Abstract: A method of producing a thin film using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, including the steps of supplying a cation species to a substrate region when there is at most a relatively low flux of a plasma based anion species in the substrate region, and supplying the plasma based anion species to the substrate region when there is at most a relatively low flux of the cation species in the substrate region. This enables delivery of gaseous reactants to be separated in time in PECVD and/or RPECVD based film growth systems, which provides a significant reduction in the formation of dust particles for these plasma based film growth techniques.

Abstract: A device for carrying out gas reactions, comprising a plasma reactor with a through-flow of gases which has a, particularly cylindrical, plasma chamber, wherein flow-forming elements for forming a flow of gases are arranged before and/or in and/or after the plasma reactor in order to form a gas stream within the plasma chamber such that at least one, particularly central, zone in the gas flow is formed which is flow-reduced. A method for carrying out gas reactions is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method suitable for large-scale producing silver nanostructures including nanoparticles and nanowires with high crystallization and purity in a short period of time. In this method, silver particles with mean diameter less than 200 nm and silver nanowires with length in micrometers are produced through a microwave-assisted wet chemistry method. Tens to hundreds grams of silver nanoparticles and nanowires are obtained in minutes by microwave irradiation treatment to a precursor pre-made by highly concentrated silver salt solution and other additives. These silver nanoparticles and nanowires have good dispersibility and are ideal for forming conductive adhesives.

Abstract: A technique for forming graphene which solves problems involved in formation of graphene by a thermal CVD method and a resin carbonization method that a high temperature is used and the treatment time is long and can form graphene at a lower temperature in a shorter time is provided. The above problems are solved by performing hydrogen plasma treatment on a copper foil substrate having an organic substance applied thereon by use of a surface wave microwave plasma treatment device and forming graphene on the copper foil substrate by the hydrogen plasma treatment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sheet or a fabric with crystalline TiO2 nano-particles includes providing a polymer material as a support, and then synthesizing the crystalline TiO2 nano-particles with immobilizing them on a surface of the support, followed by forming the fabric or the sheet. The fabric is a textile or a nonwoven fabric. A type of the support is a fiber or a sheet type. The synthesizing of the crystalline TiO2 nano-particles is performed by occurring a sol-gel reaction under a microwave irradiation, wherein a TiO2 precursor, water, an alcohol, and an ionic liquid applied in the sol-gel reaction during the synthesizing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates, where each nanoplate comprises a rhombohedral crystal of Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, or Sb2Te3 that is sulfur doped. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a microwave activated method of preparation of the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to bulk assemblies or fused films of the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates and their preparation from the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates such that the bulk assembly or fused film can be employed in a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A high concentration NO2 gas generating system including a circulating path configured by connecting a chamber, a plasma generator, and a circulating means, wherein NO2 is generated by circulating a gas mixture including nitrogen and oxygen in the circulating path is provided. The high concentration NO2 gas generating system provides a high concentration NO2 generating system and the high concentration NO2 generating method using the generating system by which NO2 of high concentration (approximately 500 ppm or above) required for a high level of sterilization process in such as sterilization of medical instruments can be simply and selectively obtained. In addition, since indoor air is used as an ingredient, the management of ingredients is simple and highly safe, and the high concentration of NO2 can be simply and selectively prepared on demand.

