Abstract: A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid. The lower ballast portion may contain photocatalytic particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a precast gel for electrophoresis comprising a support filled with an aqueous gel prepared by polymerizing an aqueous solution comprising a radically polymerizable monomer, a crosslinkable monomer, a buffer, a redox initiator comprising an oxidizer/reducer, and a photo sensitizer and having a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 via light application. The slab gel for electrophoresis of the present invention can produce a precast gel for electrophoresis within a shorter period of time and in an easier manner than is possible with conventional techniques. Accordingly, the present invention enables production of a high-quality precast gel for electrophoresis in terms of productivity, cost, and quality, and the industrial applicability thereof is remarkable.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to utilization of high power density microwave energy to reduce organic compounds to carbon and their constituents, primarily in a gaseous state. The process includes, but is not limited to, scrap tires, plastics, asphalt roofing shingles, computer waste, medical waste, municipal solid waste, construction waste, shale oil, and PCB/PAH/HCB-laden materials. The process includes the steps of feeding organic material into a microwave applicator and exposing the material to microwave energy fed from at least two linear polarized sources in non-parallel alignment to each other, and collecting the material. The at least two sources of microwave energy are from a bifurcated waveguide assembly, whose outputs are perpendicular to each other and fed through waveguide of proper impedance, such that the microwave sources are physically and electrically 90° out of phase to each other. The microwave frequency is between 894 and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to produce gels for electrophoresis, wherein at least two monomer solutions are printed in a pattern on a substrate and the printed substrate is exposed to electromagnetic or ionising radiation so as to initiate polymerisation. The gels are useful for electrophoretic separation of proteins, peptides and/or nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlling the formation of water in a reaction system comprising hydrogen, oxygen and atomic hydrogen by irradiating the reaction system with electromagnetic emissions from a platinum lamp such that the atomic hydrogen is direct resonance targeted. Physical platinum may also be present in the reaction system.

Abstract: A photoresponsive ionic organic compound of formula (I); a method of producing the same; a photoresponsive carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersant; a CNT dispersion containing the dispersant; and a method of separating a CNT from the dispersion: wherein R1, R2, and R3 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; A represents —CH— or a nitrogen atom; X represents an anion; and n is a number to give a charge of ?2 to nX.

Abstract: The present invention describes Photolabile Compounds methods for use of the compounds. The Photolabile Compounds have a photoreleasable ligand, which can be biologically active, and which is photoreleased from the compound upon exposure to light. In some embodiments, the Photolabile Compounds comprise a light antenna, such as a labeling molecule or an active derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the light is visible light, which is not detrimental to the viability of biological samples, such as cells and tissues, in which the released organic molecule is bioactive and can have a therapeutic effect. In another embodiment, the photoreleasable ligand can be a labeling molecule, such as a fluorescent molecule.

Abstract: A pollution-free propulsion engine includes a rotating arm, a hollow axle defining a fuel delivery chamber, and hydrogen and oxygen sources. The rotating arm is formed with a detonation chamber, an opening and two tubular ducts therebetween. The axle is inserted into the opening. A pair of holes is formed in the axle to establish paths of fluid communication from the fuel delivery chamber through the ducts and into the detonation chamber as the rotating arm turns. The hydrogen source comprises a thin palladium binding layer deposited onto an aluminum sheet. Hydrogen molecules that are trapped in the binding layer are released, and the hydrogen is fed into the delivery chamber, through one duct and into the detonation chamber. At the same time, oxygen is delivered into the detonation chamber through the other duct, and the oxygen-hydrogen combination is detonated to release energy, which is converted into mechanical energy.

