Abstract: A reactor for dissociating carbon dioxide, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding arc discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. A diaphragm may be used at the output of the reactor to control the vortex flow pattern. In some examples, the reactor may be configured to have varying upper and lower chamber sizes.

Abstract: A method for preparing zinc oxide nanostructures using arc discharge is disclosed. The method comprises the provision of an anode and a cathode in an arc discharge chamber. Current is supplied to the anode and the cathode to establish an arc discharge between the cathode and the anode to vaporise the anode and produce zinc oxide nanostructures. Contemplated is the use of the zinc oxide nanostructures to produce components that have applications in, for example, optoelectronics, energy storage devices, field emission devices, and sensors such as UV photosensors, gas sensors and humidity sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of silicon from silyl halides. In a first step, the silyl halide is converted, with the generation of a plasma discharge, to a halogenated polysilane, which is subsequently decomposed to silicon, in a second step, with heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting gases that can be ionized wherein an atmospheric plasma jet is produced, wherein a gas mixture is brought into interaction with the plasma jet, and wherein an electrical quantity is measured as a measure of the concentration of the gas in the gas mixture. The invention further relates to a device for detecting gases that can be ionized, including a gas inlet, means for ionizing a gas, a voltage source, two electrodes, and means for determining an amperage, wherein the two electrodes are connected to the voltage source, wherein the means for determining an amperage are connected to the electrodes in such a way that the magnitude of the current flowing between the electrodes can be measured, and wherein a plasma nozzle is provided to produce an atmospheric plasma jet.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing pollutants in a gas stream are disclosed. The gas stream is introduced into a condensation chamber to condense the gas stream. It then proceeds into a first reaction chamber adapted to electrochemically alter the gas stream. From there, the gas stream is directed into a reduction chamber adapted to reduce pollutants and a resonance chamber adapted to ionize the gas stream. The gas stream is then directed into a second reaction chamber adapted to further reduce pollutants in the stream. After treatment, the gas stream may be discharged into the atmosphere or recirculated through the apparatus to further reduce pollutants in the gas stream, the latter providing for a closed-looped system.

Abstract: A method of making an active gas by generating a glow discharge, non-thermal plasma, in a gas mixture of a carrier gas and a more readily ionisable gas. The gas mixture is exposed to water vapour at or downstream from the generator to form the active gas. The gas mixture includes helium as the carrier gas and up to 40% by volume of at least one noble gas such as argon, krypton, or xenon as the more readily ionisable gas. The gas mixture is ejected at a temperature between 5° C. to 42° C. The active gas may be used for oral treatment such as cosmetic whitening of teeth, medical or non-clinical cleaning of teeth or for cleaning laundry or dishwashing items.

Abstract: A method and system for treating emissions includes charging particles in an exhaust stream, producing one or more radicals, and oxidizing at least a portion of the charged particles with at least a portion of the produced radicals. At least a portion of the charged particles in the exhaust stream are then attracted on at least one attraction surface which is one of oppositely charged from the charged particles and grounded. The attracted particles are oxidized with another portion of the one or more produced radicals to self regenerate the at least one attraction surface. Downstream from where the attracted particles are oxidized, at least a portion of one or more first compounds in the exhaust stream are converted to one or more second compounds downstream from the attracting. Additionally, at least a portion of any remaining charged particles are oxidized into one or more gases.

Abstract: Efficiently produce micro-dispersion water of super-fine noble metal particles having a desired concentration by using a very safe, compact production apparatus comprising a power supply for high-voltage/current discharge, a high-voltage discharge generator equipped with a noble metal electrode and its counter electrode, a water tank, a water inlet to the water tank, and an outlet for micro-dispersion water of super-fine noble metal particles, by causing plasma discharge in water between the noble metal electrode and its counter electrode and then causing the generated noble metal ion vapor to contact, and micro-disperse in, water. The obtained water can be effectively used as drinking water.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma (NTP) system is used to treat air containing volatile organic compounds (VOC) and/or halogenated volatile organic compounds (HVOC), some of which may be odorous, and/or fine organic particulate (smoke) emissions to be released into the environment by commercial and/or industrial air exhausting, using one or more compound dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) devices that each incorporate a plurality of catalytically active DBD electrodes, catalytically active parts and dielectrics to develop one or more NTP fields so as to create sufficient reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl species and other highly ionized molecules and atomic species so as to cause the oxidation and/or reduction of VOC's and/or HVOC's and/or fine organic particulate contaminants in the air streams to be decomposed to simpler, non pollutant, non odorous compounds that can be subsequently released into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of production of chemical bonds and subsequent molecules by electrospray ionization and the design of an electrospray chemical synthesizer, for use in chemical synthesis and expedited organic chemical reactions.

