Abstract: The present invention relates to catalysts, methods of making catalysts, and methods of using catalysts, where the catalysts include: at least one of a transition metal and a transition metal oxide supported by yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), where the transition metal is promoted by at least one of an alkali metal and an alkaline-earth metal.

Abstract: Methods of forming Li2S and other MSn nanocrystals are provided. The methods employ low-cost lithium salts as a reagent and utilizes one or more metathesis reactions that occur either in solution, preferably at or near ambient conditions, or in the solid-state at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A catalytic membrane reactor and methods of operating and producing the same are provided that efficiently produces highly pure hydrogen (H2) from ammonia (NH3) as well as operates according to other chemical conversion processes. In one embodiment, a tubular ceramic support made from porous yttria-stabilized zirconia has an outer surface that is impregnated with a metal catalyst such as ruthenium and then plated with a hydrogen permeable membrane such as palladium. An inner surface of the ceramic support is impregnated with cesium to promote conversion of ammonia to hydrogen and nitrogen (N2). The resulting catalytic membrane reactor produces highly pure hydrogen at low temperatures and with less catalytic loading. Therefore, ammonia can be used to effectively transport hydrogen for use in, for example, fuel cells in a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalysts, methods of making catalysts, and methods of using catalysts, where the catalysts include: at least one of a transition metal and a transition metal oxide supported by yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), where the transition metal is promoted by at least one of an alkali metal and an alkaline-earth metal.

Abstract: A catalytic membrane reactor and methods of operating and producing the same are provided that efficiently produces highly pure hydrogen (H2) from ammonia (NH3) as well as operates according to other chemical conversion processes. In one embodiment, a tubular ceramic support made from porous yttria-stabilized zirconia has an outer surface that is impregnated with a metal catalyst such as ruthenium and then plated with a hydrogen permeable membrane such as palladium. An inner surface of the ceramic support is impregnated with cesium to promote conversion of ammonia to hydrogen and nitrogen (N2). The resulting catalytic membrane reactor produces highly pure hydrogen at low temperatures and with less catalytic loading. Therefore, ammonia can be used to effectively transport hydrogen for use in, for example, fuel cells in a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing metal sulfide materials, including cathode materials. In some embodiments, the metal sulfide material comprises a secondary cluster of metal sulfide nanoparticles surrounded by a carbon layer. The carbon layer may be created by carbonizing one or more polymer layers disposed about the secondary cluster. The carbonized layer may aid in optimizing performance of the cathode material. Also disclosed herein are methods, processes, devices, and systems for removing hydrogen sulfide from a waste stream. In some embodiments, the waste stream containing hydrogen sulfide is a gas. The waste stream can be combined with a solvent containing a metal-catalyst complex, and the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with the metal results in production of a hydrogen gas and a solid comprising metal sulfide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to synthesize ammonia at moderate conditions. The present invention also relates to a new chemical reactor configuration to achieve ammonia synthesis at moderate pressures and temperatures, and methods to make membranes for use in ammonia synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing metal sulfide materials, including cathode materials. In some embodiments, the metal sulfide material comprises a secondary cluster of metal sulfide nanoparticles surrounded by a carbon layer. The carbon layer may be created by carbonizing one or more polymer layers disposed about the secondary cluster. The carbonized layer may aid in optimizing performance of the cathode material. Also disclosed herein are methods, processes, devices, and systems for removing hydrogen sulfide from a waste stream. In some embodiments, the waste stream containing hydrogen sulfide is a gas. The waste stream can be combined with a solvent containing a metal-catalyst complex, and the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with the metal results in production of a hydrogen gas and a solid comprising metal sulfide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to synthesize ammonia at moderate conditions. The present invention also relates to a new chemical reactor configuration to achieve ammonia synthesis at moderate pressures and temperatures, and methods to make membranes for use in ammonia synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a back contact and methods of making the same. In the present invention, rapid thermal processing is highly effective to activate ZnTe:Cu-based back contacts, and provides significant improvements in VOC, FF, and efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tungsten oxide film and a method of making the film. The tungsten oxide film has greater than about 85% optical modulation across the visible spectrum. Furthermore, the film may be applied to a substrate that is not heated.

Abstract: The invention describes two methods for manufacturing metal dichalcogenide materials. The invention also includes a coated dichalcogenide substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen separation membrane based on nanoporous, composite metal carbide or metal sulfide coated membranes capable of high flux and permselectivity for hydrogen without platinum group metals. The present invention is capable of being operated over a broad temperature range, including at elevated temperatures, while maintaining hydrogen selectivity.

Abstract: Ta2O5 and Al2O3 thin films were fabricated by pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with simultaneous delivery of O2 and the metal precursor. By appropriately controlling the gas-phase environment self-limiting deposition at controllable rates (˜1 ?/pulse) was obtained. The process was insensitive to substrate temperature, with a constant deposition rate observed from 90-350° C. As-deposited Ta2O5 films under these conditions displayed good dielectric properties. Performance improvements correlate strongly with film density and composition as measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Pulsed PECVD eliminates the need for gas actuation and inert purge steps required by atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen separation membrane based on nanoporous, composite metal carbide or metal sulfide coated membranes capable of high flux and permselectivity for hydrogen without platinum group metals. The present invention is capable of being operated over a broad temperature range, including at elevated temperatures, while maintaining hydrogen selectivity.

Abstract: Ta2O5 and Al2O3 thin films were fabricated by pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with simultaneous delivery of O2 and the metal precursor. By appropriately controlling the gas-phase environment self-limiting deposition at controllable rates (˜1 ?/pulse) was obtained. The process was insensitive to substrate temperature, with a constant deposition rate observed from 90-350° C. As-deposited Ta2O5 films under these conditions displayed good dielectric properties. Performance improvements correlate strongly with film density and composition as measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Pulsed PECVD eliminates the need for gas actuation and inert purge steps required by atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel approach to thin film synthesis that is described as high vacuum plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (HVP-CVD). In one application of HVP-CVD, atomic oxygen and organometallic precursors are simultaneously introduced into a high vacuum chamber. Gas-phase chemistry is eliminated or substantially eliminated in the collisionless or substantially collisionless environment, allowing the surface chemistry between atomic oxygen and the precursor(s) to be interrogated directly. In preliminary work it has been observed that the presence of atomic oxygen greatly accelerates the desorption of organic ligands, facilitating oxide formation. The prominent advantages of the HVP-CVD include reduced substrate temperature, significant rates, inherent uniformity, facilitated doping, and the ability to directly study these processes in-situ with high vacuum diagnostics that are not compatible with conventional CVD technologies.