Abstract: Hybrid particles that comprise a coating surrounding a chalcopyrite material, the coating comprising a metal, a semiconductive material, or a polymer; a core comprising a chalcopyrite material and a shell comprising a functionalized chalcopyrite material, the shell enveloping the core; or a reaction product of a chalcopyrite material and at least one of a reagent, heat, and radiation. Methods of forming the hybrid particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing [18F]F2 from [18F] fluoride through a plasma induced scrambling procedure is provided. The present invention also provides an apparatus for preparing [18F]F2 from [18F] fluoride in a plasma induced scrambling procedure. Kit claims for preparing [18F]F2 from [18F] fluoride in a plasma induced scrambling procedure as well as method of use and use of claims for preparing [18F]F2 from [18F] fluoride through a plasma induced scrambling procedure are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a hydrocarbon precursor material capable of forming a two-carbon-fragment species into a thermal zone, heating the hydrocarbon precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the hydrocarbon precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. Apparatus for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a methane precursor material into a thermal zone, heating the methane precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the methane precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. Apparatus for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a graphene layer, including: putting a substrate in a chamber of an electron cyclotron resonance device, and then vacuuming the chamber. Conducting a carbon-containing gas into the chamber, wherein the carbon-containing gas has a pressure of 10?2 torr to 10?4 torr in the chamber. Heating the substrate until the substrate has a temperature of 100° C. to 600° C., and using a microwave with an electron cyclotron resonance mechanism to excite the carbon-containing gas to deposit a graphene layer on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for synergistically combining a plasma with a comminution means such as a fluid kinetic energy mill (jet mill), preferably in a single reactor and/or in a single process step is provided by the present invention. Within the apparatus of the invention potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into angular momentum by means of wave energy, for comminuting, reacting and separation of feed materials. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Methods of forming graphene by graphite exfoliation, wherein the methods include: providing a graphite sample having atomic layers of carbon; introducing a salt and a solvent into the space between the atomic layers; expanding the space between the atomic layers using organic molecules and ions from the solvent and the salt; and separating the atomic layers using a driving force to form one or more sheets of graphene; the graphene produced by the methods can be used to form solar cells, to perform DNA analysis, and for other electrical, optical and biological applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for nanoparticles, methods of making nanoparticles, methods of using the nanoparticles, and the like. Nanoparticles of the present disclosure can have a variety of morphologies, which may lead to their use in a variety of technologies and processes. Nanoparticles of the present may be used in sensors, optics, mechanics, circuits, and the like. In addition, nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be used in catalytic reactions, for CO oxidation, as super-capacitors, in hydrogen storage, and the like.

Abstract: A method of producing exfoliated graphite or graphene from a graphitic or carbonaceous material. The method includes: (a) dispersing a graphitic material in a liquid intercalating agent to form a suspension; and (b) subjecting the suspension to microwave or radio frequency irradiation for a length of time sufficient for producing the exfoliated graphite or graphene. In one preferred embodiment, the intercalating agent is an acid or an oxidizer, or a combination of both. The method enables production of more electrically conducting graphene sheets directly from a graphitic material without going through the chemical intercalation or oxidation procedure. The process is fast (minutes as opposed to hours or days of conventional processes), environmentally benign, and highly scalable.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing crystalline nanoparticle semiconductor material. The method includes the steps of mixing a precursor in a solvent to form a reaction mixture and subjecting the reaction mixture to microwave dielectric heating at sufficient power to achieve a superheating temperature of the reaction mixture. A growth-phase reaction is permitted to proceed, wherein nanoparticles are formed in the heated reaction mixture. The reaction is then quenched to substantially terminate nanoparticle formation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sheet or a fabric with crystalline TiO2 nano-particles includes providing a polymer material as a support, and then synthesizing the crystalline TiO2 nano-particles with immobilizing them on a surface of the support, followed by forming the fabric or the sheet. The fabric is a textile or a nonwoven fabric. A type of the support is a fiber or a sheet type. The synthesizing of the crystalline TiO2 nano-particles is performed by occurring a sol-gel reaction under a microwave irradiation, wherein a TiO2 precursor, water, an alcohol, and an ionic liquid applied in the sol-gel reaction during the synthesizing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a platinum-manganese dioxide/carbon complex for a positive-electrode material of a lithium-air battery. More specifically, a manganese dioxide/carbon complex is prepared by dispersing carbon in a manganese dioxide precursor solution and applying microwaves, filtering and drying to the resulting solution. Next a platinum-manganese dioxide/carbon complex is prepared by dispersing the manganese dioxide/carbon complex in ethylene glycol, adding a platinum precursor and applying microwaves to the resulting solution. The platinum-manganese dioxide/carbon complex synthesized according to the present invention exhibits lower overvoltage and higher current density in oxygen reduction and oxidation reactions as compared to either a manganese dioxide/carbon complex or a platinum/carbon complex.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a metal oxide nanowire includes the steps of: combining an amount of a transition metal or a transition metal oxide with an amount of an alkali metal compound to produce a mixture; activating a plasma discharge reactor to create a plasma discharge; exposing the mixture to the plasma discharge for a first predetermined time period such that transition metal oxide nanowires are formed; contacting the transition metal oxide nanowires with an acid solution such that an alkali metal ion is exchanged for a hydrogen ion on each of the transition metal oxide nanowires; and exposing the transition metal oxide nanowires to the plasma discharge for a second predetermined time period to thermally anneal the transition metal oxide nanowires. Transition metal oxide nanowires produced using the synthesis methods described herein are also provided.

