Abstract: A method for the oxidation of ethylene to form ethylene oxide which comprises treating an aqueous stream in a cycle water treatment unit containing an anion exchange resin to reduce the content of the impurities.

Abstract: As a visible-light-responsive photocatalytic-titanium-oxide-particulate dispersion liquid that can achieve a high visible light activity and is of a type different from the related art, the present invention provides a visible-light-responsive photocatalytic-titanium-oxide-particulate dispersion liquid in which two types of titanium oxide particulates are dispersed in an aqueous dispersion medium. The two types of titanium oxide particulates are first titanium oxide particulates, in which a tin component and a transition metal component (but excluding an iron-group component) for enhancing visible light responsiveness are dissolved, and second titanium oxide particulates, in which an iron-group component is dissolved. When a photocatalytic film formed by using this dispersion liquid is used, a high decomposition activity is achieved even in a case where a decomposition substrate has low concentration, which was previously difficult under visible light conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a brewed beverage, in particular a light-coloured lager or ale beer, (to be) bottled, (to be) stored, (to be) offered, (to be) served or (to be) consumed in a UV-VIS-transmittant bottle, comprising the addition of hulupones and/or reduced hulupones during the brewing process in an effective amount to obtain a brewed beverage, wherein the fraction of hulupones and/or reduced hulupones in the total of isohumulones and (reduced) hulupones is at least 25 mol %, The invention further relates to a brewed beverage, in particular a light-coloured lager beer or ale beer, bottled, (to be) stored, (to be) offered, (to be) served or (to be) consumed in a UV-VIS-transmittant bottle, comprising (reduced) hulupones and wherein the frac-tion of hulupones and/or reduced hulupones in the total of isohumulones and (reduced) hulupones is at least 25 mol %.

Abstract: Provided are a photocatalyst electrode for oxygen generation exhibiting a satisfactory onset potential, and a module including this photocatalyst electrode. The photocatalyst electrode for oxygen generation includes a current collector layer; a photocatalyst on the current collector layer; and a promoter supported on at least a portion of the photocatalyst, in which the promoter contains a first metal oxide having an oxygen generation overvoltage of 0.4 V or lower, and a second metal oxide having an oxygen generation overvoltage of higher than 0.4 V.

Abstract: Methods selectively and efficiently produce 3,7-dimethyl-7-octenol and a carboxylic acid ester thereof. More specifically, a method produces 3,7-dimethyl-7-octenol, including steps of: subjecting a 3-methyl-3-butenyl nucleophilic reagent (2) and a 1,3-dihalo-2-methylpropane compound (3) to a coupling reaction to obtain a 2,6-dimethyl-6-heptenyl halide compound (4); converting the compound (4) into a 2,6-dimethyl-6-heptenyl nucleophilic reagent (5); and subjecting the nucleophilic reagent (5) to an addition reaction with at least one electrophilic reagent selected from the group made of formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde and 1,3,5-trioxane, followed by a hydrolysis reaction to obtain 3,7-dimethyl-7-octenol (6); and the other method.

Abstract: A system and a method for converting Natural Gas (NG) to high energy transportable liquid (such as gasoline) are disclosed. A semiconductor UV-source is used for initiate a photo lytic reaction between methane molecules and photons having energy equal or bigger than the energy of dissociation of the C—H bond in methane. The formed radicals are further react to produce higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, while hydrogen gas is separates from the reaction mixture in order to avoid reverse reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for water treatment, comprising: a photocatalyst including at least one of SnFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, CuFe2O4, Fe3O4, MnFe2O4 and NiFe2O4; and an active oxide. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a photocatalyst and a use of the prepared photocatalyst.

Abstract: The sunlight active composite photocatalyst for water purification includes ZnO (zinc oxide) and Co3O4 (cobalt II, III oxide). The composite photocatalyst may, in the presence of natural sunlight, achieve complete mineralization of chemical and biological contaminants in water without leaving any hazardous by-products. The composite photocatalyst may be synthesized by a sol gel route or process.