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method of producing chemically pure and stably dispersed metal and metal-alloy nanoparticle colloids with ultrafast pulsed laser ablation. A method comprises irradiating a metal or metal alloy target submerged in a liquid with ultrashort laser pulses at a high repetition rate, cooling a portion of the liquid that includes an irradiated region, and collecting nanoparticles produced with the laser irradiation and liquid cooling. The method may be implemented with a high repetition rate ultrafast pulsed laser source, an optical system for focusing and moving the pulsed laser beams, a metal or metal alloy target submerged in a liquid, and a liquid circulating system to cool the laser focal volume and collect the nanoparticle products. By controlling various laser parameters, and with optional liquid flow movement, the method provides stable colloids of dispersed metal and metal-alloy nanoparticles. In various embodiments additional stabilizing chemical agents are not required.

Abstract: This invention concerns with the plasma inactivating method and processor that can inactivate the surface of the object without causing the degradation inside of it. The inactivation of toxins on the surface of the object proceeds as removing the toxins by nitriding or oxidizing the toxins by the following triple effects, the sharp pulsed electric field by the supply of the electric pulses, the generated N-radicals (N*) contained inside of the plasma in the surrounding gases composed mainly by N2 gas under the low pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocatalytically active nanoparticulate material. A nanoparticle of the invention is a composite nanoparticle having two crystalline phases: hydrogen titanate and titania, which are uniformly mixed in the nanoparticle. The invention also relates to forming a nanoparticulate composite material by heating a basic titania sol under solvothermal conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods for affecting, controlling and/or directing various reactions and/or reaction pathways or systems by exposing one or more components in a holoreaction system to at least one spectral energy pattern. In a first aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy pattern can be applied to a reaction system. In a second aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy conditioning pattern can be applied to a conditioning reaction system. The spectral energy conditioning pattern can, for example, be applied at a separate location from the reaction vessel (e.g., in a conditioning reaction vessel) or can be applied in (or to) the reaction vessel, but prior to other reaction system participants being introduced into the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described comprising of a plurality of electromagnetic resonant structures coupled to a common process or reaction volume, such that resonance of each structure is maintained while the process or reaction volume is a part of each resonant structure. At the same time, each resonant structure is matched to its respective electromagnetic generator. Such a system allows each generator and its delivery system to run at rated power, with summation of all the powers occurring in the common process or reaction volume. In various embodiments of this invention, the various electromagnetic generators can run at the same or different frequencies. The various resonant structures can be single mode or multimode, or a mixture of single mode and multi mode. The various resonant structures can be arranged spatially in order to couple several structures to the process or reaction volume.

Abstract: A method for treating a material comprising: applying energy to a predetermined portion of the material in a controlled manner such that the local chemistry of the predetermined portion is altered to provide a predetermined result. When the material is a shape memory material, the predetermined result may be to provide an additional memory to the predetermined portion or to alter the pseudo-elastic properties of the shape memory material. In other examples, which are not necessarily restricted to shape memory materials, the process may be used to adjust the concentration of components at the surface to allow the formation of an oxide layer at the surface of the material to provide corrosion resistance; to remove contaminants from the material; to adjust surface texture; or to generate at least one additional phase particle in the material to provide a nucleation site for grain growth, which in turn, can strengthen the material.

Abstract: A chemical reactor comprises a microwave irradiating apparatus and a chemical reaction apparatus. The microwave irradiating apparatus comprises a microwave generator and a microwave irradiating cavity (3). The chemical reaction apparatus comprises a tank (2) and a device for controlling the flow of the material. At least a part of the tank (2) is located in the microwave irradiating cavity (3). The chemical reactor can be used for chemical reactions of all kinds of liquid materials, especially multiphase reactions, multiphase catalytic reaction, and the chemical reaction with its reactive materials having high viscosity, semi-solid phase, and high fouling tendency. When the chemical reaction apparatus is used for chemical reaction for producing gaseous byproducts, it can increase the conversion rate of reactants and the yield of product.

