Abstract: A solar-powered hydrogen production system includes a thermochemical system and solar heating system. The thermochemical system produces hydrogen. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer medium for providing thermal energy to the thermochemical system.

Abstract: The negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery of the present invention includes a carbonaceous material and a silicon-based compound represented by Formula 1: Si(1-y)MyO1+x ??(1) where 0<y<1, ?0.5?x?0.5, and M is selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Crystalline scintillator materials comprising nano-scale particles of metal oxides, metal oxyhalides and metal oxysulfides are provided. The nano-scale particles are less than 100 nm in size. Methods are provided for preparing the particles. In one method, used to form oxyhalides and oxysulfides, metal salts are dissolved in water, and then precipitated out as fine particles using an aqueous base. After the particles are separated from the solution, they are annealed under a flow of a water saturated hydrogen anion gas, such as HCl or H2S, to form the crystalline scintillator particles. The other methods take advantage of the characteristics of microemulsion solutions to control droplet size, and, thus, the particle size of the final nano-particles. For example, in one method, a first micro-emulsion containing metal salts if formed. The first micro-emulsion is mixed with an aqueous base in a second micro-emulsion to form the final nano-scale particles.

Abstract: A translucent ceramic having a high linear transmittance and a high refractive index, substantially not causing double refraction, and exhibiting a high anomalous dispersion has a pyrochlore compound represented by the general formula AxByOw (wherein 1.00?x/y?1.10 and w represents a positive number maintaining electroneutrality) as a main component. The main component has a cubic crystal system. Preferably, the A site comprises a trivalent metallic element, and the B site comprises a tetravalent metallic element. More preferably, A is at least one of La, Y, Gd, Yb, and Lu, and B is of at least one of Ti, Sn, Zr, and Hf. The translucent ceramic is useful as a material of, for example, an objective lens used in an optical pickup.

Abstract: A method for producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide in a single operation using a solution that contains an oxygen source and a redox partner that can react to form oxygen and a chemical species that can form an insoluble carbonate to precipitate and chemically store carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is introduced into the solution and the carbonate precipitates as the oxygen is generated. In particular, the invention uses an aqueous solution of permanganate and hydrogen peroxide that react in the presence of a catalyst to produce oxygen and manganese (II) ions. Carbon dioxide gas introduced into the solution reacts with the manganese (II) ions to precipitate manganese carbonate. Other cations capable of reacting with carbon dioxide to form an insoluble carbonate, for example calcium, barium and magnesium, may also be added to the solution to precipitate carbonate salts. Calcium permanganate may used as a source of both calcium and permanganate.

Abstract: Method for gas purification comprising (a) obtaining a feed gas stream containing one or more contaminants selected from the group consisting of volatile metal oxy-hydroxides, volatile metal oxides, and volatile silicon hydroxide; (b) contacting the feed gas stream with a reactive solid material in a guard bed and reacting at least a portion of the contaminants with the reactive solid material to form a solid reaction product in the guard bed; and (c) withdrawing from the guard bed a purified gas stream.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a medical agent that has an excellent effect on the diseases resulting from one of inflammation and remodeling and that can prevent or treat them in response to various mechanisms of onset and development of the diseases. Thus, the present invention relates to a medical agent for preventing or treating diseases resulting from one of inflammation and remodeling in blood vessel, including nanobubbles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst which decomposes a peroxide effectively and economically under a high temperature while suppressing generation of free radicals, and the present invention provides a peroxide decomposition catalyst containing a base metal atom, wherein a value A indicating a free radical generation amount represented by the (equation 1) is not more than 0.20, and a value B indicating a reaction rate represented by the (equation 2), which can be easily applied to utility such as an agent for preventing deterioration of a polymer electrolyte-type fuel cell and a water electrolysis apparatus, and an antioxidant for medicaments, agrochemicals and foods. A=(Mw(S)/Mw)?1 ??(equation 1) (wherein Mw is a weight average molecular weight of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) after a hydrogen peroxide decomposition test in the test at 80° C.

Abstract: A method for producing singlet delta oxygen may include forming a molecular beam of oxygen clusters from oxygen from an oxygen source. The method may also include optically pumping the molecular beam of oxygen clusters to produce singlet delta oxygen.

Abstract: A method of making a composition having the property of being able to store chlorine dioxide includes mixing an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution with a superabsorbent, water-soluble polymer that is substantially unreactive with chlorine dioxide and permitting a mixture formed thereby to form one of a gel and a solid composition. A method of delivering chlorine dioxide includes providing a gel or solid composition as described and degelling the gel or dissolving the solid composition to dispense the chlorine dioxide therefrom. A method of disinfecting a target such as water, wastewater, or a surface comprises delivering chlorine dioxide as above and permitting the polymer to precipitate out of the mixture. Aqueous chlorine dioxide is then recovered and applied to the target.

