Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing hydrogen from formaldehyde, the method comprising obtaining an aqueous mixture having a basic pH and comprising formaldehyde, an iron containing photocatalyst, and a base, and subjecting the aqueous mixture to light to produce hydrogen (H2) gas from the formaldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic cell device with combined energy conversion and lighting option and a method a controlling such a device. It comprises a responsive element, a reflector or a light source for changing light absorption and thus appearance of photovoltaic cells (e.g. solar panel). It is also possible to combine the responsive element or the reflector with light source(s) providing extra illumination. When combined with a sensor and control unit, ambient intelligent solar panels and ambient intelligent lighting systems can be obtained. A combination of a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) and light-emitting device is also possible, where an energy storage device is charged by a photovoltaic cell upon irradiation. The energy storage powers one or more light sources which are coupled to the sides of the luminescent plate. The light emitted by the light sources is coupled into the plate and (partly) converted by the luminescent plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for purifying a fluid, which comprises at least one ion absorption cell (2) with an operating chamber (4, 5) at its interior through which a first operative fluid (F1) flows and an evacuation chamber (13, 13?) through which a second operative fluid (F2, F2?) flows and which is separated from the operating chamber (4,5) by a filtering membrane (100). A porous electrical conductor (18) is housed in the evacuation chamber (13, 13?) and is traversed by the second operative fluid (F2, F2?). Two electrodes (A, B) have the aforesaid operating chamber (4, 5) and evacuation chamber (13, 13?) interposed, and are supplied with opposite polarities in order to generate an operative electric field in the operating chamber (4, 5) and a limited electric field in the evacuation chamber (13, 13?), the latter with value lower than the operative electric field, due to the shielding effect of the porous electrical conductor (18).

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a feedstock containing one or more fatty acid triglycerides to a mixture containing one or more fatty acid alkyl esters and t-alkyl glycerols, including reacting the feedstock with a compound of formula (I): R—O—RI??(I) wherein: RI is an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl having 1-18 carbon atoms; R is H or a tertiary alkyl group, wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of an acid transesterification catalyst by irradiation with microwaves and/or ultrasound and/or radio waves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor device for measuring a level of an analyte of interest in a fluid, such as body fluid (for example blood, plasma, urine, interstitial fluid, saliva), a method of manufacturing a sensor device, a reagent film for use in a sensor, a method of manufacturing a reagent film for use in a sensor, a method of conducting an assay using a sensor, a method of calibrating a measurement from a sensor, a method of calibrating a batch of sensors, a meter for use with a sensor and a kit comprising a meter and a sensor according to the invention. A first aspect of the invention provides a sensor device for measuring a level of an analyte of interest In a fluid comprising: a flowpath for the fluid; on the flowpath, a reagent for the analyte of interest adjacent to an internal standard comprising a first predetermined amount of a first calibration analyte; and further wherein the reagent and the predetermined amount of a first calibration analyte are in dry form.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for synthesizing one or more simple alcohols from mixtures including organic acids, water, and a superparamagnetic catalyst exposed to fluctuating magnetic fields under ambient conditions.

Abstract: The activation of the C—H bond using low temperature plasma with an inlet liquid stream such that value added products are formed effectively. An organic liquid (e.g., hexane which is immiscible with liquid water) is injected into a flowing gas (argon) stream followed by mixing with a liquid water stream. Thereafter, the mixture contacts a plasma region formed by a pulsed electric discharge. The plasma formed with the flowing liquid and gas between the two electrodes causes chemical reactions that generate various compounds.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for electrochemical grinding a workpiece. In one embodiment, a method includes controlling potentials to grinding tool and the workpiece, controlling applying electrolyte, and controlling grinding of the workpiece by the grinding tool. The method may also include determining screen replacement when there is sufficient metal plated.

Abstract: A device with a pouch having a pouch wall with an inner side and an outer side, the pouch wall defining an interior of the pouch. A plurality of electrodes embedded in the pouch wall with at least one electrode partially exposed within the interior of the pouch. The plurality of electrodes generate plasma within the interior of the pouch in response to application of an voltage to the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for stretching the discharge of plasma in a liquid utilizes in certain embodiments a first, second and third electrode within a liquid holding container, a gas injection conduit for introducing a gas such as air or oxygen into the container, and a power supply electrically coupled to at least the second and third electrodes. In certain embodiments, a seed plasma generated by a first and second electrode is stretched, and a larger plasma is generated by a first and third electrode. In certain embodiments, a fourth electrode can be used to further stretch the plasma. An increase in gas introduction flow rate can also be utilized to facilitate the stretching of plasma.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an advanced oxidation process for providing advanced oxidation products to an environment. More particularly, the present invention provides a device, system, and method utilizing an advanced oxidation process to react with and neutralize compounds in an environment, including microbes, odor causing chemicals, and other organic and inorganic chemicals. The device, system, and method of the present invention employ a wick structure to collect and concentrate water vapor, so that the water vapor may subsequently be used to generate advanced oxidation products.