Abstract: A method for one step synthesizing and immobilzing crystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-particles simultaneously on a polymer support and a use thereof are provided. The method includes adding TiO2 precursor, water, alcohol and an ionic liquid in a sol-gel reaction under microwave irradiation, so that a plurality of TiO2 crystalline nano-particles are synthesized and immobilized on the polymer support simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a cathode active material represented by Li2MSiO4 (M=transition metal) for a lithium secondary battery using microwaves, including: 1) dispersing a silicon compound in a solvent; 2) mixing a lithium salt and a transition metal salt in the resulting dispersion and then adding a chelating agent to form complex ions: and 3) treating the mixture with microwaves for gelation. The prepared cathode active material represented by Li2MSiO4 (M=transition metal) for a lithium secondary battery has homogeneous composition and superior characteristics. Further, since the preparation process is simple, the production efficiency is good.

Abstract: A method comprises: physically attaching one or more of metals, metal compounds or oxides to walls of carbon nanotubes; treating the metals, metal compounds or oxides to bond the metals, metal compounds, or oxides chemically to the carbon nanotubes; removing the metals, metal compounds or oxides from the walls of the carbon nanotubes resulting in defected carbon nanotubes; and unzipping the defected carbon nanotubes into graphene sheets or ribbons.

Abstract: A new method is disclosed for the exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride into mono- and few-layered nanosheets (or nanoplatelets, nanomesh, nanoribbons). The method does not necessarily require high temperature or vacuum, but uses commercially available h-BN powders (or those derived from these materials, bulk crystals) and only requires wet chemical processing. The method is facile, cost efficient, and scalable. The resultant exfoliated h-BN is dispersible in an organic solvent or water thus amenable for solution processing for unique microelectronic or composite applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for storing solar energy in organic compounds. The process comprises providing a water source and a carbon source. Water present in the water source is activated using solar energy. Activated water is reacted with the carbon source to form an organic compound comprising hydrogen and carbon. The organic compound has higher energy content than the carbon source. In a specific embodiment the organic compound is used as a fuel in an electricity-generating device, such as a fuel cell. In this embodiment the preferred organic compound is methanol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described comprising of a plurality of electromagnetic resonant structures coupled to a common process or reaction volume, such that resonance of each structure is maintained while the process or reaction volume is a part of each resonant structure. At the same time, each resonant structure is matched to its respective electromagnetic generator. Such a system allows each generator and its delivery system to run at rated power, with summation of all the powers occurring in the common process or reaction volume. In various embodiments of this invention, the various electromagnetic generators can run at the same or different frequencies. The various resonant structures can be single mode or multimode, or a mixture of single mode and multi mode. The various resonant structures can be arranged spatially in order to couple several structures to the process or reaction volume.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for producing large size diamonds. The methods include using carbon containing gases and supplementary gases to form reaction zones that are suitable for diamonds to grow; controlling the temperatures that are suitable for diamonds to grow; and keeping the small size seeds in motion in the reaction zones to form large size diamonds. The method provides controlling the high temperature endurable small size seeds at suitable temperatures for diamonds to grow and keep them in motion in the reaction zones. The invention also provides systems that allow all the surfaces of the high temperature endurable small size seeds continually extend to form diamonds, then to form large size diamonds. The invention provides a large-scale, low cost production of large size diamonds.

