Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for self-sterilizing a surface or other portion of the apparatus and/or sterilizing other objects. Embodiments can utilize self-generated and/or remotely controlled plasma fields for the purpose of self-sterilization and/or sterilization of another object. Embodiments of the invention can have broad applications in procedures and equipment requiring the sterility of devices used for medical procedures, decontamination procedures, drug delivery, sterility of consumer products, and sterility of food preparation equipment and tools.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to novel methods and novel devices for the continuous manufacture of nanoparticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s). The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e.g., created) in a liquid (e.g., water) by, for example, preferably utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. At least one subsequent and/or substantially simultaneous adjustable electrochemical processing technique is also preferred. Multiple adjustable plasmas and/or adjustable electrochemical processing techniques are preferred. The continuous process causes at least one liquid to flow into, through and out of at least one trough member, such liquid being processed, conditioned and/or effected in said trough member(s).

Abstract: The invention provides a gas purification system, for instance for agricultural application comprising a corona discharge system, the corona discharge system comprising a counter electrode, a conductive strip with a longitudinal edge comprising tooth structures, wherein the tooth structures have tooth tops with shortest distances selected from the range of 2-200 mm; and a voltage generator configured to apply a DC voltage of at least 10 kV to the conductive strip.

Abstract: A system for creating a nitrate combined with a liquid. A corona discharge cell to generate an electrical field. The corona discharge cell further comprising a conduit to pass air through the electrical field to produce nitric oxide NO, wherein the air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N2 and oxygen O2, the conduit for combining the nitric oxide NO with the oxygen O2 to form nitrogen dioxide NO2. The corona discharge cell further comprising an injector for combining the nitrogen dioxide NO2 with the liquid to generate nitric acid HNO3 which combines with the liquid to generate the nitrate comprised of nitrate radical NO3 mixed with the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method sinters or partially sinters green pellets in a selected temperature range to make proppant particles as the green pellets pass through a first central portion of the first vortex gas flow and exit the second end of the first cylindrical vessel and/or pass through a second central portion of the second vortex flow and exit the fourth end of the second cylindrical vessel.

Abstract: A reactive-species supply device is configured to supply a treatment gas to an electric discharge space that is formed by at least one pair of electrodes, for thereby supplying at least a reactive species formed in a plasma, to an object through a reactive-species output port. The reactive-species supply device includes (a) a reactive-species outlet passage disposed between the electric discharge space and the reactive-species output port and (b) an earth ground member disposed in a portion of the reactive-species outlet passage. The portion of the reactive-species outlet passage is distant, by a given distance, from the reactive-species output port. Also disclosed is a surface treatment apparatus that includes the reactive-species supply device.

Abstract: A cold plasma helmet application device for delivery of cold plasma benefits to the head of a patient. An appropriate gas is introduced into a helmet receptacle within a containment dome of the helmet. The gas is energized by one or more dielectric barrier devices that receive energy from a pulsed source. The dielectric barrier devices can be configured to match the treatment area. Such a device and method can be used to treat large surface areas treatment sites associated with the head, head trauma, brain cancer, the control of brain swelling with closed head injury or infection, as well as treating male pattern baldness.

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: Embodiments of methods for removing carbon-containing films are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for removing a carbon-containing layer includes providing an ammonia containing process gas to a process chamber having a substrate with a silicon oxide layer disposed atop the substrate and a carbon-containing layer disposed atop the silicon oxide layer disposed in the process chamber; providing RF power to the process chamber to ignite the ammonia containing process gas to form a plasma; and exposing the substrate to NH and/or NH2 radicals and hydrogen radicals formed in the plasma to remove the carbon-containing layer.