Abstract: A plasmonic scattering nanomaterial comprising a substrate layer, a metal oxide layer in continuous contact with the substrate layer and silver nanoparticles with a diameter of 25-300 nm deposited on the metal oxide layer is disclosed. The silver nanoparticles have a broad size distribution and interparticle distances such that the silver nanoparticles plasmonically scatter light throughout the metal oxide layer with a near electric field strength of 1-30 V/m when excited by a light source having a wavelength in the range of 300-500 nm and/or 1000-1200 nm. In addition, a method for producing the nanomaterial by sputter deposition is disclosed as well as an appropriate thin film plasmonic solar cell comprising the nanomaterial with a solar efficiency of at least 10%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a compound having an amino group and/or a hydroxyl group from a substrate compound having an atomic group containing CO or CS by eliminating such atomic group. The substrate compound, having an atomic group containing CO or CS (for example, an amide, a carbamate, or the like), is allowed to react with a compound expressed by formula (I) below, at a temperature of 120° C. or lower, preferably in the presence of an ammonium salt, to eliminate such atomic group containing CO or CS. In formula (I) A may not be present, and in a case where A is present, A represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. H2N-A—NH2 (I) - - -.

Abstract: Methods for the photoreduction of molecules are provided. The methods use diamond having a negative electron affinity as a photocatalyst, taking advantage of its ability to act as a solid-state electron emitter that is capable of inducing reductions without the need for reactants to adsorb onto its surface. The methods comprise illuminating a fluid sample comprising the molecules to be reduced and hydrogen surface-terminated diamond having a negative electron affinity with light comprising a wavelength that induces the emission of electrons from the diamond directly into the fluid sample. The emitted electrons induce the reduction of the molecules to form a reduction product.

Abstract: A process for converting cellulose to glucose, said process comprising the steps of: providing a hydrated molten salt; contacting the hydrated molten salt with a cellulose-containing material to form dissolved glucose; removing the dissolved glucose from the hydrated molten salt.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Photoelectric systems combining a semiconductor and a phosphorescent compound with an emission spectrum of photons with energy levels equal to or greater than the activation energy of the semiconductor, wherein the phosphorescent compound is characterized by the emission spec-tram being produced by excitation of the phosphorescent compound with lower energy photons and the separation distance between the semiconductor and the phosphorescent compound is less than the distance at or above which scattering losses predominate. Methods are that embody technological applications of the photoelectric systems are also disclosed, as well as articles that embody technological applications of the photoelectric systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition in particle form having the structure: wherein M and M? are each independently a nutritionally relevant divalent metal and the particles are of a size between 1 micron and 1 nanometer. M and M? may be the same or different nutritionally relevant divalent metal selected from the group consisting of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, magnesium, and calcium. The particles may be made according to a process that includes application of microwave hydrothermal energy and/or ultrasonification.

Abstract: Methods for the photoreduction of molecules are provided. The methods use diamond having a negative electron affinity as a photocatalyst, taking advantage of its ability to act as a solid-state electron emitter that is capable of inducing reductions without the need for reactants to adsorb onto its surface. The methods comprise illuminating a fluid sample comprising the molecules to be reduced and hydrogen surface-terminated diamond having a negative electron affinity with light comprising a wavelength that induces the emission of electrons from the diamond directly into the fluid sample. The emitted electrons induce the reduction of the molecules to form a reduction product.

Abstract: A photoactive material including nanoparticles of photoactive first and second constituents. The first and second constituents have respective conduction band energies, valence band energies and electronic band gap energies to enable photon-driven generation and separation of charge carriers in each of the first and second constituents by absorption of light in the solar spectrum. The first and second constituents are provided in an alternating layered arrangement of respective first and second layers or are mixed together in a single layer. The nanoparticles have diameters smaller than wavelengths of light in the solar spectrum, to provide optical transparency for absorption of light. The charge carriers, upon photoactivation, are able to participate in redox reactions occurring in the photoactive material. The photoactive material may enable redox reactions of carbon dioxide with at least one of hydrogen and water to produce a fuel.

