Abstract: A tablet-based method for fabricating a suspension including gold (Au) particles and water can include adding to water a solid tablet prepared from a solid alkaline powder, a solid acid powder, and gold particles. Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas can be generated once the tablet is added to the water. The gold (Au) particles can be in microparticle or nanoparticle form. The solid alkaline powder can include sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). The solid acid powder can include monosodium phosphate (NaH2PO4).

Abstract: The high water recovery hybrid membrane system for desalination and brine concentration combines nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and forward osmosis to produce pure water from seawater. The reject side of a nanofiltration unit receives a stream of seawater and outputs a brine stream. A permeate side of the nanofiltration unit outputs a permeate stream. A feed side of a reverse osmosis desalination unit receives a first portion of the permeate stream and outputs a reject stream. A permeate side of the reverse osmosis desalination unit outputs pure water. A draw side of at least one forward osmosis desalination unit receives the reject stream and outputs concentrated saline solution. A feed side of the at least one forward osmosis desalination unit receives a second portion of the permeate stream and outputs a dilute saline stream, which mixes with the first portion of the permeate stream fed to the reverse osmosis desalination unit.

Abstract: The multiple rig stress corrosion cracking testing device is a stress corrosion cracking and sulfide stress cracking testing device for engineering material specimens. The device includes a pressure and temperature autoclave chamber and also includes four testing rigs for simultaneous stress corrosion cracking testing of a circumferential notched tensile specimen, a compact tension or a double cantilever beam specimen, a cantilever bend specimen, and a center cracked plate specimen under varying experimental conditions. The specimens may be of similar or different materials.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring performance of a suspension for cooling a computer processing unit is a measurement and testing tool allowing for the fabrication of new suspensions, and measuring and testing their short-term and long-term thermal performance in real time on any liquid-cooled computer processing unit. The suspension is prepared in a sample receiving reservoir and pumped across the unit, and then input to an air-cooled heat exchanger for recirculation back to the sample receiving reservoir. Temperatures of the working fluid are measured between the sample receiving reservoir and the computer processing unit, between the unit and the heat exchanger, and after output from the heat exchanger. Pressure differentials of the working fluid is measured across the computer processing unit and across the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The method for synthesizing graphene derivatives from asphaltene includes one or more steps that are based on thermal and/or chemical treatments. In the thermal treatment, asphaltene was carbonized in a rotating quartz-tube furnace under an inert atmosphere (N2). This carbonization process was performed at a temperature range of 400-950° C. The carbonization process converted asphaltene molecules into graphene derivatives by eliminating the alkyl side chains, exfoliating the aromatic layers (n), and expanding the aromatic sheet diameter (La). The chemical treatment, on the other hand, was performed on the asphaltene (i.e., graphene precursor) by dispersing the asphaltene molecules in a liquid intercalating agent to functionalize the asphaltene and expand the inter-layer distance between the aromatic sheets (intercalation). In this intercalation process, the graphitic surface of asphaltene is oxidized to form asphaltene oxide, and then graphene oxide (GO), which is a nonconductive hydrophilic carbon material.

Abstract: A desalination and cooling system includes a single effect water-lithium bromide vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system and a forward osmosis with thermal-recovery (FO-TR) desalination system. The FO system employs a Thermo-Responsive Draw Solution (TRDS) Fresh water flows from the FS to the TRDS without application of pressure on the saline water. Afterwards, only thermal energy is required to extract fresh water from the TRDS and recover or regenerate the draw solution. The VAC system serves as a cooling source for cooling or air conditioning applications, generating waste heat as a result. The waste heat generated by the VAC system provides the thermal energy needed to recover the draw solution (DS). The VAC system can be powered by low-grade heat sources like solar thermal energy.

Abstract: A method for making metal organic frameworks (MOFs) includes the step of dissolving metal salts in deionized water to form first solution, followed by adding a cyclic propyl phosphonic anhydride reagent to the first solution to form a second solution. The second solution is heated to form a reaction mixture containing MOF crystals, and is then cooled. The MOF crystals are filtered therefrom, washed and dried. To make metal organic framework-based thin film nanocomposite membranes, the MOF crystals are mixed with an m-phenylene diamine aqueous solution to form a mixture, which is then poured on a top surface of an ultrafiltration membrane substrate to form a first intermediate membrane structure. The first intermediate membrane structure is dried, and trimesolyl chloride in n-hexane solution is poured thereon to form a second intermediate membrane structure, which is cured to form an MOF-based thin film nanocomposite membrane, which is then rinsed and dried.

