Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have an R value of at least 1.3, where R is defined as the ratio (ID/IG) of an integral value of D band intensity (ID) to an integral value of G band intensity (IG) in the Raman spectrum. Such carbon nanotubes can be used to form a support catalyst with good catalyst activity because the surface defects on the carbon nanotubes promote improved catalyst distribution in that the support catalyst includes catalyst particles having a small mean particle size and a slight variation in particle size. Such a support catalyst has particularly useful properties when used as a catalyst layer for a fuel cell electrode.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method to remove hydrogen sulfide and siloxanes from biogas and destroy the contaminants in microwave reactors. Hydrogen sulfide and siloxane are removed from biogas using an adsorbent media such as activated carbon. The media is regenerated in a microwave reactor where the hydrogen sulfide and siloxane are removed in a sweep gas. In one process, siloxane is oxidized to silicon dioxide in a second microwave reactor and removed with a filter. Hydrogen sulfide if first oxidized to sulfur dioxide, then reduced to sulfur in a third microwave reactor and removed with a filter. In another process, siloxane is combined with water to form silicon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide is reduced to elemental sulfur in a microwave reactor. These reactants are removed with a filter. The remaining sweep gas containing hydrogen and low molecular weight hydrocarbons is returned to the biogas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino-functionalized mesoporous silica. The present invention provides amino-functionalized mesoporous silica having hexagonal platelet morphology with short channels perpendicular to the platelet. The lengths of the channels are preferably 10˜1000 nm. The present invention also provides a method for preparing amino-functionalized mesoporous silica having hexagonal platelet morphology comprising a series of steps in sequence which are reactive gel preparation before subjected to the microwave, microwave heating for co-condensation reaction and crystallization, and solvent extraction for surfactant removal. The direct co-condensation approach with microwave heating and adoption of sodium metasilicate as silica source can give great advantage in the view of economy and environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods of crosslinking carbon nanotubes to each other using microwave radiation, articles of manufacture produced by such methods, compositions produced by such methods, and applications for such compositions and articles of manufacture. The present invention is also directed toward methods of radiatively modifying composites and/or blends comprising carbon nanotubes with microwaves, and to the compositions produced by such methods. In some embodiments, the modification comprises a crosslinking process, wherein the carbon nanotubes serve as a conduit for thermally and photolytically crosslinking the host matrix with microwave radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas production apparatus of the present invention comprises a) a dielectric hollow tube, b) a means for maintaining the dielectric hollow tube to a reduced pressure, c) a microwave source that generates a microwave, d) a waveguide coupled to the microwave source that applies the microwave to the dielectric hollow tube, e) a gas supply source that supplies a hydrogen element-containing gas into the dielectric hollow tube, wherein the hydrogen element-containing gas supplied into the dielectric hollow tube undergoes plasma discharge with aid of the microwave from the waveguide and produces reaction products including hydrogen gas through intramolecular bond breakage rather than heat decomposition, by collision of an electron produced by the plasma discharge with the hydrogen element-containing gas, and f) a separator that separates the hydrogen gas from the reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the microwave treatment of a class of selected metal ores and concentrates, particularly those known as chalcopyrite, in a fluidized bed reactor. The end product is commonly a mixture of copper oxide and copper sulfate, both of which are liquid soluble and directly recoverable by known techniques. The ratio of the oxide-sulfate mixture end product may be controlled by suitable control of microwave parameters.

Abstract: Element halides are prepared in high yield by contacting an element or compound thereof and carbon or a carbon source with a gas stream containing a halogen or halogen compound in the gaseous state, and heating by means of an alternating magnetic field.

Abstract: A continuous method is provided for recycling a metal/organic laminate comprising metal, such as aluminium, laminated with an organic material, the method comprising: providing a reactor (1) comprising a first chamber (2) having a first rotary stirrer (4) and a second chamber (3) having a second rotary stirrer (5), each chamber (2, 3) containing a bed of particulate microwave absorbing material; introducing laminate and additional particulate microwave absorbing material into the first chamber (2) via an inlet (6); under a reducing or inert atmosphere stirring the mixture of particulate microwave absorbing material and laminate in the first chamber (2) using the first rotary stirrer (3) and applying microwave energy in the first chamber (2) to heat the particulate microwave absorbing material to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyse organic material in the laminate; transferring a portion of the mixture in the first chamber (2) to the second chamber (3); stirring the mixture in the second chamber (3) using the

