Abstract: A microwave plasma processing apparatus which easily ensures uniformity and stability of plasma in response to changes of process conditions and the like. The microwave plasma processing apparatus generates plasma of a process gas in a chamber by microwave and performs plasma processing to a work to be processed by using the plasma. On a plate composed of a conductor covering the outer circumference of a microwave transmitting board, two or more holes for propagating microwave from an edge part of the microwave transmitting board to an inner part of the plate are formed. Volume adjusting mechanisms and adjust the volume of the holes to adjust impedance of each unit when the microwave transmitting board is divided into individual units to which each of the holes belongs, and electric field distribution of the microwave transmitting board is controlled.

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: It is an object to provide a manufacturing method for a large amount of positive electrode active material with few variations, having a highly uniform surface condition, micro-size, and high performance. An aqueous solution of a compound, which becomes the source material for the positive electrode active material, is put in an airtight container and irradiated with microwaves, thus heating while water in the airtight container is evaporated and a high pressure is formed in the air tight container. A large amount of micro-sized positive electrode active material having a highly uniform surface condition can be formed. A compound, which becomes the source material for the positive electrode active material, is put in an airtight container and irradiated with microwaves, thus heating while water in the airtight container is evaporated and a high pressure is formed in the air tight container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing a catalyst composition. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a catalyst can comprise: forming a catalyst composition from a catalyst precursor and a volatile compound, disposing the catalyst composition on a substrate to form a supported composition, treating the supported composition with electromagnetic radiation, and removing at least a portion of the volatile compound to form the catalyst. In another embodiment, the method for manufacturing a catalyst can comprise: forming a catalyst composition comprising a volatile compound and a catalyst precursor, disposing the catalyst composition onto a substrate, and drying the catalyst composition at a temperature greater than or equal to a dew point of the volatile compound and less than or equal to a decomposition temperature of the catalyst precursor.

Abstract: In oxidation of a silicon having irregularities, a silicon oxide film having a thickness as small as possible is formed in the side wall as compared with the bottom. A plasma is generated, using a plasma processing apparatus (100) which introduces microwave into a chamber (1) through a plane antenna (31) having plural microwave radiating holes (32), while applying a high-frequency power to a stage (2), under the conditions that the proportion of oxygen in the processing gas is in the range of 0.1 to 50% and the processing pressure is in the range of 1.3 to 667 Pa. By using this plasma, the ratio of the thickness of the silicon oxide film formed on the side wall surfaces of the irregularities to the thickness of the silicon oxide film formed on the bottom wall surfaces of the recessed portions of the irregularities is made not more than 0.6, while the thickness of the silicon oxide films formed on the bottom wall surfaces is not less than 6 nm and not more than 20 nm.

Abstract: A method to release hydrogen from a material comprising hydrogen fixed fullerenes involves irradiating the hydrogen fixed fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of sufficient intensity to release hydrogen rapidly upon irradiation. The intensity of the irradiation and/or the area of irradiation can be adjusted to control the rate and extent of hydrogen release. The hydrogen depleted material comprising hydrogen fixed fullerene can be hydrogenated to regenerate the material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized nanomaterials, and, specifically, soluble functionalized nanomaterials. The presently described invention also relates to nanomaterial-based composites consisting of a target material, which can include ceramic, polymer, or metallic matrices incorporated into or grown on nanomaterials, as well as a method or synthesis technique for the formation, production, or manufacture of nanomaterial-based composites through microwave-induced reaction.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing transition metal phosphide. In one embodiment, the method has the steps of preparing a transition metal lignosulfonate, mixing the transition metal lignosulfonate with phosphoric acid to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to a microwave radiation for a duration of time effective to obtain a transition metal phosphide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a nano-sized material such as in the form of a colloidal suspension of nano-sized particles and/or as a coating and/or as a thin film comprised by such nano-sized particles on the surface of a substrate. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the present invention.