Abstract: An improved singlet delta oxygen generator (SOG) and method of its use are disclosed. The improved SOG is compact and scalable, capable of operating in a zero-gravity or low gravity environment, requires no gaseous diluent or buffer gas, and is capable of operating at pressures as high as one atmosphere. The improved SOG also efficiently utilizes the reactants and produces a O2(1?) stream that is largely free of chlorine and water vapor contamination and therefore does not require a BHP regeneration system or a water vapor trap. When used as part of a COIL system, the SOG may be part of a plenum that directly feeds the laser's nozzle. The close proximity of the SOG to the laser cavity allows operation of the SOG at higher pressures without significant depletion of available O2(1?) through collisional deactivation.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising first to third columns, wherein the outlet of a first column reboiler and the inlet of a second column condenser are connected by a first introduction conduit, and the outlet of a second distillation column reboiler and the inlet of a third column condenser are connected by a second introduction conduit, and additionally the outlet of the second column condenser and the inlet of the first column reboiler are connected by a first return conduit, and the outlet of the third column condenser and the inlet of the second column reboiler are connected by a second return conduit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing organic-inorganic hybrid materials with controlled porosity and functionality comprising hydrolysis and condensation polymerization of a compound of formula (I): Z-R1—Si(OR)(OR?)(OR?), with an alkaline or alkaline-earth silicate in a mol ratio of (I)/(silicate)=1:9, in the presence of a non-ionic surfactant, to form a mesoporous silica represented by Z-R1—SiO1.5 9 SiO2, whereon is then anchored an organic compound, represented by (?)N—H, comprising a —NH— group capable of reacting with Z, to form a functionalized mesoporous silica represented by (?)N—R—SiO1.5 9 SiO2, which is optionally complexed with a metallic cation to form an organometallic complex. The invention also concerns the use of these materials to separate gases.

Abstract: Water molecules, preferably in the form of steam or water vapor, are introduced into a plasma. The plasma causes the water molecules to dissociate into their constituent molecular elements of hydrogen and oxygen. To prevent recombining of the constituent molecular elements, the hydrogen and oxygen are separated from each other. Various devices may be employed to effect this separation. Once separated, the molecular components are prevented from recombining with each other or with other elements by using standard separation techniques normally employed for separating dissimilar gaseous species.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of aerogels that involves the exchange of the liquid present in the aquagel with xenon and the subsequent extraction thereof.

Abstract: A method of catalytically decomposing water, which comprises contacting water with a composite catalyst comprising a solid acid catalyst and a solid base catalyst at an elevated temperature, wherein the composite catalyst contains the solid acid catalyst in an amount of 36 to 65% by weight and the balance being the solid base catalyst, and wherein the temperature is higher than a temperature at which pH values of the (H2O/O2 redox) potential and (H2O/H2 redox) potential are equal to each other, the redox potentials being given by a water potential—pH value diagram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device (100 or 100?) for providing at least one fuel, in particular, for motor vehicle engines. The invention enables fuel to be produced, in particular, in the form of hydrogen, according to needs, and in a simple, economical, clean and safe manner and, furthermore, preferably on-board a means of transportation. According to the invention, at least one mixture consisting of water (H2) and ammonium nitrite (NH4NO2) and/or ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), which serve(s) as a reaction constituent, is introduced as a fuel or fuel mixture into at least one, in particular, second reaction space (40?). In addition, en air (Lu), oxygen (O2) and/or ozone (O3) are supplied to this mixture, which is located in the, in particular, second reaction space (40?) and rendered unstable due to charge transfer.

Abstract: An improved singlet delta oxygen generator (SOG) and method of its use are disclosed. The improved SOG is compact and scalable, capable of operating in a zero-gravity or low gravity environment, requires no gaseous diluent or buffer gas, and is capable of operating at pressures as high as one atmosphere. The improved SOG also efficiently utilizes the reactants and produces a O2(1?) stream that is largely free of chlorine and water vapor contamination and therefore does not require a BHP regeneration system or a water vapor trap. When used as part of a COIL system, the SOG may be part of a plenum that directly feeds the laser's nozzle. The close proximity of the SOG to the laser cavity allows operation of the SOG at higher pressures without significant depletion of available O2(1?) through collisional deactivation.