Abstract: A dielectric profiler establishes a dielectric profile of microwave characteristics for identifying, sterilizing or inactivating a target material prior to performing a microwave irradiation event to sterilize or inactivate the target material.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process, method and device for the production and/or derivation of hydrogen utilizing microwave energy through use of a microwave susceptor that absorbs/assimilates microwave energy and converts it to radiant/heat energy which is imparted to iron and alters its physical characteristics such that water in contact with the iron will have one of its physical characteristics, preferably temperature, altered, and result in a reaction of the to produce/derive hydrogen. Invention also includes a progressive change to water prior to it achieving a reactive threshold with the iron element, and the progressive preparation and/or pretreatment of water, via exposure or contact of water with other materials with high thermal conductivities in lieu of iron through use of a microwave susceptor.

Abstract: There is provided a method for generating hydrogen gas, which is a clean fuel, including irradiating infrared rays with exclusive wavelengths in a range of from 2.8 to 3.2 ?m to water.

Abstract: A method for treating carbon nanotubes with microwave energy to selective remove metallic-type carbon nanotubes is provided. A sample containing carbon nanotubes is positioned in a microwave cavity at a location corresponding to a maximum in the electric field component of a stationary wave having a microwave frequency. The sample is exposed to the microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to increase the proportion of semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes within the sample. Alternatively, a sample consisting essentially of metallic-type and semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes is exposed to microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to increase the proportion of semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes within the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a titanium dioxide material for coating on a substrate and method of making the same. The coated material is resistant to delamination and can be used for air-purification purposes.

Abstract: Nonlinear optically active compounds, methods for making nonlinear optically active compounds, compounds useful for making nonlinear optically active compounds, methods for making compounds useful for making nonlinear optically active compounds, macrostructures that include nonlinear optically active components, and devices including the nonlinear optically active compounds and the macrostructures.

Abstract: An anionic surfactant powder prepared by subjecting a mixture of an anionic surfactant and a solvent to microwave irradiation to remove at least a part of the solvent, and a process for preparing the anionic surfactant. The anionic surfactant powder can be suitably used for laundry detergents, detergents for tableware and kitchenware, foaming agents for toothpastes, powdery shampoos, emulsifying agents for polymerization, foaming agents for cement plaster and the like.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions. The method includes the steps of placing reactants in a microwave-transparent vessel, placing the vessel and its contents into a microwave cavity, applying microwave radiation within the cavity and to the vessel and its contents while concurrently externally cooling the vessel conductively.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for microwave-assisted chemical processes that avoids tuning discrepancies that otherwise result based upon the materials being heated. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, a waveguide in communication with the source, with at least a portion of the waveguide forming a cylindrical arc, a cylindrical cavity immediately surrounded by the cylindrical arc portions of the waveguide, and at least three slotted openings in the circumference of the circular waveguide that provide microwave communication between the waveguide and the cavity.

Abstract: A furnace is for melting of glass material, such as glass or glass batch, by use of microwaves. The furnace includes a container which is adapted to hold the glass material, and a device for emitting microwaves. The furnace includes a microwave absorber which is protected by a barrier from being decomposed by the glass material, the microwave absorber being adapted to absorb the energy of the microwaves and emit this energy as heat to the glass material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for performing chemical reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for heating chemical reaction mixtures. The apparatus applies one or more semiconductor based microwave generators making the apparatus suitable for parallel processing of chemical reaction mixtures. The invention further relates to methods for performing chemical reactions, e.g. methods for heating a plurality of samples simultaneously or sequentially, methods for monitoring a microwave heated chemical reaction, and methods where the optimum conditions with respect to parameters, such frequency and applied power can be determined for the system consisting of apparatus plus sample.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for microwave-assisted chemical processes that avoids tuning discrepancies that otherwise result based upon the materials being heated. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, a waveguide in communication with the source, with at least a portion of the waveguide forming a cylindrical arc, a cylindrical cavity immediately surrounded by the cylindrical arc portions of the waveguide, and at least three slotted openings in the circumference of the circular waveguide that provide microwave communication between the waveguide and the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing and harvesting crystalline particles, particularly particles of therapeutically useful or carrier substances of a size suitable for inhalation therapy.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a structure from a carbide of a group IIa, group IIIa, group IVa, group IVb, group Vb, group VIb, group VIIb or group VIIIb carbon reactive element including the steps of: mixing the element with the carbon; and heating the carbon and the element to melt the element so that it reacts with the carbon to form the carbide; wherein, the carbon and element are heated by means of electromagnetic radiation having a frequency below the infrared spectrum. The method does not waste energy by unnecessary heating of the furnace or surrounding mold. The mold itself may be more stable because it is only heated by hot contained material and not by other sources of heat. Resulting formed products are not a sintered product and may approach one hundred percent of theoretical density. The carbon may be in the form of a powder that is mixed with the element or may be a porous carbon structure such as a graphite fiber mat or sheet into which the carbon reactive element is melted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending glass substrate(s) are provided. Microwave radiation is used to heat glass substrate(s) for bending. As a result, a coating supported by the substrate(s) is not heated as much during the bending process compared to if only conventional IR radiation was used. Thus, more extreme degrees of glass bending may be achieved, and/or the likelihood of coating damage reduced.

