Abstract: Vapor phase polymerization can be used to synthesize a 3D porous network of polystyrene-containing, branched carbon nanofibers on polyurethane(s), optionally using natural light (NL) initiation. NL styrene polymerization in a confined reactor containing CNF-grafted PU can provide a stable porous network. The NL can vaporize the styrene by increasing the reactor temperature and generate styrene radicals. Without CNF, the polymerization on polyurethane (PU) provides a delicate, fragile surface. Radical styrene in vapor phase can interact with CNF to produce polystyrene branches by generating active sites on CNF, while reinforcing the 3D porous structure. After polymerization, the PU surface area increased from 9 to 184 m2/g and pore size decreased from 2567 to 10 ?. 3D porous networks of NL-assisted PS branched CNF supported PU can provide a hydrophobic, oleophilic surface with a water contact angle of approx 148±3°, rapidly gravity separating hexane and water without external force.

Abstract: A composite of polyurethane foam grafted with carbon nanofibers is described. This composite foam may be made by contacting and drying a polyurethane foam with a suspension of carbon nanofibers and then drying. Additional carbon nanofiber layers may be added with repeated contacting. The composite film has a high surface area of 276 m2/g and a hydrophobic character that may be exploited for separating an oil phase from water.

Abstract: A method of making a hydrodesulfurization catalyst having nickel and molybdenum supported on activated carbon is specified. The hydrodesulfurization catalyst produced is mesoporous having an average pore diameter of 4-10 nm and a BET surface area of 250-500 m2/g. The utilization of the hydrodesulfurization catalyst in treating a hydrocarbon feedstock containing aromatic sulfur compounds (e.g. dibenzothiophene) to produce a desulfurized hydrocarbon stream is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to use of polystyrene wastes, such as Styrofoam® wastes, and carbon nanofibers to produce a highly hydrophobic composition or composite that can separate oil and water.

Abstract: Carbon nanofiber doped alumina (Al-CNF) supported MoCo catalysts in hydrodesulfurization (HDS), and/or boron doping, e.g., up to 5 wt % of total catalyst weight, can improve catalytic efficiency. Al-CNF-supported MoCo catalysts, (Al-CNF-MoCo), can reduce the sulfur concentration in fuel, esp. liquid fuel, to below the required limit in a 6 h reaction time. Thus, Al-CNF-MoCo has a higher catalytic activity than Al—MoCo, which may be explained by higher mesoporous surface area and better dispersion of MoCo metals on the AlCNF support relative to alumina support. The BET surface area of Al—MoCo may be 75% less than Al-CNF-MoCo, e.g., 166 vs. 200 m2/g. SEM images indicate that the catalyst nanoparticles can be evenly distributed on the surface of the CNF. The surface area of the AlMoCoB5% may be 206 m2/g, which is higher than AlMoCoB0% and AlMoCoB2%, and AlMoCoB5% has the highest HDS activity, removing more than 98% sulfur and below allowed levels.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymer resins and related salts, solvates, tautomers or stereoisomers are described herein. The cross-linked polymer resins may comprise monomer units of N,N-diallyl aminoalkylphosphonate, a hydrophobic pendant, a tetraallylpiperazinium cross-linker, and sulfur dioxide. A method for producing the cross-linked polymer resins is described. The cross-linked polymer resins may be used as adsorbent materials for the removal of heavy metal ions and contaminant dyes from aqueous solutions. Used cross-linked polymer resins may be removed from solution, cleaned, and reused while maintaining adsorption capacity.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymeric resins from anilines linked together with polyamine alkyl chains. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resins by Mannich-type polycondensation of anilines and diaminoalkanes linked together by an aldehyde and subsequent basification. In addition, a method for removing heavy metals, such as Pb (II) and As (V) from aqueous solution via contacting and treatment with the cross-linked polymeric resins.

Abstract: Crosslinked polydithiocarbamates based on 1,3,5-triazinane cores linked to pyrrole-dithiocarbamates via alkyl chains. A process for preparing these crosslinked polydithiocarbamates via a Mannich-type polycondensation of diaminoalkane, paraformaldehyde and a pyrrole compound, which is followed by additional modification of the pyrrole moiety to a pyrrole-dithiocarbamate. A method for removing heavy metals, such as Cd(II) from an aqueous solution or an industrial wastewater sample with these crosslinked polydithiocarbamates is also described.

