Abstract: A solid state membrane for a reforming reactor is disclosed which comprises at least one oxygen anion-conducting oxide selected from the group consisting of hexaaluminates, cerates, perovskites, and other mixed metal oxides that are able to adsorb and dissociate molecular oxygen. The membrane adsorbs and dissociates molecular oxygen into highly active atomic oxygen and allows oxygen anions to diffuse through the membrane, to provide high local concentration of oxygen to deter formation and deposition of carbon on reformer walls. Embodiments of the membrane also have catalytic activity for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel to synthesis gas. Also disclosed are a reformer having an inner wall containing the new membrane, and a process of reforming a hydrocarbon feed, such as a high sulfur-containing diesel fuel, to produce synthesis gas, suitable for use in fuel cells.

Abstract: Processes are disclosure which comprise alternately contacting an oxygen-carrying catalyst with a reducing substance, or a lower partial pressure of an oxidizing gas, and then with the oxidizing gas or a higher partial pressure of the oxidizing gas, whereby the catalyst is alternately reduced and then regenerated to an oxygenated state. In certain embodiments, the oxygen-carrying catalyst comprises at least one metal oxide-containing material containing a composition having one of the following formulas: (a) CexByB?zB?O?, wherein B=Ba, Sr, Ca, or Zr; B?=Mn, Co, or Fe; B?=Cu; 0.01<x<0.99; 0<y<0.6; 0<z<0.5; and 1<?<2.2; (b) SrvLawBxB?yB?zO?, wherein B=Co or Fe; B?=Al or Ga; B?=Cu; 0.01<v<1.4; 0.1<w<1.6; 0.1<x<1.9; 0.1<y<0.9; 0<z<2.2; and 3<?<5.5).

Abstract: Catalyst compositions and methods for F-T synthesis which exhibit high CO conversion with minor levels (preferably less than 35% and more preferably less than 5%) or no measurable carbon dioxide generation. F-T active catalysts are prepared by reduction of certain oxygen deficient mixed metal oxides.

Abstract: A method of destroying an organic compound in liquid media comprising: contacting said liquid media with a catalyst of formula: nN/Ce1?xZrcBbB?b?B?b?O2?? wherein n is a percentage from 0 to 25; N is one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Re, Os and Ir; x=b+b?+b?+c; b, b?, and b? are each, independently of one another, 0 to 0.99; x?0.7; B, B? and B? are independently selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Au, Ag and Cu; c is between 0 and 0.2; ? is a number which renders the catalyst charge neutral; provided that at least one of b, b? and b? is nonzero; provided that when B is Mn, b? or c or n is nonzero at a temperature and pressure sufficient to destroy an organic compound is provided. Also provided are catalyst compositions for destroying at least one organic compound in liquid media comprising a catalyst and a support.

Abstract: A method for separating a hydrogen-rich product stream from a feed stream comprising hydrogen and at least one carbon-containing gas, comprising feeding the feed stream, at an inlet pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and a temperature greater than 200° C., to a hydrogen separation membrane system comprising a membrane that is selectively permeable to hydrogen, and producing a hydrogen-rich permeate product stream on the permeate side of the membrane and a carbon dioxide-rich product raffinate stream on the raffinate side of the membrane. A method for separating a hydrogen-rich product stream from a feed stream comprising hydrogen and at least one carbon-containing gas, comprising feeding the feed stream, at an inlet pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and a temperature greater than 200° C.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and applications for the on-site production of hydrogen peroxide are described. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises at least one anolyte chamber coupled to at least one anode, at least one catholyte chamber, wherein the at least one catholyte chamber is coupled to at least one cathode, at least one anode membrane and at least one cathode membrane, wherein the anode membrane is adjacent to the at least one anode, wherein the cathode membrane is adjacent to the at least one cathode, at least one central chamber disposed between the at least one anolyte chamber and the at least one catholyte chamber. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by reduction of an oxygen-containing gas at the cathode.

