Abstract: A plasmonic nanoparticle catalyst for producing hydrocarbon molecules by light irradiation, which comprises at least one plasmonic provider and at least one catalytic property provider, wherein the plasmonic provider and the catalytic property provider are in contact with each other or have distance less than 200 nm, and molecular composition of the hydrocarbon molecules produced by light irradiation is temperature-dependent. And a method for producing hydrocarbon molecules by light irradiation utilizing the plasmonic nanoparticle catalyst.

Abstract: Article (9,19) comprising a substrate (10, 20) comprising a polymer and having first (11,21) and second (12, 22) opposed major surfaces. The first major surface (11, 21) has first surface regions (13, 23) with first nanoparticles (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) partially embedded into the first major surface (11, 21), and one of •(a) second surface regions (15) free of nanoparticles; or •(b) second surface regions (25) with at least second nanoparticles (28) on the first major surface (11, 21) or partially embedded into the first major surface (11, 21). The first surface regions (13, 23) have a first average surface roughness, Ra1, of at least 20 nm, wherein the second surface regions (15, 25) have a second average surface roughness, Ra2, of less than 100 nm, wherein the first average surface roughness, Ra1, is greater than the second average surface roughness, Ra2, and wherein there is an absolute difference between the first and second average surface roughness of at least 10 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the production of carbon nanotubes from carbonaceous matter, preferably, plastic waste and solar energy; Method of production.

Abstract: A supported carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membrane is made by contacting a film of a carbon forming polymer on a polymer textile to form a laminate. The laminate is then heated to a temperature for a time under an atmosphere sufficient to carbonize the film and polymer textile to form the supported CMS membrane. The supported CMS membrane formed is a laminate having a carbon separating layer graphitically bonded to a carbon textile, wherein the carbon separating layer is a continuous film. The supported CMS membranes are particularly useful for separating gases such as olefins from their corresponding paraffins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing and collecting, in a single step, nanoparticles of different materials, and for producing coatings thereof on materials with simple or complex geometries, both in a controlled atmosphere and in ambient conditions, by means of the combined application of a laser beam and high-intensity electric fields.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a low temperature method of preparing graphene. The method comprises applying a graphene oxide to a substrate and treating the graphene oxide on the substrate using photoreduction to reduce and stitch the graphene oxide to graphene. The present disclosure is also directed to graphene produced according to the aforementioned method.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of CO2 reduction to methanol or CO using a Cu2O catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to photocatalytic systems comprising graphene and associated methods. Some embodiments are directed to systems comprising one or more layers of graphene having a first surface and a second, opposed surface. A light-absorbing complex may be associated with the first surface of the one or more graphene layers, and an electron donor complex may be associated with the light-absorbing complex. A catalytic complex may be associated with the first surface or the second surface of the one or more graphene layers. For example, the catalytic complex may catalyze the formation of hydrogen gas, NADH, and/or NADPH.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel metal complexes useful as catalysts in redox reactions (such as, hydrogen (H2) production). In particular, the invention provides novel transition metal (e.g., cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni)) complexes, in which the transition metal is coupled with N,N-Bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-2,2?-Bipyridine-6-methanamine (DPA-Bpy), 6?-((bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2?-bipyridin-6-amine (DPA-ABpy), N,N-bis((isoquinolin-1-yl)methyl)(6-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methanamine (DIQ-Bpy), or a derivative thereof. The invention also relates to a method of producing H2 from an aqueous solution by using the metal complex as a catalyst. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a metal complex of the formulae as described herein.

Abstract: A lens frame unit includes a lens frame body that houses an optical member, a heat transfer unit that covers at least part of the lens frame body, a heat-generating unit, a temperature measurement unit that measures temperature and a same single electrical wiring board on which the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are mounted. The heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are arranged on the electrical wiring board so as to be separated from each other, and the electrical wiring board is disposed such that the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are in contact with the heat transfer unit. Thermal resistance between closest positions of the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit is greater than thermal resistance between the heat-generating unit and the heat transfer unit, and between the temperature measurement unit and the heat transfer unit.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a photocatalytic composite material comprising (a) a first component that generates a photoexcited electron and has at least a certain minimum bandgap to absorb visible light and a structure that substantially prevents the recombination of the photoexcited electron and a hole; (b) a second component that adsorbs/absorbs an oxide of carbon; and (c) a third component that splits the oxide of carbon into carbon and oxygen using the photoexcited electron.

