Abstract: A reaction chamber contains catalytic material(s). Tunable microwave source(s) each emit microwave radiation at corresponding time-varying microwave frequency(ies) or at simultaneous multiple different microwave frequencies. Microwave transmission element(s) irradiate the interior volume of the reaction chamber with the microwave radiation, emitted by the microwave source(s), that propagates along the transmission element(s) into the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is characterized by a maximum temperature variation of a fixed-frequency, steady-state temperature spatial profile that results from irradiation of the reaction chamber by microwave radiation at a substantially fixed microwave frequency and at a reference microwave power level.

Abstract: An input stream of gaseous nitrogen and carbon dioxide is introduced into a first interior volume of a separation vessel that is divided into first and second interior volumes by a separation membrane that includes a metal layer. The metal layer selectively permits movement of nitrogen through the metal layer. An output stream of gaseous nitrogen and carbon dioxide is conveyed out of the first interior volume and into a reaction vessel. The volume fraction of carbon dioxide is greater in the output stream than in the input stream; the volume fraction of nitrogen is reduced in the output stream relative to the input stream. Nitrogen is removed from the second interior volume to maintain a gradient of nitrogen partial pressure across the separation membrane that causes net transport of nitrogen from the first interior volume through the separation membrane into the second interior volume.

Abstract: A method for conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide comprises: introducing a flow of a dehumidified gaseous source of carbon dioxide into a reaction vessel; and irradiating dried, solid carbonaceous material in the reaction vessel with microwave energy. Heating of the irradiated carbonaceous material drives an endothermic reaction of carbon dioxide and carbon that produces carbon monoxide. At least a portion of heat required to maintain a temperature within the reaction vessel is supplied by the microwave energy. Carbon monoxide thus produced is allowed to flow out of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for converting carbon dioxide and/or methane into higher alkanes and hydrogen gas in a single reaction chamber using a catalyst and microwave radiation.

Abstract: A method of converting carbon containing compounds such as coal, methane or other hydrocarbons into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel utilizes a high pressure, high temperature reactor which operates upon a blend of a carbon compound including CO2 and a carbon source, a catalyst, and steam. Microwave power is directed into the reactor. The catalyst, preferably magnetite, will act as a heating media for the microwave power and the temperature of the reactor will rise to a level to efficiently convert the carbon and steam into hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A method of converting carbon containing compounds such as coal, methane or other hydrocarbons into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel utilizes a high pressure, high temperature reactor which operates upon a blend of a carbon compound including CO2 and a carbon source, a catalyst, and steam. Microwave power is directed into the reactor. The catalyst, preferably magnetite, will act as a heating media for the microwave power and the temperature of the reactor will rise to a level to efficiently convert the carbon and steam into hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A method of converting coal into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel utilizes a high pressure, high temperature reactor which operates upon a blend of micronized coal, a catalyst, and steam. Microwave power is directed into the reactor. The catalyst, preferably magnetite, will act as a heating media for the microwave power and the temperature of the reactor will rise to a level to efficiently convert the coal and steam into hydrogen and carbon monoxide.