Abstract: An air treatment device having a plasma generator electrostatic precipitator assembly, is provided. The assembly includes an electrostatic precipitator configured to charge airborne particles in the vicinity of the electrostatic precipitator to provide charged airborne particles, and a plasma generator positioned in proximity to the electrostatic precipitator and configured for cooperation with the electrostatic precipitator. The plasma generator is configured to discharge plasma and provide an inactivation zone in the region of the plasma generator operable to inactivate airborne particles. The air treatment device directs the charged airborne particles generated by the electrostatic precipitator into the inactivation zone such that the air treatment device is adapted to generate charged airborne particles and then immediately, to direct the charged airborne particles into the inactivation zone so as to expose the charged airborne particles to plasma in the inactivation zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for generating a non-thermal gas species which may be a flow of gas plasma in the form of a gas plasma plume emitted from the device. The device comprises a gas capsule, or pressure vessel for holding a gas or gases under pressure and forming a flow of gas through a reaction generator to an applicator when released from the capsule. Gas released from the gas capsule is energised in the reaction generator to form the gas plasma. The device is designed to be hand held and hand operated so that it may be used for cleaning and whitening teeth as well as other applications.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept discloses a ceramic composite substrate that, with proper construction and proper excitation, can generate uniform plasma throughout the substrate for fluid flow treatment to influence a change in its chemical, electrical or physical properties, and method for generating plasma throughout the substrate. The ceramic substrate can include fibrous or sintered semiconducting material, and can include optional structural fiber for support of the semiconducting materials, as well as an optional auxiliary thermal heating source for cleaning excess particulate matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electron microscope plasma cleaner for cleaning an electron microscope by using plasma, the cleaner including a vacuum chamber in which the sample is disposed; an electron gun for producing the electron beam and outputting the produced electron beam to the sample; an electron lens for magnifying the electron beam transmitting the sample and projecting the electron beam onto a fluorescent screen; a radio frequency controller for producing a first signal having radio frequency within a given range; and a plasma head for producing the plasma, receiving the first signal from the radio frequency controller, producing activated oxygen radicals and ions by using the plasma and the first signal, and supplying the activated oxygen radicals and ions to the interior of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An inhalable cold plasma mask device for generation of a breathable cold plasma for delivery to a patient. A biocompatible gas is received in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) device that is energized by an electrode that receives energy from a pulsed source. The DBD device can be grounded by a grounding structure. A grounding screen can be used prior to inhalation of the cold plasma. The inhalable cold plasma mask device includes the use of a single-layer or a two-layer approach to its construction. The inhalable cold plasma mask device can have one or two DBD devices. Such a device and associated method can be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, as well as reducing inflammation, sinus and esophageal polyps in both size and frequency of occurrence.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma generation device capable of suppressing arc discharge in which discharge is localized to cause a high temperature, and allowing atmospheric discharge plasma to be stably generated with a high generation efficiency in a low temperature at about a room temperature without being spatially biased. The plasma generation device arranged with a plurality of electrodes facing each other includes a discharge position control unit, which is arranged between each of the plurality of electrodes, and is formed by containing an inverse characteristic material composed of a fluid having polarizability and a property that dielectric constant decreases with an increase in temperature, in a container formed of a dielectric material, wherein the inverse characteristic material is spaced apart from each of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A device 10, typically hand-held, provides a flow of partially ionized gaseous plasma for treatment of a treatment region. The device comprises an applicator head 52 housing a miniature plasma cell 16 in which gas flowing through the cell from a gas source 22 can be energized to form a non-thermal gaseous plasma, and a plurality of electrodes 26, 28 for receiving electrical energy from a source of electrical energy for energizing gas in a plasma forming region 18 in the cell to form said plasma. The applicator head 52 is detachable from the device and may be of a size and configuration to enable it to be inserted into the oral cavity of a human or animal.

Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a dielectric tube that defines a channel through which water to be treated flows, the channel being split upstream of the dielectric tube into a first channel and a second channel, the first channel and the second channel being merged with each other downstream of the dielectric tube, a first electrode at least partially disposed within the first channel, a second electrode at least partially disposed within the first channel, a first gas-supply unit that supplies gas to form a gas bubble into water to be treated that flows through the first channel, and a first power-supply that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus includes a dielectric tube through which a liquid flows, a first electrode, at least one end of which is disposed in the dielectric tube, a second electrode, at least one end of which is disposed in the dielectric tube, and a power supply for applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the dielectric tube has a protrusion projecting outwardly from an inside of the dielectric tube, an inner wall face of the protrusion facing the first electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition. The system has a first chamber comprising at least one cathode and at least one anode, a gas supply source, at least one activation energy source, at least one alignment energy source, a second chamber situated within said first chamber, said second chamber comprising: a target growth plate, comprising a catalyst and a substrate, a second cathode configured to support said target growth plate, a movable platform configured to support said second cathode, and a gas permeable barrier vertically opposed from said second cathode.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for decontaminating and sterilizing chemical and biological agents, which can efficiently decontaminate and sterilize high precision electronic devices, communication devices, computers or inside of vehicles and air planes contaminated with chemical and biological agent by using mixture of non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma and oxidizing peroxide vapor. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a first fluid supplying line L1 and a second fluid supplying line L2, which are installed in the form of closed circuit between the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a peroxide vapor supplier which is installed on the first fluid supplying line; and a non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma reactor 70 which is installed on the second fluid supplying line L2.

Abstract: An aqueous fluid treatment method and system is provided which preferably uses a 3 step electro-chemical oxidation process to remove organic contaminates from water. A high surface area electro-chemical reaction cell can be employed to remove organic particles and precipitate hardness salts from the aqueous solution. Several 3-phase spark arcs generated mixed oxidants and acoustic cavitations to remove dissolved organic compounds and oxidize organic metal compounds in the next step. Finally, a dielectric discharge in aqueous foam is used to eliminate recalcitrant organic compounds such as, but not limited to, polychlorinated aromatics, disinfectants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals before release to environment or recycled.

Abstract: A gas reactor device includes a plurality of microcavities or microchannels defined at least partially within a thick metal oxide layer consisting essentially of defect free oxide. Electrodes are arranged with respect to the microcavities or microchannels to stimulate plasma generation therein upon application of suitable voltage. One or more or all of the electrodes are encapsulated within the thick metal oxide layer. A gas inlet is configured to receive feedstock gas into the plurality of microcavities or microchannels. An outlet is configured to outlet reactor product from the plurality of microcavities or microchannels. In an example preferred device, the feedstock gas is air or O2 and is converted by the plasma into ozone (O3). In another preferred device, the feedstock gas is an unwanted gas to be decomposed into a desired form. Gas reactor devices of the invention can, for example, decompose gases such as CO2, CH4, or NOR.

Abstract: A system for creating a nitrate combined with a liquid. A corona discharge cell to generate an electrical field. The corona discharge cell further comprising a conduit to pass air through the electrical field to produce nitric oxide NO, wherein the air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N2 and oxygen O2, the conduit for combining the nitric oxide NO with the oxygen O2 to form nitrogen dioxide NO2. The corona discharge cell further comprising an injector for combining the nitrogen dioxide NO2 with the liquid to generate nitric acid HNO3 which combines with the liquid to generate the nitrate comprised of nitrate radical NO3 mixed with the liquid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing silane that use electrolysis to regenerate reactive components therein are disclosed. The methods and systems may be substantially closed-loop with respect to halogen, an alkali or alkaline earth metal and/or hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and devices comprise a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode projecting into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated. A device has an inlet orifice arranged such that the liquid impacts directly onto the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface, and is shaped that in the close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line prevails.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a liquid treatment device and a liquid treatment method each capable of efficiently generating plasma and treating a liquid in a short time period. A liquid treatment device according to the present disclosure includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed in a liquid, an insulator disposed surrounding the first electrode through a space, the insulator having an opening portion at a position in contact with the liquid, and a power supply that applies an AC voltage or a pulse voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A system for the administration of modified plasma to a subject, including: (a) a non thermal plasma (NTP) emitting source for emitting a plasma beam; (b) a plasma coupling mechanism (PCM) with a plasma beam dish having at least one opening for the passage of the plasma beam; the plasma beam dish having a first surface and a second opposite surface. The first surface of the plasma beam dish includes: at least one coupling element selected from the group consisting of: (1) at least one ferroelectric element for providing the field; (2) at least one ferromagnetic element for providing the field; (3) at least one piezoelectric element for providing the field; and (4) at least one piezomagnetic element for providing the field. The system additionally includes at least one reflecting element configured to focus the NTP beam, thereby providing the modified plasma.