Abstract: Design and use of photo-switching, fullerene-based dyads of the design x-D-y-A or D-y-A-x as interfacial layers (IFL) for organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are described herein. The fullerene-based dyads and triads of the present invention contain electron-donating substituents such as porphyrins or phthalocyanines that exhibit charge separation states with long lifetimes upon irradiation, resulting in rejection of electrons reaching the electrode and concurrently promoting the conduction of holes. This phenomenon has a strong rectifying effect on the whole device, not just the interfaces, resulting in improved charge extraction from the interior of the photo-active layer. The invention further describes anchoring an IFL to the ITO surface as a monolayer, bilayer, or greater multilayers. One OPV design embodiment of the present invention embodiment involves the formation of covalent bonds via silane groups (—SiR3) as the anchor (x), to form siloxane bonds.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed here relate to treating water. In certain embodiments, a treatment system comprises an electrochemical water treatment device, a recirculating concentrate stream in fluid communication with the electrochemical water treatment device, a flow control device in fluid communication with a first flow path comprising acidic water and configured to be in fluid communication with the recirculating concentrate stream, and a second flow path comprising feed water and configured to be in fluid communication with the recirculating concentrate stream, and a control system in communication with the flow control device. The treatment system may further comprise a recirculating dilution stream in fluid communication with a second inlet and a second outlet of the electrochemical water treatment device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for electric field driven on-demand separation of liquid-liquid mixtures are provided. For example, methods for separating liquid-liquid mixtures, such as free oil and water, oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions, are provided that have separation efficiencies up to about 99.9%. The liquid-liquid mixture is contacted with a separator membrane assembly comprising a separator membrane formed of a porous oleophobic (or superoleophobic) material and an electrically conductive member. An electrical potential is applied across the porous oleophobic (or superoleophobic) material of the separator membrane to facilitate passage and separation of at least a portion of the first component through the separator membrane. Separation devices and such separator membrane assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A fixture for an electro-chemical machining (ECM) electrode is provided. The fixture may include a clamp having a shape and size configured to selectively engage in at least a portion of a selected dovetail slot of a plurality of dovetail slots in a turbine wheel. An electrode mount positions an electrode head relative to the clamp such that the electrode head operatively engages a portion of the selected dovetail slot for electro-chemical machining of the portion. The fixture's electrode may act as a cathode for the ECM process. The fixture allows for ECM on site without removing a turbine wheel from a turbomachine.

Abstract: A measuring device comprises a guard electrode that is arranged around a cathode, reduces oxygen that is not from an oxygen permeable membrane, and inhibits the oxygen from reaching the cathode. The guard electrode is electrically connected to an anode through a resistor having a prescribed resistance.

Abstract: A solar energy system for portably providing solar energy features a base unit having a base cavity located therein. A cable notch and an annular panel notch are located on a base side wall. A base first end or a base second end features an opening located therein featuring a first end cap or a second end cap located thereon. The system features power inverter located in the base cavity operatively connected to a power storage component and a solar controller. The system features a solar panel wrapped around the panel notch of the base unit. The solar panel is operatively connected to the solar controller, the power inverter, and the power storage component via cables for operation.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a manufacturing method for a large amount of positive electrode active material with few variations, having a highly uniform surface condition, micro-size, and high performance. An aqueous solution of a compound, which becomes the source material for the positive electrode active material, is put in an airtight container and irradiated with microwaves, thus heating while water in the airtight container is evaporated and a high pressure is formed in the air tight container. A large amount of micro-sized positive electrode active material having a highly uniform surface condition can be formed. A compound, which becomes the source material for the positive electrode active material, is put in an airtight container and irradiated with microwaves, thus heating while water in the airtight container is evaporated and a high pressure is formed in the air tight container.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of fabricating a solar cell. A silicon lamina is cleaved from the silicon substrate. The backside of the silicon lamina includes the P-type and N-type doped regions. A metal foil is attached to the backside of the silicon lamina. The metal foil may be used advantageously as a built-in carrier for handling the silicon lamina during processing of a frontside of the silicon lamina. Another embodiment relates to a solar cell that includes a silicon lamina having P-type and N-type doped regions on the backside. A metal foil is adhered to the backside of the lamina, and there are contacts formed between the metal foil and the doped regions. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a thermoelectric conversion structure and its use in heat dissipation device. The thermoelectric conversion structure includes a thermoelectric element, a first electrode and an electrically conductive heat-blocking layer. The thermoelectric element includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first electrode is located at the first end of the thermoelectric element. The electrically conductive heat-blocking layer is between the thermoelectric element and the first electrode.