Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cascade reactor which includes a first reactor sector including a first starting material inlet, a first modifier inlet, a first dielectric barrier discharge, and a first collection outlet; a second reactor sector, connected to the first reactor sector by a connection, including a second starting material inlet, a second modifier inlet, a second dielectric barrier discharge, and a second collection outlet; and insulating reactor support surrounding the first reactor sector and the second reactor sector, a gas line for providing a gas to the first reactor sector and the second reactor sector, and a housing enclosing the first reactor sector, the second reactor sector, and the gas line. Methods of operating the cascade reactor and modifying particles using the cascade reactor are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides coating compositions which are transparent and hydrophobic or superhydrophobic. The coating composition may include a compound with hydrophobic moieties and a transparent binder. Methods of preparing such coatings at room temperature are also provided, along with methods of providing a transparent and hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating to a surface. The coating compositions of the present disclosure may exhibit a transparency of at least about 95%.