Abstract: The integrated desalination and air conditioning system can provide desalinated (fresh) water, cold air or both in a single efficient system. The system incorporates a humidification-dehumidification (HdH) desalination system with a water-lithium bromide (H2O—LiBr) vapor absorption cycle (AbC) system. The AbC system includes an AbC generator that provides a heating source for an AbC condenser that heats the air input of the HdH; two AbC absorbers that provide heating sources for the feed seawater; a first AbC evaporator that provides a cooling source for the humidified air produced in the HdH; and a second AbC evaporator that provides a cooling source for use outside the system. The heat input for the AbC generator can be provided by low-grade heat sources, such as waste heat or solar thermal energy. The system is capable of producing fresh water and/or cold air at different capacities, depending on water demands and cooling load requirements.

Abstract: The system for processing waste includes both a fixed bed reactor and a fluidized bed reactor. The fixed bed reactor receives a first waste material and produces a first set of reaction products. The fluidized bed reactor is adapted for receiving a second waste material and producing a second set of reaction products. The first and second sets of reaction products may be selectively and adjustably mixed to produce a mixed set of reaction products. At least one cyclone separator receives the reaction products and separates and collects solids (waxes) from the product stream. At least one condenser receives the product stream and removes a condensable liquids from the product stream. The condensable liquids are collected, and a gas-liquid separator removes any remaining liquid from the gas stream. The remaining gas is then output as gaseous product.

Abstract: The bioorganic soil conditioner includes biochar derived from plant waste and a mix of chemicals including sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde, urea-formaldehyde and polyvinyl alcohol. The bioorganic soil conditioner is made by infusing biochar from lignin-rich plant waste with the mix of chemicals. The bioorganic soil conditioner improves soil aggregation and moisture and nutrient retention capacity. Thus, the bioorganic soil conditioner may be added to soil to improve crop production and stabilize soil, for example, in conditions of high wind or desertification.

Abstract: The high water recovery hybrid membrane system for desalination and brine concentration combines nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and forward osmosis to produce pure water from seawater. The reject side of a nanofiltration unit receives a stream of seawater and outputs a brine stream. A permeate side of the nanofiltration unit outputs a permeate stream. A feed side of a reverse osmosis desalination unit receives a first portion of the permeate stream and outputs a reject stream. A permeate side of the reverse osmosis desalination unit outputs pure water. A draw side of at least one forward osmosis desalination unit receives the reject stream and outputs concentrated saline solution. A feed side of the at least one forward osmosis desalination unit receives a second portion of the permeate stream and outputs a dilute saline stream, which mixes with the first portion of the permeate stream fed to the reverse osmosis desalination unit.

Abstract: The device and method for measuring effect of soiling on a photovoltaic device includes a device in which a photovoltaic device (reference solar cell, solar cells, PV module, etc.) may be shifted between partially and fully enclosed compartments in quick succession for measurements of the same device (1) when directly exposed to illumination or solar radiation; (2) when placed under a glass or transparent cover maintained cleared or cleaned of soil; and (3) when placed under glass or transparent cover left exposed to natural outdoor soiling, or attenuated using simulated soil that is not periodically cleaned. The measurements may be of short circuit current (Isc), maximum power (Pmax), which are used to calculate the to soiling ratio. If the transparent covers have substantially identical optical properties and meet identical requirements for positioning relative to the DUT, only measurements (2) and (3) are required, and calculations of the soiling ratio are simplified.

