Abstract: A reactor system for decomposing at least one of a per- or polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) is provided. The system includes a material having an interior surface that defines a compartment; a subaqueous liquid in the compartment; and an electron donor in the subaqueous liquid, the electron donor configured to release a hydrated electron upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The reactor system is configured so that when the electron donor releases a hydrated electron into the subaqueous liquid, the hydrated electron has a longer lifespan relative to an electron released in normal bulk phase water, and when a PFAS is present within the subaqueous liquid, the hydrated electron is capable of reductively defluorinating the PFAS and to generate fluoride ions (F). A method of operating the system to decompose PFAS is also provided.

Abstract: A clay comprising a 2:1 aluminosilicate clay having negative charge sites, the 2:1 aluminosilicate clay containing subnano-sized zero valent iron (ZVI) particles distributed on clay surfaces is provided. In one embodiment, at least some or all of the particles have a cross-section of five (5) angstroms or less. Methods of synthesizing and the novel clays and the clay-templated subnano-scale ZVI particles themselves are also described. Such novel products are useful in a variety of remediation applications, including for reduction and dechlorination reactions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an improved kettle using conduction and convection, yielding improved boiling efficiency and methods of making the same. In one embodiment, a tea kettle comprises a handle, a spout, and a voluminous container having at least one passageway positioned about an outer surface of an inner containment wall of the voluminous container, for allowing a heated fluid to pass therethrough and conductively heat the inner containment wall. In another embodiment, a tea kettle comprises a voluminous container comprising an inner containment wall having a surface comprising a plurality of curves, and an outer wall having a surface comprising a plurality of curves, wherein at least one passageway is defined between an outer surface of the inner containment wall and an inner surface of the outer wall, for allowing a heated fluid to pass therethrough and conductively heat the inner containment wall.

Abstract: Organic polymer-based energy harvesting materials may be applied to any surface of a vehicle experiencing contortion, compression, mechanical stress and/or strain, and/or vibration during operation. An organic piezoelectric polymer film is applied to some or all of those parts of the vehicle that exhibit stress and/or strain associated with vehicle operation. Typical parts of the vehicle may include shocks, springs, control arms, and other points where one body or vehicle component is mounted to another, such as engine mounts or body mounts. A suitable rectifier may be coupled to the piezoelectric film to convert the AC signal generated by the piezoelectric film to a DC signal for use by the vehicle's onboard electrical system and/or a secondary electrical energy storage system (e.g., a battery).

Abstract: An ultrasonic fracking system and methods of using the same to extract hydrocarbons from underground geological formations (e.g., oil shale, coal beds, etc.) are disclosed. The system includes piezoelectric devices that are used to produce ultrasonic mechanical vibrations and induce fractures in the geological formations. In one embodiment, a system for extracting underground hydrocarbons comprises a plurality of piezoelectric devices capable of producing mechanical waves sufficient to fracture oil shale and other geological formations, a system of delivery for innocuous proppants to create a path of least resistance for enhanced hydrocarbon flow, and a vacuum pump connected to the fractures created by the piezoelectric devices to assist in removing the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system and methods for recycling lithium-containing battery materials are disclosed. More specifically, the system and method use a high energy ball mill for recrystallizing, reordering and/or reconstituting the lithium-ion containing battery material. In one embodiment, the system for recrystallizing the lithium-containing battery material restores it to its original state of functionality.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to an energy scavenging system using elasto-electric plates and methods thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, an energy scavenging system comprises at least one piezoelectric region in a roadbed or walkway, wherein the piezoelectric region generates electric fields by the strain deformation from vehicles rolling over it or pedestrians stepping upon it; and at least one plate of a solid material embedded in the roadbed or walkway, wherein the plate is designed to sustain, transmit and guide elastic plate modes that are generated in the piezoelectric region and launched into the plate at a first location; wherein the elastic plate modes are guided laterally through the plate to a second location, at which they are converted to electrical energy by the piezoelectric effect.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a system for harvesting energy from surfaces upon which motor vehicles travel and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for harvesting energy by utilizing piezoelectric devices embedded within a roadway or surface, capable of producing electrical power when traversed by a motor vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for power harvesting comprises a plurality of piezoelectric devices capable of producing electrical power, a power conditioning unit connected to the piezoelectric devices, and electrical conductors, wherein electrical power is generated when a vehicle traverses over a surface having the plurality of piezoelectric devices therein.

