Abstract: Disclosed herein are pristine graphene sheets with columns formed of fullerene nanotubes between the graphene sheets for use as body armor, semiconductor, battery anode, solar panels, heat sinks, structural concrete members, structural steel members, precast concrete structural members, bridges, highways, streets, skyscrapers, sidewalks, foundations, dams, industrial plants, canals, airports, structural composites, aircraft, military equipment, and civil infrastructure.

Abstract: Carbon-neutral fuels are produced from aragonite in a solar thermal decomposition process in which the carbon dioxide generated from the aragonite is catalytically converted to methane, ethanol, or Fischer-Tropsch liquids. Advantageously, heat from the aragonite production can be recovered and used in downstream processes to thereby minimize the carbon footprint of the fuel production.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a method for producing a graphene macro-assembly (GMA)-fullerene composite, comprising providing a mixture of graphene oxide and water, adding a hydroxylated fullerene to the mixture, and forming a gel of the hydroxylated fullerene and the mixture. Also described are a GMA-fullerene composite produced, an electrode comprising the GMA-fullerene composite, and a supercapacitor comprising the electrode.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for generating ClO2 gas are disclosed. A composition that includes a chlorite salt is activated by exposure to ultraviolet light. After an optional storage period, the composition is then exposed to moisture, resulting in the generation of ClO2 gas. Exemplary compositions include polymers in which the chlorite salt is dispersed. The polymers may be used to form films that can be used to package, e.g., food products, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and/or laboratory devices. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light and moisture, the packaging releases controlled quantities of ClO2 gas, which may disinfect and/or deodorize the packaged device or product.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-releasing organic molecules are described herein. The molecules can be synthesized prior to administration (e.g., ex vivo) or formed in vivo. In those embodiments where the molecules are formed in vivo, reactants are administered under physiological conditions and undergo a cycloaddition reaction to form a product which releases carbon monoxide. In applying such reactions for therapeutic applications in vivo, the cycloaddition and CO release typically occur only under near-physiological or physiological conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the cycloaddition reaction and/or release of carbon monoxide occur at a temperature of about 37° C. and pH of about 7.4. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for release carbon monoxide are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing a functionalized material that extracts metal ions from solution, the method comprising: (i) providing a precursor material having nitrile groups appended to its surface; and (ii) reacting said nitrile groups with hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof in the presence of a polar aprotic solvent at a temperature of 60-80° C. for at least 1 hour, to convert at least a portion of said nitrile groups to amidoxime and imide dioxime groups, followed by reaction with a base capable of hydrolyzing any remaining nitrile groups to carboxylic acid groups; wherein said functionalized material has a higher uranium absorption capacity than a functionalized material produced under same conditions except that the nitrile groups are reacted with hydroxylamine in only a protic solvent. The invention is also directed to functionalized materials produced by the above-described method, and methods for using the functionalized material for extracting metal ions from metal-containing solutions.

Abstract: A method of producing a functionalized material that extracts metal ions from solution, the method comprising: (i) providing a precursor material having nitrile groups appended to its surface; and (ii) reacting said nitrile groups with hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof in the presence of a polar aprotic solvent at a temperature of 60-80° C. for at least 1 hour, to convert at least a portion of said nitrile groups to amidoxime and imide dioxime groups, followed by reaction with a base capable of hydrolyzing any remaining nitrile groups to carboxylic acid groups; wherein said functionalized material has a higher uranium absorption capacity than a functionalized material produced under same conditions except that the nitrile groups are reacted with hydroxylamine in only a protic solvent. The invention is also directed to functionalized materials produced by the above-described method, and methods for using the functionalized material for extracting metal ions from metal-containing solutions.

