Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling back reactions or recombination reactions of product molecules formed in a dissociation reaction of reactant molecules of a fluid sample, in a reaction chamber. The method comprises introducing the fluid sample into the reaction chamber through one or more inlets, initiating the dissociation reaction of the reactant molecules of the fluid sample in the reaction chamber to form the product molecules, creating a patterned flow of the fluid sample in the reaction chamber to reduce/minimize disordered and/or turbulent mixing of the reactant molecules and/or product molecules in the fluid sample, and conveying the fluid sample comprising the product molecules out from the reaction chamber through one or more outlets.

Abstract: A process for dehydrogenating organic molecules (OM) and a reaction vessel (RB) suitable for the process for dehydrogenating organic molecules by means of an inductive field (IF), wherein the reaction vessel comprises a device for generating an inductive field and a solid loose material (FLM), and wherein the reaction vessel and its contents are free of platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, iridium, titanium, tantalum or ruthenium.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating automotive vehicle emissions on board an automotive vehicle include the use of waste heat recovery, electrochemical water splitting, phototcatalytic water splitting, and selective catalytic reduction. Waste heat recovery is used to power electrochemical water splitting, or photocatalytic water splitting. Photons collected from a solar panel are used in photocatalytic water splitting, or in photo-assisted selective catalytic reduction. Hydrogen gas generated by water splitting is used in conjunction with catalytic reduction units to catalytically reduce NOx in an engine exhaust gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating automotive vehicle emissions on board an automotive vehicle include the use of waste heat recovery, electrochemical water splitting, phototcatalytic water splitting, and selective catalytic reduction. Waste heat recovery is used to power electrochemical water splitting, or photocatalytic water splitting. Photons collected from a solar panel are used in photocatalytic water splitting, or in photo-assisted selective catalytic reduction. Hydrogen gas generated by water splitting is used in conjunction with catalytic reduction units to catalytically reduce NOx in an engine exhaust gas.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method isolate anodic ion generation from precipitation and flocculation with target metal ions. Hyper-turbulent flow conditions in an ion generator confine reaction and flocculation to a precipitator downstream. Shear forces in a laminar boundary layer at a cylindrical anode separate anodic (sacrificial) ions from target ions effectively eliminating agglomeration in the bulk flow traveling in a hyper-turbulent flow regime through the generator. A precipitator downstream provides a dwell time for reaction between ions and initial agglomeration of reaction products therefrom. A controller, limiting electrical current through the generator (of anodic ions), optimizes operation without overdriving current, while virtually eliminating fouling of the anode. The system resists co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation and their distinct, respective flow regimes of hyper-turbulent and laminar flow.

Abstract: An energy carrier system is provided that produces ammonia with high efficiency and that further produces hydrogen as final product and uses the hydrogen as energy. An energy storage transportation method is further provided that is carried out by using energy carrier system. The energy carrier system includes nitric acid production device, an ammonia production device, and hydrogen production device. The nitric acid production device includes a photo-reactor, a gas supply unit that supplies photo-reactor with gas to be treated containing a nitrogen oxide, water, and oxygen, and light source disposed in the photo-reactor. The light source radiates light including ultraviolet of a wavelength shorter than 175 nm. The energy storage transportation method includes nitric acid production step of producing nitric acid from a nitrogen oxide, ammonia production step of producing ammonia through reduction of nitric acid, and hydrogen production step of producing hydrogen through decomposition of the ammonia.

