Abstract: A method of selectively removing a contaminant from an optical component formed from lithium tantalate includes washing the optical component with a washing solution that includes a hard anion. The contaminant includes a hard cation. The method also includes forming a compound including the hard anion and the hard cation and rinsing the compound from the lithium tantalate to thereby selectively remove the contaminant from the optical component.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention pertain to catalytic articles and methods of making catalytic articles comprising a first catalytic coating comprising a platinum group metal, wherein the first catalytic coating is substantially free of Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, V, Co, Ga, Mo, Mg, Cr and Zn; a second catalytic coating comprising a non-PGM metal, wherein the second catalytic coating is substantially free of any platinum group metal; and one or more substrates, wherein the first catalytic coating is separated from the second catalytic coating, optionally with a barrier layer.

Abstract: In an example of a method for improving a life cycle of a battery containing a lithium-silicon negative electrode, the battery is provided. The battery includes a positive electrode; the lithium-silicon negative electrode, which has at least 10% of its capacity attributed to a silicon-based active material; a separator positioned between the positive and negative electrodes; and an electrolyte. The battery is operated within a voltage potential window ranging from about 0.7 V and about 0.07 V versus a lithium reference electrode.

Abstract: A high performance electrode for an electrochemical cell including electroactive materials having a large charge capacity and that undergo substantial volumetric expansion and contraction during cycling of the electrochemical cell and a method for making the high performance electrode are provided. The electroactive material of the high performance electrode may have a thickness greater than or equal to about 1 ?m. Methods of forming the high performance electrodes includes patterning the electroactive material to form a plurality of void spaces using a high-speed process selected from the group consisting of: laser ablation, electron beam machining, ion beam milling, roll forming, embossing, lithography, and combinations thereof. The plurality of void spaces accommodates the volumetric expansion and contraction to minimize cracking and damage to the electrode during cycling of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention are a class of Lincomycin biosynthetic intermediates and a preparation method and use thereof. Specifically provided are Lincomycin biosynthetic intermediates obtained from the genetic modification of a Lincomycin producing bacterium, and a method for the production thereof through fermentation and purification through separation.

Abstract: In an example of a method for improving a life cycle of a battery containing a lithium-silicon negative electrode, the battery is provided. The battery includes a positive electrode; the lithium-silicon negative electrode, which has at least 10% of its capacity attributed to a silicon-based active material; a separator positioned between the positive and negative electrodes; and an electrolyte. The battery is operated within a voltage potential window ranging from about 0.7 V and about 0.07 V versus a lithium reference electrode.

Abstract: Electrostatic dry powder spray processes are disclosed for making battery electrodes. The electrodes made by dry powder coating processes are conventional lithium ion battery electrodes and unconventional electrodes of gradient in composition and structure, large thicknesses, free-standing, and flexible.

Abstract: Novel catalysts, substantially free of Cu and Zn, useful for the reformation of methanol and steam into H2 for use in hydrogen fuel cells and their use are described herein.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention pertain to catalytic articles and methods of making catalytic articles comprising a first catalytic coating comprising a platinum group metal, wherein the first catalytic coating is substantially free of Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, V, Co, Ga, Mo, Mg, Cr and Zn; a second catalytic coating comprising a non-PGM metal, wherein the second catalytic coating is substantially free of any platinum group metal; and one or more substrates, wherein the first catalytic coating is separated from the second catalytic coating, optionally with a barrier layer.

