Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) hollow nanosphere electrocatalysts that convert CO2 into formate with high current density and Faradaic efficiency (FE). The SnO2 nanospheres were constructed from small, interconnected SnO2 nanocrystals. The size of the constituent SnO2 nanocrystals was controlled between 2-10 nm by varying the calcination temperature and observed a clear correlation between nanocrystal size and formate production. In situ Raman and time-dependent X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that SnO2 nanocrystals were reduced to metallic Sn and resisted microparticle agglomeration during CO2 reduction. The nanosphere catalysts outperformed comparably sized, non-structured SnO2 nanoparticles and commercially-available SnO2 with a heterogeneous size distribution.

Abstract: One or more embodiments relates to compositions, method of using and methods of producing a gas mixture. The method includes supplying a composition LaxSryCozMwO3, where x ranges from 0.5 to 1, y ranges 0.0 to 1-x, z ranges from 0.1 to 1.0, and M is a dopant or dopants where w ranges from 0.0 to 1-z; and energizing the composition directly using electromagnetic energy to heat the composition to a temperature above 700° C. The method further includes contacting the composition with a reactant gas mixture comprising methane and an oxidant forming a product gaseous mixture.

Abstract: A method of detecting an analyte in an environment, includes immobilizing at least one photoactive composition on nanostructures, the photoactive composition exhibiting emission that is sensitive to the analyte; applying electromagnetic radiation to the immobilized photoactive moiety for a period of time; measuring at least one response; and using the measured response to determine the presence the analyte in the environment. The nanostructures can, for example, include carbon nanostructures. In a number of embodiments, the analyte is oxygen.