Abstract: Superior hydroxyls are provided which have effects on organic and inorganic compounds and/or pollutants over substantial periods of time and/or at substantial distances from where the superior hydroxyls are generated. Also provided is a hydroxyl generator, in which UV-lamps are positioned such that the coronas which they produce when emitting UV-radiation fill substantially all of the interior space of the hydroxyl generator. The coronas overlap each other by a maximum amount of between 5% and 25% of the radius of each corona.

Abstract: A system uses thermal solar energy coupled with microwaves and plasma for producing carbon monoxide (CO) and dihydrogen (H2) from carbonated compounds (biomass, domestic waste, sludge from waste water, fossil coal), wherein the obtained gaseous mixture yields, amongst others, hydrocarbon fuels (olefins, paraffin), esters, and alcohols via a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. In a first step the carbonated compounds are roasted and pyrolized to produce char and dry coal, and a mixture of superheated gases containing CO2, steam, tars and non-condensable volatile materials. The method includes in a second step, and from the pyrolyis products (char or coal, gas mixture), generating a syngas substantially containing a mixture of carbon monoxide and dihydrogen, the mixture being used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis units. After the Fischer-Tropsch step, the synthesis products are separated in a distillation column after heating in solar furnaces of mixed furnaces (solar/microwave).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for using hydrogen. The method is characterised in that water from a sea water or other source if first preheated using solar energy and next subjected to a heating step in order to obtain steam which is transformed into water plasma at a low temperature, followed by the decomposition of the plasma by hydrolysis using electrodes and the subsequent separation of the hydrogen and oxygen obtained. The hydrogen is then transported to the location at which water is to be generated, the hydrogen undergoes oxidation and the energy therefrom is recovered, with water being regenerated for direct use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gasifying carbonic material in order to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen; the method comprises the following steps: (a) providing carbonic material; (b) heating, by means of microwave radiation, the carbonic material provided until a plasma point cloud forms in the carbonic material; (c) causing the cloud of plasma points of carbonic material to react with superheated water vapour in order to produce a synthesis gas; and (d) purifying the produced synthesis gas by refeeding it through the cloud of plasma points in the carbonic material wherein it is broken up by microwave radiation of step (b) to achieve the generally complete transformation of the synthesis gas into carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Additionally the cloud of plasma points reacts with oxidation gas (air, oxygen or gas enriched with oxygen) in order to produce the synthesis gas.

Abstract: A simple and direct methodology for synthesis of polycrystalline silicon sheets is demonstrated in our invention, where silica (SiO2) and elemental carbon (C) are reacted under RF or MW excitation. These polycrystalline silicon sheets can be directly used as feedstock/substrates for low cost photovoltaic solar cell fabrication. Other techniques, such as textured polycrystalline silicon substrate formation, in situ doping, and in situ formation of p-n junctions, are described, which make use of processing equipments and scheme setups of various embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention has for its objects a process for extracting the chemical elements contained in diverse products (i.e. waste, ashes, used catalysts, etc. . . .) or in raw materials such as soils, sediments, lands, brownfields and ores and a device to implement the process. The process consists in forming volatile compounds with one or several elements to be extracted present in a first reactor using a gas being maintained outside of thermodynamic equilibrium as in non-thermal plasma (electric discharge under high or low pressure, corona discharge . . . ). These volatile compounds are then exhausted towards secondary reactors intended to selectively extract said volatile compounds by decomposition or by condensation to recover each elements and the gas which can be recycled.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the decontamination of articles contaminated (or thought to be contaminated) with bioweapons, such as methods and apparatus for decontaminating articles contaminated with sporualated bioweapons. In some embodiments, the methods are methods of decontaminating an environment, for example a room or building contaminated with a bioweapon.

Abstract: In order to provide nanoscale metal oxide fine particles having an excellent dispersibility in an organic solvent, metal oxide fine particles are obtained by heating and reacting metal halide and metal alkoxide in the presence of phosphine oxide. The heating is performed by microwave irradiation.