Abstract: A method of producing calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate is disclosed, including the steps of exposing a mixture including a calcium sulfate form selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium sulfate &bgr;-hemihydrate, water-soluble calcium sulfate anhydrite, and mixtures thereof, water, and a crystallization catalyst, to microwave radiation to produce calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate; and separating at least a portion of the calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate to provide a solid comprising calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate and a filtrate and/or remainder that can be recycled to provide at least one of a calcium sulfate form, water, a crystallization catalyst, a crystal habit modifier, and a surfactant for use in production of additional &agr;-hemihydrate.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for microwave-assisted chemical processes that avoids tuning discrepancies that otherwise result based upon the materials being heated. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, a waveguide in communication with the source, with at least a portion of the waveguide forming a cylindrical arc, a cylindrical cavity immediately surrounded by the cylindrical arc portions of the waveguide, and at least three slotted openings in the circumference of the circular waveguide that provide microwave communication between the waveguide and the cavity.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample comprising introducing a sample into a flow-through device containing a porous solid media therein, and thereafter subjecting the device to microwave energy.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample comprising introducing a sample into a flow-through device containing a porous solid media therein, and thereafter subjecting the device to microwave energy. Also disclosed is a flow through device including solid porous media therein and attached active components.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for carrying out microwave-assisted chemical reactions. The method includes the steps of adding reagents to a pressure-resistant microwave-transparent vessel, securing the vessel against pressure release with a penetrable septum made of a material that can be penetrated by a needle while surrounding and sealing against the needle even after penetration to thereby maintaining the pressure integrity of the vessel, thereafter inserting a needle through the penetrable septum and into the pressure-secured vessel to provide fluid communication to the interior of the scaled pressure-resistant vessel through the needle, applying mechanical pressure against the septum while the needle is inserted therethrough, and irradiating the vessel and its contents with microwaves with the needle inserted therein.

Abstract: A process and apparatus assuring low costs and high efficiency in practicing refuse incineration. A applying electromagnetic wave of a frequency band resonant with rotation or vibration of a specific substance e.g., dioxins molecule, thereby to heat the dioxins molecule selectively up to high temperature to remove the dioxins molecule by decomposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid dispersion composition comprising a slightly soluble medicament and having an improved solubility, which can be produced by a simple process with a low cost and is excellent in safety, and a process for producing it. It provides a solid dispersion composition, comprising a slightly soluble medicament blended and a water-soluble polymer, exposed to microwaves.

Abstract: The present invention is a short time curing method of epoxy resin compositions composed of epoxy resins with more than 1.8 epoxy groups and curing agents which can react with epoxy groups and cure the epoxy resins at ambient temperatures or under the temperature raising conditions radiating microwave in the range of 300 MHz to 30 GHz frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel titania photocatalyst and its manufacturing method. More specifically, the present invention is to provide the quantum-sized novel titania photocatalyst prepared the steps comprising: (a) titanium tetraisopropoxide is encapsulated in zeolite support by adding citric acid to isopropyl alcohol; (b) ethylene glycol is dissolved herein to obtain a uniformly dispersed mixture solution; and (c) it is encapsulated in zeolite cavities.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which chemical preparations can be made. Reactions can be accelerated on special chips using microwave energy. The chips contain materials that efficiently absorb microwave energy causing chemical reaction rate increases. The invention is important in many small scale chemical transformations including those used in protein chemistry and in combinatorial chemistry.