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: 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: Provided in this invention is a process for producing chemically functionalized nano graphene materials, known as nano graphene platelets (NGPs), graphene nano sheets, or graphene nano ribbons. Subsequently, a polymer can be grafted to a functional group of the resulting functionalized graphene. In one preferred embodiment, the process comprises a step of mixing a starting nano graphene material having edges and two primary graphene surfaces, an azide or bi-radical compound, and an organic solvent in a reactor, and allowing a chemical reaction between the nano graphene material and the azide compound to proceed at a temperature for a length of time sufficient to produce the functionalized nano graphene material.

Abstract: Electromagnetic irradiation of functionalized fullerenes in an oxygen-free environment induces conversion of the functionalized fullerenes to carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, carbon onions, diamonds and/or carbon schwarzites. The carbon nanotubes can be multi-wall carbon nanotubes. Advantageously, the subject invention can be used for in-situ synthesis of carbon nanostructures within a matrix to form a carbon nanostructure composite, where positioning of the carbon nanostructures is controlled by the manner of dispersion of the functionalized fullerenes in the matrix. Carbon nanotube comprising features, such as electrical connects, can be formed on a surface by irradiating a portion of a functionalized fullerene coating with a laser beam.

Abstract: A method of reducing a film of graphite oxide. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a film of graphite oxide with a thickness d0; and delivering optical energy in a single pulse to the film of graphite oxide at a distance no more than 1.0 cm away from the film of graphite oxide to reduce the film of graphite oxide to a film of graphene with a thickness d, wherein the optical energy has a radiant exposure in the range of between 0.1 and 2 J/cm2, and wherein the thickness d is greater than the thickness d0. In one embodiment, the thickness d?10×d0.

Abstract: A system for use in fabrication of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) includes a wafer having a circuitry and a plurality of CNT seed sites. The system also includes a base assembly configured to support the wafer. The system further includes a first tube disposed over the wafer and configured to surround the CNTs that form on the seed sites. The circuitry in the wafer is configured to conduct at least one static charge. The wafer includes a top surface having a plurality of CNT seed sites, each seed site coupled to the circuitry and configured to receive one of the at least one static charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing carbon nanohorns includes a production chamber configured to irradiate a solid carbon material with a laser beam to produce a product containing carbon nanohorns; and a separation mechanism configured to separate the product produced in the production chamber into a lightweight component and a heavyweight component. The heavyweight component includes carbon nanohorn aggregate with high purity, and high-purity carbon nanotubes can be obtained by collecting the heavyweight component.

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: The invention relates to a method for carbonizing carbon dioxide, comprising the step of contacting carbon dioxide with a solution of chelating agent or a solution of substance which exhibits chelating properties under dynamic conditions to generate oxygen and carbon particles. The method of the invention is significantly more economical and convenient and do not cause harm to the environments. The invention also exhibits a novel and unique feature that elemental carbon and oxygen are generated as final products under normal room temperature and atmosphere, and the carbon can be recovered as an energy source.

Abstract: Methods for converting graphite oxide into graphene by exposure to electromagnetic radiation are described. As an example, graphene oxide may be rapidly converted into graphene upon exposure to converged sunlight.

Abstract: Graphite oxide can be converted to its reduced form (r-GO) using exposing UV radiation having a peak wavelength (?max) of less than 400 nm while being maintained at a temperature that is greater than room temperature. This conversion method is efficient and can be carried out with various forms of graphite oxide samples, below atmospheric pressure, or in a reducing environment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating graphene using a plurality of light sources, and an apparatus for fabricating graphene are provided. The apparatus for fabricating graphene includes a first light source configured to irradiate a graphite oxide layer on a substrate, a second light source configured to further irradiate the irradiated graphite oxide layer, and a control unit configured to control an order of irradiation from the first light source and the second light source.

