Abstract: The present invention discloses a simplified method for coating a substrate with photocatalytic semiconductor by mixing photocatalytic semiconductor powder with water to form a mixture, reducing said pH of the mixture to below about 4, emulsifying the mixture, coating the substrate therewith, and illuminating the coated substrate with ultra-violet.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-soluble, extended-release chemical formulations, in tablet form, for urine pretreatment, that require minimal, if any, use of a binder component, yet are non-dusting, pliable, structurally strong, and not weakened by exposure to aqueous streams. The present invention also provides a simple and reliable method for controlled dispensing of such tableted formulations into a liquid stream that is particularly advantageous for use in micro-gravity environments, such as spacecraft urinal systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and a system for removing inorganic carbon in the form of free and dissolved CO.sub.2 from aqueous solutions. The process and the system contemplate the use of a thermally regenerable and optionally thermally sterilizable ion exchange resin for adsorption of inorganic carbon. As a result, the need for regeneration of the resin by chemical means is obviated and expendable resin quantities are reduced. Therefore, the present invention will be especially useful in spacecraft and planet based applications where the need exists for reduced weight and volume water processing systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a process for removing contaminants such as CO.sub.2 and mobile cations and anions from aqueous solutions. The system and the process contemplate the use of thermally sterilizable aqueous polishing agents such as thermally sterilizable ion exchange resins and as a result, the need for chemical and/or mechanical microbial control or inhibition techniques is obviated. Therefore, the present invention will be especially useful in submarine and spacecraft applications where the need exists for reduced weight and volume water processing systems.

Abstract: The supported amine-polyol sorbent of the present invention comprises about 1 wt. % to about 25 wt. % amine, about 1 wt. % to about 25 wt. % polyol, with the balance being support. This sorbent is capable of absorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide at relatively high rates at ambient temperatures, thereby improving carbon dioxide sorption capacity.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide sorption using a metal oxide-alkali metal carbonate sorbent typically requires a relative humidity of greater than 25% in order to obtain reaction rate constants of about 2.0 to 3.0 sec..sup.1 (see Equation 6). The incorporation of alkali halide salt into the metal oxide-alkali metal carbonate sorbent maintains rate constants of about 2.0 to about 4.0 sec..sup.1 at relative humidities below 25%. Therefore, the hygroscopic alkali halide salt attracts water, thereby providing the necessary hydroxide ions for enhanced absorption at low relative humidities.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants includes about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % noble metal crystallites selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, and combinations thereof deposited on a high surface area catalyst support. The crystallites are about 100 .ANG. or smaller. A system for catalytically oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants has a catalyst bed containing such a catalyst, means for heating a reactor feed stream to a desired reaction temperature, means oxygenating the feed stream, and a phase separator for separating gaseous reaction products from a reactor effluent stream.

Abstract: A technique for preparing a flat sheet, high capacity CO.sub.2 sorbent and sorbent assembly is disclosed. The sorbent, which is in the form of a sheet, can be a metal oxide/alkali metal carbonate regenerable sorbent, while the sorbent assembly is comprised of the sheet sorbents located between constraining means and gas flow passages.

Abstract: A technique for preparing an unsupported, high capacity CO.sub.2 sorbent. The sorbent is comprised of silver carbonate, alkali metal silicate and alkaline earth metal salt binders for structural integrity, and alkali metal carbonate for CO.sub.2 sorption promotion. The sorbent disclosed in this invention has a high silver oxide density, consumes minimum volume, exhibits high CO.sub.2 absorption rates, and resists dusting and degradation for at least 50 absorption/desorption cycles.

Abstract: The supported amine-polyol sorbent of the present invention comprises about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % amine, about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % polyol, with the balance being support. This sorbent is capable of absorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide at relatively high rates at ambient temperatures, thereby improving carbon dioxide sorption capacity.