Abstract: A semiconductor device fabrication method includes irradiating a first surface of a substrate with a radiation beam. While irradiating the first surface of the substrate, a precursor gas is introduced near the first surface to deposit a layer including a first material. The precursor gas is removed from near the first surface after the depositing the layer. After the removing the precursor gas and prior to forming another layer over the layer, while irradiating a second surface of the layer, a cleaning gas is introduced near the second surface of the layer to transform the first material into a second 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 method of depositing a material on a surface is disclosed. The method includes focusing a radiation beam on the surface and introducing a precursor gas near the surface wherein the precursor gas forms the material on the surface upon radiation by the radiation beam. The method further includes introducing an assistant gas near the surface wherein the assistant gas produces nitric oxide radicals upon radiation by the radiation beam. The nitric oxide radicals facilitate the dissociation process of the precursor gas and reduce contaminants in the deposited material.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a liquid treatment system comprising a fluid input channel and a plasmatron coupled to the fluid input channel, the plasmatron operative to affix nitrogen to liquid received from the fluid input channel resulting in treated liquid. The system further comprises a liquid chamber connected to the plasmatron for storing treated liquid and a treated fluid output channel connected to the liquid chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing NOx from exhaust gases produced by combustion-based energy sources. An array of high voltage pulsed electron beams are repetitively generated and transported through a thin foil into the exhaust gas containing NOx. The electron beam deposits its energy into the gas and produces reactive radicals N2+, N+, e, N2 from the NOx in the gas. These radicals recombine through chemical reactions to produce benign by-products nitrogen N2 and oxygen O2 which are output into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A combined production-functionalization process for producing a chemically functionalized nano graphene material from a pre-intercalated, oxidized, or halogenated graphite material, comprising: (A) Producing exfoliated graphite from the pre-intercalated, oxidized, or halogenated graphite material, wherein the graphite material is selected from the group consisting of natural graphite, artificial graphite, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, carbon nano-fiber, graphitic nano-fiber, meso-carbon micro-bead, graphitized coke, and combinations thereof; (B) Dispersing the exfoliated graphite and an azide or bi-radical compound in a liquid medium to form a suspension; (C) Subjecting the suspension to ultrasonication with ultrasonic waves of a desired intensity for a length of time sufficient to produce nano graphene platelets and to enable a chemical reaction to occur between the nano graphene platelets and the azide or bi-radical compound to produce the functionalized nano graphene mat

Abstract: Disclosed are: a catalyst which is capable of reducing and converting nitrate ions into ammonia without adding a hydrogen gas thereto; a method for synthesizing ammonia using the catalyst, wherein nitrate ions are reduced without adding a hydrogen gas thereto; and a method for decreasing nitrogen oxide in water by reducing nitrate ions contained in the water. Disclosed is a photocatalyst composition that is obtained by loading a photocatalyst, which is capable of photoreducing protons into a hydrogen gas, with CuPd alloy nanoparticles. The photocatalyst composition is used for the purpose of producing ammonia by photoreducing nitrogen that is coexistent with water and nitrogen oxide. The CuPd alloy nanoparticles are (1) CuPd alloy nanoparticles having a B2 type crystal structure and represented by CuxPd(1-x) (wherein 0.3?x?0.7), (2) CuPd alloy nanoparticles having a bcc type crystal structure and represented by CuxPd(1-x) (wherein 0.3<x<0.

Abstract: Methods for the photoreduction of molecules are provided. The methods use diamond having a negative electron affinity as a photocatalyst, taking advantage of its ability to act as a solid-state electron emitter that is capable of inducing reductions without the need for reactants to adsorb onto its surface. The methods comprise illuminating a fluid sample comprising the molecules to be reduced and hydrogen surface-terminated diamond having a negative electron affinity with light comprising a wavelength that induces the emission of electrons from the diamond directly into the fluid sample. The emitted electrons induce the reduction of the molecules to form a reduction product.

Abstract: A process for producing boron nitride nanotubes and/or boron-carbon-nitrogen nanotubes of the general formula BxCyNz. The process utilizes a combination of laser light and nitrogen gas flow to support a boron ball target during heating of the boron ball target and production of a boron vapor plume which reacts with nitrogen or nitrogen and carbon to produce boron nitride nanotubes and/or boron-carbon-nitrogen nanotubes of the general formula BxCyNz.

Abstract: High power RF energy supplied to a reaction chamber at a resonant frequency is used to break the covalent bonds of a hydrocarbon material without heat. An RF signal generator may be used to supply RF energy to a resonant ring through a four port coupler. The phase of the RF energy passing through the resonant ring may be adjusted to achieve an integral multiple of a resonant wavelength. Wavelength and intensity may be adjusted to sublimate or pyrolyze the hydrocarbon material to yield a useful gaseous product.

