Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive composite includes applying graphene oxide to at least one non-conductive porous substrate and then reducing the graphene oxide to graphene via an electrochemical reaction. An electro-chemical cell for causing a reaction that produces an electrically conductive composite includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an ion conductive medium, electrical current in communication with the first electrode, and an optional third electrode having a known electrode potential. The first electrode contains at least one layered electrocatalyst, which includes at least one non-conductive porous substrate coated with graphene oxide and at least a first and second active metal layer comprising a conductive metal in contact with the non-conductive porous substrate coated with graphene oxide.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method for reducing carbon dioxide and/or dehydrogenating a hydrocarbon to an olefin are provided. The electrochemical cell includes a cathode having a first conducting component that is active toward adsorption and reduction of an oxidizing agent such as CO2; and an anode having a second conducting component that is active toward adsorption and oxidation of a reducing agent such as a hydrocarbon. Additionally, a hydrophobic modifier is present on at least a portion of a surface of the second conducting component or both the first and second conducting components. The method includes exposing the cathode to a CO2-containing fluid; exposing the anode to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid; and applying a voltage between the cathode exposed to the CO2-containing fluid and the anode exposed to the hydrocarbon-containing fluid, wherein the voltage is sufficient to simultaneously oxidize the hydrocarbon via a dehydrogenation reaction and reduce the CO2.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method for reducing carbon dioxide and/or dehydrogenating a hydrocarbon to an olefin are provided. The electrochemical cell includes a cathode having a first conducting component that is active toward adsorption and reduction of an oxidizing agent such as CO2; and an anode having a second conducting component that is active toward adsorption and oxidation of a reducing agent such as a hydrocarbon. Additionally, a hydrophobic modifier is present on at least a portion of a surface of the second conducting component or both the first and second conducting components. The method includes exposing the cathode to a CO2-containing fluid; exposing the anode to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid; and applying a voltage between the cathode exposed to the CO2-containing fluid and the anode exposed to the hydrocarbon-containing fluid, wherein the voltage is sufficient to simultaneously oxidize the hydrocarbon via a dehydrogenation reaction and reduce the CO2.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the electrochemical up-cycling of polymers. A slurry including a mixture of solid plastics flows through an electrochemical cell, which, through an applied potential, the plastics are converted into pure hydrogen, fuels, gasolines, and oxygen hydrogenated compounds that can be used for the synthesis of advanced materials and/or for easier biochemical/thermal degradation. Such methods and systems enables converting plastic waste to into fuels, chemicals, and high value products.

Abstract: A kit for testing for a virus and interacting with a sensor are disclosed. For example, the kit can include a first container having a first media for conditioning, catalyst formation and rinsing of the sensor. The first media can comprise V mL of 1 M KOH. The kit can have a second container with a second media for negative control (baseline solution) for the sensor. The second media can comprise W ML of 0.01 M KOH. The kit can further include a third container having a third media for sample testing with the sensor. The third media can comprise X mL of 0.01 M KOH. The third container can receive Y mL of saliva to complete a Z mL total volume in the third container prior to sample testing. In some versions, a ratio V: W: X: Y: Z=1.0: 1.0: 0.9: 0.1: 1.0 can be used.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive composite includes applying graphene oxide to at least one non-conductive porous substrate and then reducing the graphene oxide to graphene via an electrochemical reaction. An electro-chemical cell for causing a reaction that produces an electrically conductive composite includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an ion conductive medium, electrical current in communication with the first electrode, and an optional third electrode having a known electrode potential. The first electrode contains at least one layered electrocatalyst, which includes at least one non-conductive porous substrate coated with graphene oxide and at least a first and second active metal layer comprising a conductive metal in contact with the non-conductive porous substrate coated with graphene oxide.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive composite includes applying graphene oxide (27) to at least one non-conductive porous substrate (25) and then reducing the graphene oxide (27) to graphene via an electrochemical reaction. An electrochemical cell (10) for causing a reaction that produces an electrically conductive composite includes a first electrode (13), a second electrode (15), an ion conductive medium (17), electrical current in communication with the first electrode, and an optional third electrode having a known electrode potential. The first electrode (13) contains at least one layered electrocatalyst, which includes at least one non-conductive porous substrate (25) coated with graphene oxide (27) and at least a first and second active metal layer (29a, 29b) comprising a conductive metal in contact with the non-conductive porous substrate (25) coated with graphene oxide (27).

