Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing carbon powders and activated carbon powders from cellulose-containing liquids. In some embodiments, the methods include exposing a cellulose-containing liquid to a hydrothermal carbonization process to convert the carbonaceous material present therein into a carbon powder. Also provided are methods for activating carbon powders, methods for producing carbon powder-containing polymer matrices, and carbon powders, activated carbon powders, and polymer matrices that that include the disclosed carbon powders and/or activated carbon powders that are produced by the presently disclosed methods.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing carbon powders and activated carbon powders from cellulose-containing liquids. In some embodiments, the methods include exposing a cellulose-containing liquid to a hydrothermal carbonization process to convert the carbonaceous material present therein into a carbon powder. Also provided are methods for activating carbon powders, methods for producing carbon powder-containing polymer matrices, and carbon powders, activated carbon powders, and polymer matrices that that include the disclosed carbon powders and/or activated carbon powders that are produced by the presently disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of improving dewatering in the papermaking process by incorporation of functionalized cellulose fibers in the paper furnish. Additionally, the disclosure provides the means to eliminate process problems mainly plugging problems in a nano/micro-fibrillated cellulose production process by incorporation of functionalized cellulose fibers in a cellulose fiber composition and methods of functionalizing cellulose fibers in a paper making process. The methods according to the present disclosure provide several advantages, such as improving the freeness and dewatering of the paper making process during the paper making process, leading to an increased production rate and reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising a diatom and a sensor, including gas detecting compositions, bacteria detecting compositions, explosive degradation product detecting compositions, and neurotoxin detecting compositions. The disclosure also provides methods of identifying the presence of gas, bacteria, explosive degradation products, and neurotoxins utilizing the compositions.