Abstract: The group of inventions pertains to the field of producing high-strength carbon fibres, which can be primarily manufactured from an organic starting material (precursor). A method for stabilizing a carbon-containing fibre (precursor) is claimed, in which the fibre is placed into a gaseous medium and subjected to treatment with microwave radiation as the gaseous medium is heated. More specifically, the fibre is placed into a working chamber filled with a gaseous medium, the latter is heated by heating the chamber (for example, the walls thereof) while the fibre is treated with microwave radiation. According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for producing a carbon fibre is claimed, comprising, as a minimum, fibre stabilizing and carbonizing stages, in which the precursor is stabilized by means of the above-described method by subjecting the fibre to microwave radiation as the medium in which the fibre is immersed is heated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of obtaining 68Ga from a 68Ge/68Ga radioisotope generator and a method of preparing 68Ga-radiolabelled complexes using the obtained 68Ga. The method comprises elution of the generator with an aqueous chloride ion solution. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the 68Ga metal complex formation.

Abstract: A plasma generator in which the variation of the impedance in the cavity before and after plasma is ignited is less and hardly affected by the shape of the cavity, and the ignitability of the plasma is improved and a method of generating plasma using the plasma generator are provided. The plasma generator comprises a nonconductive gas flow pipe (1) for introducing a gas (9) for generating plasma and discharging it into the atmosphere and a conductive antenna pipe (2) surrounding the gas flow pipe. A microwave (7) is applied to the antenna pipe to change the gas in the gas flow pipe into plasma. The plasma generator is characterized in that a slit (3) with a predetermined length is formed in the antenna pipe (2) along the axial direction of the gas flow pipe. Preferably, the plasma generator is characterized in that the length of the slit is an integral multiple of the half-wave length of the applied microwave.

Abstract: A method of extracting uranium from spent nuclear fuel (SNF) particles is disclosed. Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) (containing oxides of uranium, oxides of fission products (FP) and oxides of transuranic (TRU) elements (including plutonium)) are subjected to a hydrogen plasma and a fluorine plasma. The hydrogen plasma reduces the uranium and plutonium oxides from their oxide state. The fluorine plasma etches the SNF metals to form UF6 and PuF4. During subjection of the SNF particles to the fluorine plasma, the temperature is maintained in the range of 1200-2000 deg K to: a) allow any PuF6 (gas) that is formed to decompose back to PuF4 (solid), and b) to maintain stability of the UF6. Uranium (in the form of gaseous UF6) is easily extracted and separated from the plutonium (in the form of solid PuF4). The use of plasmas instead of high temperature reactors or flames mitigates the high temperature corrosive atmosphere and the production of PuF6 (as a final product).

Abstract: A method of synthesizing ligand-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is disclosed. The method comprises: a) providing an amine-modified silica particle; b) providing a solution comprising Au+3 ions; c) suspending the amine-modified silica particle in the solution comprising Au+3 ions; d) allowing the Au3+ ions to be adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle; e) exposing the Au3+ ions immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle to radiation to obtain bare gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle, wherein the bare AuNPs are without organic surface modifications; and f) reacting a ligand with the bare AuNPs adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified SiNP and thereby obtain ligand-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates, where each nanoplate comprises a rhombohedral crystal of Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, or Sb2Te3 that is sulfur doped. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a microwave activated method of preparation of the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to bulk assemblies or fused films of the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates and their preparation from the doped pnictogen chalcogenide nanoplates such that the bulk assembly or fused film can be employed in a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: The synthesis of energy and sensor relevant nanomaterials that involves the colloidal synthesis of quantum dots (e.g. CdSe, CdS, ZnS, CdSe/ZnS) under well-controlled hydrothermal conditions (100-200 degrees C.) using simple inorganic precursors. The resulting nanomaterials are of high quality, and are easily processed depending upon application, and their synthesis is scalable. Scalability is provided by the use of a synthetic microwave reactor, which employs dielectric heating for the rapid and controllable heating.