Abstract: The present disclosure in an exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for manufacturing polysilicon. The apparatus for manufacturing polysilicon comprises a base plate; a container body coupled to the base plate; at least one rod; a reaction gas source and a power supply. The at least one rod is configured to have legs respectively connected with three electrodes installed on the base plate and to be disposed in the container body. The reaction gas source is configured to communicate with the container body for supplying a reaction gas into the container body. The power supply is configured to connect with the electrodes for supplying an electric current to energize the rod to generate heat.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to novel methods and novel devices for the continuous manufacture of nanoparticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s). The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e.g., created) in a liquid (e.g., water) by, for example, preferably utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. At least one subsequent and/or substantially simultaneous adjustable electrochemical processing technique is also preferred. Multiple adjustable plasmas and/or adjustable electrochemical processing techniques are preferred. The continuous process causes at least one liquid to flow into, through and out of at least one trough member, such liquid being processed, conditioned and/or effected in said trough member(s).

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: There are provided methods for sterilizing and/or disinfecting an object. The methods can comprise exposing the object disposed in a packaging material having at least one open end to an afterglow plasma, wherein the packaging material is non-porous and is transparent to UV radiation. There are also provided methods for using a packaging material. The methods can comprise disposing an object to be sterilized into the packaging material, the packaging material being non-porous, transparent to UV radiation, and having at least one open end; and exposing the object and the packaging material having at least one open end, to an afterglow of a plasma, thereby at least substantially protecting the object to be sterilized.

Abstract: A plasma generating apparatus comprises a first, powered electrode and a second electrode structure located in front of the first electrode. An insulating layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode structure. The second electrode structure has a plurality of second electrode portions defining gap portions therebetween. The width of the gap portions is w. The second electrode portions each have a forward surface and the gap portions each having a forward surface, the height difference between the forward surface of each second electrode portion and the forward surfaces of the adjacent gap portions being h, and wherein h is at most 1 mm and the ratio w/h is at least 1. Thus, the forward surfaces of the second electrode portions and the forward surfaces of the gap portions together provide a smooth topography. The plasma generated by the apparatus (in air or other oxygen-containing gas) forms ozone, which can be used to treat foodstuffs, for example.

Abstract: A device for treating gases using surface plasma, including: at least one dielectric substrate having two opposite main surfaces, at least one first electrode, and at least one second electrode being respectively deposited on the two opposite main surfaces of the substrate, the first and second electrodes being connected to the two terminals of an electric power supply source; at least one catalytic support independent from the dielectric substrate and from the electrodes, and integrating a catalyst.

Abstract: A microplasma device of the invention includes a microcavity or microchannel defined at least partially within a thick metal oxide layer consisting essentially of defect free oxide. Electrodes are arranged with respect to the microcavity or microchannel to stimulate plasma generation in said microcavity or microchannel upon application of suitable voltage and at least one of the electrodes is encapsulated within the thick metal oxide layer. Large arrays can be formed and are highly robust as lack of microcracks in the oxide avoid dielectric breakdown.

Abstract: An electrically enhanced air filtration system is disclosed which uses rear fiber charging is disclosed. In particular, a fibrous filter may be placed in an upstream position within the system with one or more ionization arrays positioned downstream or to the rear of the fibrous filter in terms of airflow direction. The fibrous filter may include a grounded side and fiber side with the grounded side being upstream of the fiber side. The ionization array may include a plurality of electrodes each extending unidirectionally toward the fibrous filter.