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: A blue phase liquid crystal material includes a liquid crystal host, a chiral reagent and a stable polymer. The chiral reagent is R811. The stable polymer is formed by photo-polymerizing a first monomer and a second monomer. The first monomer is 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), and the second monomer is 2-methyl-1,4-bis{4-[3(-acrylate)propoxyl]benzoicacid}phenylester (PTPTP). The blue phase liquid crystal material has a blue phase temperature range widened to an extremely low temperature. A blue phase liquid crystal composition and a method for manufacturing the blue phase liquid crystal material by using the blue phase liquid crystal composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemically functionalized submicron graphitic fibril having a diameter or thickness less than 1 ?m, wherein the fibril is free of continuous thermal carbon overcoat, free of continuous hollow core, and free of catalyst. The fibril is obtained by splitting a micron-scaled carbon fiber or graphite fiber along the fiber axis direction. These functionalized graphitic fibrils exhibit exceptionally high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, high elastic modulus, high strength and good interfacial bonding with a matrix resin in a composite. The present invention also provides several products that contain submicron graphitic fibrils: (a) paper, thin-film, mat, and web products; (b) rubber or tire products; (c) energy conversion or storage devices, such as fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors; (d) adhesives, inks, coatings, paints, lubricants, and grease products; (e) heavy metal ion scavenger; (f) absorbent (e.g.

Abstract: A method of producing exfoliated graphite or graphene from a graphitic or carbonaceous material. The method includes: (a) dispersing a graphitic material in a liquid intercalating agent to form a suspension; and (b) subjecting the suspension to microwave or radio frequency irradiation for a length of time sufficient for producing the exfoliated graphite or graphene. In one preferred embodiment, the intercalating agent is an acid or an oxidizer, or a combination of both. The method enables production of more electrically conducting graphene sheets directly from a graphitic material without going through the chemical intercalation or oxidation procedure. The process is fast (minutes as opposed to hours or days of conventional processes), environmentally benign, and highly scalable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control reaction rates of chemical reactions. Methods can include mixing chemical reactants to provide a reaction mixture, at least one chemical reactant being magnetic; and applying a magnetic field to the reaction mixture, the magnetic field being applied to effect a control of the rate of a chemical reaction between the reactants in the reaction mixture, the magnetic field being effective to change the reaction rate over a chemical reaction between the same reactants at the same pressure and temperature where the reaction mixture is not exposed to the magnetic field.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of forming cross-linked carbon materials by: (a) associating a sulfur source with carbon materials, where the sulfur source comprises sulfur atoms; and (b) initiating a chemical reaction, where the chemical reaction leads to the formation of covalent linkages between the carbon materials. In some embodiments, the covalent linkages between the carbon materials comprise covalent bonds between sulfur atoms of the sulfur source and carbon atoms of the carbon materials. In some embodiments, the chemical reactions occur in the absence of solvents while carbon materials are immobilized in solid state. In some embodiments, the carbon materials include carbon nanotube fibers. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of doping carbon materials with a dopant, such as iodine. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to cross-linked carbon materials formed in accordance with the above methods.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein relate generally to the formation of diamond-like carbon, forms of diamond-like carbon and/or carbon dioxide fixation.

Abstract: An improved system and method for generating graphene involves producing a plurality of ionized carbon atoms in a plasma generation chamber and providing the plurality of ionized carbon atoms to a graphene generation chamber having a magnetic structure. The graphene generation chamber generates graphene from said plurality of ionized carbon atoms over said magnetic structure such that said graphene floats over said magnetic structure due to said graphene being diamagnetic. The rate at which the plurality of ionized carbon atoms is produced is controlled to control the rate of graphene generation. The magnetic field of the magnetic structure can be controlled to control the rate at which the generated graphene moves through the graphene generation chamber until it exits as a recovered graphene product.

Abstract: Electromagnetic irradiation of functionalized fullerenes in an oxygen-free environment induces conversion of the functionalized fullerenes to carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, carbon onions, diamonds and/or carbon schwarzites. The carbon nanotubes can be multi-wall carbon nanotubes. Advantageously, the subject invention can be used for in-situ synthesis of carbon nanostructures within a matrix to form a carbon nanostructure composite, where positioning of the carbon nanostructures is controlled by the manner of dispersion of the functionalized fullerenes in the matrix. Carbon nanotube comprising features, such as electrical connects, can be formed on a surface by irradiating a portion of a functionalized fullerene coating with a laser beam.

