Abstract: A method for preparing metal oxide and ceramic oxide nano- and microparticulate materials is described herein. The method comprises irradiating a precursor material with high energy pulsed-light flashes in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The precursor materials comprise thin films, fibers, or particles of subnano-, nano-, or microscale dimension, which are composed of metal ions dispersed in an amorphous or partially crystalline polymer matrix in a ratio necessary to form target metal oxide or ceramic oxide when reacted with oxygen (i.e., the precursor material does not include any metal oxide phase). The irradiation of the precursor material in an oxygen-containing atmosphere decomposes and removes the polymers and anions from the precursor, and also oxidizes the metal ions within the precursor materials to form metal oxide or ceramic oxide particulates.

Abstract: A system for fabricating anisotropic magnetic nanowire composites includes a chamber for containing an ionic fluid. A hole in a wall of the chamber allows for the ionic fluid to be in contact with a porous template outside of the chamber, and a cathode and an anode provide an electric field across the ionic fluid and porous template. The electric field causes ionic materials in the ionic fluid to migrate into the pores of the porous template, therefore plating nanowires in the porous template. Constant distances and positions of the anode, cathode, a reference probe, and a stirring element allow for the fabrication of longer, more uniform nanowires, and for the generation of consistent magnetic nanowire composites across multiple fabrication sessions.

Abstract: A new method for the electrolytic production of aluminum, using a new electrolyte composition and low temperature operation, is provided. The electrolyte comprises a mixture of aluminum fluoride-potassium fluoride with from about 2 wt. % to 6 wt. % of alumina. The new electrolyte allows for the electrolytical reduction of alumina at temperatures as low as 700° C. The lower temperature allows for the use of inert anodes, and is conducive to the use of wetted cathodes. The new electrolyte mixture has a higher solubility for alumina and remains entirely liquid, even with 5 wt. % of alumina present in the electrolyte during electrolysis. Oxygen (O2) is the only gas generated during alumina electrolysis with the new electrolyte and the inert anodes, thus eliminating the production of greenhouse gases. Anodes and cathodes can be mounted in either a vertical, horizontal, or some other configuration.

Abstract: A nanoporous catalytic membrane which displays several unique features including pores which can go through the entire thickness of the membrane. The membrane has a higher catalytic and product selectivity than conventional catalysts. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes serve as the catalyst substrate. This substrate is then subjected to Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), which allows the controlled narrowing of the pores from 40 nm to 10 nm in the substrate by deposition of a preparatory material. Subsequent deposition of a catalytic layer on the inner surfaces of the pores reduces pore sizes to less than 10 nm and allows for a higher degree of reaction selectivity. The small pore sizes allow control over which molecules enter the pores, and the flow-through feature can allow for partial oxidation of reactant species as opposed to complete oxidation. A nanoporous separation membrane, produced by ALD is also provided for use in gaseous and liquid separations.