Abstract: A flue-gas purification system includes a flue-gas cycling system, a reactor, and an absorbent adding system having at least a catalytic absorbent, wherein the catalytic absorbent is being gasified for reacting with the flue-gas in the reactor in a homogenous gas-gas phase reacting manner. Therefore, the purification system has fast reaction rate between the pollutants of the flue-gas and the catalytic absorbent, which is preferably ammonia, to efficiently remove pollutants, so as to effectively purify the flue-gas.

Abstract: A method with various related apparatus polarizes the orbits of atomic electrons by strong magnetic fields creating in the atomic structure a magnetic field. The polarized atoms are introduced onto fuels, improving an efficiency of the fuels, including but not limiting to, new forms of gaseous, liquid and solid fuels with a bonded-in content of Hydrogen, Oxygen and/or other gases to enhance energy output and decrease contaminants in the exhaust. Further, methods of coating computer chips and other surfaces for their protection against oxidation, new fuels with energy content and flame temperatures greater than those of the conventional form of the same fuels, etc.

Abstract: An integrated production apparatus for production of boron nitride nanotubes via the pressure vapor-condenser method. The apparatus comprises: a pressurized reaction chamber containing a continuously fed boron containing target having a boron target tip, a source of pressurized nitrogen and a moving belt condenser apparatus; a hutch chamber proximate the pressurized reaction chamber containing a target feed system and a laser beam and optics.

Abstract: A process for producing boron nitride nanotubes and/or boron-carbon-nitrogen nanotubes of the general formula BxCyNz. The process utilizes a combination of laser light and nitrogen gas flow to support a boron ball target during heating of the boron ball target and production of a boron vapor plume which reacts with nitrogen or nitrogen and carbon to produce boron nitride nanotubes and/or boron-carbon-nitrogen nanotubes of the general formula BxCyNz.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a method for producing ammonia by introducing N2, CO and water into a non-thermal plasma in the presence of a catalyst, the catalyst being effective to promote the disassociation of N2, CO and water to form reactants that in turn react to produce NH3 and CH4. This disclosure also describes producing a reactive hydrogen ion or free radical by the method comprising passing water through a non-thermal plasma in the presence of a catalyst, the catalyst being effective to promote the dissociation of water.

Abstract: A high concentration NO2 gas generating system including a circulating path configured by connecting a chamber, a plasma generator, and a circulating means, wherein NO2 is generated by circulating a gas mixture including nitrogen and oxygen in the circulating path is provided. The high concentration NO2 gas generating system provides a high concentration NO2 generating system and the high concentration NO2 generating method using the generating system by which NO2 of high concentration (approximately 500 ppm or above) required for a high level of sterilization process in such as sterilization of medical instruments can be simply and selectively obtained. In addition, since indoor air is used as an ingredient, the management of ingredients is simple and highly safe, and the high concentration of NO2 can be simply and selectively prepared on demand.

Abstract: Methods for the photoreduction of molecules are provided. The methods use diamond having a negative electron affinity as a photocatalyst, taking advantage of its ability to act as a solid-state electron emitter that is capable of inducing reductions without the need for reactants to adsorb onto its surface. The methods comprise illuminating a fluid sample comprising the molecules to be reduced and hydrogen surface-terminated diamond having a negative electron affinity with light comprising a wavelength that induces the emission of electrons from the diamond directly into the fluid sample. The emitted electrons induce the reduction of the molecules to form a reduction product.

Abstract: A method of recovering an organic decomposition product from an organic source may include: a) causing an inert gas to flow through the reduction zone from a reduction inlet to a reduction outlet in such a way that pressure in the reduction zone is maintained above ambient pressure of a local environment for the material recovery system and b) applying electromagnetic wave energy to the organic source in the reduction zone via a bifurcated waveguide assembly in the substantial absence of oxygen to produce at least one gaseous organic decomposition product in the reduction zone that is exhausted from the reduction zone along with the inert gas through the reduction outlet. A material recovery system may include a housing with an inert gas inlet, a reduction zone, and a reduction outlet, an inert gas supply, an electromagnetic wave generator, a bifurcated waveguide assembly, and a controller.

