Abstract: Functionalized nanotube arrays, sensors, and related methods of detecting target compounds are presented. A functionalized nanotube array can include a plurality of metal oxide nanotubes. The metal oxide nanotubes can be formed of a metal oxide and can have an interior or exterior surface that is optionally functionalized with at least one metal ion. These metal nanotubes can be used in a sensor for detecting target compounds such as volatile organic compounds, and biomarkers in a fluid environment. The sensor can further include a power source configured to apply a voltage to the nanotube array and a current sensor configured to monitor and detect changes in a response current which varies upon binding with the target compounds.

Abstract: Functionalized nanotube arrays, sensors, and related methods of detecting target compounds are presented. A functionalized nanotube array can include a plurality of metal oxide nanotubes. The metal oxide nanotubes can be formed of a metal oxide and can have an interior or exterior surface that is optionally functionalized with at least one metal ion. These metal nanotubes can be used in a sensor for detecting target compounds such as volatile organic compounds, and biomarkers in a fluid environment. The sensor can further include a power source configured to apply a voltage to the nanotube array and a current sensor configured to monitor and detect changes in a response current which varies upon binding with the target compounds.

Abstract: Functionalized nanotube arrays, sensors, and related methods of detecting target compounds are presented. A functionalized nanotube array (235) can include a plurality of metal oxide nanotubes (240). The metal oxide nanotubes (240) can be formed of a metal oxide and can have an interior or exterior surface that is optionally functionalized with at least one metal ion. These metal nanotubes (240) can be used in a sensor (200) for detecting target compounds such as volatile organic compounds, and biomarkers in a fluid environment. The sensor (200) can further include a power source (245) configured to apply a voltage to the nanotube array (235) and a current sensor (250) configured to monitor and detect changes in a response current which varies upon binding with the target compounds.

Abstract: Technology is described for an electromagnetic apparatus and system that sorts different electrically conductive metals. In one example, an electrodynamic sorting circuit includes a wire-wound, gapped, core (WWGC) and a capacitor bank. The WWGC includes a magnetic core including a gap, and an electrical conductor coiled around the magnetic core. A current in the electrical conductor is configured to generate a magnetic field in the magnetic core and the gap. The capacitor bank is coupled in series with the electrical conductor of the WWGC. Various other circuitries, systems, devices, components, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water treatment device (100) can include a chamber (104) having an inlet (108) to receive water contaminated with pathogens and an outlet (110) to dispense treated water. The water treatment device (100) can also include a catalytic element (130) disposed in the chamber (104) to deactivate the pathogens in the water via at least one of electrocatalytic activity and photocatalytic activity. The chamber (104) and/or the catalytic element (130) can be configured to mix the water as the water flows from the inlet (108) to the outlet (110) thereby exposing the pathogens in the water to the catalytic element (130).

Abstract: Functionalized nanotube arrays, sensors, and related methods of detecting target compounds are presented. A functionalized nanotube array (235) can include a plurality of metal oxide nanotubes (240). The metal oxide nanotubes (240) can be formed of a metal oxide and can have an interior or exterior surface that is optionally functionalized with at least one metal ion. These metal nanotubes (240) can be used in a sensor (200) for detecting target compounds such as volatile organic compounds, and biomarkers in a fluid environment. The sensor (200) can further include a power source (245) configured to apply a voltage to the nanotube array (235) and a current sensor (250) configured to monitor and detect changes in a response current which varies upon binding with the target compounds.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides filtering compositions, their method of production, and methods for their use. In specific implementations, the filtering composition includes lanthanum and has a surface area of at least about 125 g/m2. In more specific examples, the filtering composition is free-flowing or has a moisture content between about 10 wt % about 30 wt %. Particular compositions include at least one of iron or magnesium. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide filtering compositions that are resilient or leach-resistant.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing biofuel from a feedstock that includes one or more coffee sources, such as green coffee beans, whole roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, or spent coffee grounds. Triglycerides and other materials, such as antioxidants, are extracted from the coffee source. In some example, the triglycerides are then transesterified to produce a fatty acid ester biofuel product. In further examples, the method includes obtaining spent coffee grounds from one or more sources, such as residences or businesses that generate spent coffee grounds. The present disclosure also provides biofuels produced using the disclosed method, including mixtures of such biofuels with other fuels, such as other biofuels or petroleum based fuels. Materials obtained from the disclosed method may be put to other uses, such as cosmetics, medicinal products, food products, or combustible materials.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing biofuel from a feedstock that includes one or more coffee sources, such as green coffee beans, whole roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, or spent coffee grounds. Triglycerides and other materials, such as antioxidants, are extracted from the coffee source. In some example, the triglycerides are then transesterified to produce a fatty acid ester biofuel product. In further examples, the method includes obtaining spent coffee grounds from one or more sources, such as residences or businesses that generate spent coffee grounds. The present disclosure also provides biofuels produced using the disclosed method, including mixtures of such biofuels with other fuels, such as other biofuels or petroleum based fuels. Materials obtained from the disclosed method may be put to other uses, such as cosmetics, medicinal products, food products, or combustible materials.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides filtering compositions, their method of production, and methods for their use. In specific implementations, the filtering composition includes lanthanum and has a surface area of at least about 125 g/m2. In more specific examples, the filtering composition is free-flowing or has a moisture content between about 10 wt % about 30 wt %. Particular compositions include at least one of iron or magnesium. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide filtering compositions that are resilient or leach-resistant.