Abstract: Multilayer porous membranes and methods for fabricating the membranes may have applications in filtration, separation, and nanomanufacturing. The layers of the membrane may be selected based on different physiochemical properties, such as ionization rate and/or etch rate. The pores may be formed by high energy particle bombardment and chemical etching. In some embodiments, the multilayer porous membrane may be utilized to form complex nanostructures by selecting different materials for the layers based on physiochemical properties, layer thickness, stacking sequence, and/or varying the pore generation process.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing gas components in a fluid uses a controller connected to a network and client device for remote control of fluid flow rates, magnet field intensity, and pressure of fluid based on preset parameters. Conductive wire coiled around a magnet fluid treatment device generates a bidirectional magnetic flux to magnetically treat fluid in the conduit at an entry pressure. A variable frequency generator energizes the wire creating magnetic flux lines to pass through the fluid flow conduit. A gas injector receives fluid at the gas injector entry pressure and lowers the gas injector entry pressure of the fluid to a gas injector discharge pressure. A treatment chamber receives the fluid at a treatment chamber entry pressure and lowers the treatment chamber entry pressure to a treatment chamber discharge pressure. The apparatus causes absorption of increased gas component into the fluid by from 10% to at least 500%.

Abstract: A method for producing a long length high temperature superconductor wire, includes providing a substrate, having a surface with a length of at least 50 meters and a width. The surface supports a biaxially textured high temperature superconducting layer and the biaxially textured high temperature superconducting layer has a length and a width corresponding to the length and width of the surface of the substrate. The method includes irradiating the biaxially textured high temperature superconductor layer with an ion beam impinging uniformly along the length and across the width of the biaxially textured high temperature superconductor layer to produce a uniform distribution of pinning microstructures in the biaxially textured high temperature superconductor layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing gas components in a fluid uses a controller connected to a network and client device for remote control of fluid flow rates, magnet field intensity, and pressure of fluid based on preset parameters. Conductive wire coiled around a magnet fluid treatment device generates a bidirectional magnetic flux to magnetically treat fluid in the conduit at an entry pressure. A variable frequency generator energizes the wire creating magnetic flux lines to pass through the fluid flow conduit. A gas injector receives fluid at the gas injector entry pressure and lowers the gas injector entry pressure of the fluid to a gas injector discharge pressure. A treatment chamber receives the fluid at a treatment chamber entry pressure and lowers the treatment chamber entry pressure to a treatment chamber discharge pressure. The apparatus causes absorption of increased gas component into the fluid by from 10% to at least 500%.

Abstract: A metal loaded catalyst comprises a support and main active metal components and optional auxiliary active metal components, wherein the main active metal components are elementary substances and obtained by ionizing radiation reducing precursors of main active metal components. The catalyst can be widely used in the catalytic reactions of petrochemistry industry with high activity and selectivity. The catalyst can be used directly without being reduced preliminarily by hydrogen.

Abstract: A gravity-driven water filtering system comprising: a gravity-driven water filter configured to engage and deliver treated water through apertures of various sizes and a filter receiving device. The gravity-driven water filter includes: a bottom portion; a water filter; and a top portion. The water filter is configured to be removably engaged by hand without the use of tools from the bottom portion and the water filter, the bottom portion and the top portion are each configured to be removably engaged and disengaged to allow for replacement of the filter and reassembly of the overall gravity filter assembly by hand and without the use of tools. The filter receiving device is a) a flat bottomed stand; b) a carrying device; or c) an adapter.

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 powder-based adsorbent and a related method of manufacture are provided. The powder-based adsorbent includes polymer powder with grafted side chains and an increased surface area per unit weight to increase the adsorption of dissolved metals, for example uranium, from aqueous solutions. A method for forming the powder-based adsorbent includes irradiating polymer powder, grafting with polymerizable reactive monomers, reacting with hydroxylamine, and conditioning with an alkaline solution. Powder-based adsorbents formed according to the present method demonstrated a significantly improved uranium adsorption capacity per unit weight over existing adsorbents.

Abstract: A method for modifying properties of graphene includes a graphene film provision step and a modification step. In the graphene film provision step, a graphene film is provided, and the graphene is formed on a substrate. In the modification step, the graphene film is placed in a vacuum environment and radiated by an electron beam to obtain a graphene material.