Abstract: A devulcanization apparatus for devulcanizing a plurality of cross-linked elastomer particles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor functioning as a high voltage electrode and a second conveyor functioning as a ground electrode. A generator is operable to apply an alternating electric field between the first and second conveyors. A devulcanization region is provided between the first and second conveyors in which the cross-linked elastomer particles are placed.

Abstract: Energy consumption of the society is increasing due to expanding economic activity and increasing population. As greater consumption of energy generates more air pollution, there is an ongoing need to find better methods of reducing pollutants in terms of effectiveness and reduced energy consumption. The solution proposed in this disclosure takes advantage of electrical characteristics such as electron affinity and dipole moment. There are many pollutants which exhibit positive electron affinity. Such a pollutant can be easily converted to a negative ion by providing an extra electron. Many of the pollutants have dipolar charge distributions which facilitate electrical interactions with charges. If one of the pollutants becomes charged, it can attract other pollutants which are dipoles to form clusters of pollutants. Furthermore, charged clusters are responsive to electric and magnetic fields. For example, they can be separated from the rest of the flue gas by manipulating with such fields.

Abstract: To provide a plasma generator having plasma-generating zone of increased volume. A plasma generator 110 has a cylindrical casing 11 made of a sintered ceramic produced from alumina (Al2O3) as a raw material. The casing 11 has a slit-like gas inlet 11i and a plurality of cylindrical gas outlets 11o. From the gas inlet 11i to the top of the plasma-generating zone P, the slit width (the front-to-back direction with respect to the sheet of FIG. 2.A, and the left-to right direction in FIG. 2.B) is adjusted to 1 mm, and gas outlets 11o each having an inner diameter of 1 to 2 mm are formed in straight line along the longitudinal direction of the plasma-generating zone P. The plasma-generating zone P has a square cross-section normal to the longitudinal direction having a side of 2 to 5 mm. Each of the surfaces of the electrodes 2a, 2b facing each other has a plurality of recesses (hollow portions).

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilization of an inner wall of containers has a charge carrier source for generating charge carriers, with an acceleration device by which charge carriers are capable of being accelerated in the direction of a charge carrier emission window. The charge carrier emission window is arranged on a treatment device for introduction through an opening into the container along an insertion direction, in order to act upon an inner wall of the container with the charge carriers issuing from the charge carrier emission window. A medium is flowed into the region of the charge carriers issuing out of the charge carrier emission window for changing the dimension of a charge carrier cloud formed by the discharged charge carriers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting recoverable materials from source materials are provided. Source materials are introduced into a furnace. A condition is created within the furnace in which a gaseous pressure within the furnace is less than an atmospheric pressure outside of the furnace by removing air from within the furnace with a vacuum pump. Hydrocarbons contained within the source material are separated from the source material without using a significant amount of water by heating the source material to a temperature sufficient to cause the hydrocarbons to liquefy or vaporize. The liquefied hydrocarbons or vaporized hydrocarbons are then captured.

Abstract: A system with a non-thermal, repetitively-pulsed gliding discharge reactor for converting gaseous hydrocarbons into liquid fuels efficiently. The system optionally contains a gas separator for removing non-hydrocarbon components from the gaseous hydrocarbon feed to improve efficiency of the system. The system may optionally reclaim hydrogen gas from the product gas for storage, transportation or power generation.

Abstract: A method and system of igniting one or more filaments for silicon production includes applying an output voltage to the one or more filaments using a transformer connected with the one or more filaments. In addition, the method includes supplying, in combination with the application of the output voltage, a current to a primary winding of the transformer via a choke to limit the current to a first predetermined current threshold range. The combination of the supplied current and applied output voltage allows a predetermined output range to be generated from a power supply device initially required to ignite the one or more filaments.