Abstract: A system including nanostructure arrays for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound, e.g., methanol, which does so, for example, without any external electric energy. In one embodiment, the system for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound includes an array of nanotubes, which include nanoparticles of an electron mediator, e.g. palladium, dispersed on a surface of the nanotubes, and an electrically conductive fluid. The array of nanotubes is at least partially immersed in the electrically conductive fluid. The system further includes a light source that irradiates the array of nanotubes, a source of carbon dioxide, and an inlet for delivering the carbon dioxide to the electrically conductive fluid whereat at least a portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to a different organic compound, such as methanol, via contact with an irradiated array of nanotubes. In one example, the array is an ordered array of titania nanotubes.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides filtering compositions, their method of production, and methods for their use. In specific implementations, the filtering composition includes lanthanum and has a surface area of at least about 125 g/m2. In more specific examples, the filtering composition is free-flowing or has a moisture content between about 10 wt % about 30 wt %. Particular compositions include at least one of iron or magnesium. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide filtering compositions that are resilient or leach-resistant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a nanotubular titania substrate having a titanium dioxide surface comprised of a plurality of vertically oriented titanium dioxide nanotubes containing oxygen vacancies, including the steps of anodizing a titanium metal substrate in an acidified fluoride electrolyte and annealing the titanium oxide surface in a non-oxidating atmosphere. The invention further relates to a nanotubular titania substrate having an annealed titanium dioxide surface comprised of self-ordered titanium dioxide nanotubes containing oxygen vacancies. The invention further relates to a photo-electrolysis method for generating H2 wherein the photo-anode is a nanotubular titania substrate of the invention. The invention also relates to an electrochemical method of synthesizing CdZn/CdZnTe nanowires, wherein a nanoporous TiO2 template was used in combination with non-aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides filtering compositions, their method of production, and methods for their use. In specific implementations, the filtering composition includes lanthanum and has a surface area of at least about 125 g/m2. In more specific examples, the filtering composition is free-flowing or has a moisture content between about 10 wt % about 30 wt %. Particular compositions include at least one of iron or magnesium. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide filtering compositions that are resilient or leach-resistant.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides filtering compositions, their method of production, and methods for their use. In specific implementations, the filtering composition includes lanthanum and has a surface area of at least about 125 g/m 2. In more specific examples, the filtering composition is free-flowing or has a moisture content between about 10 wt % about 30 wt %. Particular compositions include at least one of iron or magnesium. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide filtering compositions that are resilient or leach-resistant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioceramic coated apparatus and method of forming the same. The apparatus may be a medical implant such as, for example, an orthopedic implant or a dental implant. The bioceramic coating is designed to increase tissue and/or bone growth upon implantation of the apparatus. The apparatus has a valve metal substrate having a nanoporous valve metal oxide surface layer. The nanoporous surface layer contains a plurality of nanopores. The nanopores have adsorbed phosphate ions on at least their interior surfaces. A bioceramic coating is formed on the nanoporous surface and anchored into the nanopores. Optionally, the nanopores are formed into a tapered shape in order to increase adhesion to the bioceramic coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a nanotubular titania substrate having a titanium dioxide surface comprised of a plurality of vertically oriented titanium dioxide nanotubes containing oxygen vacancies. The method generally comprises the steps of anodizing a titanium metal substrate in an acidified fluoride electrolyte under conditions sufficient to form a titanium oxide surface comprised of self-ordered titanium oxide nanotubes, dispersing gold nanoparticles onto the titanium oxide surface, annealing the titanium oxide surface with the gold nanoparticles thereon in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and depositing carbon onto the annealed titanium oxide surface. The invention also relates to a hybrid gold/carbon electrode formed by the method.

Abstract: A method of removing arsenic and heavy metals from water using metal salt hydroxide-gels is provided. The arsenic present in water is adsorbed onto the hydroxide-gels which can effectively be filtered through a diatomaceous earth (DE) filtration bed. The combination of DE mixed hydroxide-gels is also effective in removing arsenic from water and heavy metals from water.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxide nanotubes formed by anodizing and oxidatively-annealing a titanium or titanium allow substrate with or without ultrasonication. If desired, carbon nanotubes may be grown in the oxide nanotubes. The substrates show improved specific capacity and charge-discharge rates for use as an electrode in lithium-ion batteries.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing biofuel from a feedstock that includes one or more coffee sources, such as green coffee beans, whole roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, or spent coffee grounds. Triglycerides and other materials, such as antioxidants, are extracted from the coffee source. In some example, the triglycerides are then transesterified to produce a fatty acid ester biofuel product. In further examples, the method includes obtaining spent coffee grounds from one or more sources, such as residences or businesses that generate spent coffee grounds. The present disclosure also provides biofuels produced using the disclosed method, including mixtures of such biofuels with other fuels, such as other biofuels or petroleum based fuels. Materials obtained from the disclosed method may be put to other uses, such as cosmetics, medicinal products, food products, or combustible materials.