Abstract: High energy reaction of halogen-containing carbon, boron, silicon and nitrogen compounds, with base component comprising at least one atom selected from Groups IA to VIA, transition metals, lanthanides and actinides of the Periodic Table of the Elements, excluding aluminum and aluminum oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a plasma generation system, is provided. The apparatus can include a chamber that may be formed, for example, substantially of insulating material. The chamber can be configured to establish therein a stable glow discharge plasma having a pressure of at least about atmospheric pressure while vibrating a sample so as to be milled by bodies contained by the chamber. For example, the chamber may vibrate and/or rotate, and the chamber can include at least one body that includes insulating material and is free within the chamber. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A plasma-assisted waste gasification system including a sensing mechanism and process for converting waste stream reaction residues into a clean synthesis gas (syngas) is disclosed. The gasification system includes a first sensor located between a gas quench unit and a heat recovery unit to measure a first temperature and first flow rate of the synthesis gas exiting the gas quench unit; a second sensor to measure a second temperature and a second flow rate of a low temperature synthesis gas entering the gas quench unit; wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are connected to an inferential sensing mechanism. The inferential sensing mechanism is capable of estimating the temperature of the synthesis gas in the reactor, based on the measured first temperature and first flow rate, and the measured second temperature and second flow rate, using a mass-energy balance relationship that is based on the measurements of the two sensors.

Abstract: Methods for controlling catalysis of a chemical reaction generally includes electrostatically controlling position of a first linear single-molecule polymer inside at least one nanopore fluidly coupled to a reaction chamber comprising a reaction medium and at least one reactant, wherein the first linear single-molecule polymer is coupled to a first catalyst at one end and includes one or more charged sub-units; and creating an electrostatic potential well inside the nanopore, wherein the electrostatic potential well controls a position of the first linear single-molecule polymer inside the at least one nanopore. Also disclosed are apparatuses for controlling catalysis of the chemical reaction.

Abstract: A method of forming mufti-phasic nano-objects involves the jetting of two or more different liquids in side-by-side capillaries thereby generating a composite liquid stream. The composite then exposed to a force field which causes the composite liquid stream to at least partially solidify into a nano-object. The method forms a nano-object having a number of morphologies such as rods, spheres, and fibers.

Abstract: Water is dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen preferably using an adjacent plasma at or near atmosphere pressure and ambient temperature and generated preferably by a caduceus coil driving a frequency that creates a plasma shear and/or induces resonance in the water molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the microstructured plasma treatment of a film substrate, especially of a plastic film Said device comprises a rotatably received cylindrical electrode the surface of which contains or consists of metal, especially chromium, the surface having microstructured depressions, a planar high-voltage electrode the surface of which has a shape complementary to that of the cylindrical electrode and can be arranged on a section of the surface of the cylindrical electrode in a substantially form-fit manner, a transport device for transporting the film substrate to be treated between the surface of the cylindrical electrode and the high-voltage electrode, and a device for feeding a process gas to the surface of the cylindrical electrode and to the interspace between the cylindrical electrode and the high-voltage electrode.

Abstract: Methods of forming a plurality multiphasic nano-components (MPNs) having at least two phases, with high selectivity for at least one of shape, size, or phase orientation in the nano-component are provided. The methods provide high yields of substantially similar nano-components by controlling one or more of: polymer concentration, liquid stream composition, liquid stream conductivity, flow rate, humidity, temperature, pressure, electrode design and/or configuration during an electrified jetting process. Such methods of making MPNs form shapes including disks, rods, spheres, rectangles, polygons, toroids, cones, pyramids, cylinders, fibers, and combinations thereof. Such MPNs can be used in various applications, including for medical diagnostics or with pharmaceutical, personal care, oral care, and/or nutritional compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device generating a plasma flow comprising an electrically conductive housing, tubular in shape, forming a central channel traversed by a vortex gas, a central electrode arranged coaxially in said channel and an electric power source intended to apply an electric voltage V between the electrode and the housing, characterised in that the mean diameter of the channel formed by the housing decreases progressively from an area situated substantially at the level of the free end of the electrode as far as an end area of said housing, said end area being configured in such a way that the minimum electric voltage Vcmin(0) to be applied in order to develop an electric arc between said electrode and said end area is strictly greater than said voltage V.