Abstract: The surface cleaning of various components of high-tech devices, including computers and/or semiconductors, is performed during manufacturing. This surface cleaning is performed within a reduced pressure chamber by making use of perifluorocompound industrial gases, which eventually contaminate the atmosphere. These contaminant gases are emitted with nitrogen gas, which is used in operation of a dry pump. Under certain conditions, microwave radiation generates an atmospheric plasma torch. This plasma-torch device is attached to the vacuum pump, which emits the nitrogen gas with contaminants. The oxidation mechanism in the torch flames eliminates these contaminants. Additional reaction gases are mixed with the waste gas to improve efficiency of the contaminant elimination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for performing chemical reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for heating chemical reaction mixtures. The apparatus applies one or more semiconductor based microwave generators making the apparatus suitable for parallel processing of chemical reaction mixtures. The invention further relates to methods for performing chemical reactions, e.g. methods for heating a plurality of samples simultaneously or sequentially, methods for monitoring a microwave heated chemical reaction, and methods where the optimum conditions with respect to parameters, such frequency and applied power can be determined for the system consisting of apparatus plus sample.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the plasma-catalytic production of ammonia. A gas stream containing nitrogen and water vapor is passed through an electrical gas discharge in the discharge space of which is arranged a catalyst which contains a catalytically active component of at least one metal which can be titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium, platinum, manganese or copper on a support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a potentially economically viable process for the efficient microwave catalysis production of hydrogen involving a modified steam-reforming reaction using light hydrocarbons or light alcohols as the basic reactant with potentially supplementary oxygen to increase the efficiency. Such hydrogen-rich gas is potentially an economical fuel for fuel cells.

Abstract: A method for purifying a mixture comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes and amorphous carbon contaminate is disclosed. The method includes the steps of heating the mixture under oxidizing conditions sufficient to remove the amorphous carbon, followed by recovering a product comprising at least about 80% by weight of single-wall carbon nanotubes. A method for producing tubular carbon molecules of about 5 to 500 nm in length is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of cutting single-wall nanotube containing-material to form a mixture of tubular carbon molecules having lengths in the range of 5-500 nm and isolating a fraction of the molecules having substantially equal lengths. The nanotubes may be used, singularly or in multiples, in power transmission cables, in solar cells, in batteries, as antennas, as molecular electronics, as probes and manipulators, and in composites.

Abstract: Process for reducing the metal ion content in a chemical compound having a dipole moment or a mixture of two or more thereof to 1 ppb or less by distillation with supply of the energy required for vaporizing the chemical compound or the mixture of two or more thereof in the form of electromagnetic waves having a frequency in the range from 1 MHz to 50 Ghz.

Abstract: This invention refers to a removal and recovery method of pollutant materials. A waste stream source of polluted water and/or waste gases containing waste acids, bases and salts, and/or waste air pollutant suspension particles are fed into a separation reactor. The combined physicochemical effects of removal/recovery of pollutants inside the reactor take place by solubilization, ionization, reaction, deposition and settling, which concurrently remove and separate the pollutants as solid materials, deposited on selective electrodes sets, as gases and as sludge and/or precipitates. The reactor is kept at the working temperature using a waste industrial heat, and the separation processes take place by applying a voltage source between a spaced apart system of selective electrodes, and by using a ionizing source of waste spent fuel nuclear bars or electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for performing chemical reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for heating chemical reaction mixtures. The apparatus applies one or more semiconductor based microwave generators making the apparatus suitable for parallel processing of chemical reaction mixtures. The invention further relates to methods for performing chemical reactions, e.g. methods for heating a plurality of samples simultaneously or sequentially, methods for monitoring a microwave heated chemical reaction, and methods where the optimum conditions with respect to parameters, such frequency and applied power can be determined for the system consisting of apparatus plus sample.

Abstract: A process for gasifying solid organic matter from wastewater sludge involves dewatering the sludge to a solids content of at least 35% by weight using a combination of centrifugation, microwave heat exchange and screw press separation. The denatured solids are than at least partially pyrolyzed by passing through a heated inclined screw auger. The pyrolysis solids, tars and gases are then gasified by exposure to a high intensity microwave field. Resulting fuel gas and char from the gasification are then separated, with the char then being combusted in a cyclonic char burner to produce vitrified ash and process heat. Fuel gases are cleaned and then burned in internal combustion engines for the generation of electricity and process heat.

