Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for preparing biopolymer particles. One aspect provides a method comprising extruding a dispersed phase into an anti-solvent to form particles of the biopolymer, wherein the dispersed phase comprises the biopolymer in a solvent. Another aspect provides a method comprising: a membrane emulsification of a dispersed phase into a continuous phase wherein the dispersed phase comprises the biopolymer in a solvent, and wherein passing the dispersed phase through the membrane forms an emulsion of the biopolymer in the continuous phase: and a phase inversion with an anti-solvent to form particles of the biopolymer. In both aspects, each of the solvent and anti-solvent comprises water. Also provided are biopolymer particles obtained from the methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for preparing biopolymer particles, said method comprising a membrane emulsification of a dispersed phase into a continuous phase wherein the dispersed phase comprises the biopolymer in a solvent, and wherein passing the dispersed phase through the membrane forms an emulsion of the biopolymer in the continuous phase; and a phase inversion with an anti-solvent to form particles of the biopolymer; wherein prior to (b), the emulsion is cooled to a temperature, T1. Also provided are biopolymer particles obtained from the method.

Abstract: Improved catalyst comprising iron and carbon nanotubes. The invention relates to a process for making a catalyst comprising carbon nanotubes and iron-based particles, the process comprising the steps of: a)preparing carbon nanotubes comprising iron-based particles by chemical vapour deposition of a vapour of a carbon-containing substance in the presence of an iron-containing substance; b) subjecting the carbon nanotubes comprising iron-based particles to oxidising conditions to selectively etch away graphite layers covering the iron-based particles, thereby exposing the iron-based particles at the surface of the carbon nanotubes and at least partially oxidising the iron-based particles; and c) subjecting the carbon nanotubes comprising iron-based particles to reducing conditions in order to at least partially reduce the iron-based particles. The catalyst may be used in the manufacture of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, or for carbon capture and utilization.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for producing carbon nanotubes with embedded nanoparticles comprising providing a template comprising an anodized aluminum oxide membrane with a pore diameter of 20-200 nm; contacting the template with a solution containing nanoparticles; exposing the template and solution containing nanoparticles to sonication; removing the template from the solution; forming a carbon structure via chemical deposition of carbon on said template; and removing the template by exposing the template to a basic solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for producing carbon nanotubes with embedded nanoparticles comprising providing a template comprising an anodized aluminum oxide membrane with a pore diameter of 20-200 nm; contacting the template with a solution containing nanoparticles; exposing the template and solution containing nanoparticles to sonication; removing the template from the solution; forming a carbon structure via chemical deposition of carbon on said template; and removing the template by exposing the template to a basic solution.