Abstract: Reactant materials for use in the synthesis of compounds comprising a non-metal and hydrogen, and methods of making and using the same are provided. The reactant materials generally comprise first and second non-metals, metals, a cation, and a transition metal, and can be formed and used in reactions occurring at relatively low-pressure conditions using heat energy that can be supplied via solar radiation. In particular, the reactant materials can be used in the synthesis of ammonia and various hydrocarbon compounds using air, water, and sunlight.

Abstract: The invention is an integrated thermochemical process, also known as a looped-oxide catalysis, for providing an upgraded biofuel composition from a biomass-derived feedstock. First, the feedstock is deoxygenated through reaction with a low-valence metal oxide or zero-valent metal to yield a deoxygenated biofuel composition and a high-valence metal oxide. Second, the low-valence metal oxide is regenerated by reducing the high-valence metal oxide using solar thermal energy.

Abstract: Selective electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) on gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) in 0.5 M KHCO3 at 25° C. Among monodisperse 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-nm NPs tested, the 8 nm Au NPs show the maximum Faradaic efficiency (FE), up to 90% at ?0.67 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that edge sites dominate over corner sites on the Au NP surface facilitating stabilization of the reduction intermediates, such as COOH1*, and the formation of CO. This mechanism is further supported by the fact that Au NPs embedded in a matrix of butyl-3methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate for more efficient COOH* stabilization exhibit even higher reaction activity (3 A/g mass activity) and selectivity (97% FE) at ?0.52 V (vs. RHE). Use of monodisperse Au NPs to optimize the available reaction intermediate binding sites thus allows efficient and selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO.

Abstract: Reactant materials for use in the synthesis of compounds comprising a non-metal and hydrogen, and methods of making and using the same are provided. The reactant materials generally comprise first and second non-metals, metals, a cation, and a transition metal, and can be formed and used in reactions occurring at relatively low-pressure conditions using heat energy that can be supplied via solar radiation. In particular, the reactant materials can be used in the synthesis of ammonia and various hydrocarbon compounds using air, water, and sunlight.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, having different height dimensions, comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and the height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The programmable logic controller (PLC) automatically adjusts mechanisms located at the various stations in accordance with the height dimension data characteristic of each cigarette carton.

Abstract: A method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, having different height dimensions, comprises the provision of a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and the height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The programmable logic controller (PLC) automatically adjusts mechanisms located at the various stations in accordance with the height dimension data characteristic of each cigarette carton.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, manufactured by different cigarette manufacturers and therefore having different height dimensions, comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and such height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Cigarette carton opening mechanisms are located at the cigarette carton opening station, a tax stamp applicator is located at the tax stamp application stamper, and cigarette carton closing mechanisms are located at the cigarette carton closing station.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, manufactured by different cigarette manufacturers and therefore having different height dimensions, comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and such height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Cigarette carton opening mechanisms are located at the cigarette carton opening station, a tax stamp applicator is located at the tax stamp application stamper, and cigarette carton closing mechanisms are located at the cigarette carton closing station.