Abstract: A device, system, and method, for the formation of advanced oxidation products by contacting a hydrated catalytic surface of a catalytic target structure with broad spectrum ultraviolet light in the 100 nm to 300 nm range that preferably includes 185 nm and 254 nm wavelengths. The catalytic surface reacts with the ultraviolet light energy and hydrate at the catalytic surface to form advanced oxidation products. The catalytic surface in one embodiment includes a hydrophilic agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. Preferably, the catalytic surface is coated with a coating that includes the hydrophilic agent, titanium dioxide, silver, copper, and rhodium. A photohydroionization cell (100) that includes an ultraviolet light source (204) and a catalytic target structure (110) in an air environment to form advanced oxidation product is also provided. A U.V. light indicator and a monitor and/or control system for the photohydroionization cell (100) are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing pristine or non-oxidized nano graphene platelets (NGPs) that are highly conductive. The method comprises: (a) providing a pristine graphitic material comprising at least a graphite crystallite having at least a graphene plane and an edge surface; (b) dispersing multiple particles of the pristine graphitic material in a liquid medium containing therein no surfactant to produce a suspension, wherein the multiple particles in the liquid have a concentration greater than 0.1 mg/mL and the liquid medium is characterized by having a surface tension that enables wetting of the liquid on a graphene plane exhibiting a contact angle less than 90 degrees; and (c) exposing the suspension to direct ultrasonication at a sufficient energy or intensity level for a sufficient length of time to produce the NGPs. Pristine NGPs can be used as a conductive additive in transparent electrodes for solar cells or flat panel displays (e.g.

Abstract: A method of transferring electrons with a light energy conversion material is described. The material includes a silica porous material having silicon atoms chemically bonded with an organic group that is an electron donor in a skeleton thereof, and an electron acceptor disposed in at least one portion among a pore, the skeleton and the outer circumference of the porous material. The method includes absorbing light energy by the organic group and transferring electrons excited by the light energy to the electron acceptor.

Abstract: A microwave irradiation system includes first and second microwave generators, and an applicator which includes: a microwave transmission part connected to the first and second microwave generators; a reflecting plane, at an other end of the microwave transmission part of the applicator, configured to reflect microwaves from the first and the second microwave generators at such a location that a space of an object, in the microwave transmission part of the applicator between the end and the other end is irradiated with both a greater intensity of electric field and a smaller intensity of magnetic field generated by the first microwave generator and with both a greater intensity of magnetic field and a smaller intensity of electric field generated by the second microwave generator; and a filter part through which at least one of the first and second microwave generators is connected to the applicator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present system and method are useful for chemical deposition, particularly continuous deposition of anti-reflective films. Disclosed systems typically comprise a micromixer and a microchannel applicator. A deposition material or materials is applied to a substrate to form a nanostructured, anti-reflective coating. Uniform and highly oriented surface morphologies of films deposited using disclosed embodiments are clearly improved compared to films deposited by a conventional batch process. In some embodiments, a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating is applied to a polycarbonate substrate, such as a lens. In certain embodiments, an anti-reflective coating is applied to a surface of a solar catalytic microreactor suitable for performing endothermic reactions, where energy is provided to the reactor by absorption of solar radiation. The composition and morphology of the material deposited on a substrate can be tailored.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods for affecting, controlling and/or directing various reactions and/or reaction pathways or systems by exposing one or more components in a fuel cell reaction system to at least one spectral energy pattern. In a first aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy pattern can be applied to a fuel cell reaction system. In a second aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy conditioning pattern can be applied to a conditioning reaction system. The spectral energy conditioning pattern can, for example, be applied at a separate location from the reaction vessel (e.g., in a conditioning reaction vessel) or can be applied in (or to) the reaction vessel, but prior to other reaction system participants being introduced into the reaction vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying electrical properties of carbon nanotubes by subjecting a composition of carbon nanotubes to one or more radical initiator(s). The invention also relates to an electronic component such as field-effect transistor comprising a carbon nanotube obtained using the method of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of the modified carbon nanotubes in conductive and high-strength nanotube/polymer composites, transparent electrodes, sensors and nanoelectromechanical devices, additives for batteries, radiation sources, semiconductor devices (e.g. transistors) or interconnects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pyrolysis reactor for processing waste, comprising: a reactor chamber; a source of microwave energy, wherein the reactor chamber comprises a material which is operable to produce a plasma in the presence of the microwave energy. Also disclosed is a corresponding method.