Abstract: The internal and external walls of the carbon nanotubes are doped with nano-sized metallic catalyst particles uniformly to a degree of 0.3-5 mg /cm2. The carbon nanotubes are grown over a carbon substrate using chemical vapor deposition or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Since the carbon nanotubes have a large specific surface area, and metallic catalyst particles are uniformly distributed over the internal and external walls thereof, the reaction efficiency in an electrode becomes maximal when the carbon nanotubes are used for the electrode of a fuel cell. The carbon nanotubes fabricated using the method can be applied to form a large electrode. The carbon nanotubes grown over the carbon substrate can be readily applied to an electrode of a fuel cell, providing economical advantages and simplifying the overall electrode manufacturing process. A fuel cell using as the carbon nanotubes for its electrode provides improved performance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods of crosslinking carbon nanotubes to each other using microwave radiation, articles of manufacture produced by such methods, compositions produced by such methods, and applications for such compositions and articles of manufacture. The present invention is also directed toward methods of radiatively modifying composites and/or blends comprising carbon nanotubes with microwaves, and to the compositions produced by such methods. In some embodiments, the modification comprises a crosslinking process, wherein the carbon nanotubes serve as a conduit for thermally and photolytically crosslinking the host matrix with microwave radiation.

Abstract: A nanometal dispersion and a method for preparing a nanometal dispersion are provided. The method comprises mixing a metal seed crystal aqueous solution, a polysaccharide aqueous solution, and a metal compound aqueous solution, followed by allowing the resulting mixture to conduct a reduction-oxidation reaction to form a nanometal. The produced nanometal dispersion comprises a polysaccharide and a nanometal. The polysaccharide is composed of N-actyl-D-glucosamine and glucuronic acid, and the nanometal has multimorphology.

Abstract: An electrode material is created by forming a thin conformal coating of metal oxide on a highly porous carbon meta-structure. The highly porous carbon meta-structure performs a role in the synthesis of the oxide coating and in providing a three-dimensional, electronically conductive substrate supporting the thin coating of metal oxide. The metal oxide includes one or more metal oxides. The electrode material, a process for producing said electrode material, an electrochemical capacitor and an electrochemical secondary (rechargeable) battery using said electrode material is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to chemical reactions and processes, and in particular to a method for enhancing the rate of a chemical reaction and to apparatus for carrying out the method. The invention more particularly relates to methods and apparatus which utilize microwave and ultrasonic energy to enhance chemical reaction rates; and in specific instances, the invention relates to methods, processes and apparatus for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels. The methods, processes and apparatus of the invention are useful for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels; and also useful for production of reaction products of esterification and/or transesterification reactions including fatty acid alkyl esters.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes the steps of providing a flow of methane gas at a selected flow rate, providing a catalyst, producing a methane plasma at a negative pressure using microwave irradiation at a selected microwave power, directing the methane plasma over the catalyst, and controlling the flow of methane gas and the microwave power to produce a product gas having a selected composition. A system for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes a methane gas source, a reactor having a reaction chamber containing a catalyst, a microwave power source configured to form a methane plasma, and a vacuum pump configured to maintain the reaction chamber at a negative pressure.

Abstract: A method for forming a protective bilayer on a magnetic read/write head or magnetic disk. The bilayer is formed as an adhesion enhancing underlayer and a protective diamond-like carbon (DLC) overlayer. The underlayer is formed of an aluminum or alloyed aluminum oxynitride, having the general formula AlOxNy or MezAlOxNy where Mez symbolizes Tiz, Siz or Crz and where x, y and z can be varied within the formation process. By adjusting the values of x and y the adhesion underlayer contributes to such qualities of the protective bilayer as stress compensation, chemical and mechanical stability and low electrical conductivity. Various methods of forming the underlayer are provided, including reactive ion sputtering, plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition, pulsed laser deposition and plasma immersion ion implantation.