Abstract: A method of recovering an organic decomposition product from an organic source may include: a) causing an inert gas to flow through the reduction zone from a reduction inlet to a reduction outlet in such a way that pressure in the reduction zone is maintained above ambient pressure of a local environment for the material recovery system and b) applying electromagnetic wave energy to the organic source in the reduction zone via a bifurcated waveguide assembly in the substantial absence of oxygen to produce at least one gaseous organic decomposition product in the reduction zone that is exhausted from the reduction zone along with the inert gas through the reduction outlet. A material recovery system may include a housing with an inert gas inlet, a reduction zone, and a reduction outlet, an inert gas supply, an electromagnetic wave generator, a bifurcated waveguide assembly, and a controller.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of a process by intermittent dielectric heating combined with a recycling system. This process consists in subjecting reagents to electromagnetic waves selected in the frequencies ranging between 300 GHz and 3 MHz intermittently using a recycling system. This process enables the treatment of oils that are hardly absorbent as well as great investment savings. This process enables operation on different scales, whether in laboratories, on a semi-industrial or industrial scale, without forfeiting the advantages of continuous dielectric heating.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing residues of hazardous materials from vapor in a tank (1), wherein such a vapor is heated, passed outside the tank and subsequently cooled and the remaining dry vapor is recirculated, characterized in that a) said vapor is heated to a temperature of at least 5° C. above the melting point and below the self ignition point of the hazardous material, b) the vapor mixture thus formed is passed by means of a pump (3) from the tank through a discharge unit to a recovery unit, c) is cooled to a temperature of at least 5° C. lower and above the melting point of the hazardous material in a recovery unit, d) the liquid components of the vapor are recovered and the dry gas mixture is recirculated to the tank after reheating to the desired temperature, e) said recirculation being repeated as required.

Abstract: Methods for extracting bisphenols from polymer substrates are described. The methods include contacting the polymer substrate with an aqueous composition which includes a phase transfer agent, a base and optionally an oxidant, whereby the bisphenol is extracted into the aqueous composition. Suitable phase transfer agents are delineated. Also described are compositions which can be used in the present methods.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter demonstrates that a spin state which has zero magnetic resonance signal, but an extremely long lifetime, can be used to store magnetization, which can then be recovered into an observable transition. Coupled with hyper-polarization techniques, this permits the preparation of a wide range of contrast agent molecules for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that have long effective relaxation time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for partially derivatizing a curved surface of particles in an electrically conducting solvent, said method comprises the steps: a) bringing particles in close contact with at least one surface by using a force, b) inducing a chemical reaction on at least one part of a particle by applying an electrical potential between said at least one surface and the electrically conducting solvent, and c) further reacting said at least one part of a particle where a chemical reaction has been induced in step b) above. There is further disclosed a partially derivatized particle as well as uses of the particle. Advantages include that the method is simple and only requires a potentiostat in addition to standard laboratory equipment, is inexpensive, time-efficient, and inherently parallel.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Transesterification, esterification, and esterification-transesterification (both one-step and two-step) for producing biofuels. The process may be enhanced by one or more of the following: 1) applying microwave or RF energy; 2) passing reactants over a heterogeneous catalyst at sufficiently high velocity to achieve high shear conditions; 3) emulsifying reactants with a homogeneous catalyst; or 4) maintaining the reaction at a pressure at or above autogeneous pressure. Enhanced processes using one or more of these steps can result in higher process rates, higher conversion levels, or both.