Abstract: This invention provides hydrogen-permeable membranes for separation of hydrogen from hydrogen-containing gases. The membranes are multi-layer having a central hydrogen-permeable layer with one or more catalyst layers, barrier layers, and/or protective layers. The invention also relates to membrane reactors employing the hydrogen-permeable membranes of the invention and to methods for separation of hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing gas using the membranes and reactors. The reactors of this invention can be combined with additional reactor systems for direct use of the separated hydrogen.

Abstract: This invention relates to gas-impermeable, solid state materials fabricated into membranes for use in catalytic membrane reactors. This invention particularly relates to solid state oxygen anion- and electron-mediating membranes for use in catalytic membrane reactors for promoting partial or full oxidation of different chemical species, for decomposition of oxygen-containing species, and for separation of oxygen from other gases. Solid state materials for use in the membranes of this invention include mixed metal oxide compounds having the brownmillerite crystal structure.

Abstract: Composite hydrogen transport membranes, which are used for extraction of hydrogen from gas mixtures are provided. Methods are described for supporting metals and metal alloys which have high hydrogen permeability, but which are either too thin to be self supporting, too weak to resist differential pressures across the membrane, or which become embrittled by hydrogen. Support materials are chosen to be lattice matched to the metals and metal alloys. Preferred metals with high permeability for hydrogen include vanadium, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, palladium, and alloys thereof. Hydrogen-permeable membranes include those in which the pores of a porous support matrix are blocked by hydrogen-permeable metals and metal alloys, those in which the pores of a porous metal matrix are blocked with materials which make the membrane impervious to gases other than hydrogen, and cermets fabricated by sintering powders of metals with powders of lattice-matched ceramic.

Abstract: Gas-impermeable membranes containing a molten salt electrolyte in an electron-conducting matrix provide for mixed ion and electron conduction across the membrane. The membranes mediate transport of a selected ion for gas separation and or catalytic reactions at the membrane surface. The membranes are useful in catalytic membrane reactors, particularly for gas separation and full or partial oxidation reactions. The membranes are of particular interest for mediation of oxide ions, such as carbonate, for carbon dioxide separation or for partial oxidation reactions. Catalytic membrane reactors can incorporate catalyst layers on the membrane surfaces and or three-dimension catalysts, e.g., packed-bed catalysts, in the oxidation zone or the reduction zone of the reactor. The invention also relates to methods of gas separation and method for generating products employing the membranes and catalytic membrane reactors of this invention.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions are provided that are useful in selectively removing carbon monoxide from a hydrogen-containing gas. These catalyst compositions preferably have the formula: nN/Ce1−(x+y+z)AxA′yA″zO2−&dgr;, where A, A′, A″ are independently selected from the group consisting of: Zr, Gd, La, Sc, Sr, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, V, Ti, Cu and Ni; N is one or more members of the group consisting of: Pt, Pd, and Au; n is a weight percent between 0 and 25; x, y and z are independently 0 to 0.9; x+y+z is 0.1 to 0.9; and &dgr; is a number which renders the composition charge neutral; or nN/(MOx)y(CeO2−&dgr;)1−y, where M is one or more members of the group selected from: Zr, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, V, Ti, Ni and Cu; N is one or more members of the group selected from: Pt, Pd, and Au; n is a weight percent between 0 and 25; y is 0.1 to 0.9; and x and &dgr; make the compositions charge neutral.

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: Metal oxides particularly useful for the manufacture of catalytic membranes for gas-phase oxygen separation processes having the formula: AxA′x′A″2-(x+x′)ByFey′B″2-(y+y′)O5+z where: x and x′ are greater than 0; y and y′ are greater than 0; x+x′ is equal to 2; y+y′ is less than or equal to 2; z is a number that makes the metal oxide charge neutral; A is an element selected from the lanthanide elements; A′ is an element selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra; A″ is an element selected from the f block lanthanides, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra; B is an element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In or mixtures thereof and B″ is Co or Mg, with the exception that when B″ is Mg, A′ and A″ are not Mg. The metal oxides are useful for preparation of dense membranes which may be formed from dense thin films of the mixed metal oxide on a porous metal oxide element.

