Abstract: This invention relates to methods of producing aerogels and composites thereof. In particular, the invention relates to methods of producing silica aerogels and composites thereof. The invention also relates to doped aerogels and doped silica aerogels. The method involves the use of alkaline solutions, and particularly aqueous alkaline solutions, during the aerogel drying process. The method is more energy efficient and cheaper than prior art methods.

Abstract: A method for the separation of diamond particle clusters into discrete diamond particles and/or into smaller diamond particle clusters comprising fewer diamond particles is disclosed. The diamond particle clusters are combined with at least one liquid phase organic or inorganic compound, or with a solution of at least one organic or inorganic compound in at least one solvent to form a reaction mixture. Mechanical means are then used to separate the diamond particle clusters into discrete diamond particles and/or into smaller clusters within the reaction mixture producing diamond particles with dangling bonds or free bonding sites on the surface of the diamond particles. The at least one organic or inorganic compound then reacts with these dangling bonds present on the diamond particle surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of producing aerogels and composites thereof. In particular, the invention relates to methods of producing silica aerogels and composites thereof. The invention also relates to doped aerogels and doped silica aerogels. The method involves the use of alkaline solutions, and particularly aqueous alkaline solutions, during the aerogel drying process. The method is more energy efficient and cheaper than prior art methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of solid metal materials for catalyzing the hydration of carbon dioxide. It also relates to methods of and apparatus for hydrating carbon dioxide and capturing carbon. The solid metal materials may be nickel nanoparticles. The invention finds particular application in the sequestration of carbon dioxide either at the point of release or from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for the separation of diamond particle clusters into discrete diamond particles and/or into smaller diamond particle clusters comprising fewer diamond particles is disclosed. The diamond particle clusters are combined with at least one liquid phase organic or inorganic compound, or with a solution of at least one organic or inorganic compound in at least one solvent to form a reaction mixture. Mechanical means are then used to separate the diamond particle clusters into discrete diamond particles and/or into smaller clusters within the reaction mixture producing diamond particles with dangling bonds or free bonding sites on the surface of the diamond particles. The at least one organic or inorganic compound then reacts with these dangling bonds present on the diamond particle surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of solid metal materials for catalysing the hydration of carbon dioxide. It also relates to methods of and apparatus for hydrating carbon dioxide and capturing carbon. The solid metal materials may be nickel nanoparticles. The invention finds particular application in the sequestration of carbon dioxide either at the point of release or from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of treating a gold film to form gold nitride is proposed, which includes the steps of: generating a nitrogen plasma with a radio frequency field and a power of less than or equal to about 2 kW; and treating said gold film with said nitrogen plasma. The method can be carried out using commercially available apparatus such as an etching machine. The radio frequency field is preferably between 10 and 17 MHz, and the power used to generate the nitrogen plasma is preferably less than or equal to 300 W. The gold film may be biased to achieve directional attack of the plasma. A further method of forming gold nitride is proposed which includes the step of sputtering from a gold target with a nitrogen plasma to form a film of gold nitride on a substrate.