Abstract: A system includes a portable locker configured to contain contents and a remote server. The portable locker is configured to prevent access to the contents until the portable locker arrives at a preset destination from a starting location and notify a remote server in response to a determination that the portable locker is not within a threshold range of a user device during transit to the predefined destination.

Abstract: Platinum or platinum group metal decorated non-oxide materials that are formed using a synthesis pathway that avoids the production of intermediate oxides. The materials are suitable for use as catalysts and may or may not be porous.

Abstract: Novel materials having high surface area rendering them suitable for a variety of applications including, but not limited to: catalysts for methane reforming; ammonia synthesis; alcohol synthesis from syngas; hydrodesulfurization; electrocatalysis for hydrogen evolution reaction; and as corrosion-resistant supports for platinum in PEM fuel cells. In general the method comprises the formation of a high-surface area refractory metal-based material using a novel synthesis pathway that avoids the production of intermediate oxide. The method may include the in situ formation of a sacrificial support that can be removed using non-aggressive means, such as, for example, chemical etching with a mild acid or by altering reaction conditions.

Abstract: Mesoporous conductive niobium and niobium-ruthenium particles and methods for forming the same are described. In some cases the particles are suitable for use as a fuel cell catalyst. The described aerosol-based synthesis method allows for single step formation and processing of the particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) within microdroplets produced by a vibrating orifice aerosol generator (VOAG) for the production of monodisperse mesoporous silica particles. The process of the present invention exploits the concentration of evaporating droplets to induce the organization of various amphiphilic molecules, effectively partitioning a silica precursor to the hydrophilic regions of the structure. Promotion of silica condensation, followed by removal of the surfactant, provides ordered spherical mesoporous particles.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to design, synthesis, and characterization of materials with well-defined porous networks of molecular dimensions in which the size and surface energy of the pores can be externally and reversibly controlled to dynamically modulate the adsorption and transport of molecular species.

Abstract: There are described methods for the synthesis of quinoid organic compounds from a renewable energy source such as glucose. The method comprises enhancing the amount of glucose equivalents introduced into the pathway, blocking the common pathway so as to accumulate dehydroquinate and converting the dehydroquinate to quinic acid.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of finely divided silver particles comprising the sequential steps:A. Forming an unsaturated solution of thermally decomposable silver-containing compound in a volatilizable solvent;B. Forming an aerosol from the unsaturated solution and a carrier gas;C. Heating the aerosol to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the silver compound, but below the melting point of silver metal by which the silver compound is decomposed to form finely divided particles of pure densified silver; andD. Separating the precipitated silver particles from the carrier gas, reaction by-products and solvent voltilization products.