Abstract: A principle is established to show that nanoscale energy deposition in water by X-rays can be greatly enhanced via the geometry of nanostructures. The calculated results show that enhancement over background water can reach over 60 times for a single nanoshell made of gold. Other geometries and nanostructures are investigated, and it is found that a shell of gold nanoparticles can generate similar enhancement. The concepts of composition, matrix, and satellite effects are established and studied, all of which can further increase the enhancement of the effect of X-rays.

Abstract: A method to release hydrogen from a material comprising hydrogen fixed fullerenes involves irradiating the hydrogen fixed fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of sufficient intensity to release hydrogen rapidly upon irradiation. The intensity of the irradiation and/or the area of irradiation can be adjusted to control the rate and extent of hydrogen release. The hydrogen depleted material comprising hydrogen fixed fullerene can be hydrogenated to regenerate the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating nitric oxide, which comprises the steps of: providing a precursor solution comprising a nitric oxide precursor in a first reservoir (12), guiding the precursor solution through a reaction chamber (16), thereby subjecting the precursor solution to radiation to generate nitric oxide, guiding the generated nitric oxide out of the reaction chamber (16) by a stream of carrier gas, and guiding the reacted solution into a second reservoir (14). The method according to the invention provides a method of generating nitric oxide, or a flow of nitric oxide comprising gas, in which the concentration of the nitric oxide may be kept especially constant. Also claimed is an apparatus for generating nitric oxide comprising reservoirs for the precursor solution and the reacted solution and a reaction chamber.

Abstract: A convection-free flow-type reactor includes a reactor body. The reactor body includes a reaction chamber to house a fluid. An inlet is in communication with the reaction chamber to allow input of a reactant fluid. An outlet is in communication with the reaction chamber to allow output of a product fluid. An energy beam source device provides an energy beam to irradiate the reactant fluid in the reaction chamber. The disclosure further provides a convection-free flow-type synthesis method.

Abstract: A nanometal dispersion and a method for preparing a nanometal dispersion are provided. The method comprises mixing a metal seed crystal aqueous solution, a polysaccharide aqueous solution, and a metal compound aqueous solution, followed by allowing the resulting mixture to conduct a reduction-oxidation reaction to form a nanometal. The produced nanometal dispersion comprises a polysaccharide and a nanometal. The polysaccharide is composed of N-actyl-D-glucosamine and glucuronic acid, and the nanometal has multimorphology.

Abstract: A method of forming one or more protrusions on an outer surface of a polished face of a solid state material, said method including the step of applying focused inert gas ion beam local irradiation towards an outer surface of a polished facet of a solid state material in a way of protruding top surface material; wherein irradiated focused inert gas ions from said focused inert gas ion bean penetrate the outer surface of said polished facet of said solid state material; and wherein irradiated focused inert gas ions cause expansive strain within the solid state crystal lattice of the solid state material below said outer surface at a pressure so as to induce expansion of solid state crystal lattice, and form a protrusion on the outer surface of the polished face of said solid state material.

Abstract: Supramolecular complexes, methods and systems for photocatalysis of the reduction of substrates are described. The supramolecular complexes of the invention have a light absorbing metal center, an electron collector ligand and a catalytically active metal. When the supramolecular complexes are exposed to radiant energy, the light absorbing metal center creates a charge that is transferred to the electron collector ligand to form a charge transfer state. The charge is then transferred through the catalytically active metal to a substrate, cause the reduction of the substrate, e.g. the reduction of water to molecular hydrogen.

Abstract: A system and method for combinatorial processing of substrates in a processing chamber. The system includes a plurality of generators for supplying power into the processing chamber. A plurality of sputter guns provides power to different regions of a substrate. A switchbox switches power from a generator to a sputter gun via a plurality of coaxial switches. A controller positioned within the switchbox automatically distributes power from a specific generator to a specific sputter gun under programmable logic control.