Abstract: A system including nanostructure arrays for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound, e.g., methanol, which does so, for example, without any external electric energy. In one embodiment, the system for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound includes an array of nanotubes, which include nanoparticles of an electron mediator, e.g. palladium, dispersed on a surface of the nanotubes, and an electrically conductive fluid. The array of nanotubes is at least partially immersed in the electrically conductive fluid. The system further includes a light source that irradiates the array of nanotubes, a source of carbon dioxide, and an inlet for delivering the carbon dioxide to the electrically conductive fluid whereat at least a portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to a different organic compound, such as methanol, via contact with an irradiated array of nanotubes. In one example, the array is an ordered array of titania nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particulate substance comprising a particulate porous support coupled to a palladium species. The palladium species may comprise palladium nanoclusters. The particulate substance may be used as a catalyst for conducting a carbon-carbon coupling reaction or a reduction.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of a process by intermittent dielectric heating combined with a recycling system. This process consists in subjecting reagents to electromagnetic waves selected in the frequencies ranging between 300 GHz and 3 MHz intermittently using a recycling system. This process enables the treatment of oils that are hardly absorbent as well as great investment savings. This process enables operation on different scales, whether in laboratories, on a semi-industrial or industrial scale, without forfeiting the advantages of continuous dielectric heating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of extracting solanesol by microwave-assisted from potato stems and/or leaves. In particular, the invention provides a technique whereby the solanesol can be extracted effectively, in a relatively short period of time with respect to conventional extraction methods and allows for an enhanced extraction yield. The invention has bright perspectives in promoting local economic development and increasing farmers' income.

Abstract: A system and method is provided which includes using a liquid treatment apparatus, which is equipped with cyclonettes, for example, to subject a liquid medium processing stream in an alcohol production process to hydraulic cavitation, i.e., to shear under vacuum, at one or more locations. The liquid treatment apparatus, in one embodiment, is directed to the formation of a central axial jet and a vacuum chamber that can be sealed by the exiting jet. Cavitation is generated by directing a high velocity jet of liquid medium processing stream through a volume of vapor under a vacuum created in the chamber through which the jet travels. This can reduce the production cost of alcohol, such as ethanol, by improving alcohol yield per bushel, among other benefits. In one embodiment, the alcohol production process is a dry grind process, a modified dry grind process, or a wet mill process. In one embodiment the alcohol production process utilizes grain as a starting material.

Abstract: A method to prepare new or unexpected polymorphs of materials which have not been observed, or to obtain a known polymorph under different conditions than those in which it is usually made, by using a laser to cause nucleation and crystal growth to occur in a supersaturated solution in such a way as to obtain a crystal structure which would not normally appear without the use of the laser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to “a microwave induced process for the preparation of 4-vinylphenols or its derivatives” in which commercially important FEMA GRAS approved perfumery and flavouring vinylphenols (i.e. hydroxystyrenes) namely 4-vinylguaiacol (FEMA GRAS No. 2675) and 4-vinylphenol (FEMA GRAS No. 3739) as well as other useful vinylphenols such as 2,6-dimethoxy-4-vinylphenol, 2-hydroxy-4-vinylphenol, 3-hydroxy-4-vinylphenol etc. by condensation of malonic acid and 4-hydroxyphenylaldehydes or its derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regenerating hydrogenated and/or oxygenated alkyl anthraquinones and/or alkyl anthrahydroquinones to alkyl anthraquinones and/or alkyl anthrahydroquinones, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst under electromagnetic irradiation.

Abstract: A method to select and prepare polymorphs of materials by switching the polarization state of light employing non-photochemical laser-induced nucleation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to “a microwave induced process for the preparation of 4-vinylphenols or its derivatives” in which commercially important FEMA GRAS approved perfumery and flavouring vinylphenols (i.e. hydroxystyrenes) namely 4-vinylguaiacol (FEMA GRAS No. 2675) and 4-vinylphenol (FEMA GRAS No. 3739) as well as other useful vinylphenols such as 2,6-dimethoxy-4-vinylphenol, 2-hydroxy-4-vinylphenol, 3-hydroxy-4-vinylphenol etc. by condensation of malonic acid and 4-hydroxyphenylaldehydes or its derivatives.

Abstract: A method of hydrogenating alkyl anthraquinones and/or alkyl hydroanthraquinones to alkyl anthrahydroquinones and/or alkyl hydroanthrahydroquinones is disclosed. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst under electromagnetic irradiation, such as microwave irradiation. The invention further relates to a method of hydrogenating a working solution in a hydrogen peroxide production process, wherein the working solution contains alkyl anthraquinones and/or alkyl hydroanthraquinones dissolved in at least one solvent to convert the quinines to the corresponding alkyl anthrahydroquinones and/or alkyl hydroanthrahydroquinones, where the reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst under electromagnetic irradiation such as microwave irradiation.