Abstract: A system for creating a nitrate combined with a liquid. A corona discharge cell to generate an electrical field. The corona discharge cell further comprising a conduit to pass air through the electrical field to produce nitric oxide NO, wherein the air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N2 and oxygen O2, the conduit for combining the nitric oxide NO with the oxygen O2 to form nitrogen dioxide NO2. The corona discharge cell further comprising an injector for combining the nitrogen dioxide NO2 with the liquid to generate nitric acid HNO3 which combines with the liquid to generate the nitrate comprised of nitrate radical NO3 mixed with the liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to an apparatus and methods for preventing the recontamination of a pathogen-reduced fluid by pathogens trapped in one or more ports of an inactivation fluid container. Through the use of a slidable clamp positioned in an area of the container immediately adjacent to a port to be isolated, the port may be sealed to prevent any liquid product from entering the port and associated tubing when liquid product is added to the container. The slidable clamp includes a slot, in which the distal end of the slot has a larger width than the proximal end of the slot. The width of the slot at the narrowest, most proximal portion allows for a fluid-tight seal to be created when the slidable clamp is slid into the closed position with respect to the port to be isolated.

Abstract: A circuit applies an electric field to a reforming chamber housing a hydrocarbon-water mixture to cause molecular breakdown and create a feed of hydrogen and carbon and dioxide that can be supplied to fuel cells. The circuit includes a DC-to-DC converter, a DC-to-AC inverter and a transformer to transform available input voltage to a control voltage that can be used to apply the electric field to the mixture in the reforming chamber. The signal supplied to the DC-to-AC inverter is monitored to determine whether enough voltage is supplied to create an electrical discharge in the reforming chamber. If an electrical discharge exists, the variables to the circuit is left alone or decreased until the signal indicates the electrical discharge is no longer present. If no electrical discharge exists, the variable input voltage is increased until an electrical discharge is detected.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system including a fuel cell battery and the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator includes a cartridge, a housing with a cavity to removably contain the cartridge, and an initiation system. The cartridge includes a casing; a plurality of pellets including a hydrogen containing material; a plurality of solid heat transfer members in contact with but not penetrating the casing; a hydrogen outlet in the casing; and a hydrogen flow path from each pellet to the hydrogen outlet. A plurality of heating elements is disposed inside the housing. When the cartridge is in the cavity, each heating element is disposed so heat can be conducted from the heating element and through the casing and corresponding heat transfer member to initiate the release of hydrogen gas. The initiation system can selectively heat one or more pellets to release hydrogen gas as needed.

Abstract: An active species radiation device is for efficiently radiating active species (active oxygen or nitrogen) by using a plasma source not in contact with an irradiated object. An active species radiation device (100) includes: a chamber (110) in which flows of plasma generation gas and active species generation gas enter and which has an active species radiation port (110c) through which active species are radiated; an upstream electrode (120) positioned in a part of the chamber (110) corresponding to an upstream portion of the flow of the plasma generation gas; and a downstream electrode (130) positioned in a part of the chamber (110) corresponding to a more downstream portion of the flow of the plasma generation gas than the upstream electrode (120). The chamber (110) is configured so that the active species generation gas flows into a position between the upstream electrode (120) and the active species radiation port (110c).

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing and using reaction vessels obtained or obtainable by 3D-printin methods, including a method for preparing a product compound, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a reaction vessel that is obtained by a 3-D printing method, wherein the reaction vessel has a reaction space; (ii) providing one or more reagents, optionally together with a catalyst or a solvent, for use in the synthesis of the product compound; and (iii) permitting the one or more reagents to react in the reaction space, optionally in the presence of the catalyst and the solvent, in the reaction vessel, thereby to form the product compound.

Abstract: Photocatalytic devices are described. In some embodiments, a photocatalytic device may include a cylindrical housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening; one or more catalyst substrates disposed within the cylindrical housing and adapted to support a hydroxyl radical reaction with ultraviolet light and water vapor that results in hydro peroxides and hydroxyl ions; an ultraviolet light source disposed within the cylindrical housing and adapted to provide the ultraviolet light to the one or more catalyst substrates; and a fan disposed within the cylindrical housing and adapted to cause air to enter the cylindrical housing via the inlet opening, circulate through the one or more catalyst substrates within the cylindrical housing, and exit the cylindrical housing via the outlet opening.

Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.