Abstract: A method for removing cadmium ions from contaminated water sources and systems via contacting and treatment with composites formed from reaction between melamine, an aldehyde, diaminoalkane monomeric units and carbon nanotubes having activated carbonyl groups.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymeric resin which contains reacted monomer units of an aniline, a diaminoalkane, and an aldehyde, and which is functionalized with at least one dithiocarbamate moiety. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resin whereby an aniline and a diaminoalkane are linked together by Mannich-type polycondensation reactions with an aldehyde. The resulting Mannich-type polycondensation product is converted into the cross-linked polymeric resin through functionalization of one or more amine functional groups with dithiocarbamate moieties. A method for removing heavy metals, such as Hg(II), from an aqueous solution, whereby the cross-linked polymeric resin is contacted with the aqueous solution, and the heavy metal is thus adsorbed onto the cross-linked polymeric resin.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymeric resin which contains reacted monomer units of an aniline, a diaminoalkane, and an aldehyde, and which is functionalized with at least one dithiocarbamate moiety. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resin whereby an aniline and a diaminoalkane are linked together by Mannich-type polycondensation reactions with an aldehyde. The resulting Mannich-type polycondensation product is converted into the cross-linked polymeric resin through functionalization of one or more amine functional groups with dithiocarbamate moieties. A method for removing heavy metals, such as Hg(II), from an aqueous solution, whereby the cross-linked polymeric resin is contacted with the aqueous solution, and the heavy metal is thus adsorbed onto the cross-linked polymeric resin.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymeric resin which contains reacted monomer units of an aniline, a diaminoalkane, and an aldehyde, and which is functionalized with at least one dithiocarbamate moiety. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resin whereby an aniline and a diaminoalkane are linked together by Mannich-type polycondensation reactions with an aldehyde. The resulting Mannich-type polycondensation product is converted into the cross-linked polymeric resin through functionalization of one or more amine functional groups with dithiocarbamate moieties. A method for removing heavy metals, such as Hg(II), from an aqueous solution, whereby the cross-linked polymeric resin is contacted with the aqueous solution, and the heavy metal is thus adsorbed onto the cross-linked polymeric resin.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymeric resins from anilines linked together with polyamine alkyl chains. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resins by Mannich-type polycondensation of anilines and diaminoalkanes linked together by an aldehyde and subsequent basification. In addition, a method for removing heavy metals, such as Pb (II) and As (V) from aqueous solution via contacting and treatment with the cross-linked polymeric resins.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymeric resin which contains reacted monomer units of an aniline, a diaminoalkane, and an aldehyde, and which is functionalized with at least one dithiocarbamate moiety. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resin whereby an aniline and a diaminoalkane are linked together by Mannich-type polycondensation reactions with an aldehyde. The resulting Mannich-type polycondensation product is converted into the cross-linked polymeric resin through functionalization of one or more amine functional groups with dithiocarbamate moieties. A method for removing heavy metals, such as Hg(II), from an aqueous solution, whereby the cross-linked polymeric resin is contacted with the aqueous solution, and the heavy metal is thus adsorbed onto the cross-linked polymeric resin.

Abstract: Polymer/carbon nanotube composites made up of melamine, aldehyde, diaminoalkane monomeric units and carbon nanotubes having activated carbonyl groups. A method for removing heavy metals, such as Pb(II) from an aqueous solution or an industrial wastewater sample with these composites is introduced. A process of synthesizing the polymer/carbon nanotube composites is also described.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymeric resin which contains reacted monomer units of an aniline, a diaminoalkane, and an aldehyde, and which is functionalized with at least one dithiocarbamate moiety. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resin whereby an aniline and a diaminoalkane are linked together by Mannich-type polycondensation reactions with an aldehyde. The resulting Mannich-type polycondensation product is converted into the cross-linked polymeric resin through functionalization of one or more amine functional groups with dithiocarbamate moieties. A method for removing heavy metals, such as Hg(II), from an aqueous solution, whereby the cross-linked polymeric resin is contacted with the aqueous solution, and the heavy metal is thus adsorbed onto the cross-linked polymeric resin.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymeric resins from anilines linked together with polyamine alkyl chains. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resins by Mannich-type polycondensation of anilines and diaminoalkanes linked together by an aldehyde and subsequent basification. In addition, a method for removing heavy metals, such as Pb (II) and As (V) from aqueous solution via contacting and treatment with the cross-linked polymeric resins.

Abstract: A sulfur removal system including a first reactor and a second reactor that are located in series to one another each having an adsorbent that includes cobalt and copper on an activated carbon support, a method of desulfurizing a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream via the sulfur removal system, and a method of making the adsorbent. Various embodiments of the sulfur removal system, the desulfurizing method, and the method of making the adsorbent is also provided.

Abstract: A sulfur removal system including a first reactor and a second reactor that are located in series to one another each having an adsorbent that includes cobalt and copper on an activated carbon support, a method of desulfurizing a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream via the sulfur removal system, and a method of making the adsorbent. Various embodiments of the sulfur removal system, the desulfurizing method, and the method of making the adsorbent is also provided.

Abstract: Crosslinked polydithiocarbamates based on 1,3,5-triazinane cores linked to pyrrole-dithiocarbamates via alkyl chains. A process for preparing these crosslinked polydithiocarbamates via a Mannich-type polycondensation of diaminoalkane, paraformaldehyde and a pyrrole compound, which is followed by additional modification of the pyrrole moiety to a pyrrole-dithiocarbamate. A method for removing heavy metals, such as Cd(II) from an aqueous solution or an industrial wastewater sample with these crosslinked polydithiocarbamates is also described.