Abstract: A method for inducing chemical reactions using X-ray radiation comprises generating an irradiation volume within the interior of a reaction vessel by introducing X-ray radiation into the volume, in which two or more reactants are introduced. With respect to the two or more reactants and any subsequently created intermediate reactant or reactants, the aggregate extent to which the foregoing reactants are to be ionized to any degree is selectively controlled, and the average degree of ionization in the irradiation volume, from partial to total, of that portion of the foregoing reactants which is to be ionized is selectively controlled, through control of the fluence and energy of the X-ray radiation, to thereby induce selective reactions of reactants to occur in the irradiation volume. One or more reactants may be delivered through a double-walled pipe containing X-ray shielding to prevent their premature irradiation before being injected into the irradiation volume.

Abstract: A tubular flow reactor which comprises a plurality of inflow channels for introducing at least two kinds of fluids to cause a reaction; a reaction tube having an internal space for merging the fluids and causing the merged fluids to flow through to cause a reaction; an outflow channel for discharging the reaction product from the reaction tube; and a rod-shaped ultrasonic emitter placed at the flow-merging portion of the internal space of the reaction tube; wherein the inflow channels and the outflow channel are connected to the reaction tube such that their respective internal spaces communicate with the internal space of the reaction tube; and an ultrasonic wave can be emitted from the rod-shaped ultrasonic emitter to the fluid passing through the reaction tube.

Abstract: A method of dissociating or decomposing the elemental components of a medium within a treatment zone via application of radio frequency energy. The selected medium may be communicated to a treatment zone, such as a chamber, wherein the chamber walls and/or a plurality of antenna disposed within the chamber or treatment zone emit radio frequency energy capable of separating the elemental components of the selected medium. The plurality of antenna may further comprise a chemical coating disposed thereon to facilitate the medium separation process. Denser elemental components may be removed from a bottom portion of the chamber or treatment zone, while lighter elemental components may be removed from an upper portion of the chamber or treatment zone. A vacuum pump or any other means known within the art may be used to remove the elemental components from the chamber or treatment zone.

Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.

Abstract: A method of extracting uranium from spent nuclear fuel (SNF) particles is disclosed. Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) (containing oxides of uranium, oxides of fission products (FP) and oxides of transuranic (TRU) elements (including plutonium)) are subjected to a hydrogen plasma and a fluorine plasma. The hydrogen plasma reduces the uranium and plutonium oxides from their oxide state. The fluorine plasma etches the SNF metals to form UF6 and PuF4. During subjection of the SNF particles to the fluorine plasma, the temperature is maintained in the range of 1200-2000 deg K to: a) allow any PuF6 (gas) that is formed to decompose back to PuF4 (solid), and b) to maintain stability of the UF6. Uranium (in the form of gaseous UF6) is easily extracted and separated from the plutonium (in the form of solid PuF4). The use of plasmas instead of high temperature reactors or flames mitigates the high temperature corrosive atmosphere and the production of PuF6 (as a final product).

Abstract: A method (20) of making a fuel is disclosed. The method has a first step of exposing a liquid having biologically derived particles therein to an ultrasonic wave producing cavitation in the liquid and release of a precursor of the fuel from at least some of the particles into the liquid (22). The method also comprises the step of exposing the liquid with another ultrasonic wave insufficient to produce substantial cavitation in the liquid, the another ultrasonic wave providing a reaction between the liquid and the precursor to form the fuel (24).

Abstract: The present invention includes a nanostructure, a method of making thereof, and a method of photocatalysis. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase in contact with the crystalline phase. Each of the crystalline and amorphous phases has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanoparticle comprising a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. The amorphous phase is in a selected amount. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes crystalline titanium dioxide and amorphous titanium dioxide in contact with the crystalline titanium dioxide. Each of the crystalline and amorphous titanium dioxide has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale.