Abstract: The invention relates to unsymmetrical nanoscale or mesoscopic particles, and to a method for preparing the same. Said particles are characterized by a surface F1 and the zone Z2 carries groups F2 different from the groups F1, the zone Z1 being free of groups F2 and the zone Z2 being free of groups F1. The method of preparation comprises the following steps: 1) the zone Z2 of the surface of the initial particles is masked by fixing a polymer nodule thereto; 2) the masked particles obtained at the end of step 1) are treated in order to modify the nonmasked surface zone Z1 thereof; 3) the polymer nodule is removed after modifying the zone Z1; 4) optionally, the surface of the zone Z2 of the particles is modified following the demasking process.

Abstract: Powdery fullerene is milled in an oxygen atmosphere, whereby mechanical impacts are applied to the fullerene and a carbon cage of the fullerene is dynamically distorted to the extent that an energy for conversion of atmospheric oxygen to a singlet excited state is accomplished from the distorted carbon cage to atmospheric oxygen. Singlet oxygen, i.e. an efficient oxidant in various industrial fields, is generated by solid-state reaction under stable conditions without necessity of photo-irradiation. The singlet oxygen also enables efficient oxidation of fullerene itself.

Abstract: By using a dephlegmator which conducts distillation concurrently with heat exchange within at least one distillation column, or a portion of one distillation column, of a distillation cascade, the quantity of liquid holdup within the distillation apparatus is reduced and the start-up time is shortened. Consequently, the operational costs associated with startup are reduced, and productivity is improved markedly.

Abstract: The halogen dioxide, chlorine dioxide is produced from its chlorite reactant using ion exchange media in a stable reactant form, and then passing a known concentration of counter ions through the ion exchange media in a moist environment so that there is an exchange of ions, and the reactants that are released form activated chlorine dioxide within the ion exchange material. The ion exchange media both contributes reactants to and extracts contaminants from the moist environment via its ion exchange mechanism. The counter ions may be derived from one or more stable precursor solutions which themselves may contain reactants and/or soluble catalysts. The reactants of the precursor solutions cannot act as the counter ion, or ions, in the ion exchange mechanism, but the soluble catalysts can. The ion exchange media can be mixed or layered with one or more insoluble catalysts, to enhance the formation of the activated halogen dioxide, chlorine dioxide within the ion exchange material.

Abstract: A process for preparing a metal oxide having groups of the general formula I —O1+n—SiR12?n—CH2—Y??(I) which involves reacting a solid having OH groups on the surface with silanes of the general formula II RO1+n—SiR12?n—CH2—Y??(II) where Y is a functional group —NRx2, —OC(O)C(R)?CH2, -halo, or —NCO. The reaction takes place rapidly and at reasonable temperatures and avoids production of significant quantities of decomposition products or byproducts, providing a metal oxide with a high proportion of Y functional groups.

Abstract: Novel methods of air-oxidizing a molten alkali hydroxide at least partially to superoxide state and then reversing the reaction to obtain nitrogen-free oxygen, and then regenerating the molten hydroxide for repeated use, providing for the generating of concentrated oxygen from air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing molecular oxygen in the excited singlet delta oxygen electronic state for use as an excited species reactant in a chemical laser. Flowtubes defined by permeable membranes are used to mix the gas and liquid phase reactants to generate singlet delta oxygen and also to separate the generated singlet delta oxygen from the liquid phase products and reactants thereby eliminating liquid reactant carryover.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing nanometer powders, comprising the following steps: (a) providing reactant solution A and reactant solution B that can rapidly react to form precipitate; (b) continuously adding said solution A and solution B into a mixing and reacting precipitator with a stator and a rotor in operation, respectively; and (c) post-treating the precipitate-containing slurry discharged continuously from the mixing and reacting precipitator. The present process could produce nanometer powders with adjustable particle size, good homogeneity in size and good dispersity. The method also has the characteristics of high production yield, simplicity in process and low consumption of energy. It could be applied to produce various nanometer powders of metals, oxides, hydroxides, salts, phosphides and sulfides as well as organic compounds.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a di-ruthenium-substituted polyoxometalate, especially Na14[Ru2Zn2(H2O)2(ZnW9O34)2] with a Ru—Ru distance of 0.318 nm and a method of using the electrocatalyst to generate oxygen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the catalytic decomposition of N2O to N2 and O2. This process is carried out at a high temperature, generally of between 700 and 1000° C., at a high HSV and in the presence of a catalyst composed of a mixed oxide of zirconium and of cerium existing in the form of a solid solution.