Abstract: The device and method for measuring the effect of soiling on a photovoltaic device includes a device in which a photovoltaic device (reference solar cell, solar cells, PV module, etc.) may be shifted between partially and fully enclosed compartments in quick succession for measurements of the same device (1) when directly exposed to illumination or solar radiation; (2) when placed under a glass or transparent cover maintained cleared or cleaned of soil; and (3) when placed under glass or transparent cover left exposed to natural outdoor soiling, or attenuated using simulated soil that is not periodically cleaned. The measurements may be of short circuit current (Isc), maximum power (Pmax), or other electrical parameter conventionally used to evaluate performance of the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: The method for damping ocean waves in a coastal area uses a barrier having a plurality of vertical walls positioned parallel to one another, each wall defining a plurality of horizontally extending slots. The dimensions of the slots, or overall porosity of the wall, and the number of walls positioned in parallel may be varied to provide different levels of damping. Accordingly, a desired amount of damping may be provided through varying the porosity of the walls and the number of walls. The method defines a transmission coefficient equal to the wave height of waves transmitted from the barrier divided by the wave height of waves incident on the barrier, and collects experimental data normalized with the significant wave height and the wavelength at the peak period for the depth of water to select the combination of wall number and porosity to produce the desired damping.

Abstract: The device and method for measuring the effect of soiling on a photovoltaic device includes a device in which a photovoltaic device (reference solar cell, solar cells, PV module, etc.) may be shifted between partially and fully enclosed compartments in quick succession for measurements of the same device (1) when directly exposed to illumination or solar radiation; (2) when placed under a glass or transparent cover maintained cleared or cleaned of soil; and (3) when placed under glass or transparent cover left exposed to natural outdoor soiling, or attenuated using simulated soil that is not periodically cleaned. The measurements may be of short circuit current (Isc), maximum power (Pmax), or other electrical parameter conventionally used to evaluate performance of the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: The device and method for measuring the effect of soiling on a photovoltaic device includes a device in which a photovoltaic device (reference solar cell, solar cells, PV module, etc.) may be shifted between partially and fully enclosed compartments in quick succession for measurements of the same device (1) when directly exposed to illumination or solar radiation; (2) when placed under a glass or transparent cover maintained cleared or cleaned of soil; and (3) when placed under glass or transparent cover left exposed to natural outdoor soiling, or attenuated using simulated soil that is not periodically cleaned. The measurements may be of short circuit current (Isc), maximum power (Pmax), or other electrical parameter conventionally used to evaluate performance of the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: The method for doping Mg with Ni includes cold-rolling the Mg material and then cold-spraying with Ni powder, and preferably further cold rolling the Ni-coated Mg to achieve the final Ni-doped Mg material. Preferably the Mg material is cold rolled for about 300 passes and the final Ni-doping concentration is about 5 wt. %.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing thin film stainless steel coating can include using an e-beam PVD technique for depositing elements of stainless steel, i.e., Fe, Cr, Ni, Mo, and Mn, on a target surface, e.g., a surface of metallic origin. The method can include thermal evaporation of a source stainless steel material at a given percentage of electron beam power and a given vacuum pressure to provide a stainless steel coating layer on the target surface. The stainless steel coating layer can have a uniform thickness of about 150 nm, for example. The method can provide uniform stainless steel elemental distribution on the target surface. The stainless steel of the coating layer on the target surface can be of a grade that is different from the source stainless steel.

Abstract: The pyrolysis reactor system for the conversion and analysis of organic solid waste is a dual gas-liquid separation system, allowing for the conversion of organic solid waste, as well as analysis of the conversion products. A pyrolysis reactor is provided for converting the organic solid waste into a solid product and a gas-liquid product mixture through pyrolysis. A source of carrier gas is in fluid communication with the pyrolysis reactor for degrading the organic solid waste. A first gas-liquid separator is in fluid communication with the pyrolysis reactor and receives the gas-liquid product mixture therefrom, separating a portion of gas therefrom. A second gas-liquid separator is in fluid communication with the first gas-liquid separator and receives the gas-liquid product mixture therefrom and separates the remainder of the gas therefrom. The remainder of the gas and the separated liquid are each collected separately from one another, in addition to the char.

Abstract: The nanocomposite system for hydrogen storage is a composite of MgH2 powder with ZrNi5 powder and a combination of Nb2O5, TiC and VC. Preferably, the MgH2 is in nanocrystalline form and the ZrNi5 is significantly in a Friauf-Laves phase. The nanocomposite system is formed by combining the MgH2 powder with the ZrNi5, Nb2O5, TiC and VC, preferably in amounts of 4 wt. % ZrNi5+1 wt. % Nb2O5+0.5 wt. % TiC+0.5 wt. % VC, to form a mixture, and then performing reactive ball milling on the mixture. Preferably, the reactive ball milling is performed for a period of 50 hours.