Abstract: A first electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates, and an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the adhesive layer comprising a mixture of a polymeric adhesive material and a hydroxyl containing polymer having a number average molecular weight not greater than about 5000. A second electro-optic display is similar to the first but has an adhesive layer comprising a thermally-activated cross-linking agent to reduce void growth when the display is subjected to temperature changes. A third electro-optic display, intended for writing with a stylus or similar instrument, is produced by forming a layer of an electro-optic material on an electrode; depositing a substantially solvent-free polymerizable liquid material over the electro-optic material; and polymerizing the polymerizable liquid material.

Abstract: A process is proposed for continuously operating a plant for preparing acetylene from hydrocarbons by partial oxidation, cleavage in an arc or pyrolysis of hydrocarbons to obtain a reaction gas mixture which is conducted through one or more compressors, the pressure of the reaction gas mixture on the suction side of the compressor being controlled within a predefined range by means of a conventional controller, which comprises additionally using a higher-level model-supported predictive controller which reacts to abrupt changes in the mass flow rate of the reaction gas mixture.

Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are for disinfection and purification of a liquid, gaseous or solid phase, or a mixture thereof. The apparatus includes: a central electrode, a dielectric layer adjacent to the electrode, a first area adjacent to the dielectric layer, and is configured to introduce a first medium into the first area, a second area adjacent to the first area. The apparatus is also configured to introduce a second medium into the second area, and for creating a plasma in the first medium, while the first medium is present in the first area, by applying a voltage between the first electrode and a second electrode. An injector injects the plasma into the second area, in order to be mixed with the second medium.

Abstract: A method and system for surely and conveniently generating plasma in a narrow tube having a small diameter. A first electrode formed by a conductive member covered with an insulator or dielectric is inserted into a narrow tube. The narrow tube is located on a second electrode. A power supply applies an alternating voltage or pulse voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so that plasma is generated in the narrow tube around the first electrode.

Abstract: A method is described to excite molecules at their natural resonance frequencies with sufficient energy to break or form chemical bonds using electromagnetic radiation in the radio frequency (RF) and microwave frequency range. Liquid, solid, or gaseous materials are prepared and injected into a resonant structure where they are bombarded with electromagnetic energy in the RF or microwave range at resonant frequencies of the molecules of the materials. Alternatively, electromagnetic energy tuned to dielectric particles prepared from the materials may also be supplied to further enhance the reaction.

Abstract: A proton conductor system includes a solid oxide having at least one hydrogen vibrational mode defined by a bandwidth and resonance frequency. A light source irradiates the solid oxide with infrared light in a wavelength band having a center frequency matching the resonance frequency.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A constricting chamber having first and second ends, the chamber comprising: an interior surface formed between the first and second ends, disposed circumferentially around and defining an interior space and a longitudinal axis of the chamber; a frusto-conical surface disposed between the first and second ends and narrowing as it extends away from the first end and into the second end; an ejection port disposed at the second end and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis; a cover disposed at the first end, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and comprising a center substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis; an injection port disposed on the cover proximate the center, and configured to receive a reactive mixture into the chamber; and an annular supply portion disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and comprising supply port(s) configured to supply conditioning fluid into the chamber in an annular formation along the interior surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that couples a plurality of electromagnetic sources to a material for the purpose of either processing the material or promoting a chemical reaction. The apparatus couples various electromagnetic sources of various frequencies, including provision for static magnetic fields, radio frequency fields, and microwave fields, with the possibility of applying them all simultaneously or in any combination.

Abstract: Provided is a microwave reactor including a reaction container for receiving a reaction solution, a microwave radiator for irradiating the reaction solution received in the reaction container with microwaves, and a cooler for cooling the reaction solution received in the reaction container, wherein a heat-generating medium generating heat by absorbing the microwaves is arranged on a surface of the cooler or in the vicinity of the surface at a position receiving the microwaves from the microwave radiator through the reaction solution.

