Abstract: Functionalized zeolites, including a zeolite substrate and a self-assembled monolayer of a phosphonic acid on a surface of the zeolite substrate, are disclosed, as are methods of making and using the functionalized zeolites. The disclosed methods and compositions have various applications, including in the use of molecular sieves to separate small-molecule gases from mixtures thereof. Gas adsorption selectivities and diffusion rates of the functionalized zeolites may be tuned or selected according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Functionalized zeolites, including a zeolite substrate and a self-assembled monolayer of a phosphonic acid on a surface of the zeolite substrate, are disclosed, as are methods of making and using the functionalized zeolites. The disclosed methods and compositions have various applications, including in the use of molecular sieves to separate small-molecule gases from mixtures thereof. Gas adsorption selectivities and diffusion rates of the functionalized zeolites may be tuned or selected according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Methods for improving selectivity in heterogeneous catalysts, and products thereof, are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, multifunctional oxygenates may be selectively converted to value-added products through reaction at a single functional position. Addition of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), or SAM-like structures to a supported metal catalyst is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for detection of acetylene, acetylene concentration and changes in acetylene concentration in a mixture of gases are provided. The gas mixture includes acetylene and hydrogen and may be a hydrogen gas stream or a gas stream also including ethylene. The methods of the invention can also detect acetylene in a gas mixture dissolved in a liquid. The methods of the invention rely on the use of metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) sensors in which the metal layer is a continuous layer of a binary alloy selected to facilitate acetylene detection such as alloys of palladium with a second metal such as silver, gold or copper.