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: Catalyst compositions for destruction of volatile organic carbons (VOCs) in an oxygen-containing gas stream at low temperatures comprising: one or more first metals selected from the group consisting of: Ce and Zr; and at least one of: (a) one or more second metals selected from the group consisting of: Gd, La, Sr and Sc; (b) one or more third metals selected from the group consisting of: Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Au, Ag and Cu; and (c) one or more fourth metals selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Re, Os and Ir are provided. Catalyst compositions provided may be single-phase, mixed-metal oxides, or multi-phase. Catalysts of this invention have improved activity for VOC reduction at low temperatures in gaseous systems.

Abstract: This invention provides alkali ion conducting polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and elastomeric properties suitable for use in high energy batteries. The polymer electrolytes are cyclic carbonate-containing polysiloxanes that can be modified with a cross linker or chain extender, and an alkali metal ion-containing material dissolved in the carbonate-containing polysiloxane. The cyclic carbonate-containing polysiloxanes may be prepared by reacting derivatized polysiloxanes with chain extending and/or crosslinking agents. The invention also provides batteries prepared by contacting an alkali metal anode with an alkali metal intercalating cathode and an alkali ion-conducting polymer electrolyte. As one example, polymers prepared from poly {3[2,3-(carbonyldioxy)propoxy]propyl]methyl siloxane, a polysiloxane with cyclic carbonate side chains, have shown promising results for battery applications.

Abstract: This invention provides devices for the measurement of total organic carbon content in water samples. The device has a microfluidic sample cell with a sample channel for receiving a water sample wherein the water sample can be irradiated with UV radiation to oxidize organics to CO2. The sample channel is sufficiently thin in the region irradiated to allow very rapid substantial mineralization of the organics in the sample. A photocatalyst, such as TiO2 or platinized TiO2 can be employed to speed sample oxidation. Substantial mineralization of a sample can be achieved in less than about 30 seconds, significantly decreasing the time required for making a TOC measurement. CO2 generated by sample oxidation can be detected and/or quantitated by various methods, particularly by conductivity measurements or by infrared methods.

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparation of precursors of Group III-V compounds, i.e., nitrides, phosphides, arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides of boron, aluminum, gallium and indium. The precursors are easily converted, e.g., by thermal decomposition, to the Group III-V compounds which are useful as thin-film coatings for aerospace components or as powders which may be shaped as desired.

Abstract: Glass-ceramic sealants for ceramic membrane reactors, ceramic membrane sealed to holders or substrates and methods of making seals between two ceramic materials or between a ceramic and a metal or metal alloy are provided. These sealants combine silicate glass-ceramic materials with selected metal oxides and, optionally, materials similar or identical to the materials being sealed, and employ thermal processing so that the resultant materials will have a thermal expansion coefficient that substantially matches the thermal expansion coefficients of the two materials. Surfaces of the ceramic sealant that are exposed to reactive atmospheres can be protected by providing a metal or metallic alloy layer over the ceramic seal.

Abstract: This invention relates to catalytic reactor membranes having a gas-impermeable membrane for transport of oxygen anions. The membrane has an oxidation surface and a reduction surface. The membrane is coated on its oxidation surface with an adherent catalyst layer and is optionally coated on its reduction surface with a catalyst that promotes reduction of an oxygen-containing species (e.g., O2, NO2, SO2, etc.) to generate oxygen anions on the membrane. The reactor has an oxidation zone and a reduction zone separated by the membrane. A component of an oxygen containing gas in the reduction zone is reduced at the membrane and a reduced species in a reactant gas in the oxidation zone of the reactor is oxidized. The reactor optionally contains a three-dimensional catalyst in the oxidation zone. The adherent catalyst layer and the three-dimensional catalyst are selected to promote a desired oxidation reaction, particularly a partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon.