Abstract: The present disclosure relates to yolk-shell structured catalysts having compositions that can be particularly useful in the dry reforming of methane. These catalysts can demonstrate long-term stability that would be an advantage in industrial applications such as mitigating fossil fuel plant emissions. Example catalysts can include a yolk containing nickel (Ni) or nickel oxide (NiO), platinum (Pt) or platinum oxide (PtO2), and a third material (M3) such as a cerium oxide (CeOx). The shell can be formed of a ceramic such as silica and is generally a porous material that can support the yolk.

Abstract: The present invention features a direct synthesis of light olefins through the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. In2O3 supported on cubic phase yttria-stabilized zirconia is used as a catalyst and is mixed with a molecular sieve to perform the hydrogenation. The cubic crystal structure of the yttria-stabilized zirconium dioxide is an excellent support for indium oxide particles and prevents their deactivation during CO2 hydrogenation. This direct synthesis route promotes a stable and efficient method for producing light olefins.

Abstract: The present invention features a direct synthesis of light olefins through the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. In2O3 supported on cubic phase yttria-stabilized zirconia is used as a catalyst and is mixed with a molecular sieve to perform the hydrogenation. The cubic crystal structure of the yttria-stabilized zirconium dioxide is an excellent support for indium oxide particles and prevents their deactivation during CO2 hydrogenation. This direct synthesis route promotes a stable and efficient method for producing light olefins.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to yolk-shell structured catalysts having compositions that can be particularly useful in the dry reforming of methane. These catalysts can demonstrate long-term stability that would be an advantage in industrial applications such as mitigating fossil fuel plant emissions. Example catalysts can include a yolk containing nickel (Ni) or nickel oxide (NiO), platinum (Pt) or platinum oxide (PtO2), and a third material (M3) such as a cerium oxide (CeOx). The shell can be formed of a ceramic such as silica and is generally a porous material that can support the yolk.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for producing metal oxynitrides using flame synthesis. Embodiments of the disclosure may provide advantages over prior synthesis techniques by reducing synthesis time. Additionally, methods and systems disclosed herein may achieve better incorporation of nitrogen atoms into the oxide structure due in part to the higher homogeneity of flame made particles and ability to control the reaction environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for producing metal oxynitrides using flame synthesis. Embodiments of the disclosure may provide advantages over prior synthesis techniques by reducing synthesis time. Additionally, methods and systems disclosed herein may achieve better incorporation of nitrogen atoms into the oxide structure due in part to the higher homogeneity of flame made particles and ability to control the reaction environment.

Abstract: Methods for deriving a low-C hydrocarbon fuel from a platform chemical mixture are provided by introducing the platform chemical mixture to a catalytic material to produce a product stream comprising the low-C hydrocarbon fuel, and separating the low-C hydrocarbon fuel in the product stream from any remaining platform chemicals. Methods for producing aromatic hydrocarbons benzene, toluene, and xylenes from a platform chemical mixture are also provided by introducing a catalytic material to the platform chemical mixture to produce a immiscible liquid product stream comprising BTX, and separating the BTX in the liquid product stream from unreacted platform chemicals via a decanting process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to yolk-shell structured catalysts. The yolk-shell catalysts can be particularly useful in the tri-reforming of methane. The yolks can include a primary material (M1), such as nickel (Ni) or nickel oxide (NiO), and a secondary material (M2). The shell is generally a porous material that can support the yolk. The shell can include silica (SiO2) and the secondary material can include ceria (CeO2). The yolk-shell catalyst can take the form of tube-like structures in which the yolk is dispersed within the shell support in a substantially homogeneous fashion.

Abstract: Fuel converters configured to convert a transportation fuel to a low-C hydrocarbon fuel, along with methods of their use, are provided. The fuel converter can comprise: an evaporator configured to receive a transportation fuel from a fuel tank in a liquid state, wherein the evaporator converts the transportation fuel from a liquid to a gas; a fuel burner configured to heat the evaporator; a catalyst cartridge in fluid communication with the evaporator so as to receive the gas from the evaporator; and a condenser in fluid communication with the catalyst cartridge so as to receive the reaction product mixture from the catalyst cartridge. The catalyst cartridge comprises a catalyst configured to convert the transportation fuel into a reaction product mixture comprising a low-C hydrocarbon fuel. The condenser is configured to separate the low-C hydrocarbon fuel from a condensed fuel in the reaction product mixture.

Abstract: Methods for deriving a low-C hydrocarbon fuel from a platform chemical mixture are provided by introducing the platform chemical mixture to a catalytic material to produce a product stream comprising the low-C hydrocarbon fuel, and separating the low-C hydrocarbon fuel in the product stream from any remaining platform chemicals. Methods for producing aromatic hydrocarbons benzene, toluene, and xylenes from a platform chemical mixture are also provided by introducing a catalytic material to the platform chemical mixture to produce a immiscible liquid product stream comprising BTX, and separating the BTX in the liquid product stream from unreacted platform chemicals via a decanting process.

Abstract: Fuel converters configured to convert a transportation fuel to a low-C hydrocarbon fuel, along with methods of their use, are provided. The fuel converter can comprise: an evaporator configured to receive a transportation fuel from a fuel tank in a liquid state, wherein the evaporator converts the transportation fuel from a liquid to a gas; a fuel burner configured to heat the evaporator; a catalyst cartridge in fluid communication with the evaporator so as to receive the gas from the evaporator; and a condenser in fluid communication with the catalyst cartridge so as to receive the reaction product mixture from the catalyst cartridge. The catalyst cartridge comprises a catalyst configured to convert the transportation fuel into a reaction product mixture comprising a low-C hydrocarbon fuel. The condenser is configured to separate the low-C hydrocarbon fuel from a condensed fuel in the reaction product mixture.