Abstract: An electrode material for an anode of a rechargeable lithium battery, containing a particulate comprising an amorphous Sn.A.X alloy with a substantially non-stoichiometric ratio composition. For said formula Sn.A.X, A indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of transition metal elements, X indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of O, F, N, Mg, Ba, Sr, Ca, La, Ce, Si, Ge, C, P, B, Pb, Bi, Sb, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Zn, Be, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, As, Se, Te, Li and S, where the element X is not always necessary to be contained. The content of the constituent element Sn of the amorphous Sn.A.X alloy is Sn/(Sn+A+X)=20 to 80 atomic %.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing powders of oxides in a nanometer level through a direct current plasma thermal reaction is disclosed. The energy required is provided by the plasma that is generated in the non-transferred DC plasma apparatus. Once the solid precursors are introduced into the plasma, the solid precursors are vaporized and oxidized in the plasma reaction region of the non-transferred DC plasma apparatus continuously. Then, the oxide powders in a nanometer scale can form homogeneously and continuously. By controlling the nozzle size, the speed of the plasma can be adjusted and the coarsening and agglomeration of the nanopowders can be effectively prevented. Finally, oxide nanopowders of high-purity and high-dispersity are obtained by cooling down the plasma gas containing the vaporized and oxidized precursor through a vortical cooling-gas.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing protons or hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at dissociation temperatures the hydrogen from the dissociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the dissociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is thereafter reacted with methane to produce syngas which optimally may be reacted in a water gas shift reaction to produce CO2 and H2.

Abstract: An activated catalyst for the rapid decomposition of H2O2 is provided wherein a porous high surface area catalyst base, e.g. a zeolite molecular sieve (ZMS) is impregnated or doped with a solution of metal cation salts and an ionic promoter, dried and calcined to form an activated catalyst. Such activated catalyst, in the form of a porous monolith or chunks, extrudate, pieces, pellets, or spheres, can be poured into and confined, in a tight pack, in a cavity of a rocket housing, downstream of a pressurized H2O2 tank. The H2O2 is flowed through the catalyst and undergoes rapid decomposition into steam and O2 and flows out the propellant nozzle of such rocket.

Abstract: Device nanotechnology based on silicon wafers and other substrates is described. Methods for preparing such devices are discussed. The teachings allow integration of current semiconductor device, sensor device and other device fabrication methods with nanotechnology. Integration of nanotubes and nanowires to wafers is discussed. Sensors, electronics, biomedical and other devices are presented.

Abstract: Composite combustion catalyst particles are described and disclosed. A metal core of a combustible metal can be coated with a metal oxide coating. Additionally, a catalyst coating can at least partially surround the metal oxide coating to form a composite catalyst particle. The composite catalyst particles can be dispersed in a variety of fuels such as propulsion fuels and the like to form an enhanced fuel. During initial stages of combustion, the catalyst coating acts to increase combustion of the fuel. As combustion proceeds, the metal core heats sufficiently to disturb the metal oxide coating. The metal core then combusts in highly exothermic reactions with an oxidizer and the catalyst coating to provide improved energy densities to the enhanced fuel.

Abstract: A ZnO/sapphire substrate includes an R-plane sapphire substrate whose (0 1-1 2) planes are parallel to the surface thereof and a ZnO epitaxial film formed on the R-plane sapphire substrate. The (1 1-2 0) planes of the ZnO epitaxial film are disposed with an interplanar spacing in the range of about 1.623 to 1.627 Å parallel to the (0 1-1 2) planes of the R-plane sapphire substrate.

Abstract: A process for preparing phosphor particles of a host oxide doped with a rare earth or manganese which comprises: preparing an aqueous solution of salts of the host ion and of the dopant ion and a water soluble compound which decomposes under the reaction conditions to convert said salts into hydroxycarbonate, heating the solution so as to cause said compound to decompose, recovering the resulting precipitate and calcining it at a temperature of at least 500° C. Substantially monocrystalline particles can be obtained by this process.

Abstract: Process for generating 1O2 in which a ferrocene of the formula

Abstract: Process for generating 1O2 in which an Sn(II) salt of the formula

Abstract: Improved polymer-immobilized photosensitizer are disclosed as well as methods of preparing and using them. The polymer-immobilized photosensitizers comprise a cross-linked polymer backbone, a plurality of cationic ammonium or phosphonium groups covalently bound to the polymer backbone and an immobilized photosensitizer. The average total number of carbon atoms in the ammonium or phosphonium group is at least four and preferably at least 12. The photosensitizer can be either covalently or ionically bound to the polymer. Polymer-supported photosensitizers of the invention are unexpectedly superior in catalyzing the photosensitized oxidation of compounds containing carbon-carbon double bonds.

