Abstract: Provided herein is a novel silica-supported nickel nanocomposite and a novel one-pot solution combustion synthesis of that nanocomposite. The method allows the synthesis of small size nickel nanoparticles (e.g., 3 nm to 40 nm) for which a considerable percentage of nickel is inserted into silica, experiencing strong metal-support interaction. These exceptional physicochemical properties make them desirable for various industrial applications, such as electronic, heterogeneous catalysis as well as conversion and storage of energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to development of novel Cu-based nanocatalysts synthesized via one-pot solution combustion synthesis for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. The novel Cu-based catalyst has exceptional activity for CO2 hydrogenation with high methanol selectivity in the reaction temperature range between 250° C.-350° C. The novel catalyst also exhibits excellent resilience to deactivation due to sintering.

Abstract: A system and method of desalinating a brine stream are provided. The multistage desalination process with carbon dioxide capture recovers valuable products where the reject brine is passed through seven stages. In each stage, a specific metal ion is recovered. In stage 1, a ˜100% recovery of magnesium ions as magnesium hydroxide solid was obtained by chemical reaction with ammonia solution. In stage 2, Na+ reduction, as sodium bicarbonate, and CO2 uptake was achieved. In stage 3, electrocoagulation (EC) was used to recover sulfate ions as pure calcium sulfate solid and to regenerate NH3 as ammonium hydroxide. In stage 4, CaO was added to the treated brine. In stage 5, more recovery of NaHCO3 was attained by adding ammonium bicarbonate, while in stage 6, the treated brine mixture was passed through another modified Solvay process. In stage 7, EC was again used to recover CaCl2 solution and NH3 compounds.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel recovery method of ammonia through the electrocoagulation process, which may be applied in the industrial as well as the environmental sectors. The present invention has a significant impact not only on recovering the ammonia content from the Solvay effluent, but also for recovering the ammonia from landfill leachate and different sources of wastewater where high concentrations of ammonia can be found. This invention has economic benefits in recovering ammonia and reducing the required energy in such processes. Another impact is the environmental one, where ammonia can cause problems such as toxicity to the organisms living in the soil or water bodies, and could also decrease the concentration of the dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: This invention relates to development of novel Cu-based nanocatalysts synthesized via one-pot solution combustion synthesis for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. The novel Cu-based catalyst has exceptional activity for CO2 hydrogenation with high methanol selectivity in the reaction temperature range between 250° C.-350° C. The novel catalyst also exhibits excellent resilience to deactivation due to sintering.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel silica-supported nickel nanocomposite and a novel one-pot solution combustion synthesis of that nanocomposite. The method allows the synthesis of small size nickel nanoparticles (e.g., 3 nm to 40 nm) for which a considerable percentage of nickel is inserted into silica, experiencing strong metal-support interaction. These exceptional physicochemical properties make them desirable for various industrial applications, such as electronic, heterogeneous catalysis as well as conversion and storage of energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing in a gas stream the concentration of carbon dioxide and for reducing in an aqueous stream the concentration of sodium chloride, which process comprises contacting a feed gas comprising greater than or equal to 0.1% by volume carbon dioxide with an aqueous feed comprising: (a) sodium chloride; and (b) calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide at a total concentration of greater than or equal to 0.5% by weight, wherein the pH of the aqueous feed is greater than or equal to 10.0. A product aqueous stream obtained from the process of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A system for contacting gases and liquids includes a vessel containing inert particles, wherein the total volume of the inert particles is from 1 to 20% of the total working volume of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing in a gas stream the concentration of carbon dioxide and for reducing in an aqueous stream the concentration of sodium chloride, which process comprises contacting a feed gas comprising greater than or equal to 0.1% by volume carbon dioxide with an aqueous feed comprising: (a) sodium chloride; and (b) calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide at a total concentration of greater than or equal to 0.5% by weight, wherein the pH of the aqueous feed is greater than or equal to 10.0. A product aqueous stream obtained from the process of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A system for contacting gases and liquids comprises a vessel containing inert particles, wherein the total volume of the inert particles is from 1 to 20% of the total working volume of the vessel.