Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the halogenation of hydrocarbon. In accordance with the process of the present disclosure a hydrocarbon and a halogen is introduced in a reaction vessel. Light having wavelength in the range of 390 to 780 nm is then passed into the reaction vessel for a time period of 2 to 12 hrs. to obtain a halogenated hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbon is agitated before or after the introduction of the halogen in to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods for forming olefins from saturated hydrocarbon feedstock are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a carrier gas is introduced at a supersonic velocity to a feedstock injector section. A feedstock gas is introduced to the carrier gas stream using feedstock injectors that are offset in the streamwise direction one from another. The upstream feedstock injectors are positioned to inject feedstock gas to create plumes that improve penetration depth of the feedstock gas and reduce pressure losses at the downstream feedstock injectors. The feedstock gas can be regeneratively preheated by cooling the convergent-divergent nozzle. Water, steam and/or hydrogen gas can be injected into the apparatus for cooling the throat of the convergent-divergent nozzle.

Abstract: An artificial photosynthesis module includes an oxygen generation electrode having a first photocatalyst layer that decomposes water with light to generate oxygen, and has a first substrate, a first conductive layer, a first photocatalyst layer, and a first co-catalyst, and a hydrogen generation electrode that decomposes water with light to generate hydrogen and has a second substrate, a second conductive layer, a second photocatalyst layer, and a second co-catalyst. This provides an artificial photosynthesis module with high reaction efficiency.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) or other materials are processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, in a vault in which the walls and optionally the ceiling include discrete units. Such vaults are re-configurable.

Abstract: The solar fuels generator includes an ionically conductive separator between a gaseous first phase and a second phase. A photoanode uses one or more components of the first phase to generate cations during operation of the solar fuels generator. A cation conduit is positioned provides a pathway along which the cations travel from the photoanode to the separator. The separator conducts the cations. A second solid cation conduit conducts the cations from the separator to a photocathode.

Abstract: A reaction chamber contains catalytic material(s). Tunable microwave source(s) each emit microwave radiation at corresponding time-varying microwave frequency(ies) or at simultaneous multiple different microwave frequencies. Microwave transmission element(s) irradiate the interior volume of the reaction chamber with the microwave radiation, emitted by the microwave source(s), that propagates along the transmission element(s) into the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is characterized by a maximum temperature variation of a fixed-frequency, steady-state temperature spatial profile that results from irradiation of the reaction chamber by microwave radiation at a substantially fixed microwave frequency and at a reference microwave power level.

Abstract: A polymeric article includes an electrorheological (ER) fluid in a polymer medium. In some applications, the polymer medium forms a body ply of a tire. The ER fluid can be incorporated into the polymeric article in a number of particular ways. The ER fluid may simply fill a pocket in the polymeric article or may be part of an electrorheological composite or electrorheological microsphere. The ER fluid is responsive to the application of an electric field to change the apparent viscosity or elastic modulus of the polymeric article.

Abstract: A system for and method of cleaving a bond between a first atom and a second atom in a molecule of a material are presented. One embodiment of the technique includes selecting a first electromagnetic radiation frequency, the first electromagnetic radiation frequency including a product of a golden mean and a base frequency associated with at least one of the first atom and the second atom. Such an embodiment further includes directing a first electromagnetic radiation at the material, where the first electromagnetic radiation has a frequency equal to the first electromagnetic radiation frequency, and where the first electromagnetic radiation frequency is sufficient to cleave the bond between the first atom and the second atom.

Abstract: Microwave chemical processing system having a microwave plasma reactor, and a multi-stage gas-solid separation system are disclosed. The microwave energy source has a waveguide, a reaction zone, and an inlet configured to receive the input material, and the input material is converted into separated components. The separated components include hydrogen gas and carbon particles. The multi-stage gas-solid separation system has a first cyclone separator to filter the carbon particles from the separated components, and a back-pulse filter system coupled to the output of the first cycle separator to filter the carbon particles from the output from the first cyclone separator.

Abstract: An efficient and economical process for H2 evolution by water splitting, catalyzed by layered oxides that function in UV and visible light.

Abstract: A system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, an ultraviolet light source and a microwave source. The first chamber includes an inlet. The second chamber is adjacent the first chamber and includes an outlet and a waveguide. The ultraviolet light source resides within the waveguide of the second chamber. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen by dissociation of water, characterized by a hydrogen generation chamber for generating hydrogen from water containing electrolytes; a source of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for providing energy to drive the dissociation of the water; and a control unit for controlling the energy source and liquid and gas flow.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, equipment, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, in a vault in which hazardous gases are removed, destroyed and/or converted. The treatments are efficient and can reduce the recalcitrance of the lignocellulosic material so that it is easier to produce an intermediate or product, e.g., sugars, alcohols, sugar alcohols and energy, from the lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: A method for preparation of gold nanoparticles in aqueous solution through pulsed laser, comprises firstly preparing an aqueous solution including HAuCl4.H2O and H2O2, followed by allowing a catalytic light source to emit into the aqueous solution for catalysis, such that a plurality of gold nanoparticles are formed in the aqueous solution, the catalytic light source being a pulsed laser. Additionally, it is also possible for firstly placing a porous silicon substrate into the aqueous solution, and then allowing the catalytic light source to emit into the aqueous solution for catalysis, such that the gold nanoparticles are grown on the surface of the porous silicon substrate. In this way, the gold nanoparticles of smaller particle diameters with more uniform size may be obtained without adding a surfactant during the preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of cosmetic solutions for use on human hair using the effects of UV light and electrolysis. In particular, a specialized cross-linking of Hydrochloride protected thiols to form protected Thiazolidines is disclosed. The process uses both UV light and electrolysis to form stable cosmetic solutions that have a variety of uses.

Abstract: The present invention describes a photochemical hydrogenation process for heavy fractions of hydrocarbon streams where the aromatic and polyaromatic compounds present in that fraction selectively react in the presence of an alkoxide, when subjected to electromagnetic irradiation.

Abstract: A vessel system for high-pressure reactions is disclosed. The system includes a plugged polymer cylinder reaction vessel with a pressure vent opening extending radially through the wall of the reaction vessel and a supporting frame into which the vessel is received. Complementing keying structure elements on the vessel and on the frame limit the orientation of the reaction vessel in the supporting frame and the radially extending vent opening to a defined single position.

Abstract: An oxidative method for water is provided. The oxidative method includes providing a compound having properties of a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor; obtaining a mixture by adding the compound to the water; and illuminating the mixture using a light source to excite the compound.

Abstract: A method of dissolution of minerals in acid is disclosed. The method comprises providing minerals to be leached in an aqueous solution, supplying acid or an acid precursor to the aqueous solution, thereby forming a reaction mixture comprising acid; supplying energy in the form of a combination of high-voltage electric pulses and ultrasound pulses to the reaction mixture to enhance dissolution of the minerals.

Abstract: A method for producing particles, includes the following steps: introducing into a reaction chamber at least one reaction flow including a first chemical element (typically silicon) and propagating in a flow direction; projecting a ray beam through the reaction chamber, intersecting each reaction flow in an reaction flow interaction area, in order to form, in each reaction flow, the cores of particles including the first chemical element, and introducing, in the reaction chamber, a second chemical element, interacting with each reaction flow in order to cover the cores of particles with a layer including the second chemical element. Each reaction flow is preferably free of an agent oxidizing the first chemical element.