Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: Block copolymers are disclosed having at least one polymer segment characterized by a high degree of control over molecular weight, particle size, polydispersity and polymer composition and architecture. The block copolymers feature at least on polymer segment produced using a controlled free radical polymerization process in an emulsion. Additional polymer segments can be generated using the controlled free radical emulsion process or any other polymerization process. The block copolymers include polymers having unique structure, such as stars, grafts, telechelics and macromonomers. Block copolymers having hard/soft and amphiphilic characteristics are also disclosed. The block copolymers may also include adducts with nitroxide control agents capable of free radical re-initiation.

Abstract: Aldehydes are catalytically combined with amines to form carboxamides in one step using an oxidant and a metal-ligand complex or metal/ligand composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a fluid composition includes a mechanical resonator connected to a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit provides a variable frequency input signal to the mechanical resonator, causing the mechanical resonator to oscillate. To test the properties of a liquid composition, the mechanical resonator is placed inside a sample well containing a small amount of the fluid. The input signal is then sent to the mechanical resonator and swept over a selected frequency range. The mechanical resonator's response over the frequency range depends on various characteristics of the fluid being tested, such as the temperature, viscosity, and other physical properties. The invention is particularly suitable for combinatorial chemistry applications, which require rapid analysis of chemical properties for screening.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: Storage phosphors comprising an activated garnet host comprising oxygen and combined elements satisfying the relationship Ln3+&dgr;M5−&dgr;:cQ wherein Ln is an element selected from the group consisting of Gd, La, Lu, Y and combinations thereof; M is an element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, Sc, Fe and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of terbium, samarium, thallium, indium, europium, ytterbium and combinations thereof; &dgr; is greater lo than or equal to minus 0.5, but less than or equal to 0.5 (i.e., −0.5≦&dgr;≦0.5); and c is an amount sufficient to produce a phosphor that exhibits a higher luminescence emission intensity than said phosphor absent Q when, after first being exposed to penetrating radiaton, the phosphor is stimulated by light of a wavelength ranging from 600 to 1200 nm or thermally.

Abstract: A new ligands that include a benzene ring in the backbone can be combined with a metal or metal precursor compound or formed into a metal-ligand complex catalyze a number of different chemical transformations, including olefin polymerization reactions. The ligands, complexes formed with the ligands and compositions including the ligands are useful catalysts, depending on the reaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials are provided. In particular, techniques for rapidly characterizing compounds in arrays of materials in order to discover and/or optimize new materials with specific desired properties are provided. The substrate can be screened for materials having useful properties, and/or the resulting materials can be ranked, or otherwise compared, for relative performance with respect to useful properties or other characterizations. In particular, systems and methods are provided for screening a library of magnetic materials for their bulk magnetization, saturation magnetization, and coercivity by imaging their individual optical Kerr rotation, screening a library of dielectric materials for their dielectric coefficients by imaging their individual electro-optical rotation and screening a library of luminescent materials by imaging their individual luminescent properties under a variety of excitation conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods and systems are disclosed that combine sequential, serial injection of a plurality of samples into mobile-phases supplied in parallel to two or more chromatographic columns, such that staggered, parallel separation of the plurality of samples is effected. Because injection of samples is relatively fast as compared to separation, substantial efficiencies are gained with respect to overall sample throughput.

Abstract: Processes for oxidative dehydrogenation of alkane to one or more olefins, exemplified by ethane to ethylene, are disclosed using novel catalysts. The catalysts comprise a mixture of metal oxides having as an important component nickel oxide (NiO), which give high conversion and selectivity in the process. For example, the catalyst can be used to make ethylene by contacting it with a gas mixture containing ethane and oxygen. The gas mixture may optionally contain ethylene, an inert diluent such as nitrogen, or both ethylene and an inert diluent.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new efficient processes for various bond forming reactions, including Suzuki reactions and aryl aminations. Organic compounds (e.g., ligands), their metal complexes and compositions using those compounds, provide useful catalysts. The invention also relates to performing Suzuki cross coupling reactions with unreactive aryl-chlorides.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new efficient processes for various bond forming reactions, including Suzuki reactions. Organic compounds (e.g., ligands), their metal complexes and compositions using those compounds, provide useful catalysts. The invention also relates to performing Suzuki cross coupling reactions with unreactive aryl-chlorides.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. In preferred high-temperature embodiments, the polymer sample is maintained at a temperature of not less than about 75° C. during sample preparation, loading into a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, injection into a mobile phase of a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, and/or elution from chromatographic column. The described methods, systems, and device have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to methodologies for the synthesis, screening and characterization of organometailic compounds and catalysts (e.g., homogeneous catalysts). The methods of the present invention provide for the combinatorial synthesis, screening and characterization of libraries of supported and unsupported organometallic compounds and catalysts (e.g., homogeneous catalysts). The methods of the present invention can be applied to the preparation and screening of large niumbers of organometallic compounds which can be used not only as catalysts (e.g., homogeneous catalysts), but also as additives and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Novel compositions and metal compounds having an ancillary ligand structure polymerize monomers and functionalized monomers, either alone or in the presence of an activator. The ancillary ligand structure is a chelating ligand that may optionally be further bound to the metal via a dative or covalent bond.

Abstract: A new ligand having a backbone comprised of PCCC, where the last carbon atom is sp3 hybridized can be combined with a metal or metal precursor compound or formed into a metal-ligand complex to catalyze a number of different chemical transformations, including C—N bond formation.

Abstract: An improved material for a thermoelectric device and thermoelectric systems incorporating the same.