according to the invention comprise contacting a fluid containing organosulfur contaminants with a mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxide. In a preferred embodiment, nanocrystalline metal oxide particles are formed into pellets (14) and placed inside a fuel filter housing (12) for removing organosulfur contaminants from a hydrocarbon fuel stream.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of H2S and CO2 from contaminating streams, including the steps of providing an above ground stream comprising hydrocarbon containing the at least one contaminant, and positioning metal-containing nanoparticles having a particle size of less than or equal to about 100 nm in the stream, the metal-containing nanoparticles being selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and combinations thereof, whereby the nanoparticles adsorb the contaminants from the stream.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of H2S and CO2 from hydrocarbon streams, including the steps of providing a stream of hydrocarbon containing the at least one contaminant, and positioning metal-containing nanoparticles in the stream, the metal-containing nanoparticles being selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and combinations thereof, whereby the nanoparticles adsorb the contaminants from the stream.