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 method for continuously processing carbon fiber including establishing a microwave plasma in a selected atmosphere contained in an elongated chamber having a microwave power gradient along its length defined by a lower microwave power at one end and a higher microwave power at the opposite end of the elongated chamber. The elongated chamber having an opening in each of the ends of the chamber that are adapted to allow the passage of the fiber tow while limiting incidental gas flow into or out of said chamber. A continuous fiber tow is introduced into the end of the chamber having the lower microwave power. The fiber tow is withdrawn from the opposite end of the chamber having the higher microwave power. The fiber to is subjected to progressively higher microwave energy as the fiber is being traversed through the elongated chamber.

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: Apparatus and methods are described for separate heating of substrate, catalyst and feedstock/transport gases for the controllable CVD synthesis of various carbon nanotubes and nanostructures, and particularly for CVD growth of oriented forests of multi-wall CNT forests, which are highly dry-spinnable into sheets and yarns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring properties of graphene includes exposing the graphene to plasma having a density in a range from about 0.3*108 cm?3 to about 30*108 cm?3 when the graphene is in a ground state. The method and apparatus may be used for large-area, low-temperature, high-speed, eco-friendly, and silicon treatment of graphene.

Abstract: Methods of easily manufacturing a large-area graphene fiber are provided. The method includes forming a supporting fiber, forming a graphene oxide-containing solution, coating the supporting fiber with the graphene oxide-containing solution to form a graphene oxide composite fiber, and separating the supporting fiber from the graphene oxide composite fiber. The large-area graphene fiber having high strength, high flexibility, and high porosity is easily manufactured to be applied in various fields including an environment field and an energy field.

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 is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a methane precursor material into a thermal zone, heating the methane precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the methane precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. Apparatus for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a hydrocarbon precursor material capable of forming a two-carbon-fragment species into a thermal zone, heating the hydrocarbon precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the hydrocarbon precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. Apparatus for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blue phase liquid crystal material includes a liquid crystal host, a chiral reagent and a stable polymer. The chiral reagent is R811. The stable polymer is formed by photo-polymerizing a first monomer and a second monomer. The first monomer is 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), and the second monomer is 2-methyl-1,4-bis{4-[3(-acrylate)propoxyl]benzoicacid}phenylester (PTPTP). The blue phase liquid crystal material has a blue phase temperature range widened to an extremely low temperature. A blue phase liquid crystal composition and a method for manufacturing the blue phase liquid crystal material by using the blue phase liquid crystal composition are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for the photo-induced reduction/oxidation of carbon nanotubes, and their use in photochemical cells and in electrochemical cells for the generation of hydrogen.

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 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: A method of producing exfoliated graphite or graphene from a graphitic or carbonaceous material. The method includes: (a) dispersing a graphitic material in a liquid intercalating agent to form a suspension; and (b) subjecting the suspension to microwave or radio frequency irradiation for a length of time sufficient for producing the exfoliated graphite or graphene. In one preferred embodiment, the intercalating agent is an acid or an oxidizer, or a combination of both. The method enables production of more electrically conducting graphene sheets directly from a graphitic material without going through the chemical intercalation or oxidation procedure. The process is fast (minutes as opposed to hours or days of conventional processes), environmentally benign, and highly scalable.

Abstract: Methods for converting graphite oxide into graphene by exposure to electromagnetic radiation are described. As an example, graphene oxide may be rapidly converted into graphene upon exposure to converged sunlight.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of a liquid, in particular a mineral oil, for increasing the portion of low-boiling fractions. The treatment comprises generating pressure waves having a first frequency, subjecting the liquid to said pressure waves in a region of application and feeding the so-treated liquid to a tank. At least one pipe flowed through by the treated liquid and immediately following said region of application is excited to oscillations of a second frequency, which is the resonance frequency of the excited system.

Abstract: There is described a process for depositing carbon on a surface, comprising, while contacting a mixture of CO2 and Br2 with a polar substrate presenting apposed surfaces, exposing a sufficient area of said mixture in the region of said apposed surfaces to light of sufficient intensity and frequency to result in deposition of carbon on at least some of said apposed surfaces. Other embodiments are also described.