Abstract: A system for producing oxygen and methane. This system comprises a methanation reactor for reacting carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce methane and water, a reforming reactor for reforming the water and methane to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a condenser for separating the methane and water, and an electrolyzer for electrolyzing the water to hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants includes about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % noble metal crystallites selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, and combinations thereof deposited on a high surface area catalyst support. The crystallites are about 100 .ANG. or smaller. A system for catalytically oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants has a catalyst bed containing such a catalyst, means for heating a reactor feed stream to a desired reaction temperature, means oxygenating the feed stream, and a phase separator for separating gaseous reaction products from a reactor effluent stream.

Abstract: A method for removing oxidizable organic compounds from an aqueous solution is disclosed which utilizes an electrolysis cell having a solid polymer electrolyte. The organic compounds are introduced into the anode chamber and a series of potentials are applied to the anode which potentials cause the organic compounds to absorb onto the cathode catalyst, oxidize the organic compounds and then regenerate or de-foul the catalyst.

Abstract: Heat transfer surfaces in condensing heat exchangers are often coated with a hydrophilic coating to provide wetting and wicking. This coating is typically porous and continuously moist during operation and, therefore, a potential breeding ground for microbes. The inclusion of an antimicrobial agent, such as silver oxide, in the coating inhibits microbial growth and improves adhesion to the heat transfer surfaces.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide and water vapor are continuously removed by a venting membrane system which employs porous membranes and a liquid amine based sorbent, and which has a partial pressure gradient across the porous membranes. The partial pressure gradient induces absorption of carbon dioxide and water vapor from a gaseous stream, transport of the absorbed carbon dioxide through the pores of the membrane or to a second membrane, and desorption of the absorbed carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Heat transfer surfaces in condensing heat exchangers are often coated with a hydrophilic coating to provide wetting and wicking. This coating is typically porous and continuously moist during operation and, therefore, a potential breeding ground for microbes. The inclusion of an antimicrobial agent, such as silver oxide, in the coating inhibits microbial growth and improves adhesion to the heat transfer surfaces.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants includes about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % noble metal crystallites selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, and combinations thereof deposited on a high surface area catalyst support. The crystallites are about 100 .ANG. or smaller. A system for catalytically oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants has a catalyst bed containing such a catalyst, means for heating a reactor feed stream to a desired reaction temperature, means oxygenating the feed stream, and a phase separator for separating gaseous reaction products from a reactor effluent stream.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide sorption using a metal oxide-alkali metal carbonate sorbent typically requires a relative humidity of greater than 25% in order to obtain reaction rate constants of about 2.0 to 3.0 sec..sup.-1 (see Equation 6). The incorporation of alkali halide salt into the metal oxide-alkali metal carbonate sorbent maintains rate constants of about 2.0 to about 4.0 sec..sup.-1 at relative humidities below 25%. Therefore, the hygroscopic alkali halide salt attracts water, thereby providing the necessary hydroxide ions for enhanced absorption at low relative humidities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a CO.sub.2 /H.sub.2 O sorbent comprised of silver oxide, a CO.sub.2 sorption promoter, and a support. Preparation of this sorbent consists of impregnating the support with a silver compound, converting the silver compound to silver carbonate or silver oxide, and further impregnating the support with a CO.sub.2 sorption promoter. Prior to use as a sorbent, the silver carbonate is converted to silver oxide via the application of heat; liberating CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A method for producing oxygen and methane from carbon dioxide, and hydrogen utilizing a methanation reactor, a reforming reactor, and an electrolyzer. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen are reacted to produce methane and water. A portion of the water along with a portion or all of the methane is directed to a reforming reactor where it is reacted to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide, while the remaining portion of the methane is stored. The hydrogen is recycled to the methanation reactor while the carbon monoxide is vented or stored for use as a fuel. The second portion of the water is electrolyzed to its constituents, hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is stored or used for life support while the hydrogen is recycled to react with additional carbon dioxide.