Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing fluid for use in oilfield applications, the hydraulic fracturing fluid includes a spherical bead-forming liquid composition, the spherical bead-forming liquid composition comprised of a primary liquid precursor and a secondary liquid precursor, the primary liquid precursor comprises a micellar forming surfactant, a bead-forming compound, and a non-solids bearing liquid solvent; and the secondary liquid precursor comprises one or more curing agents, and one or more co-curing agents.

Abstract: An organosolv process for producing bio-products by decomposing lignocellulosic materials comprises providing an initial lignin solvent with water, an acid, and a lignin dissolving chemical comprising at least one of an organic ester, butyl acetate, an organic furan, and furfural. The process also includes placing the lignin solvent in contact with a biomass to form a circulation solvent, and recycling at least a portion of the circulation solvent by circulating the circulation solvent back into contact with the biomass. The circulating of the circulation solvent occurs for a period of time, after which, the process then includes separating material such as chemicals and lignin from the circulation solvent. The chemicals can be recycled as new solvent or sold while lignin can be used as natural and renewable colorant for polymers such as poly lactic acid.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing fluid for use in oilfield applications is disclosed, the hydraulic fracturing fluid includes a spherical bead-forming liquid composition, the spherical bead-forming liquid composition comprised of a primary liquid precursor and a secondary liquid precursor, the primary liquid precursor comprises a micellar forming surfactant, a bead-forming compound, and a non-solids bearing liquid solvent; and the secondary liquid precursor comprises one or more curing agents, and one or more co-curing agents.

Abstract: An organosolv process for producing bio-products by decomposing lignocellulosic materials comprises providing an initial lignin solvent with water, an acid, and a lignin dissolving chemical comprising at least one of an organic ester, butyl acetate, an organic furan, and furfural. The process also includes placing the lignin solvent in contact with a biomass to form a circulation solvent, and recycling at least a portion of the circulation solvent by circulating the circulation solvent back into contact with the biomass. The circulating of the circulation solvent occurs for a period of time, after which, the process then includes separating material such as chemicals and lignin from the circulation solvent. The chemicals can be recycled as new solvent or sold while lignin can be used as natural and renewable colorant for polymers such as poly lactic acid.

Abstract: Sulfonated betaines amine oxides, and sultaines are made by the reaction of the corresponding unsaturated betaines or sultaines. These are formulated into injection fluids suitable for the recovery of residual oil from subterranean reservoirs. The sulfonated betaines, amine oxides, and sultaines exhibit lower adsorption onto reservoir rock compared to their corresponding unsulfonated betaines, amine oxides, and sultaines. They can be used in applications where their respective amphoteric surfactants are currently used such as personal care, mining, improved oil recovery (IOR), oil field drilling, fracturing, acidizing, foaming, oil field stimulation, and agricultural formulations.

Abstract: Sulfonated betaines, amine oxides, and sultaines are made by the reaction of the corresponding unsaturated betaines, amine oxides or sultaines with a sulfonating agent. These amphoteric surfactants have demonstrated low adsorption properties in addition to good compatibility with brine containing high concentrations of salt and divalent cations. They can be employed in applications where their respective conventional amphoteric surfactants are used including: personal care, mining, improved oil recovery (IOR), oil field drilling, fracturing, acidizing, foaming, and agricultural formulations.

Abstract: A system including nanostructure arrays for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound, e.g., methanol, which does so, for example, without any external electric energy. In one embodiment, the system for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound includes an array of nanotubes, which include nanoparticles of an electron mediator, e.g. palladium, dispersed on a surface of the nanotubes, and an electrically conductive fluid. The array of nanotubes is at least partially immersed in the electrically conductive fluid. The system further includes a light source that irradiates the array of nanotubes, a source of carbon dioxide, and an inlet for delivering the carbon dioxide to the electrically conductive fluid whereat at least a portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to a different organic compound, such as methanol, via contact with an irradiated array of nanotubes. In one example, the array is an ordered array of titania nanotubes.

Abstract: A system including nanostructure arrays for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound, e.g., methanol, which does so, for example, without any external electric energy. In one embodiment, the system for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound includes an array of nanotubes, which include nanoparticles of an electron mediator, e.g. palladium, dispersed on a surface of the nanotubes, and an electrically conductive fluid. The array of nanotubes is at least partially immersed in the electrically conductive fluid. The system further includes a light source that irradiates the array of nanotubes, a source of carbon dioxide, and an inlet for delivering the carbon dioxide to the electrically conductive fluid whereat at least a portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to a different organic compound, such as methanol, via contact with an irradiated array of nanotubes. In one example, the array is an ordered array of titania nanotubes.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for producing biofuel from a biological material that includes protein and a biofuel feedstock, such as triglycerides. In a specific example, the biological material is hydrolyzed to obtain the biofuel feedstock, such as by treatment with a base. Free fatty acids or triglycerides are then extracted using an organic solvent. The free fatty acids or triglycerides are converted to fatty acid esters, useable as biofuel, by esterification or transesterification, respectively. In a more specific example, the biological material is converted to a biofuel in a one step process by treating the biological material with base and an appropriate alcohol. In some implementations, a disclosed method uses chicken feathers obtained from a chicken processing operation as the biological material.