Abstract: A device for ionizing particles (molecules or clusters) of a sample gas flow comprises a first flow tube for providing the sample gas flow, and a generator for producing reagent primary ions from particles of candidate reagent gas flow at a primary ion production region. The device also has an interaction region for introducing the reagent ions into the sample gas flow in order to arrange interaction between the reagent primary ions and the particles of the sample gas flow, thereby producing sample gas ions to be delivered to a detector. The generator for producing reagent primary ions is a non-radioactive soft X-ray radiation source.

Abstract: The activation of the C—H bond using low temperature plasma with an inlet liquid stream such that value added products are formed effectively. An organic liquid (e.g., hexane which is immiscible with liquid water) is injected into a flowing gas (argon) stream followed by mixing with a liquid water stream. Thereafter, the mixture contacts a plasma region formed by a pulsed electric discharge. The plasma formed with the flowing liquid and gas between the two electrodes causes chemical reactions that generate various compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drawing apparatus for performing drawing on a substrate with a charged particle beam, the apparatus including a first member in which an aperture, through which the charged particle beam passes, is formed, a chamber including a first space and a second space which are partitioned by the first member, and a removing device including a first supply device configured to supply a first gas containing unsaturated hydrocarbon to the first space and a second supply device configured to supply a second gas containing ozone to the second space, and configured to remove contamination on the first member by active species generated by reaction of the first gas with the second gas.

Abstract: Dental curing systems, apparatuses, and methods may include a light source, a perforated plate, and a dental composite. The perforated plate may be positioned between the light source and the dental composite. The perforated plate may include a plurality of perforations that convert a first curing light beam from the light source into multiple curing light beams before reaching the dental composite. The multiple curing light beams come in contact with the dental composite to begin the curing process at certain locations on the dental composite. The perforated plate may then be removed, and a second curing light beam from the light source may be applied to the dental composite to complete the curing process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a metal catalyst having improved yield of alcohols. The method for preparing a metal catalyst for the production of alcohol from synthesis gas includes forming a metal catalyst; and irradiating the metal catalyst with gamma rays. The metal catalyst has improved yield of alcohols by stabilizing the metal catalyst through gamma ray irradiation to inhibit generation of hydrocarbons in catalytic reaction with synthesis gas.

Abstract: System and process in which graphene, which may be produced on a commercial scale, is highly purified, then functionalized in a vertical plasma reactor which can also deagglomerate and/or delaminate the graphene, as well as separating or classifying the functionalized graphene particles according to size. In one disclosed embodiment, the graphene is produced by combustion of magnesium (Mg) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a highly exothermic reaction. The graphene is separated from the other reaction products and purified in a series of washing, heating, and drying steps, following which it is functionalized and otherwise processed in the plasma reactor.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fuel cell catalyst includes preparing a catalyst precursor solution by mixing a catalyst precursor and a solvent, and subjecting the catalyst precursor solution to radiation of electron beams having energy of less than or equal to 1 MeV. A method of preparing the fuel cell catalyst uses electron beams having low energy so that it can provide a desirable catalyst uniformly in a simple and economical process, as well as releasing few X-rays so that the catalyst can be mass produced.

Abstract: This invention proposes, among other things, systems and methods for providing ozone generators or plasma generators that generate an electric field in an electron generation chamber that is separate from a reaction chamber. An electron beam emitter in an electron generation chamber is configured to emit a beam of electrons and is separated from the reaction chamber by an electron permeable barrier that provides a window through which the beam of electrons passes. The electrons are accelerated to the required energy in the electron generation chamber and transmitted through the barrier to the reaction chamber, where an input gas source introduces an input gas into the reaction chamber. The input gas may react with the beam of electrons inside the reaction chamber to form an output gas comprising a plasma or a concentration of ozone, and the output gas passes from the reaction chamber to a wafer processing chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ozone ice that is improved for its storage stability is provided. In the method, ice 11 including oxygen gas g2 as gas bubbles b is produced and the produced ice 11 is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation, then the oxygen gas g2 in the ice 11 is ozonized to manufacture ozone ice 1.