Abstract: A method for treating carbon nanotubes with microwave energy to selective remove metallic-type carbon nanotubes is provided. A sample containing carbon nanotubes is positioned in a microwave cavity at a location corresponding to a maximum in the electric field component of a stationary wave having a microwave frequency. The sample is exposed to the microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to increase the proportion of semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes within the sample. Alternatively, a sample consisting essentially of metallic-type and semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes is exposed to microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to increase the proportion of semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes within the sample.

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: The invention is directed to a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized nanomaterials, and, specifically, soluble functionalized nanomaterials. The presently described invention also relates to nanomaterial-based composites consisting of a target material, which can include ceramic, polymer, or metallic matrices incorporated into or grown on nanomaterials, as well as a method or synthesis technique for the formation, production, or manufacture of nanomaterial-based composites through microwave-induced reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyaluminium salts, preferably polyaluminium sulphate and polyaluminium chloride, and derivatives thereof, from aluminium containing raw materials and acids, wherein microwaves are used for partial heating of the reaction mixture. The present invention also relates to a system for the production of polyaluminium salts and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen by microwave includes a microwave heater, a reaction tube comprising a catalyst bed, a cap, an output unit and a microwave control box. A method of producing hydrogen using microwaves has steps of feeding gas and liquid, vaporizing the liquid to from a mixed gas and heating the mixed gas. A liquid and a gas are selected at predetermined ratios to form the mixed gas that reacts on the catalyst bed to from hydrogen. Microwaves allow the apparatus to be ready for production quicker and reduce space required by the apparatus. Heating the liquid and gas using microwaves is fast so has a good energy efficiency.

Abstract: To gasify carbonaceous material into gas containing CO and H2, the drying and/or the heating and the pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material are performed using microwave irradiation and thermal irradiation and the pyrolysis products and/or the carbonaceous material are then gasified. For this purpose the carbonaceous material is irradiated in a microwave station with a heating unit, and then passed on into a reactor for gasification. The gasification occurs with the aid of a water-steam plasma source.

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 process for releasing hydrogen gas is disclosed. The process comprises the step of irradiating hydrogen storage particles dispersed within thermal promoter particles under conditions to release said hydrogen from said hydrogen storage particles. A system for implementing the process as well as uses for the hydrogen gas released from the above process are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for treating minerals using microwave energy are disclosed. The method includes exposing a moving bed, preferably a mixed moving bed, of mineral particles to pulsed high energy microwave energy so that at least substantially all particles receive at least some exposure to microwave energy.

Abstract: A gas distribution system for supplying different gas compositions to a chamber, such as a plasma processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus is provided. The gas distribution system can include a gas supply section, a flow control section and a switching section. The gas supply section provides first and second gases, typically gas mixtures, to the flow control section, which controls the flows of the first and second gases to the chamber. The chamber can include multiple zones, and the flow control section can supply the first and second gases to the multiple zones at desired flow ratios of the gases. The gas distribution system can continuously supply the first and second gases to the switching section and the switching section is operable to switch the flows of the first and second gases, such that one of the first and second process gases is supplied to the chamber while the other of the first and second gases is supplied to a by-pass line, and then to switch the gas flows.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for decomposing and extracting compositions for the recovery of petroleum-based materials from composites comprising those petroleum-based materials, comprising subjecting the compositions and/or composites to microwave radiation, wherein the microwave radiation is in the range of from about 4 GHz to about 18 GHz. The present invention also provides for products produced by the methods of the present invention and for apparatuses used to perform the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes for use in a fuel cell, a method for fabricating the same, and a fuel cell using the carbon nanotubes for its electrode are provided. 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.

