Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose) and ethylene in the presence of an acid, such as a Lewis acid. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2-methylfuran, which may be converted into para-xylene and toluene, respectively. In particular, para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that utilize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a substrate for further conversion to C4 and C5 compounds. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can undergo esterification to yield alkyl hydroxyalkanoates and alkyl alkenoates, which may serve as useful precursors in the production of alkadienes and alkenedioic acids, including for example butadiene and butenedioic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that utilize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a substrate for further conversion to C4 and C5 compounds. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can undergo esterification to yield alkyl hydroxyalkanoates and alkyl alkenoates, which may serve as useful precursors in the production of alkadienes and alkenedioic acids, including for example butadiene and butenedioic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose) and ethylene in the presence of an acid, such as a Lewis acid. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2-methylfuran, which may be converted into para-xylene and toluene, respectively. In particular, para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that utilize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a substrate for further conversion to C4 and C5 compounds. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can undergo esterification to yield alkyl hydroxyalkanoates and alkyl alkenoates, which may serve as useful precursors in the production of alkadienes and alkenedioic acids, including for example butadiene and butenedioic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose) and ethylene in the presence of an acid, such as a Lewis acid. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2-methylfuran, which may be converted into para-xylene and toluene, respectively. In particular, para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that utilize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a substrate for further conversion to C4 and C5 compounds. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can undergo esterification to yield alkyl hydroxyalkanoates and alkyl alkenoates, which may serve as useful precursors in the production of alkadienes and alkenedioic acids, including for example butadiene and butenedioic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose) and ethylene in the presence of an acid, such as a Lewis acid. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2-methylfuran, which may be converted into para-xylene and toluene, respectively. In particular, para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.

Abstract: A hay spear accessory apparatus for providing a secure and fixed mounting point for attachments such as ropes, chains, cables and the like, the apparatus being generally comprised of a an open-ended sleeve member having an interior diameter sized for slidable engagement over the distal end of a hay spear, the sleeve having attachment mounting means fixedly connected to the outer surface thereof. The interior of the sleeve has a varied diameter so as to accommodate the receipt of hay spears of various diameters. The apparatus of the subject invention is designed for frictional engagement with a hay spear, but optional securing means are also provided which prevent axial displacement of the apparatus along the hay spear once mounted thereon.

Abstract: A hay spear accessory apparatus for providing a secure and fixed mounting point for attachments such as ropes, chains, cables and the like, the apparatus being generally comprised of a an open-ended sleeve member having an interior diameter sized for slidable engagement over the distal end of a hay spear, the sleeve having attachment mounting means fixedly connected to the outer surface thereof. The interior of the sleeve has a varied diameter so as to accommodate the receipt of hay spears of various diameters. The apparatus of the subject invention is designed for frictional engagement with a hay spear, but optional securing means are also provided which prevent axial displacement of the apparatus along the hay spear once mounted thereon.

Abstract: A SiGe or Ge structure comprises a substrate and a SiGe or Ge layer that is formed on a first surface of the substrate. A silicidation or germanide layer is formed on a second surface of the substrate so to increase the tensile strain of the SiGe or Ge layer on the first surface.

Abstract: A photodetector device includes a plurality of Ge epilayers that are grown on a substrate and annealed in a defined temperature range. The Ge epilayers form a tensile strained Ge layer that allows the photodetector device to operate efficiently in the C-band and L-band.

Abstract: A safety guard rail apparatus includes a base fitting removably engaged with a lower portion of an upright post. A midrail fitting is removably engaged with a medial portion of the upright post and further removably engaged with a horizontal midrail. A toprail fitting is removably engaged with an upper portion of the upright post and further removably engaged with a horizontal toprail. The base, midrail and toprail fittings are engaged with the upright post, the midrail and toprail using common fasteners such as nails or screws. A corner fitting is adapted for receiving an end portion of each of two of the horizontal midrails or toprails. In this manner, a temporary guard rail may be constructed around elevated construction sites for worker safety.