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: Disclosed are: a catalyst which is capable of reducing and converting nitrate ions into ammonia without adding a hydrogen gas thereto; a method for synthesizing ammonia using the catalyst, wherein nitrate ions are reduced without adding a hydrogen gas thereto; and a method for decreasing nitrogen oxide in water by reducing nitrate ions contained in the water. Disclosed is a photocatalyst composition that is obtained by loading a photocatalyst, which is capable of photoreducing protons into a hydrogen gas, with CuPd alloy nanoparticles. The photocatalyst composition is used for the purpose of producing ammonia by photoreducing nitrogen that is coexistent with water and nitrogen oxide. The CuPd alloy nanoparticles are (1) CuPd alloy nanoparticles having a B2 type crystal structure and represented by CuxPd(1-x) (wherein 0.3<x<0.7), (2) CuPd alloy nanoparticles having a bcc type crystal structure and represented by CuxPd(1-x) (wherein 0.3<x<0.

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 method and apparatus for processing metal bearing gases involves generating a toroidal plasma in a plasma chamber. A metal bearing gas is introduced into the plasma chamber to react with the toroidal plasma. The interaction between the toroidal plasma and the metal bearing gas produces at least one of a metallic material, a metal oxide material or a metal nitride material.

Abstract: Method for producing terminal uranium nitride complexes comprising providing a suitable starting material comprising uranium; oxidizing the starting material with a suitable oxidant to produce one or more uranium(IV)-azide complexes; and, sufficiently irradiating the uranium(IV)-azide complexes to produce the terminal uranium nitride complexes.

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: An ammonia supply device includes an ammonia absorber, a conductive element, a mixture, a tank and an electrode. The ammonia absorber is in powder or granular form. Ammonia is stored in the ammonia absorber and released from the ammonia absorber. The conductive element in paste or liquid form has a conductive property and a nonreactive property with ammonia. The mixture is made by mixing the ammonia absorber and the conductive element. The tank holds the mixture. The electrode includes a pair of first and second electrode elements for applying voltage to the mixture.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a method for producing ammonia by introducing N2, CO and water into a non-thermal plasma in the presence of a catalyst, the catalyst being effective to promote the disassociation of N2, CO and water to form reactants that in turn react to produce NH3 and CH4. This disclosure also describes producing a reactive hydrogen ion or free radical by the method comprising passing water through a non-thermal plasma in the presence of a catalyst, the catalyst being effective to promote the dissociation of water.

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: Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment include a reactor having a reaction zone, a reactant source coupled in fluid in communication with the reactant zone, and a solar concentrator having at least one concentrator surface positionable to direct solar energy to a focal area. The system can further include an actuator coupled to the solar concentrator to move the solar concentrator relative to the sun, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator.

Abstract: The present method relates to processes for the removal of a material from a sample by a gas chemical reaction activated by a charged particle beam. The method is a multiple step process wherein in a first step a gas is supplied which, when a chemical reaction between the gas and the material is activated, forms a non-volatile material component such as a metal salt or a metaloxide. In a second consecutive step the reaction product of the first chemical reaction is removed from the sample.

Abstract: Transparent monolithic aerogels based on silica, the bioderived polymer chitosan, and coordinated ions are employed to serve as a three-dimensional scaffold decorated with metal ions such as Au, Pt and Pd ions. It has also been found that the metal aerogels, such as Au(III) aerogels, can be imaged photolytically to produce nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means of producing nitric oxide (NO) by photolysis of nitrous oxide (N2O) at ultraviolet wavelengths. One application is the production of a known concentration of NO in a diluent gas for calibration of analytical instruments that measure nitric oxide in gases such as exhaled breath, ambient air and automobile exhaust. A potentially important medical application is the production of NO for inhalation therapy, an advantage being that very little toxic NO2 gas is produced. The method is useful for producing NO for industrial applications as well. Advantages of this method of NO production include the use of a single, inexpensive, readily available reagent gas of very low toxicity. Furthermore, the concentration of NO produced can be easily controlled by varying the ultraviolet (UV) lamp intensity and relative gas flow rates.