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device and method for the rapid detection (within seconds) of viruses and virions (proteins and nucleic acids) found in novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and other viruses through testing of an air sample. The device can be used at front line, hospitals, clinical laboratories, airports, groceries, homes, and the like. The device can be used as a single probe for single use or home use for fast detection of multiple samples simultaneously. The present invention would facilitate multiple testing at times of pandemics caused by airborne viruses when a large number of samples have to be tested in short periods of time.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor, including a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. The working electrode may include a transition metal, and is contacted with a solution including an alkaline media for oxidation of the transition metal, such that the sensor may be used to provide data to quantify the amount of a pathogen in the solution. In certain embodiments, the transition metal of the working electrode is nickel. In other embodiments, the working electrode includes graphene-layered nickel. And, in certain embodiments, the working electrode may be a rotating disk electrode, wherein the working electrode rotates in a solution including an alkaline media.

Abstract: A method of producing a graphene film (22) includes forming a catalyst film (20) on a support (18); forming a graphene film (22) on the catalyst film (20); and electrolytically removing the catalyst film (20) from the support (18). The method may include transferring the graphene film (22) to a substrate (29). A supported graphene film includes a conductive support (18); a catalyst film (20) formed on the conductive support (18) having a thickness in a range of 1 nm to 10 ?m, and a graphene film (22) formed on the catalyst film (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device and method for the rapid detection (within seconds) of viruses and virions (proteins and nucleic acids) found in novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and other pandemic viruses. The device can be used at front line, hospitals, clinical laboratories, airports, groceries, homes, and the like. The device can be used as a single probe for single use or home use, or the device integrated into a carrousel or multiple probe magazine for fast detection of multiple samples simultaneously. This carrousel would facilitate multiple testing at times of pandemics when a large number of samples have to be tested in short periods of time.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 10 is provided that includes first and second electrodes 13, 15, an electrolyte medium 17 in electrolytic communication with the first and second electrodes 13, 15, a chemical substance capable of undergoing an electrochemical reaction, and a voltage source 19 in electrolytic communication with the first and second electrodes 13, 15. The first electrode 13 includes a layer of an active catalyst material 25, and graphene coating 27 at least partially covering the layer of the active catalyst material 25. Methods for making and using the graphene coated electrode are further provided.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive composite includes applying graphene oxide (27) to at least one non-conductive porous substrate (25) and then reducing the graphene oxide (27) to graphene via an electrochemical reaction. An electrochemical cell (10) for causing a reaction that produces an electrically conductive composite includes a first electrode (13), a second electrode (15), an ion conductive medium (17), electrical current in communication with the first electrode, and an optional third electrode having a known electrode potential. The first electrode (13) contains at least one layered electrocatalyst, which includes at least one non-conductive porous substrate (25) coated with graphene oxide (27) and at least a first and second active metal layer (29a, 29b) comprising a conductive metal in contact with the non-conductive porous substrate (25) coated with graphene oxide (27).

Abstract: Graphene can be produced from the byproducts formed during electrolysis of coal. These byproducts may be electrolyzed coal particles, gelatinous film formed on the electrolyzed coal particles, or the electrolyzed coal particles together with the gelatinous film. The electrolyzed coal byproduct is deposited as a thin layer onto a surface, or carrier substrate 50, which is heated to a temperature effective to form graphite while a reductant gas, such as hydrogen, flows over the heated coal product. The reductant gas flow carries the carbon particles and deposits them onto a surface 66, forming a layer of graphene thereon.