Abstract: The method for preparing 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butanol includes reacting methanol and hexafluoropropene in the presence of a free radical initiator such as di-isopropyl peroxydicarbonate at 25-50° C. and a pressure of 100-300 psi in an autoclave. An inert gas such as nitrogen and argon is added to the autoclave when the pressure is lower than 100 psi in the course of the reaction.

Abstract: A method for the high-throughput non-photochemical laser induced nucleation of crystals from aged supersaturated solutions in which short high-intensity laser pulses are used to induce nucleation in an array or sequence aged supersaturated solutions. The laser reduces nucleation time and induces nucleation only in the area where the beam is focused or passes through, resulting in fewer nuclei than would be achieved by spontaneous nucleation. The high-throughput methodologies allow more crystals to grow in a given amount of time.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyhydric alcohol according to the invention comprises subjecting a polyhydric alcohol compound having protected hydroxy group(s) to microwave irradiation in the presence of basic compound(s) or acid(s) having an acid dissociation exponent (pKa) of −8 to 3 at 25° C. to remove the protecting groups of the hydroxy group of the polyhydric alcohol compound. The invention can provide an industrially advantageous process for preparing polyhydric alcohols by readily removing protecting group(s) from protected hydroxy group(s) of polyhydric alcohol compounds.

Abstract: A photocatalytic method and apparatus employing a Holl-type mill for the direct production of methanol from methane and water comprising forming a water/methane emulsion and contacting the emulsion with a photocatalyst under conditions to react the methane and water to form methanol.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyhydric alcohol according to the invention comprises subjecting a polyhydric alcohol compound having protected hydroxy group(s) to microwave irradiation in the presence of basic compound(s) or acid(s) having an acid dissociation exponent (pKa) of −8 to 3 at 25° C. to remove the protecting groups of the hydroxy group of the polyhydric alcohol compound. The invention can provide an industrially advantageous process for preparing polyhydric alcohols by readily removing protecting group(s) from protected hydroxy group(s) of polyhydric alcohol compounds.

Abstract: A method to prepare new or unexpected polymorphs of materials which have not been observed, or to obtain a known polymorph under different conditions than those in which it is usually made, by using a laser to cause nucleation and crystal growth to occur in a supersaturated solution in such a way as to obtain a crystal structure which would not normally appear without the use of the laser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing tocol acylate or tocopherol acylate having the following steps:

Abstract: A porous tube is positioned coaxially around and in axial alignment with a tubular lamp forming an annulus therebetween. Methane is directed through the porous tube and forms submicron size bubbles in a liquid flowing through the annulus. Energy from the tubular lamp generates hydroxyl radicals in the liquid which combine with the methane to form methanol. Photocatalytic material may be provided in the annulus either in the form of a layer of photocatalytic material formed on the interior surface of the porous tube or in the form of particles of photocatalytic material circulating through the annulus with the flowing liquid. A heat transfer apparatus may be provided in the annulus for removing heat generated by operation of the lamp.

Abstract: A method for converting methane hydrates to methanol, as well as hydrogen, through exposure to light. The process includes conversion of methane hydrates by light where a radical initiator has been added, and may be modified to include the conversion of methane hydrates with light where a photocatalyst doped by a suitable metal and an electron transfer agent to produce methanol and hydrogen. The present invention operates at temperatures below 0° C., and allows for the direct conversion of methane contained within the hydrate in situ.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for manufacturing methanol and higher alcohols from natural gas a catalytic area is formed on the exterior of a gas permeable partition. Natural gas is maintained on the interior of the gas permeable partition at predetermined pressure. Relative movement between the gas permeable partition and the water forms sub-micron sized bubbles of natural gas. Electromagnetic radiation is directed onto the catalytic surface to form hydroxyl radicals from the water. Methyl, ethyl, and propyl ions from the natural gas combine with the hydroxyl ions to form methanol, ethanol, and propanol.