Abstract: Porous, binderless ceramic surface modification materials are described, and applications of use thereof. The ceramic material may include a metal oxide and/or metal hydroxide, and/or hydrates thereof, on a substrate surface.

Abstract: Methods are described for modification of a substrate with a surface modification material that includes a conversion layer deposited on the substrate surface and a deposited layer that is situated over the conversion layer. The methods include a conversion step and a deposition step that occur without intermediate processing steps in a process fluid that includes a metal and an organic substance.

Abstract: Modified surfaces and methods of use thereof are provided for preventing or delaying onset of phase changes, such as condensation or frost formation. The invention relates to surfaces that increase the energy barrier to or driving force required for nucleation phase changes, such as, but not limited to, condensation and crystallization, and methods of use thereof, such as anti-fog glass applications and prevention of condensation on heat exchangers in systems that only require sensible cooling.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for heat transfer from a process fluid, such as humid air, to liquid droplets that are generated by contact of a heat transfer surface with the process fluid. The heat transfer surface rapidly ejects liquid droplets, which may then be coalesced and removed, thereby cooling the process fluid. Enhanced methods of condensate collection are described.

Abstract: Control systems are provided that provide thermodynamically decoupled control of temperature and relative humidity and/or reduce or prevent frost formation or remove previously-formed frost. The control systems herein may be included as a component of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system that includes a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Nanostructured coating materials, methods of their production, and methods of use in a variety of applications are described. The nanostructured materials described herein include one or more 2+ and/or 3+ metal ion(s), optionally in a ternary phase, on a substrate.

Abstract: Coating compositions are provided that eject droplets of condensed fluid from a surface. The coatings include a nanostructured coating layer and in some embodiments, also include a hydrophobic layer deposited thereon. The coating materials eject droplets from the surface in the presence of non-condensing gases such as air and may be deployed under conditions of supersaturation of the condensed fluid to be ejected. A heat exchanger design utilizing the coating is described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing bioproducts are shown. The systems and methods herein can be configured and used in an integrated biorefinery. The integrated biorefinery may comprise a sugar production facility such as a sugar mill, a production facility for one or more bioproduct(s) such as butanol, and optionally an ethanol production facility employing the system and method.

Abstract: Processes and systems for production of bioproducts such as biofuels are provided. The bioproduct production processes and systems utilize pretreatment of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock to produce soluble sugar molecules and continuous conversion of the pretreated feedstock to a bioproduct by an immobilized fermenting microorganism.

Abstract: Processes and systems for production of bioproducts such as biofuels are provided. The bioproduct production processes and systems utilize pretreatment of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock to produce soluble sugar molecules and continuous conversion of the pretreated feedstock to a bioproduct by an immobilized fermenting microorganism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing bioproducts are shown. The systems and methods herein can be configured and used in an integrated biorefinery. The integrated biorefinery may comprise a sugar production facility such as a sugar mill, a production facility for one or more bioproduct(s) such as butanol, and optionally an ethanol production facility employing the system and method.

Abstract: Processes and systems for production of bioproducts such as biofuels are provided. The bioproduct production processes and systems utilize pretreatment of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock to produce soluble sugar molecules and continuous conversion of the pretreated feedstock to a bioproduct by an immobilized fermenting microorganism.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing a hydrolysate containing soluble sugar molecules from biomass that contains cellulose and hemicellulose. Hemicellulose sugars are extracted in the process, and the resulting hydrolysate may be used to support microbial fermentation to produce products of interest.

Abstract: Methods for mutagenizing and selecting microorganisms with increased product tolerance are provided. Additionally, methods and systems are disclosed for culturing the microorganisms to produce products.

Abstract: Methods are provided for conditioning an inhibitor-containing composition, such as a cellulosic biomass hydrolysate, to remove inhibitors of microbial growth and/or product production. The methods include precipitation of inhibitors by formation of complexes with metal salts, such as aluminum sulfate and ferric chloride.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing a hydrolysate containing soluble sugar molecules from biomass that contains cellulose and hemicellulose. Hemicellulose sugars are extracted in the process, and the resulting hydrolysate may be used to support microbial fermentation to produce products of interest.

Abstract: An infrared sensor with at least one cantilever beam functionalized with chitin, chitosan or their derivatives that can be tailored to be sensitive to certain IR bands for detection and does not require cooling is described. The functional layers expand differently than the structural layer of the cantilever beam causing the beam to bend in response to exposure to infrared radiation. The sensor can be adapted to optical, piezoresistive, capacitive and piezoelectric methods of detect beam deflection. Sensitivity can be increased with a reflective layer to increase the absorption of infrared radiation by the functional layer.

Abstract: Methods for adapting or selecting microorganisms with increased product tolerance are provided Additionally, a bioreactor capable of operation in either packed bed or fluidized bed is disclosed along with methods to use the bioreactor for culturing microorganisms adapted or selected increased product tolerance

Abstract: Processes and systems for production of bioproducts such as biofuels are provided. The bioproduct production processes and systems utilize pretreatment of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock to produce soluble sugar molecules and continuous conversion of the pretreated feedstock to a bioproduct by an immobilized fermenting microorganism.

Abstract: An infrared sensor with at least one cantilever beam functionalized with chitin, chitosan or their derivatives that can be tailored to be sensitive to certain IR bands for detection and does not require cooling is described. The functional layers expand differently than the structural layer of the cantilever beam causing the beam to bend in response to exposure to infrared radiation. The sensor can be adapted to optical, piezoresistive, capacitive and piezoelectric methods of detect beam deflection. Sensitivity can be increased with a reflective layer to increase the absorption of infrared radiation by the functional layer.