Abstract: A process for the continuous firing of powdered carbon which comprises firing powdered carbon continuously by feeding powdered carbon into a firing tube and applying microwaves to the top surface of a deposited layer of the powdered carbon so as to form a high-temperature fired layer within the deposited layer, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: This invention refers to a removal and recovery procedure and method of pollutant materials, which separates contaminants from waste inorganic aqueous solutions and from waste air pollutants having contaminants in therein, with pressure, temperature, electrical-and radiation fields, simultaneously/successively applied. A waste stream source of polluted water and/or waste gases containing waste acids, bases and salts, and/or waste air pollutant suspension particles are fed into a separation reactor. The combined physicochemical effects of removal/recovery of pollutants inside the reactor take place by solubilization, ionization, reaction, deposition and settling, which concurrently remove and separate the pollutants as solid materials, deposited on selective electrodes sets, as gases and as sludge and/or precipitates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous microwave synthesis process of inorganic materials and its apparatus and more particularly, to the process of synthesizing inorganic materials prepared in a manner such that after preparing a mixed solution of precursor materials for various inorganic materials such as porous molecular sieve, layered compounds and ceramics, this mixed solution is continuously added to a tube-type microwave reactor using a slurry pump for the synthesis and crystallization of inorganic materials.

Abstract: A method of consolidating metal powder to form an object, includes: a) pressing the powder into a preform, and preheating the preform to elevated temperature, b) providing flowable pressure transmitting particles and transmitting microwaves into the particles to heat same, and providing a bed of the flowable and heated pressure transmitting particles, c) positioning the preform in such relation to the bed that the particles substantially encompass the preform, d) and pressurizing the bed to compress said particles and cause pressure transmission to the preform, thereby to consolidate the preform into a desired object shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for producing an expanded graphite which can be utilized for oil adsorbents, gaskets, packing sheets, adsorbents of volatile organic compounds and the like. SO3-graphite interlayer compound is formed by contacting graphite particles with SO3 generated from fuming sulfuric acid or anhydrous sulfuric acid. Excessive SO3 condensed on SO3-graphite interlayer compound is separated. Then, energy is applied to SO3-graphite interlayer compound to expand the graphite. An acid containing a single component can be continuously reused thus reducing the amount of the acid to {fraction (1/10)}-{fraction (1/100)} of that of an acid mixture used in the conventional method. As a result, the generation of a large amount of environmentally hazardous acid waste can be markedly reduced.

Abstract: A plasma injector for creating a plasma discharge includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical-shaped waveguide, and a coaxial dielectric loaded cavity. The waveguide is specifically dimensioned to establish a predetermined cut off wavelength in the waveguide. A microwave power generator is connected with the cavity to generate a resonant microwave in the cavity which will establish a TE mode electrical field in the waveguide. Importantly, the resonant microwave has a wavelength that is below the cut off wavelength in order to prevent a propagation of the microwave through the waveguide. The injector also includes a feed line for introducing a waste material into the waveguide. Specifically, the waste material interacts with the TE mode electrical field in the waveguide to vaporize the waste material and thereby create the plasma discharge.

Abstract: Uranium trioxide is reduced to uranium dioxide using microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation directed in such a way that the radiation encounters an interface between uranium trioxide and the uranium-containing reduction product without first having passed through that product. By this method, and also using a reducing gas, it is possible to obtain UO2 with an O:U ratio less than 2.04:1.

Abstract: A system for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions is disclosed. The system includes a source of microwave radiation; a cavity in communication with the source, an attenuator in communication with the cavity for providing access to the cavity while preventing microwaves from escaping through the attenuator, and a vessel positioned in the cavity and the attenuator and extending externally of the attenuator for holding materials in the cavity while microwaves from the source are applied thereto. The vessel includes a reaction chamber and a venting portion. The chamber portion is positioned entirely within the cavity, and the venting portion extends from the cavity and through the attenuator and externally of the attenuator and has a gas passage for permitting gases to flow to or from the reaction portion from gas sources external to the cavity, the attenuator, and the vessel.