Abstract: Novel catalysts, substantially free of Cu and Zn, useful for the reformation of methanol and steam into H2 for use in hydrogen fuel cells and their use are described herein.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a base metal catalyst composition effective to catalyze the abatement of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides under both rich and lean engine operating conditions comprising a support including at least 10% by weight of reducible ceria doped with up to about 60% by weight of one or more of oxides selected from the group Al, Pr, Sm, Zr, Y, Si, Ti and La; and a base metal oxide on the reducible ceria support, the base metal selected from one or more of Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ba, Mg, Ga, Ca, Sr, V, W, Bi and Mo, the base metal catalyst composition effective to promote a steam reforming reaction of hydrocarbons and a water gas shift reaction to provide H2 as a reductant to abate NOx. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of using and making such catalysts.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a method of treating a gas stream generated by a motorcycle, the method comprising: contacting a gas stream containing hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides and generated by a motorcycle under both rich and lean engine operating conditions with a base metal catalyst composition, thereby removing at least a part of the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in gas stream. The base metal catalyst composition comprises a support including at least 10% by weight of reducible ceria, and about 3 to about 7 wt % MnO and about 8 to about 22 wt % CuO on the reducible ceria support. The base metal catalyst composition is effective to promote a steam reforming reaction of hydrocarbons and a water gas shift reaction to provide H2 as a reductant to abate NOx.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a base metal catalyst composition effective to catalyze the abatement of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides under both rich and lean engine operating conditions comprising a support including at least 10% by weight of reducible ceria doped with up to about 60% by weight of one or more of oxides selected from the group Al, Pr, Sm, Zr, Y, Si, Ti and La; and a base metal oxide on the reducible ceria support, the base metal selected from one or more of Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ba, Mg, Ga, Ca, Sr, V, W, Bi and Mo, the base metal catalyst composition effective to promote a steam reforming reaction of hydrocarbons and a water gas shift reaction to provide H2 as a reductant to abate NOx. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of using and making such catalysts.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a method of treating a gas stream generated by a motorcycle, the method comprising: contacting a gas stream containing hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides and generated by a motorcycle under both rich and lean engine operating conditions with a base metal catalyst composition, thereby removing at least a part of the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in gas stream. The base metal catalyst composition comprises a support including at least 10% by weight of reducible ceria, and about 3 to about 7 wt % MnO and about 8 to about 22 wt % CuO on the reducible ceria support. The base metal catalyst composition is effective to promote a steam reforming reaction of hydrocarbons and a water gas shift reaction to provide H2 as a reductant to abate NOx.

Abstract: Novel catalysts, substantially free of Cu and Zn, useful for the reformation of methanol and steam into H2 for use in hydrogen fuel cells and their use are described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydrogen generation based on the hydrolysis of a solid fuel are disclosed. The hydrogen generator comprises a fuel chamber for storing a solid chemical hydride and a chamber for storing a liquid reagent, and a liquid outlet disposed within the fuel chamber. The contact between the solid chemical hydride and the liquid reagent produces a substantially fluid nongaseous product and hydrogen gas. The fuel chamber is configured for movement relative to the outlet within the fuel chamber, thereby causing relative movement between the liquid outlet and unreacted solid fuel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydrogen generation that convert a boron hydride fuel to hydrogen by contacting the fuel with an acidic reagent, i.e., a reagent having a pH less than about 7, in the presence of water, are provided. The fuel may comprise a boron hydride in solid or slurry form, either utilized individually or as a mixture of two of more boron hydrides. The acidic reagent may comprise inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid, and organic acids such as acetic acid, formic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, or mixtures thereof, and at least one additive.

Abstract: Reactors with a dynamic compression elements that control the catalyst bed structure and hydrodynamic conditions inside the reactor in response to physical and structural changes in the catalyst bed, and methods of operating catalytic reactors are provided. The reactors are adjustable and/or can self-adjust in response to changes in the packing of the catalyst bed due, for example, to the attrition of the catalyst. The catalyst reactor designs improve operation of fixed bed reactors and enable the use of a variety of catalysts and supports, including materials that would not typically be considered for use in fixed bed reactors, such as those with limited durability or with moderate mechanical strength.

Abstract: Supported catalysts and methods are provided to promote hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of boron hydrides. The supported catalysts contain a supported metal comprising at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, ruthenium, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, tin, cadmium, and iridium, in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of the supported catalyst.

Abstract: Supported catalyst methods are provided to promote hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of boron hydrides. The methods use a supported catalyst which is a supported metallic mixture comprising a first transition metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, ruthenium, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, tin, cadmium, and iridium, in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight, and a second metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, ruthenium, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, tin, cadmium, boron, and iridium, in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 25% by weight of the supported catalyst.