Abstract: The present invention is related to highly oxygenated nanoribbons and highly microporous carbon (mPC) produced by the oxidation of a series of carbon blacks in nitric acid followed by fast and slow pyrolysis, respectively. New porous carbons according to the invention does not need to be activated by strong alkaline activators, for example, KOH and NaOH. The best prepared mPC showed a high capacity for carbon dioxide capture of 1 to 3.9 mmol/g at pressures between 0.15 and 1 bar and 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous carbon spheres via one-step non-catalytic and activation-free chemical vapor deposition method possessing a large volume of ultra-micropores. The ultra-micropore structure allows for with good cyclic stability, easy regeneration, favorable selectivity, and rapid sorption kinetics resulting in high capacity of CO2 capture at atmospheric and low pressures.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to methods of detecting a contamination of an environment by a fracture fluid that comprises magnetic particles. In some embodiments, such methods include: (1) collecting a sample from the environment; and (2) measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the sample in order to detect the presence or absence of the magnetic particles. Further embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of tracing fracture fluids in a mineral formation. In some embodiments, such methods include: (1) associating the fracture fluids with magnetic particles; (2) introducing the fracture fluids into the mineral formation; and (3) measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the fracture fluids. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to fracture fluids containing the aforementioned magnetic particles, the actual magnetic particles, and methods of making said magnetic particles.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to x-ray absorbing compositions that comprise a carbon material associated with an x-ray absorbing material. In some embodiments, the x-ray absorbing material is selected from the group consisting of lead-based compounds, bismuth-based compounds, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carbon material is selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes, graphenes, carbon fibers, amorphous carbons, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the carbon materials of the present invention may also be treated with a surfactant, an acid, polymers or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carbon materials of the present invention may be further associated with a metal oxide. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making the aforementioned x-ray absorbing compositions. Such methods generally include associating a carbon material with an x-ray absorbing material.

Abstract: A composition of matter, comparising: a chemically functionalized carboxylate-alumoxane that is functionalized with a chemically reactive substituent, and a reactive compound, wherein the chemically reactive substituent reacts with the reactive compound so as to link the carboxylate-alumoxnae to the reactive compound and form a polymer matrix. The functional groups on the carboxylate-alumoxane can vary depending on the desired properties of the matrix. Also, the composition of matter may comprise a cross-linked matrix in which the cross-linked components consist of functionalized alumoxanes.

Abstract: A composition of matter, comprising: a chemically functionalized carboxylate-alumoxane that is functionalized with a chemically reactive substituent, and a reactive compound, wherein the chemically reactive substituent reacts with the reactive compound so as to link the carboxylate-alumoxane to the reactive compound and form a polymer matrix. The functional groups on the carboxylate-alumoxane can vary depending on the desired properties of the matrix. Also, the composition of matter may comprise a cross-linked matrix in which the cross-linked components consist of functionalized alumoxanes.

Abstract: Heterogeneous solid supra-molecular alkylalumoxanes. A supra-molecular architecture of a nano-particle foundation on which an alkylalumoxane is built. Supra-molecular alkylalumoxanes comprise (a) an aluminum-oxide nanoparticle, (b) a linkage unit, and (c) an alkylalumoxane. Supra-molecular alkylalumoxanes are prepared by the reaction of a chemically modified aluminum-oxygen nanoparticle with either a pre-formed alkylalumoxane or an alkylaluminum compound, with subsequent hydrolysis or reaction with other alkylalumoxane yielding reagents. The supra-molecular alkylalumoxanes are active as catalysts for the polymerization of organic monomers and as co-catalysts with transition metal components for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: Polymer compositions which comprise (a) a major amount of a polymer of carbon monoxide and at least one olefin and (b) a minor amount of a pseudoboehmite are stabilised against degradation in melt processing. The polymer is suitably a polyketone.