Abstract: An oxygen generator comprising an oxygen generating unit including: (a) a chlorate oxygen generating candle for generating oxygen when ignited; and (b) an ignition device for igniting the candle to initiate oxygen generation from the candle. The candle is arranged during operation to sustain propagation of a plurality of burn fronts therethrough, the fronts propagating in different directions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for carrying out a reaction in liquid medium during which there is gas evolution. The inventive device comprises at least: a static mixer (3) wherein emerges at least a pipe (1) supplying liquid medium; a cyclone reactor (4) connected to said static mixer (3) and provided with a vent (5) for evacuating the gas or gases formed and means for evacuating (6, 7) the liquid medium. The invention also concerns a method whereby a reaction is carried out in liquid medium during which there is gas evolution. The invention can be used particularly for a reaction involving a peroxide such as hydrogen peroxide and, in particular, for reducing chlorine contained in a liquid effluent.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at disassociation temperatures the hydrogen from the disassociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the disassociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials and methods of reducing manufacturing and raw material costs through the use of nanostructured materials are provided. Specifically, use of non-stoichiometric materials of oxide, nitride, carbide, chalcogenides, borides, alloys and other compositions are taught.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing oxidic nanocrystals, the process comprising the following steps:

Abstract: An improved singlet delta oxygen generator (SOG) and method of its use are disclosed. The improved SOG is compact and scalable, capable of operating in a zero-gravity or low gravity environment, requires no gaseous diluent or buffer gas, and is capable of operating at pressures as high as one atmosphere. The improved SOG also efficiently utilizes the reactants and produces a O2(1&Dgr;) stream that is largely free of chlorine and water vapor contamination and therefore does not require a BHP regeneration system or a water vapor trap. When used as part of a COIL system, the SOG may be part of a plenum that directly feeds the laser's nozzle. The close proximity of the SOG to the laser cavity allows operation of the SOG at higher pressures without significant depletion of available O2(1&Dgr;) through collisional deactivation.

Abstract: This method generates the first electronically excited state of oxygen (singlet delta) at ambient temperature by a gas-solid chemical reaction involving a solid alkali metal peroxide or a solid alkaline earth peroxide and a non-radioactive-hydrogen-isotope halide gas. Singlet delta oxygen was produced from solid lithium peroxide, sodium peroxide or barium peroxide by reaction with gaseous hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, deuterium chloride, or deuterium bromide. The method can be practiced in a static or a flow system, and the reaction may take place in a chemical oxygen-iodine laser. The described process avoids unstable precursors, such as basic hydrogen peroxide, and liquid phase quenching. The method is safe, compact, solvent-free, mechanically simple, requires no external energy source, and permits the generation of large quantities of singlet delta oxygen. Furthermore, since no liquid phase separations are required the process is ideally suited for zero gravitational force conditions.

Abstract: Improved polymer-immobilized photosensitizer are disclosed as well as methods of preparing and using them. The polymer-immobilized photosensitizers comprise a cross-linked polymer backbone, a plurality of cationic ammonium or phosphonium groups covalently bound to the polymer backbone and an immobilized photosensitizer. The average total number of carbon atoms in the ammonium or phosphonium group is at least four and preferably at least 12. The photosensitizer can be either covalently or ionically bound to the polymer. Polymer-supported photosensitizers of the invention are unexpectedly superior in catalyzing the photosensitized oxidation of compounds containing carbon-carbon double bonds.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixed phase materials for the preparation of catalytic membranes which exhibit ionic and electronic conduction and which exhibit improved mechanical strength compared to single phase ionic and electronic conducting materials. The mixed phase materials are useful for forming gas impermeable membranes either as dense ceramic membranes or as dense thin films coated onto porous substrates. The membranes and materials of this invention are useful in catalytic membrane reactors in a variety of applications including synthesis gas production. One or more crystalline second phases are present in the mixed phase material at a level sufficient to enhance the mechanical strength of the mixture to provide membranes for practical application in CMRs.

Abstract: The invention provides processes and apparatus for producing hydrogen from water, including the steps of heating water to a water dissociating temperature to form a dissociated water reaction mixture comprising hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. A vortex is formed of the reaction mixture to subject the reaction mixture to a centrifugal force about a longitudinal axis of an interior space of a vortex tube reactor, so that there is radial stratification of the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas in the interior space of the vortex tube reactor. Hydrogen or oxygen is preferentially extracted from the reaction mixture at spaced apart points along the length of the interior space of the vortex tube reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of oxygen using novel membranes, formed from perovskitic or multi-phase structures, with a chemically active coating which demonstrate exceptionally high rates of fluid flux. The process uses membranes that are conductors of oxygen ions and electrons, which are substantially stable in air over the temperature range of 25° C. to the operating temperature of the membrane.