Abstract: Methods are provided for surface modifying a hydrophobic polymer substrate to increase wettability comprising the steps of pre-treating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a radio frequency (RF)-generated first plasma and a RF-generated second plasma wherein the first plasma and the second plasma are applied sequentially, coating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a hydrophilic coating; and polymerizing the hydrophilic coating on the hydrophobic polymer substrate by exposure to a RF-generated third plasma.

Abstract: Three-dimensional metal dielectric structures are disclosed with chiral symmetry that elicit surface plasmons. The plasmons may have propagational circular polarization wherein the frequency of such propagating plasmons may be tuned by design to couple with the electronic transitions or fundamental vibrations, including phonons, of a molecular species. The plasmon-molecule coupling, combined with the propagational polarization afforded by the chiral structure may be further exploited to mediate the chemical transformations involving molecules with spatial chirality and/or to detect molecules with spatial chirality.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic fluid filtration system suitable for removing sub micron insoluble contaminants known to cause varnish from fluids such as dielectric fluids. The electrostatic fluid filtration system is configured to remove both water and other contaminants from a target fluid (e.g. a dielectric fluid) and comprises a cabinet, a computer control unit, and one or more substantially cylindrical filtration units, including at least one of a water filtration unit and an electrostatic contaminant filtration unit. In the contaminant filtration unit, the target fluid flows radially through the filtration media that is positioned between the electrode plates in a generally horizontal flow pattern. This forces the target fluid to traverse multiple energy fields in a serpentine fashion and in a single pass through the contaminant filtration unit. After flowing through each layer of the filtration media, the target fluid is discharged from the electrostatic contaminant filtration unit.

Abstract: Domain segregation of polymer blends or block copolymers in the presence of thermal conducting high aspect ratio nanocrystals leads to preferential placement of conductive filler either inside one domain, which promote the self-assembly of a thermal and/or electrical conducting pathway composed of high aspect ratio filler. The self-assembly of such thermal and/or electrical conducting pathway effectively enhances the thermal and/or electrical conductivity of the composite with significantly less amount of filler.

Abstract: To prevent occurrence of display roughness in a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal display device of the present invention, which has a plurality of pixels arranged along a first direction and a second direction, includes: a TFT substrate which includes a signal line extending in the first direction for supplying a display signal to TFTs and a scanning line extending in the second direction for supplying a gate signal to the TFTs; a counter substrate which includes a counter electrode; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the substrates; and an alignment film, wherein at least one of the signal line and the scanning line includes two linear portions linearly extending in the first direction or the second direction at a boundary of two adjacent pixels and a circuitous portion which is interposed between the two linear portions and which is deviated from an imaginary extension of the two linear portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for providing an agricultural waste product having amorphous silica, carbon, and impurities; extracting from the agricultural waste product an amount of the impurities; changing the ratio of carbon to silica; and reducing the silica to a high purity silicon (e.g., to photovoltaic silicon).

Abstract: The invention is generally related to process for generating one or more molecules having the formula SixHy, SixDy, SixHyDz, and mixtures thereof, where x,y and z are integers ?1, H is hydrogen and D is deuterium, such as silane, comprising the steps of: providing a silicon containing material, wherein the silicon containing material includes at least 20 weight percent silicon atoms based on the total weight of the silicon containing material; generating a plasma capable of vaporizing a silicon atom, sputtering a silicon atom, or both using a plasma generating device; and contacting the plasma to the silicon containing material in a chamber having an atmosphere that includes at least about 0.5 mole percent hydrogen atoms and/or deuterium atoms based on the total moles of atoms in the atmosphere; so that a molecule having the formula SixHy; (e.g., silane) is generated. The process preferably includes a step of removing one or more impurities from the SixHy (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification's of silicon tetrachloride or germanium tetrachloride contaminated with at least one hydrogen-containing compound, in which the silicon tetrachloride or germanium tetrachloride to be purified is treated in a targeted manner by means of a cold plasma and purified silicon tetrachloride or germanium tetrachloride is isolated from the phase which has been treated in this way. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process of the invention, which comprises a stock and vaporization unit for silicon or germanium tetrachloride (4.1 or 5.1) which is connected via a connecting line with the inlet of the reactor (4.3 or 5.3) with control unit (4.4 or 5.4) for producing the dielectrically hindered discharges whose outlet leads via a pipe either directly or indirectly via at least one further reactor (5.5) to a condensation unit (4.5 or 5.11) with downstream collection vessel (4.6 or 5.12) which is connected via an offtake line (4.