Abstract: A method of annealing inorganic particles using microwave is provided. The method comprises disposing a plurality of raw particles having poor room-temperature microwave coupling characteristics in a close proximity to a microwave-absorbing material, irradiating said microwave-absorbing material with microwave radiation to heat said microwave-absorbing material, and heating said plurality of raw particles for a period of time sufficient to obtain a plurality of annealed particles, wherein the plurality of annealed particles has a crystalline phase, and wherein said heating comprises transferring heat from said microwave-absorbing material to said plurality of raw particles.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to rare earth particles such as rare earth nanorods (e.g., inorganic lanthanide hydroxide nanorods). For example, rare earth (e.g., lanthanide) particles such as europium hydroxide nanorods, methods and materials for making rare earth particles (e.g., europium hydroxide nanorods), and methods and materials for using rare earth particles (e.g., europium hydroxide nanorods) as an imaging agent and/or to promote angiogenesis are provided.

Abstract: Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) is used to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the biogas produced in an anaerobic digester. The cleaned biogas is then combusted in a reciprocating engine. The exhaust of the engine is passed through a heat exchanger and then through GAC in an adsorber to adsorb nitrogen oxides (NOx) and any sulfur oxides (SOx). The GACs containing NOx, H2S, and SOx, are transported to a microwave reactor, mixed, and exposed to microwave energy. The H2S and NOx are desorbed from the GAC and chemically combined to produce nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur and water. Unreacted nitrogen oxides or hydrogen sulfide are transported to a second reactor containing carbon media to be reacted by a further microwave process. Sulfur is removed with a filter as a solid and the remaining inert components are vented to the atmosphere. The GAC is regenerated and reused to remove additional H2S and NOx.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for decomposing and extracting compositions for the recovery of petroleum-based materials from composites comprising those petroleum-based materials, comprising subjecting the compositions and/or composites to microwave radiation, wherein the microwave radiation is in the range of from about 4 GHz to about 18 GHz. The present invention also provides for products produced by the methods of the present invention and for apparatuses used to perform the methods of the present invention.

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: 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 process of forming a semiconductive carbon nanotube structure includes imposing energy on a mixture that contains metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconductive carbon nanotubes under conditions to cause the metallic carbon nanotubes to be digested or to decompose so that they may be separated away from the semiconductive carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for modification of asbestos is provided, which method modifies asbestos in a short period of time. This method for modification of asbestos includes a step of irradiating microwaves on an asbestos-containing object containing asbestos and a heat generating aid which is self-heated by irradiation of microwaves, thereby heating the asbestos-containing object to modify the asbestos in the asbestos-containing object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an Al—C covalent bond between aluminum and a carbon material by applying an electric arc to a mixture of the aluminum and the carbon material under vacuum, heated and pressurized conditions. In order to enhance the reactivity of the carbon material, the method may include the step of introducing defects in the carbon material and thus functionalizing the carbon material by treating the carbon material with acid, a microwave, or plasma.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electrode material for battery is provided. The method includes the following steps: firstly, providing a reaction precursor having a crystal structure, in which the reaction precursor represents as NaxMyM?zO2, and M and M? are not the same metal; next, dispersing the reaction precursor in a solvent, and adding a lithium (Li) salt therein, so as to form a mixed solution; and then, performing a microwave heating treatment on the mixed solution, in which Li+ in the Li salt are ion exchanged with Na+ in the reaction precursor, so as to form LixMyM?zO2 as the electrode material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of improving the optical properties of diamond at low pressures and more specifically to a method of producing a CVD diamond of a desired optical quality which includes growing CVD diamond and raising the temperature of the CVD diamond from about 1400° C. to about 2200° C. at a pressure of from about 1 to about 760 torr outside the diamond stability field in a reducing atmosphere for a time period of from about 5 seconds to about 3 hours.

