Abstract: A composition of matter including a two-dimensional covalent organic imidazole framework (COF) polymer having an aromatic backbone and ordered nanometer sized pores that may be functionalized with a variety of functional groups. A filtration membrane having both high throughput and highly selective transport or rejection of a species of interest based on size, charge or other molecular properties is readily formed of the two-dimensional COF polymer. The filtration membrane being formed by providing a substrate, such as anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), and then depositing exfoliated carboxyl COF onto the substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method for fabrication of carbon foam and materials derived from the pyrolization of biomass at supercritical and subcritical conditions for CO2 and N2. The method includes exposing biomass to CO2 and N2 under various parameters for temperature, pressure, heating rate and fluid flow rate. Silicon-carbon composite anodes and anode fabrication methods are also described.

Abstract: A transformational energy efficient technology using ionic liquid (IL) to couple with monoethanolamine (MEA) for catalytic CO2 capture is disclosed. [EMmim+][NTF2?] based catalysts are rationally synthesized and used for CO2 capture with MEA. A catalytic CO2 capture mechanism is disclosed according to experimental and computational studies on the [EMmim+][NTF2?] for the reversible CO2 sorption and desorption.

Abstract: Described herein are integrated thermochemical processes for the deliberate decomposition, extraction and conversion of coal into high-value products and goods via solvent extraction, chemical reaction and/or separation. The described systems and methods are versatile and may be used to generate a variety of intermediate, derivative and finished high value products including chemicals (aromatics, asphaltenes, naphthalenes, phenols and precursors for the production of polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, graphitic materials), polymer composite products (resins, paints, coatings, adhesives), agricultural materials, building materials, carbon fiber, graphene products and other materials that are substantially more valuable that the energy generated via combustion.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices for the generation of hydrogel particles with micrometer and submicrometer dimensions using oxygen-inhibited partial polymerization, and the particles generated therefrom. The described methods generate particles with dimensions independent of the starting polymerizable solution dimension, for example, a microdroplet. Further, microfluidic flow parameters (e.g. viscosity, flow rate) and photopolymerization process parameters (e.g. optical exposure intensity and duration) are controlled to generate particles with tunable crosslinking density-determined properties including elasticity, diffusivity, and biomolecular display for diverse applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering cell scaffolds, and single- and multiple-cell therapeutics. Similarly, gradients of crosslinking density-determined properties can be created within single particles through the selection of optical exposure intensity and duration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for recovery of an oil from a porous medium comprises contacting the porous medium with an aqueous nanofluid, solubilizing oil from the porous medium via the nanoparticles to form a dispersion comprising the oil and the aqueous nanofluid, and collecting at least some of the dispersion. The aqueous nanofluid may contain a combination of amphiphilic quantum dots and hydrophilic quantum dots, in a continuous phase. At least 90% of the quantum dot nanoparticles may have an aspect ratio of from 1:1 to 1:6. In another embodiment, a method for recovery of an oil from a porous medium includes adding quantum dots to foaming surfactants to enhance foam lamella stability under reservoir conditions and provide conformance and mobility control in porous media and hydraulic fractures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to carbon foams, processes for forming carbon foams, doped carbon composites, processes for forming doped carbon composites, and uses thereof, e.g., as electrodes. Processes described herein relate to fabrication of carbon foam and materials derived from the pyrolyzation of biomass at supercritical and subcritical conditions for CO2, N2, H2O, or combinations thereof. The process includes exposing biomass to CO2, N2, H2O, or combinations thereof under various parameters for temperature, pressure, heating rate and fluid flow rate. Silicon-carbon composites and sulfur-carbon composites for use as, e.g., electrodes, are also described.

Abstract: A transformational energy efficient technology using ionic liquid (IL) to couple with monoethanolamine (MEA) for catalytic CO2 capture is disclosed. [EMmim+][NTF2?] based catalysts are rationally synthesized and used for CO2 capture with MEA. A catalytic CO2 capture mechanism is disclosed according to experimental and computational studies on the [EMmim+][NTF2?] for the reversible CO2 sorption and desorption.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for preventing and dispersing biofilms. Methods and compositions are described for preventing and treating dental caries. Materials and methods are provided for producing antibiofilm agents from natural products, including maple (Acer sp.). Compositions are provided for inhibiting Sortase A activity in Bacillota.

Abstract: A platform for sampling viral particles on surfaces and porous structures and in the air. The sampling platform includes, for example, a collection pad configured for quantitating viral loads in a fomite or captured form the air. A reservoir or liquid container is associated with the collection pad for interacting a virus collection zone of the collection pad. A liquid medium is disposed within the container. At least one pump is operably configured to move the liquid medium or air through the collection pad for extracting viral particles from the environment.