Abstract: Flow-through capacitors are provided with one or more charge barrier layers. Ions trapped in the pore volume of flow-through capacitors cause inefficiencies as these ions are expelled during the charge cycle into the purification path. A charge barrier layer holds these pore volume ions to one side of a desired flow stream, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the flow-through capacitor purifies or concentrates ions.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and method having a heat source, a thermal management device, and an interface disposed between the thermal management device and the heat source. The interface includes nanostructures to facilitate heat transfer and adhesion between the heat source and the thermal management device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for synthesizing nano particles. The apparatus for synthesizing nano particles is configured to include: a plasma generator that generates plasma; a recovery device that recovers the synthesized nano particles; and a cooler that is disposed between the plasma generator and the recovery device and includes a cooling path where the nano particles are synthesized, while material supplied from the plasma generator is cooled, wherein the cooling path is set to have lower cooling temperatures for each section as going to the moving direction of the nano particles.

Abstract: An apparatus subjects fluid waste to waves from an RF plasma. This allows continuous production of “activated water” characterized by cluster sizes below about 4 molecules per cluster, water having pH below 4 or above 10, or water having ORP of less than ?350 mV or more than +800 mV. The basic frequency of the plasma is preferably between 0.44 MHz and 40.68 MHz, and the plasma is preferably modulated at a frequency between 10 kHz and 34 kHz. Flow rates typically range from 20 1/hr to about 2000 1 hr.

Abstract: A plasma treated gas permeable material is produced by applying an alternating voltage between spaced electrodes, at least one of which is covered with a dielectric barrier and at least one of which comprises a plurality of discrete electrode segments, to generate plasma microdischarges between the spaced electrodes. A gas permeable material is passed between or adjacent to the spaced electrodes. A gas is moved between the electrode segments into and through the space between the electrodes and through the gas permeable material. The gas flows over plasma generation surfaces of the respective electrode segments and is moved at a rate whereby the gas flow between the spaced electrodes is turbulent and so randomises the plasma microdischarges and disperses plasma products that would otherwise give rise to burning instabilities in the gas permeable material, whereby the randomized plasma microdischarges provide a generally uniform plasma treatment of the gas permeable material.

Abstract: A system and method for treating unmarketable fly ash and improve its properties as an additive for concrete is disclosed. The method includes the steps of creating a gas stream containing ionized air through a plasma reactor and exposing an amount of fly ash containing carbon to the ionized air while in the reactor. The exposure of the carbon to the ionized air promotes the attachment of the ions to the carbon to reduce the adsorption capacity of the carbon.

Abstract: The invention can provide apparatus and methods of processing a substrate in real-time using a Quasi-Neutral Beam (Q-NB) curing system to improve the etch resistance of photoresist layer. In addition, the improved photoresist layer can be used to more accurately control gate and/or spacer critical dimensions (CDs), to control gate and/or spacer CD uniformity, and to eliminate line edge roughness (LER) and line width roughness (LWR).