Abstract: It is describes a material in the form of lithium fluoride powder containing color centers and the method for its preparation, by the formation of color centers based on irradiating the powder with synchrotron radiation (light). The method involves mechanically reducing the size of the particles that form the LiF powder and the formation of color centers therein by its exposure to synchrotron radiation. The so activated powder, which maintains the transparency characteristics of the original material if exposed to sunlight, can find wide use as an additive both in common printing inks and in pigments used in the artistic field to be used for the formation of marks on artifacts for anti-counterfeiting/identification purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of processing heavy paraffinic oils or heavy aromatic oils using radiation chemistry of polyethylene under oxidizing conditions. The process of the invention will result in a chain reaction for oxidative scission as the basis for a radiation processing for heavy paraffinic or aromatic oils. The method of the invention will allow for the cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly processing of heavy oils into lighter petroleum products.

Abstract: A method of fabricating pillared graphene assembles alternate layers of graphene sheets and fullerenes to form a stable protostructure. Energy is added to the protostructure to break the carbon-carbon bonds at the fullerene-to-graphene attachment points of the protostructure and allow the bonds to reorganize and reform into a stable lower energy unitary pillared graphene nanostructure in which open nanotubes are conjoined between graphene sheets. The attachment points may be functionalized using tether molecules to aid in attachment, and add chemical energy to the system. The arrangement and attachment spacing of the fullerenes may be determined using spacer molecules or an electric potential.

Abstract: It is aimed to prevent electrical charging inside a resin material as well as a surface of a resin vessel at a time of sterilizing the resin vessel by being irradiated with electron beam. A bottle support unit is mounted to a lower end portion of a cylindrical rotating shaft rotatably supported by a rotating wheel. The bottle support unit includes a pair of griper members by which a mouth portion of a bottle is gripped. The bottle rotated and conveyed in a state supported by the bottle support unit is irradiated with the electron beam from an electron beam irradiator to thereby sterilize the bottle. A ground electrode is disposed to be capable of being inserted into the interior of the resin vessel through a mouth portion thereof, and the interior of the resin vessel is irradiated with the electron beam in a state of the ground electrode being inserted into the resin vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the surface energy and/or surface chemistry of carbon fibers involves exposing the fibers to direct or indirect contact with atmospheric pressure plasma generated using a background gas containing at least some oxygen or other reactive species. The fiber may be exposed directly to the plasma, provided that the plasma is nonfilamentary, or the fiber may be exposed indirectly through contact with gases exhausting from a plasma discharge maintained in a separate volume. In either case, the process is carried out at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby eliminating the need for vacuum equipment. The process may be further modified by moistening the fibers with selected oxygen-containing liquids before exposure to the plasma.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include electron beam treated microporous halocarbon membranes, particularly fluoro-carbon membranes, and methods for treating one or more surfaces of a polymeric porous halocarbon membrane with electron beams. The modified porous membrane is stable, resists dewetting, and retains its mechanical properties and chemical inertness.

Abstract: To provide a method for preparing a mayenite-containing oxide containing a mayenite type compound and having a hydride ion density of at least 1×1018/cm3 without need for expensive facilities, control of complicated reaction conditions or a long period of reaction time. A method for preparing a mayenite-containing oxide, which comprises a firing step of heating a starting material having a molar ratio of CaO:Al2O3 being from 9:10 to 14:5 based on the oxides at a temperature of from 900 to 1,300° C. to obtain a fired powder and a hydrogenation step of firing the fired powder at a temperature of at least 1,210° C. and lower than 1,350° C.

Abstract: A process for producing a medical instrument, such as a stent and a guide wire, which has an excellent fatigue life; and a medical instrument, such as a stent and a guide wire, which has an excellent fatigue life. The process for producing a medical instrument includes: a preparation step of preparing a medical instrument including a NiTi-based alloy as a base material; and an ion irradiation step of irradiating the medical instrument prepared in the preparation step with Xe ions. The medical instrument is produced by irradiating a medical instrument including a NiTi-based alloy as a base material with Xe ions.