Abstract: Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) is used to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the biogas produced in an anaerobic digester. The cleaned biogas is then combusted in a reciprocating engine. The exhaust of the engine is passed through a heat exchanger and then through GAC in an adsorber to adsorb nitrogen oxides (NOx) and any sulfur oxides (SOx). The GACs containing NOx, H2S, and SOx, are transported to a microwave reactor, mixed, and exposed to microwave energy. The H2S and NOx are desorbed from the GAC and chemically combined to produce nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur and water. Unreacted nitrogen oxides or hydrogen sulfide are transported to a second reactor containing carbon media to be reacted by a further microwave process. Sulfur is removed with a filter as a solid and the remaining inert components are vented to the atmosphere. The GAC is regenerated and reused to remove additional H2S and NOx.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I) for the production of nitric oxide and for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease wherein the administration of nitric oxide is beneficial. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a method for the production of NO irradiating a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I), a kit comprising a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I) and a carrier and to a system comprising a source of radiations and a container associated to a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I). In Formula (I), R and RI are each independently hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl group; RII is hydrogen or an alkyl group.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for end and side derivatization of carbon nanotubes. Also facile methods to attach moieties and nanoparticles on the side walls and both ends are described. The invention provides hybide materials for analytical, and optoelectronic purposes as well as materials applications. Materials have improved properties in the areas of tensile, electrical and thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Ionized irradiation can be used to improve the properties of fluoropolymers. In particular, elasticity, strain hardening, and melt strength of a fluoropolymer can be increased by LIP to an order of magnitude by exposure to controlled amounts of radiation; while polymer foams may be thermoformed and crosslinked by irradiation to provide a solvent resistance polymer foams having wide range of densities with good mechanical integrity at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A safe, economical and predictable process for producing ammonia from a urea solution, preferably where only a small amount of ammonia is required, (i.e. for SCR denitrification for small boilers, flue gas conditioning to enhance precipitator efficiency and/or alleviate plume problems, SNCR and the like), using an ultrasonic processor to cause “cold boiling” of portions of such solution and produce gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: A safe, economical and predictable process for producing ammonia from a urea solution, preferably where only a small amount of ammonia is required, (i.e. for SCR denitrification for small boilers, flue gas conditioning to enhance precipitator efficiency and/or alleviate plume problems, SNCR and the like), using an ultrasonic processor to cause “cold boiling” of portions of such solution and produce gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: Transparent monolithic aerogels based on silica, the bioderived polymer chitosan, and coordinated ions are employed to serve as a three-dimensional scaffold decorated with metal ions such as Au, Pt and Pd ions. It has also been found that the metal aerogels, such as Au(III) aerogels, can be imaged photolytically to produce nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating plasma in a liquid. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic wave generator for generating bubbles in the liquid, and an electromagnetic wave generator for continuously irradiating electromagnetic waves to the liquid from within the liquid in order to generate plasma. The method of generating plasma in a liquid includes the steps of generating bubbles in the liquid by irradiating ultrasonic waves in the liquid, and generating plasma in the bubbles by continuously irradiating electromagnetic waves from within the liquid to the bubbles.

Abstract: Contaminated water is disinfected by admixture of a highly reactive gas stream containing ions of oxygen and nitrogen, formed by exposure of air to short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation, and of chlorine, formed by electrolysis of a brine solution. Solids removal can be accomplished by electrophoresis in the same unit employed for electrolysis of brine to release chlorine, or in a separate unit.

Abstract: Pulsed ultraviolet light is used to address contamination by various microorganisms in different materials provided to people or animals, including food, water, and blood by transfusion.

Abstract: A method for removing nitrogen oxides from a lean flue gas. The method is carried out by: a) treating the flue gas in an electrical gas discharge, b) passing the thus treated flue gas over a basic storage material to store the nitrogen oxides in the form of nitrates and release of the treated flue gas to the environment, and c) regeneration of the storage material after depletion of its storage capacity by removing the storage material from the flue gas stream and treating it was a reducing regenerative gas stream while forming ammonia.

Abstract: Contaminated water, particularly, ballast water, blackwater, galley water, accommodation water, laundry water, fresh water and seawater, is disinfected by admixture of a highly reactive gas stream containing ions of oxygen and nitrogen, formed by exposure of air to short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation, and of chlorine, formed in situ by electrolysis of salt in the water. Solids removal can be accomplished by electrophoresis in the same unit employed for electrolysis to release chlorine, or in a separate unit. Heavy metals maybe removed by plating or sacrificing electrodes.

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.