Abstract: A radio frequency plasma-water dissociator incorporates a plasma boiler, a RF Conduit, a dummy load, and a magnetron. The plasma boiler is in communication with the RF Conduit. The RF Conduit is in communication with the dummy load. And the dummy load is in communication with the magnetron. The magnetron is used for the purpose of generating the radio frequency waves.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a new method for preparing radioisotopes, such as molybdenum-99, by alpha particle irradiation, such as by alpha particle irradiation of zirconium-96. Molybdenum-99 is a precursor to the medically-significant radioisotope technetium-99m. Also disclosed are novel compositions containing one or more of technetium-99m, molybdenum-99 and zirconium species. Systems for producing molybdenum-99 and technetium-99m, including alpha particle generators and irradiation targets, also are described.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process, method and device for the production and/or derivation of hydrogen utilizing microwave energy through use of a microwave susceptor that absorbs/assimilates microwave energy and converts it to radiant/heat energy which is imparted to iron and alters its physical characteristics such that water in contact with the iron will have one of its physical characteristics, preferably temperature, altered, and result in a reaction of the to produce/derive hydrogen. Invention also includes a progressive change to water prior to it achieving a reactive threshold with the iron element, and the progressive preparation and/or pretreatment of water, via exposure or contact of water with other materials with high thermal conductivities in lieu of iron through use of a microwave susceptor.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen by microwave includes a microwave heater, a reaction tube comprising a catalyst bed, a cap, an output unit and a microwave control box. A method of producing hydrogen using microwaves has steps of feeding gas and liquid, vaporizing the liquid to from a mixed gas and heating the mixed gas. A liquid and a gas are selected at predetermined ratios to form the mixed gas that reacts on the catalyst bed to from hydrogen. Microwaves allow the apparatus to be ready for production quicker and reduce space required by the apparatus. Heating the liquid and gas using microwaves is fast so has a good energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a nano-sized material such as in the form of a colloidal suspension of nano-sized particles and/or as a coating and/or as a thin film comprised by such nano-sized particles on the surface of a substrate. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the formation of small-size metal oxide particles, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a starting aqueous solution comprising at least one of metallic ion and complexes thereof, at a concentration of at least 0.1% w/w of the metal component; b) preparing a modifying aqueous solution having a temperature greater than 50° C.; c) contacting the modifying aqueous solution with the starting aqueous solution in a continuous mode in a mixing chamber to form a-modified system; d) removing the modified system from the mixing chamber in a plug-flow mode; wherein the method is characterized in that: i) the residence time in the mixing chamber is less than about 5 minutes; and iii) there are formed particles or aggregates thereof, wherein the majority of the particles formed are between about 2 nm and about 500 nm in size.

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 process and apparatus for obtaining a hydrogen product and a sulfur product from a feed gas comprised of hydrogen sulfide. In the process, a first separating step separates the feed gas to obtain a first purified hydrogen sulfide fraction comprised of at least about 90 percent hydrogen sulfide by volume. A dissociating step dissociates hydrogen sulfide present in the first purified hydrogen sulfide fraction to convert it into a dissociated first purified hydrogen sulfide fraction comprised of elemental hydrogen and sulfur. A second separating step separates the dissociated first purified hydrogen sulfide fraction to obtain a hydrogen rich fraction comprised of elemental hydrogen. The sulfur product may also be obtained from the dissociated first purified hydrogen sulfide fraction. Finally, the hydrogen product is obtained from the hydrogen rich fraction. The apparatus is provided for performing the process.

Abstract: Provided are methods for conditioning a getter material, comprising subjecting the getter material to microwave radiation. Electronic devices uses the conditioned getter materials and methods of making such electronic devices are also provided.

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for conducting microwave assisted chemical reactions. The instrument includes a microwave cavity, preferably a closed microwave cavity, for conducting microwave assisted chemical reactions, and a source for applying microwave radiation within the cavity and to a vessel and its contents. The instrument also includes an illumination source for illuminating the vessel and its contents, as well as means for visually observing the vessel and its contents, an infrared detector for monitoring the temperature of the vessel and its contents, and means for preventing the illumination source from saturating the infrared detector, thereby enabling concurrent visual observation and infrared monitoring.