Abstract: The present invention discloses the morphology of hollow, double-shelled submicrometer particles generated through a rapid aerosol-based process. The inner shell is an essentially hydrophobic carbon layer of nanoscale dimension (5-20 nm), and the outer shell is a hydrophilic silica layer of approximately 5-40 nm, with the shell thickness being a function of the particle size. The particles are synthesized by exploiting concepts of salt bridging to lock in a surfactant (CTAB) and carbon precursors together with iron species in the interior of a droplet. This deliberate negation of surfactant templating allows a silica shell to form extremely rapidly, sealing in the organic species in the particle interior. Subsequent pyrolysis results in a buildup of internal pressure, forcing carbonaceous species against the silica wall to form an inner shell of carbon. The incorporation of magnetic iron oxide into the shells opens up applications in external stimuli-responsive nanomaterials.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the morphology of hollow, double-shelled submicrometer particles generated through a rapid aerosol-based process. The inner shell is an essentially hydrophobic carbon layer of nanoscale dimension (5-20 nm), and the outer shell is a hydrophilic silica layer of approximately 5-40 nm, with the shell thickness being a function of the particle size. The particles are synthesized by exploiting concepts of salt bridging to lock in a surfactant (CTAB) and carbon precursors together with iron species in the interior of a droplet. This deliberate negation of surfactant templating allows a silica shell to form extremely rapidly, sealing in the organic species in the particle interior. Subsequent pyrolysis results in a buildup of internal pressure, forcing carbonaceous species against the silica wall to form an inner shell of carbon. The incorporation of magnetic iron oxide into the shells opens up applications in external stimuli-responsive nanomaterials.

Abstract: The creation of novel halloysite-based compositions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hollow clay nanotubes of halloysite are loaded with nanoscale zerovalent iron particles. The resulting composition provides an effective manner of remediating chlorinated hydrocarbons. In another embodiment, the hollow clay nanotubes of halloysite are imbibed with dispersants such as DOSS and Tween 80 surfactants. The resulting composition stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and subsequently releases the surfactants, thereby reducing interfacial tension significantly, which allows much smaller droplets to form and thus provides for more effective oil remediation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the morphology of hollow, double-shelled submicrometer particles generated through a rapid aerosol-based process. The inner shell is an essentially hydrophobic carbon layer of nanoscale dimension (5-20 nm), and the outer shell is a hydrophilic silica layer of approximately 5-40 nm, with the shell thickness being a function of the particle size. The particles are synthesized by exploiting concepts of salt bridging to lock in a surfactant (CTAB) and carbon precursors together with iron species in the interior of a droplet. This deliberate negation of surfactant templating allows a silica shell to form extremely rapidly, sealing in the organic species in the particle interior. Subsequent pyrolysis results in a buildup of internal pressure, forcing carbonaceous species against the silica wall to form an inner shell of carbon. The incorporation of magnetic iron oxide into the shells opens up applications in external stimuli-responsive nanomaterials.

Abstract: Effective in-situ injection technology for the remediation of dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE) benefits from the use of decontamination agents that effectively migrate through the soil media, and react efficiently with both dissolved TCE and bulk TCE. A novel decontamination system contains highly uniform carbon microspheres preferably in the optimal size range for transport through the soil. The microspheres are preferably enveloped in a polyelectrolyte (such as carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) to which preferably a bimetallic nanoparticle system of zerovalent iron and Pd is attached. The carbon serves as a strong adsorbent to TCE, while the bimetallic nanoparticles system provides the reactivity. The polyelectrolyte serves to stabilize the carbon microspheres in aqueous solution. The overall system resembles a colloidal micelle with a hydrophilic shell (the polyelectrolyte coating) and a hard hydrophobic core (carbon).

Abstract: A stress distributing cross member hanger system for an aluminum boat trailer includes a welded bracket assembly on an aluminum cross member for bolting the cross member to an aluminum side rail. The side rail can be either I-beam or tube shaped with mounting bolt holes through its web or side walls respectively. The cross member can be either tube shaped or I-beam shaped with a pair of aluminum brackets welded to either side at each end. The paired brackets are bolted to the side rail at the bolt holes. The length of the weld and the weld pattern is selected to distribute the stresses thereby reducing weld failures.

Abstract: A suction cup release mechanism is described which includes a lever pivotally mounted to a support. A linkage member extends from the lever to a suction cup at a remote end of the support. The linkage member is secured to a peripheral edge of the suction cup. Upon the lever being pivoted, a force is exerted by the linkage member to draw the peripheral edge of the suction cup away from a surface to which it is adhering until suction maintaining the suction cup in position is released.