Abstract: A clay comprising a 2:1 aluminosilicate clay having negative charge sites, the 2:1 aluminosilicate clay containing subnano-sized zero valent iron (ZVI) particles distributed on clay surfaces is provided. In one embodiment, at least some or all of the particles have a cross-section of five (5) angstroms or less. Methods of synthesizing and the novel clays and the clay-templated subnano-scale ZVI particles themselves are also described. Such novel products are useful in a variety of remediation applications, including for reduction and dechlorination reactions.

Abstract: An quaternary phosphonium ion-exchanged clay and method of removing organic contaminants from air and/or water, by contacting the contaminants in the air or water with a quaternary phosphonium organo-clay. The clay is prepared by ion-exchange of an ion-exchangeable clay with (a) tetra-short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary phosphonium ion or (b) a di- or tri-short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary phosphonium ion having 1 or 2 mono-substituted or unsubstituted cycloakyl moieties, or one or two alkaryl moieties for removing air-laden and water-laden organic contaminants. The new organo-clays and methods are particularly adapted for removal of aromatic petroleum-based contaminants from water, such as benzene; alkyl-benzenes, such as toluene; xylenes (o-, m- and p-isomers); and chlorinated 1 and 2 carbon compounds, such as CCl.sub.4.

Abstract: An quaternary phosphonium ion-exchanged clay and method of removing organic contaminants from air and/or water, by contacting the contaminants in the air or water with a quaternary phosphonium organo-clay. The clay is prepared by ion-exchange of an ion-exchangeable clay with (a) tetra-short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary phosphonium ion or (b) a di- or tri-short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary phosphonium ion having 1 or 2 mono-substituted or unsubstituted cycloakyl moieties, or one or two alkaryl moieties for removing air-laden and water-laden organic contaminants. The new organo-clays and methods are particularly adapted for removal of aromatic petroleum-based contaminants from water, such as benzene; alkylbenzenes, such as toluene; xylenes (o-, m- and p-isomers); and chlorinated 1 and 2 carbon compounds, such as CCl.sub.4.

Abstract: An quaternary phosphonium ion-exchanged clay and method of removing organic contaminants from air and/or water, by contacting the contaminants in the air or water with a quaternary phosphonium organo-clay. The clay is prepared by ion-exchange of an ion-exchangeable clay with (a) tetra-short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary phosphonium ion or (b) a di- or tri-short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary phosphonium ion having 1 or 2 mono-substituted or unsubstituted cycloakyl moieties, or one or two alkaryl moieties for removing air-laden and water-laden organic contaminants. The new organo-clays and methods are particularly adapted for removal of aromatic petroleum-based contaminants from water, such as benzene; alkyl-benzenes, such as toluene; xylenes (o-, m- and p-isomers); and chlorinated 1 and 2 carbon compounds, such as CCl.sub.4.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbon contaminants from air and a method of removing nonionic organic contaminants, particularly petroleum-derived aromatic contaminants that have a limited capacity to ionize in aqueous solution at substantially neutral pH, from water, by contacting the contaminants in the air or water with an organophilic clay that has been prepared by ion-exchange of an ion-exchangeable clay with a tetra short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary ammonium ion for use in removing air-laden contaminants; or a di- or tri- short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), with one or two mono- substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl moieties, or one or two mono-substituted or unsubstituted aryl or one or two alkaryl moiety quaternary ammonium ion for removing air and water-laden contaminants.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbon contaminants from air and a method of removing nonionic organic contaminants, particularly petroleum-derived aromatic contaminants that have a limited capacity to ionize in aqueous solution at substantially neutral pH, from water, by contacting the contaminants in the air or water with an organophilic clay that has been prepared by ion-exchange of an ion-exchangeable clay with a tetra short chain alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), quaternary ammonium ion for use in removing air-laden contaminants; or a di- or tri- short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), with one or two mono- substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl moieties, or one or two mono-substituted or unsubstituted aryl or one or two alkaryl moiety quaternary ammonium ion for removing air and water-laden contaminants.

Abstract: Immobilized enzymes are prepared by reacting an enzyme to be immobilized with an organoclay. The immobilized enzymes are enzyme-organoclay complexes in which the binding is substantially pH independent.