Abstract: In one aspect, disclosed herein are devices comprising a disclosed hybrid microwave-thermal chemical reactor device. Also disclosed herein are methods of preparing hydrogen and a crystalline carbon material, such as a carbon nanotube, from methane using a hybrid heating comprising heating with both a thermal fluid and microwave irradiation of a catalyst. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, disclosed herein are devices comprising a disclosed hybrid microwave-thermal chemical reactor device. Also disclosed herein are methods of preparing hydrogen and a crystalline carbon material, such as a carbon nanotube, from methane using a hybrid heating comprising heating with both a thermal fluid and microwave irradiation of a catalyst. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of a method for contacting a methane composition with a catalyst system to produce H2 and a carbon co-product. In some aspects, the catalyst system comprises (i) a Ni—Cu alloy catalyst comprising Ni and Cu, and (ii) a support. In some additional aspects, the Ni and Cu are present at a Ni:Cu mass ratio ranging from greater than zero to 4.5. Also disclosed herein are aspects of a method for making the disclosed catalyst system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to methods for biomass gasification to produce sustainable and renewable alternatives to fossil fuels including, but not limited to syngas having a high H2 content. The method can produce an H2/CO ratio close to 2:1, which is desirable for further chemical or transportation fuel synthesis. In another aspect, the methods disclosed herein have high yields and make use of agricultural and industrial waste (e.g., hardwood pellets and grain stovers) as starting materials. In a further aspect, the methods disclosed herein can produce useful byproducts including, but not limited to, carbon nanofibers (CNF). This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to multi-functional catalysts for use in carbon dioxide-assisted dehydroaromatization (CO2-DHA) processes utilizing a microwave reactor. The disclosed multifunctional catalysts inhibit coke production, thereby solving a long-standing problem of rapid deactivation and regeneration issues. Moreover, the disclosed multifunctional catalysts, when used in the disclosed processes, provide for a reduced reaction temperature and improved BTX aromatic selectivity versus conventional process. The disclosed multifunctional catalysts for the aromatization of natural gas provide a more cost effective and energy efficient processes than existing conventional methods. Accordingly, the disclosed technology can significantly improve process economics for natural gas conversion and BTX aromatics production and yield a higher percent of product while limiting side reactions.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosure relates to a method for producing C4 olefins from acetylene using supported metal-based catalysts and metal-based promoters. The method is inexpensive, efficient, and environmentally sound. Additionally, the method is selective for C4 olefins and other value-added products based on changes to reaction parameters including temperature, feed gas composition, and promoter identity. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to relates to CO2-free methods of co-producing hydrogen and solid forms of carbon via methane decomposition. The methods are efficient, self-sustaining, and environmentally sound. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to recyclable and recoverable catalysts supported by solid forms of carbon and methods for recycling the catalysts. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to catalysts that do not require support by solid forms of carbon. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to multicolored carbon quantum dot nanoparticles (Cdots), “one-pot” methods of making same starting from coal and using mild reaction conditions, and applications of the same. The disclosed methods are safe and environmentally benign as well as inexpensive. Additionally, the disclosed carbon quantum dot nanoparticles are stable and have tunable properties based on reaction conditions used for their synthesis.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to CO2-free and/or low-CO2 methods of co-producing hydrogen and solid forms of carbon via natural gas decomposition using microwave radiation. The methods are efficient, self-sustaining, and environmentally benign. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to recyclable and recoverable catalysts useful for enhancing the disclosed methods, wherein the catalysts are supported by solid forms of carbon. Methods for recycling the catalysts are also disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for converting waste plastics into value-added products, the method including the steps of (a) contacting the waste plastics with a catalyst to form a reaction mixture and (b) applying microwave irradiation to the reaction mixture. In another aspect, disclosed herein are value-added products including, but not limited to, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons produced by the process disclosed herein. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosure relates to a method for producing C4 olefins from acetylene using supported metal-based catalysts and metal-based promoters. The method is inexpensive, efficient, and environmentally sound. Additionally, the method is selective for C4 olefins and other value-added products based on changes to reaction parameters including temperature, feed gas composition, and promoter identity. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure is directed to methods and compositions for the simultaneous production of carbon nanotubes and hydrogen gas from lower hydrocarbon comprises methane, ethane, propane, butane, or a combination thereof utilizing the disclosed catalysts. In various aspects, the disclosure relates to methods for COx-free production of hydrogen with concomitant production of carbon nanotubes. Also disclosed are methods and compostions for selective base grown carbon nanotubes over a disclosed catalyst composition. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to mono, bimetallic, and trimetallic catalysts comprising a 3d transition metal (e.g., Ni, Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Mo, and combinations thereof) over a support material selected from a silica, an alumina, a zeolite, titatnium dioxide, and combinations thereof. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to processes for production of ammonia and hydrogen under low reaction severity using as reactants nitrogen and at least one C1-C4 hydrocarbon, e.g., methane. The disclosed processes are carried out using a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, and combinations thereof; wherein the metal is present in an amount from about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % based on the total weight of the heterogeneous catalyst; and a metal oxide support. The processes can be carried out at about ambient pressure and at a heterogeneous catalyst temperature of from about 50° C. to about 250° C. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure is directed to methods and compositions for the simultaneous production of carbon nanotubes and hydrogen gas from lower hydrocarbon comprises methane, ethane, propane, butane, or a combination thereof utilizing the disclosed catalysts. In various aspects, the disclosure relates to methods for COx-free production of hydrogen with concomitant production of carbon nanotubes. Also disclosed are methods and compostions for selective base grown carbon nanotubes over a disclosed catalyst composition. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to mono, bimetallic, and trimetallic catalysts comprising a 3d transition metal (e.g., Ni, Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Mo, and combinations thereof) over a support material selected from a silica, an alumina, a zeolite, titatnium dioxide, and combinations thereof. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to methods for biomass gasification to produce sustainable and renewable alternatives to fossil fuels including, but not limited to syngas having a high H2 content. The method can produce an H2/CO ratio close to 2:1, which is desirable for further chemical or transportation fuel synthesis. In another aspect, the methods disclosed herein have high yields and make use of agricultural and industrial waste (e.g., hardwood pellets and grain stovers) as starting materials. In a further aspect, the methods disclosed herein can produce useful byproducts including, but not limited to, carbon nanofibers (CNF). This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to relates to heterogeneous catalysts useful for the synthesis of ammonia under microwave irradiation, processes for preparing the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts, and processes for synthesizing ammonia using the heterogeneous catalysts with microwave irradiation. In various aspects, the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts comprise: a metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, or combinations thereof; a metal oxide support; and optionally a promoter material. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for catalysts comprising a zeolite promoted by metal and or metal oxide. In some aspects, the metal and/or metal oxide comprise a mixture of two or more metal or metal oxides. In various aspects, the zeolite is a pentasil zeolite and/or a ZSM-5 type zeolite. Also disclosed are processes for making the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts comprising preparing a mixture of a zeolite and one or more metal salts, which can include use of incipient wetness impregnation methods. In various aspects, also disclosed are methods for direct, non-oxidative preparation of higher hydrocarbons from natural gas, including selective for high yield production of C6 and higher hydrocarbons. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to relates to heterogeneous catalysts useful for the synthesis of ammonia under microwave irradiation, processes for preparing the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts, and processes for synthesizing ammonia using the heterogeneous catalysts with microwave irradiation. In various aspects, the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts comprise: a metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, or combinations thereof; a metal oxide support; and optionally a promoter material. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for catalysts comprising a zeolite promoted by metal and or metal oxide. In some aspects, the metal and/or metal oxide comprise a mixture of two or more metal or metal oxides. In various aspects, the zeolite is a pentasil zeolite and/or a ZSM-5 type zeolite. Also disclosed are processes for making the disclosed heterogeneous catalysts comprising preparing a mixture of a zeolite and one or more metal salts, which can include use of incipient wetness impregnation methods. In various aspects, also disclosed are methods for direct, non-oxidative preparation of higher hydrocarbons from natural gas, including selective for high yield production of C6 and higher hydrocarbons. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure is directed to methods and compositions for the simultaneous production of carbon nanotubes and hydrogen gas from lower hydrocarbon comprises methane, ethane, propane, butane, or a combination thereof utilizing the disclosed catalysts. In various aspects, the disclosure relates to methods for COx-free production of hydrogen with concomitant production of carbon nanotubes. Also disclosed are methods and compostions for selective base grown carbon nanotubes over a disclosed catalyst composition. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to mono, bimetallic, and trimetallic catalysts comprising a 3d transition metal (e.g., Ni, Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Mo, and combinations thereof) over a support material selected from a silica, an alumina, a zeolite, titatnium dioxide, and combinations thereof. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.