Abstract: A plasma generating system and a method of generating a plasma on a surface is provided. A surface-wave medium is laminated to a surface for propagating electromagnetic surface waves. The surface-wave medium includes a dielectric and a metallic pattern on the dielectric for increasing an inductive reactance of the surface-wave medium. The plasma generating surface further includes a microwave power source. A coupler couples the microwave power source to the surface-wave medium. A plurality of field enhancement points are located on the surface-wave medium. The plurality of field enhancement points include microwave resonant structures that couple to the electromagnetic surface waves.

Abstract: A pollution-free propulsion engine includes a rotating arm, a hollow axle defining a fuel delivery chamber, and hydrogen and oxygen sources. The rotating arm is formed with a detonation chamber, an opening and two tubular ducts therebetween. The axle is inserted into the opening. A pair of holes is formed in the axle to establish paths of fluid communication from the fuel delivery chamber through the ducts and into the detonation chamber as the rotating arm turns. The hydrogen source comprises a thin palladium binding layer deposited onto an aluminum sheet. Hydrogen molecules that are trapped in the binding layer are released, and the hydrogen is fed into the delivery chamber, through one duct and into the detonation chamber. At the same time, oxygen is delivered into the detonation chamber through the other duct, and the oxygen-hydrogen combination is detonated to release energy, which is converted into mechanical energy.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward a regiofunctional carbon nanotube beam structures and a method the same. The regiofunctional carbon nanotube beam structures contain chemical moieties attached selectively to the ends and/or the sidewalls of the nanotube which differentiate the physico-chemical properties of the nanotube ends from the physico-chemical of the sidewalls to enable directed self-assembly. The method comprises the steps including opening carbon nanotube ends, protecting those ends from sidewall functionalization chemistry by chemically differentiating the open carbon nanotube ends from the nanotube sidewall, functionalizing the sidewalls, functionalizing the ends of the carbon nanotube and attaching crown to ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using radiation and (in one embodiment) solar energy and UV radiation to convert natural products, for example derivatives of vegetable oils, to lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. The invention further relates to a process whereby these hydrocarbons can be converted to vinyl monomers and used in the formation of plastics, solvents, fuels and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for synergistically combining a plasma with a comminution means such as a fluid kinetic energy mill (jet mill), preferably in a single reactor and/or in a single process step is provided by the present invention. Within the apparatus of the invention potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into angular momentum by means of wave energy, for comminuting, reacting and separation of feed materials. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite nanoparticle, including the steps of: changing the conformation of a dissolved polyelectrolyte polymer from a first extended conformation to a more compact conformation by changing a solution condition so that at least a portion of the polyelectrolyte polymer is associated with a precursor moiety to form a composite precursor moiety with a mean diameter in the range between about 1 nm and about 100 nm; and cross-linking the polyelectrolyte polymer of the composite precursor moiety to form a composite nanoparticle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is energy transfer on multisegmented nanowires via surface plasmon resonance excitation of visible light, such as solar energy, absorbed by metals sensitive to visible light and transferred to metals insensitive to visible light. The nanowires are prepared with controllable gap sizes between different segments by on-wire lithography (OWL).

Abstract: Laser pyrolysis reactor designs and corresponding reactant inlet nozzles are described to provide desirable particle quenching that is particularly suitable for the synthesis of elemental silicon particles. In particular, the nozzles can have a design to encourage nucleation and quenching with inert gas based on a significant flow of inert gas surrounding the reactant precursor flow and with a large inert entrainment flow effectively surrounding the reactant precursor and quench gas flows. Improved silicon nanoparticle inks are described that has silicon nanoparticles without any surface modification with organic compounds. The silicon ink properties can be engineered for particular printing applications, such as inkjet printing, gravure printing or screen printing. Appropriate processing methods are described to provide flexibility for ink designs without surface modifying the silicon nanoparticles.