Abstract: A magnetic nanoparticle including a TRPV1 agonist, as well as methods of preparation and use, are described herein. A magnetically responsive pharmaceutical can include a core region having a magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs) and a TRPV1 protein agonist. Further, an exterior coating comprising a polymer can be formed around the core region. The magnetically responsive pharmaceutical can be administered to a recipient and directed to a target region using an external magnetic field.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods utilizing microfluidics for the oxygen-controlled generation of microparticles and hydrogels having controlled microparticle sizes and size distributions and products from provided methods. The included methods provide the generation of microparticles by polymerizing an aqueous solution dispersed in a non-aqueous continuous phase in an oxygen-controlled environment. The process allows for control of size of the size of the aqueous droplets and, thus, control of the size of the generated microparticles which may be used in biological applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting or dispersing biofilms produced by Listeria monocytogenes on plant matter are described. Embodiments include using formulations comprising active chemical constituents and aqueous extracts or sap from certain trees. Methods of using and producing aqueous formulations derived from hickory and maple wood are provided. Formulations and methods are provided for preventing and dispersing exopolysaccharide-rich listerial biofilms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to motion tracking synchronization in virtual reality systems. In an embodiment, a computing system that includes a processor and a memory including computer readable instructions is provided. The processor is configured to, based on execution of the computer readable instructions, receive an indication from a virtual reality (VR) application that the VR application has started, receive tracking data from a first motion tracking system and a second motion tracking system, each motion tracking system comprising one or more sensors, and generate system-independent tracking objects from the tracking data. The processor is further configured to, based on execution of the computer readable instructions, format the system-independent tracking objects into VR objects compatible with a VR system, transmit the VR objects to the VR system, and provide a real world environment view to users overlaid or independent of VR environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to compositions comprising fibrin and to methods of forming such compositions. In an embodiment, a method of forming fibrin particles is provided. The method includes introducing a buffer, a fibrinogen solution, and a thrombin solution to a first end of a microfluidic device to form a mixture, the buffer comprising one or more amino acids. The method further includes contacting the mixture with a fluorocarbon oil and a surfactant to form fibrinogen-containing particles, and applying positive pressure to the microfluidic device to cause the fibrinogen-containing particles to flow towards a second end of the microfluidic device. The method further includes collecting the fibrinogen-containing particles at the second end of the microfluidic device; and polymerizing the fibrinogen-containing particles to form fibrin particles.

Abstract: Described herein are integrated thermochemical processes for the deliberate decomposition, extraction and conversion of coal into high-value products and goods via solvent extraction, chemical reaction and/or separation. The described systems and methods are versatile and may be used to generate a variety of intermediate, derivative and finished high value products including chemicals (aromatics, asphaltenes, naphthalenes, phenols and precursors for the production of polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, graphitic materials), polymer composite products (resins, paints, coatings, adhesives), agricultural materials, building materials, carbon fiber, graphene products and other materials that are substantially more valuable that the energy generated via combustion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus, systems, and methods for characterizing fluid-solid systems. In an embodiment, a method includes placing a porous rock sample in a core holder, contacting the porous rock sample with a fluid to create a fluid-solid system inside the core holder, automatically adjusting a temperature and/or pressure of the fluid-solid system to a preselected value via a processor and at least one automated valve, monitoring the fluid-solid system for equilibrium, recording a value for temperature, pressure, and/or mass of the fluid-solid system, performing an action based on the recorded data, and repeating the adjusting, monitoring, recording, and performing operations to produce a thermodynamic data characteristic of the fluid-solid system. In one example, the performing operation includes analyzing a pressure signal for stationarity by performing an Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test and/or a Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin (KPSS) test.

Abstract: A transformational energy efficient technology using ionic liquid (IL) to couple with monoethanolamine (MEA) for catalytic CO2 capture is disclosed. [EMmim+][NTF2?] based catalysts are rationally synthesized and used for CO2 capture with MEA. A catalytic CO2 capture mechanism is disclosed according to experimental and computational studies on the [EMmim+][NTF2?] for the reversible CO2 sorption and desorption.

Abstract: A new class of ordered functional nanoporous material (OFNMs) with a unique combination of electronic conductivity, gas transport ability, and ion transport properties are provided. The OFNM provided is highly ordered and contains nanometer scale pores lined with nitrogen atoms. The pores have dimensions of from 1.2 nm to 82 nm of longest linear extent across the pore. The functionality within the pore is controlled through selection of groups that extend into the pore. The degree of conjugated aromaticity is readily controlled to adjust the electrical conductivity properties of the resulting structure. By adjusting the groups external to the pore, three-dimensional structures are formed that are organic mimics of zeolites, metal organic frameworks (MOF), or perovskites.

Abstract: Provided herein are catalyst materials and processes for processing hydrocarbons. For example, doped ceria-supported metal catalysts are provided exhibiting good activity and stability for commercially relevant DRM process conditions including low temperature and long term operation.