Abstract: Novel binder compositions have been discovered that offer an alternative to Portland Cement and reduced carbon dioxide footprint. The compositions typically include the reaction product of a mixture of fly ash, calcium oxide, nanosilica, water, and an effective amount of an activator. The 7, 14, and/or 28 day compressive strength may be at least about 15 MPa or more in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing calcium-silicate-based porous particles (CSPPs) is described. Control over CSPP morphology and pore size is achieved through a refined solution-based synthesis, allowing loading of a variety of sealants. These particles, upon external stimuli, release the loaded sealant into the surrounding material. Methods of loading the CSPPs with loading sealant are described. The CSPPs may be used in pure form or mixed with another material to deliver self-healing, sealing and multi-functional properties to a physical structure. The composition of the CSPPs is described, along with methods of use of the CSPPs.

Abstract: Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) is a synthetic material that may be used in several applications due to its chemical inertness, thermal stability, and other beneficial properties. hBN composite materials and method for making such composites are described here. In particular composite materials including both functionalized hBN and cement or cementitious materials and methods for making the same are discussed. Such materials may be useful for construction, well cementing (both primary and remedial cementing), nuclear industry, 3D printing of advanced multifunctional composites, and refractory materials.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of forming calcium-silicate-hydrate particles by mixing a calcium source with a silicate source. In some embodiments, the mixing comprises sonication. In some embodiments, the mixing occurs in the presence of a surfactant and a solvent. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure further comprise a step of controlling the morphology of the calcium-silicate-hydrate particles. In some embodiments, the step of controlling the morphology of calcium-silicate-hydrate particles comprises selecting a stoichiometric ratio of the calcium source over the silicate source. In some embodiments, the formed calcium-silicate-hydrate particles have cubic shapes. In some embodiments, the formed calcium-silicate-hydrate particles have rectangular shapes. In some embodiments, the formed calcium-silicate-hydrate particles are in the form of self-assembled particles of controlled shapes.

Abstract: Mesoporous membranes have shown promising separation performance with a potential to lower the energy consumption, leading to a dramatic cost reduction. Recently, an extensive effort has been made on the design of membranes which brought a significant progress toward the synthesis of well-defined porous morphologies, most of which synthesized by surfactant-template methodology. Currently, the most well-designed state-of-the-art membranes using this technique are made from metals, polymers, carbon, silica, etc. In the present invention, we demonstrate mesoporous calcium-silicate particles having superior separation capacity and optimal permeability, thereby leading to reduced energy consumption for selective separation of gases/liquids and/or the combination thereof. We explore various methods to improve the calcium-silicate membranes properties by tuning pore density during the synthesis/aging process, while favoring the formation of uniformly distributed nanopores.

Abstract: Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) is a synthetic material that may be used in several applications due to its chemical inertness, thermal stability, and other beneficial properties. hBN composite materials and method for making such composites are described here. In particular composite materials including both functionalized hBN and cement or cementitious materials and methods for making the same are discussed. Such materials may be useful for construction, well cementing (both primary and remedial cementing), nuclear industry, 3D printing of advanced multifunctional composites, and refractory materials.

Abstract: Mesoporous membranes have shown promising separation performance with a potential to lower the energy consumption, leading to a dramatic cost reduction. Recently, an extensive effort has been made on the design of membranes which brought a significant progress toward the synthesis of well-defined porous morphologies, most of which synthesized by surfactant-template methodology. Currently, the most well-designed state-of-the-art membranes using this technique are made from metals, polymers, carbon, silica, etc. In the present invention, we demonstrate mesoporous calcium-silicate particles having superior separation capacity and optimal permeability, thereby leading to reduced energy consumption for selective separation of gases/liquids and/or the combination thereof. We explore various methods to improve the calcium-silicate membranes properties by tuning pore density during the synthesis/aging process, while favoring the formation of uniformly distributed nanopores.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing calcium-silicate-based porous particles (CSPPs) is described. Control over CSPP morphology and pore size is achieved through a refined solution-based synthesis, allowing loading of a variety of sealants. These particles, upon external stimuli, release the loaded sealant into the surrounding material. Methods of loading the CSPPs with loading sealant are described. The CSPPs may be used in pure form or mixed with another material to deliver self-healing, sealing and multi-functional properties to a physical structure. The composition of the CSPPs is described, along with methods of use of the CSPPs.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of forming calcium-silicate-hydrate particles by mixing a calcium source with a silicate source. In some embodiments, the mixing comprises sonication. In some embodiments, the mixing occurs in the presence of a surfactant and a solvent. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure further comprise a step of controlling the morphology of the calcium-silicate-hydrate particles. In some embodiments, the step of controlling the morphology of calcium-silicate-hydrate particles comprises selecting a stoichiometric ratio of the calcium source over the silicate source. In some embodiments, the formed calcium-silicate-hydrate particles have cubic shapes. In some embodiments, the formed calcium-silicate-hydrate particles have rectangular shapes. In some embodiments, the formed calcium-silicate-hydrate particles are in the form of self-assembled particles of controlled shapes.