Abstract: A method of producing a graphene film (22) includes forming a catalyst film (20) on a support (18); forming a graphene film (22) on the catalyst film (20); and electrolytically removing the catalyst film (20) from the support (18). The method may include transferring the graphene film (22) to a substrate (29). A supported graphene film includes a conductive support (18); a catalyst film (20) formed on the conductive support (18) having a thickness in a range of 1 nm to 10 ?m, and a graphene film (22) formed on the catalyst film (20).

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method for reducing carbon dioxide and/or dehydrogenating a hydrocarbon to an olefin are provided. The electrochemical cell includes a cathode having a first conducting component that is active toward adsorption and reduction of an oxidizing agent such as CO2; and an anode having a second conducting component that is active toward adsorption and oxidation of a reducing agent such as a hydrocarbon. Additionally, a hydrophobic modifier is present on at least a portion of a surface of the second conducting component or both the first and second conducting components. The method includes exposing the cathode to a CO2-containing fluid; exposing the anode to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid; and applying a voltage between the cathode exposed to the CO2-containing fluid and the anode exposed to the hydrocarbon-containing fluid, wherein the voltage is sufficient to simultaneously oxidize the hydrocarbon via a dehydrogenation reaction and reduce the CO2.

Abstract: A method is provided for an electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in alkaline media. The method electrolytically converts N2 and H2 to NH3 in an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte. The method includes exposing an anode to a H2-containing fluid, wherein the anode is active toward adsorption and oxidation of H2; exposing a cathode to a N2-containing fluid, wherein the cathode is active toward adsorption and reduction of N2 to form NH3; and applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode so as to facilitate adsorption of hydrogen onto the anode and adsorption of nitrogen onto the cathode; wherein the voltage is sufficient to simultaneously oxidize the H2 and reduce the N2. The electrolytic method is performed with the H2 and N2 pressures from about 10 atmospheres (atm) to about 1 atm; and at temperatures from about 25° C. to about 205° C.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 10 is provided that includes first and second electrodes 13, 15, an electrolyte medium 17 in electrolytic communication with the first and second electrodes 13, 15, a chemical substance capable of undergoing an electrochemical reaction, and a voltage source 19 in electrolytic communication with the first and second electrodes 13, 15. The first electrode 13 includes a layer of an active catalyst material 25, and graphene coating 27 at least partially covering the layer of the active catalyst material 25. Methods for making and using the graphene coated electrode are further provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for an electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in alkaline media. The method electrolytically converts N2 and H2 to NH3 in an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte. The method includes exposing an anode to a H2-containing fluid, wherein the anode is active toward adsorption and oxidation of H2; exposing a cathode to a N2-containing fluid, wherein the cathode is active toward adsorption and reduction of N2 to form NH3; and applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode so as to facilitate adsorption of hydrogen onto the anode and adsorption of nitrogen onto the cathode; wherein the voltage is sufficient to simultaneously oxidize the H2 and reduce the N2. The electrolytic method is performed with the H2 and N2 pressures from about 10 atmospheres (atm) to about 1 atm; and at temperatures from about 25° C. to about 205° C.

Abstract: A method of purifying water is provided that includes applying a voltage to an electrolytic cell 10 that includes an anode 14, a cathode 16 and an alkaline electrolyte composition having a pH value of about 11 or less. The alkaline electrolyte composition 13 includes at least one waste metal ion to be reduced, and a sacrificial reductant, such as urea, ammonia or a combination thereof, to be oxidized. According to the disclosed method, the voltage is applied across the cathode 16 and the anode 14 and is sufficient to reduce the at least one waste metal ion to form at least one elemental metal species at the cathode 16, and to oxidize the sacrificial reductant at the anode 14. Additionally, the applied voltage does not affect the generation of hydrogen at the cathode 16 and/or oxygen at the anode 14.