Abstract: A plasma processing system is described for generating plasma with a ballistic electron beam using a surface wave plasma (SWP) source, such as a radial line slot antenna (RLSA) during semiconductor device fabrication. The antenna comprises a resonator plate having a partially open, electrically conductive layer coupled to a surface of the resonator plate. For example, the electrically conductive layer is formed at an interface between the resonator plate and the plasma, and a direct current (DC) voltage is applied to the electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing carbon-magnetite nanocomposites. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (a) dissolving a first amount of an alkali salt of lignosulfonate in water to form a first solution, (b) heating the first solution to a first temperature, (c) adding a second amount of iron sulfate (FeSO4) to the first solution to form a second solution, (d) heating the second solution at a second temperature for a first duration of time effective to form a third solution of iron lignosulfonate, (e) adding a third amount of 1N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the third solution of iron lignosulfonate to form a fourth solution with a first pH level, (f) heating the fourth solution at a third temperature for a second duration of time to form a first sample, and (g) subjecting the first sample to a microwave radiation for a third duration of time effective to form a second sample containing a plurality of carbon-magnetite nanocomposites.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) dissolving a first amount of a first transition-metal salt and a second amount of a second transition-metal salt in water to form a solution; (b) adding a third amount of tannin to the solution to form a mixture; (c) heating the mixture to a first temperature for a first duration of time to form a sample; and (d) subjecting the sample to a microwave radiation for a second duration of time effective to produce a plurality of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing nanodiamonds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of synthesizing nanodiamonds, which includes the step of subjecting an amount of tannin to a microwave radiation for a duration of time effective to produce a plurality of nanodiamonds.

Abstract: To provide core-shell particles having a dense shell, and a method whereby the core-shell particles can be produced in a short period of time. Core particles wherein the shell has a thickness of from 1 to 500 nm and has 0.01 cc/g as the maximum pore volume value of pores having diameters of at most 3 nm in a pore volume histogram obtained by nitrogen adsorption, and an average particle size in a dispersion medium is from 1 to 1,000 nm; is obtained by irradiating a liquid containing core particles made of a material having a dielectric constant of at least 10 and a metal oxide precursor with a microwave to form a shell made of a metal oxide on the surface of the core particles.

Abstract: Methods and processes for preparing interconnected carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are disclosed. The SWNTs soot, synthesized by any one of the art methods, is heated to less than about 1250° C. in flowing dry air using the electrical field (E) component of microwave energy. The tubes of the SWNTs thus treated become welded and interconnected.

Abstract: A method for one step synthesizing and immobilzing crystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-particles simultaneously on a polymer support and a use thereof are provided. The method includes adding TiO2 precursor, water, alcohol and an ionic liquid in a sol-gel reaction under microwave irradiation, so that a plurality of TiO2 crystalline nano-particles are synthesized and immobilized on the polymer support simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for continuously processing carbon fiber including establishing a microwave plasma in a selected atmosphere contained in an elongated chamber having a microwave power gradient along its length defined by a lower microwave power at one end and a higher microwave power at the opposite end of the elongated chamber. The elongated chamber having an opening in each of the ends of the chamber that are adapted to allow the passage of the fiber tow while limiting incidental gas flow into or out of said chamber. A continuous fiber tow is introduced into the end of the chamber having the lower microwave power. The fiber tow is withdrawn from the opposite end of the chamber having the higher microwave power. The fiber to is subjected to progressively higher microwave energy as the fiber is being traversed through the elongated chamber.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of functionalized particles includes providing a feedstock made of particles, a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and solvent. The feedstock is exposed to microwave radiation to heat the feedstock and react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 60 minutes.