Abstract: A method of producing carbon nanotubes includes directing a flow of a gas over a substrate to provide growth of at least one carbon nanotube in a carbon-nanotube-growth region of the substrate; applying an electric field to the carbon-nanotube-growth region of the substrate after the at least one carbon nanotube has begun to grow in the carbon-nanotube-growth region, the electric field being substantially in a first direction in the carbon-nanotube-growth region; and changing the electric field at a preselected time to be substantially in a second direction in the carbon-nanotube-growth region during growth of the at least one carbon nanotube. The second direction is different from the first direction resulting in a bend substantially at a selected position of the at least one carbon nanotube, the method of producing carbon nanotubes providing the production of the at least one carbon nanotube having at least one bend substantially at a selected position along the at least one carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Molecular conversion processing of greenhouse gases of global warming effect and conversion units employing a solid particle trap. This is an industrial process capable of changing the chemical composition of the greenhouse gases from any source, such as the internal combustion engine, factory chimney and others, through the conversion of gas molecules to form new compounds such as clean gases. This is done by molecular conversion processing conversion unit with a solid particle trap, consisting of a plasma conversion chamber that produces a plasma jet, and an electrostatic filter for the collection of solid particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a membrane-electrode assembly having a first electrode having a shape of a rod-form or a cylindrical-form, a strip-form diaphragm covering the periphery of the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on a surface of the strip-form diaphragm; an electrolytic unit containing the membrane-electrode assembly; an electrolytic water ejecting apparatus containing the electrolytic unit; and a method of sterilization using the membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first mechanical structure having a first rigid surface, an area of the first rigid surface having a nanostructured surface. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical structure having a second rigid surface and opposing the first mechanical structure. The second rigid surface is cooperable with the nanostructured surface such that a microscopic particle is locatable between the nanostructured surface and the second rigid surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating a real-time oxidation-reduction potential signature in a hot water system to detect REDOX stress and inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which analyzes and interprets the transmitted potential to create an oxidation-reduction potential signature for the hot water system. If the signature does not conform to an oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a heat source to provide heat at the desired temperature and energy field (e.g. a solar concentrator); an electron source configured and operable to emit electrons; an electric field generator generating an electric field adapted to supply energy sufficient to dissociate gas molecules; and a reaction gas chamber configured and operable to cause interaction between the electrons with the molecules, such that the electrons dissociate the molecules to product compound and ions via dissociative electrons attachment (DEA) within the chamber.

Abstract: A fuel pretreater apparatus for pretreating fuel for combustion is provided. A conversion tube is provided for vaporized fuel to flow therethrough. The conversion tube includes an intake end for receiving the vaporized fuel and an outlet end for dispersing the vaporized fuel. The conversion tube includes a hollow tapered interior wall having a narrower diameter near the intake end and a wider diameter near the outlet end. A tapered conversion rod is removably placed inside the conversion tube. The tapered conversion rod is conically tapered along at least one half of a length of the tapered conversion rod. The tapered conversion rod includes a narrow end corresponding to the narrower diameter of the conversion tube near the intake end and a wide end corresponding to the wider diameter of the conversion tube near the outlet end.

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: The present invention relates to a material for an electrochemical device, especially a fuel cell, an electrolyzer or a storage battery, comprising a matrix and activated boron nitride contained in the matrix.

Abstract: A device used for the sterilization of objects (19), in particular medical or surgical instruments, is of the type that can create a gaseous plasma from a gas flow which is subjected to an electric field. The resulting post-discharge flow is brought into contact with the surface of the objects to be treated. The device is characterized in that the gas flow includes exclusively nitrogen. Moreover, the device include a device for heating the aforementioned objects, which can heat the objects to a temperature of at least 60° C. during treatment. A method of using the device is also described.

Abstract: Production of nanotubes of carbon or of other inorganic material by moving a carbon-containing substrate, such as a tape or belt of carbon fibers, within a reaction chamber either though an electric arc in a gap between two electrodes or adjacent an electrode so that an electric arc exists between the electrode and the substrate, to cause the nanotubes to form on the substrate. The method enables the continuous or semi-continuous production of nanotubes. Preferably, the process is carried out at atmospheric pressure and nanotubes of high purity are produced.

Abstract: Methods are provided for surface modifying a hydrophobic polymer substrate to increase wettability comprising the steps of pre-treating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a radio frequency (RF)-generated first plasma and a RF-generated second plasma wherein the first plasma and the second plasma are applied sequentially, coating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a hydrophilic coating; and polymerizing the hydrophilic coating on the hydrophobic polymer substrate by exposure to a RF-generated third plasma.

Abstract: A cascade source provided with a cathode housing, a number of cascade plates insulated from each other and stacked on top of each other which together bound at least one plasma channel, and an anode plate provided with an outflow opening connecting to the plasma channel, wherein one cathode is provided per plasma channel, which cathode comprises an electrode which is adjustable relative to the cathode housing in the direction of the plasma channel, wherein the clamping provision is preferably of the collet chuck type. Also described is method for controlling the cascade source in use.