Abstract: It is describes a material in the form of lithium fluoride powder containing colour centres and the method for its preparation, by the formation of colour centres based on irradiating the powder with synchrotron radiation (light). The method involves mechanically reducing the size of the particles that form the LiF powder and the formation of colour centres therein by its exposure to synchrotron radiation. The so activated powder, which maintains the transparency characteristics of the original material if exposed to sunlight, can find wide use as an additive both in common printing inks and in pigments used in the artistic field to be used for the formation of marks on artefacts for anti-counterfeiting/identification purposes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating pillared graphene assembles alternate layers of graphene sheets and fullerenes to form a stable protostructure. Energy is added to the protostructure to break the carbon-carbon bonds at the fullerene-to-graphene attachment points of the protostructure and allow the bonds to reorganize and reform into a stable lower energy unitary pillared graphene nanostructure in which open nanotubes are conjoined between graphene sheets. The attachment points may be functionalized using tether molecules to aid in attachment, and add chemical energy to the system. The arrangement and attachment spacing of the fullerenes may be determined using spacer molecules or an electric potential.

Abstract: Photocatalytic water splitting is employed as a method to directly obtain clean hydrogen from solar radiation by using hybrid nanoparticles with metallic cores and semiconductor photocatalytic shells. Efficient unassisted overall photocatalytic splitting of water is based on resonant absorption from surface plasmon in metal core/semiconductor shell hybrid nanoparticles, which can extend the absorption spectra further towards the visible-near infrared range, thus dramatically increasing the solar energy conversion efficiency. When used in combination with scintillator nanoparticles, the hybrid photocatalytic nanoparticles can be used for conversion of nuclear energy into hydrogen.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing ligand-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is disclosed. The method comprises: a) providing an amine-modified silica particle; b) providing a solution comprising Au+3 ions; c) suspending the amine-modified silica particle in the solution comprising Au+3 ions; d) allowing the Au3+ ions to be adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle; e) exposing the Au3+ ions immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle to radiation to obtain bare gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle, wherein the bare AuNPs are without organic surface modifications; and f) reacting a ligand with the bare AuNPs adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified SiNP and thereby obtain ligand-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Abstract: The invention is directed to mixtures of polysilanes macroscopically solid at ambient temperature wherein the individual components of the composition SinH2n and/or SinH2n+2 of which decompose before they are boiling at an applied process pressure and which are produced from the hydrogenation of plasmachemically generated largely chlorinated polysilane mixtures. These mixtures of polysilanes are especially suited to be applied onto surfaces as solutions or dispersions and to obtain silicon-based structures or layers in subsequent process steps. Furthermore, they are especially safe in handling and can be additionally made up into transport forms in suitable transport containers.

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: A method for preparing luminescent diamond particles (e.g., fluorescent nanodiamonds). The method includes irradiating diamond particles with an ion beam and heating the irradiated diamond particles in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 600 and 1000° C. The diamond particles have a diameter of 1 nm to 1 mm and the ion beam has a kinetic energy of 1 KeV to 900 MeV. Also disclosed are luminescent diamond particles prepared by this method and methods of using them.

Abstract: An arrangement producing metal nanoparticles includes a ?-ray irradiator installed in a radioactive shielding room, a reactor that is disposed to oppose the ?-ray irradiator, and a power supply installed outside the radioactive shielding room to supply power to the reactor. The reactor includes a container receiving reaction materials and transmitting the energy of ?-rays to reaction materials arranged inside of the reactor, an agitator that is installed in the container to be capable of rotating, and a driving source for receiving the power from the power supply to drive the agitator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for achieving efficient production of hydrogen in a hydrogen generator, comprising at least a hydrogen generator, a liquid in said hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen from, and a ceramic that emits infrared at wavelengths covering at least a portion of 3-20 micrometers range so that said liquid can be excited with infrared at said wavelengths before or during the production of hydrogen for improved hydrogen production efficiency. The use of infrared-excited electrolyte solution in a hydrogen generator helps reduce the energy consumption, lower operating voltage, and thus reduce the cost of the production of hydrogen.