Abstract: An environmentally beneficial method of producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning power plants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by an electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode in one compartment and a metal cathode electrode in a compartment that also contains an aqueous solution comprising methanol and an electrolyte. An anion-conducting membrane can be provided between the anode and cathode to produce at the cathode therein a reaction mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can be subsequently used to produce methanol while also producing oxygen in the cell at the anode. The oxygen produced at the anode can be recycled for efficient combustion of fossil fuels in power plants to exclusively produce CO2 exhausts for capture and recycling as the source of CO2 for the cell.

Abstract: Alkali alcoholates, also called alkali alkoxides, are produced from alkali metal salt solutions and alcohol using a three-compartment electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an anolyte compartment configured with an anode, a buffer compartment, and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. An alkali ion conducting solid electrolyte configured to selectively transport alkali ions is positioned between the anolyte compartment and the buffer compartment. An alkali ion permeable separator is positioned between the buffer compartment and the catholyte compartment. The catholyte solution may include an alkali alcoholate and alcohol. The anolyte solution may include at least one alkali salt. The buffer compartment solution may include a soluble alkali salt and an alkali alcoholate in alcohol.

Abstract: A method for heterocycle catalyzed electrochemical reduction of a carbonyl compound is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may introduce the carbonyl compound into a solution of an electrolyte and a heterocycle catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode generally reduces the carbonyl compound to at least one aldehyde compound. Step (B) may vary which of the aldehyde compounds is produced by adjusting one or more of (i) a cathode material, (ii) the electrolyte, (iii) the heterocycle catalyst, (iv) a pH level and (v) an electrical potential. Step (C) may separate the aldehyde compounds from the solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes of making solutions of metal alcoholates in their corresponding alcohols using an electrolytic process. In one embodiment, sodium methylate in methanol is made from methanol and sodium hydroxide solution. The sodium hydroxide solution is placed in the anolyte compartment and the methanol is placed in the catholyte compartment, and the two compartments are separated by a ceramic membrane that selectively transports sodium under the influence of current. In preferred embodiments, the process is cost-effective and not environmentally harmful.

Abstract: Methods for the production of erythrose and/or erythritol are provided herein. Preferably, the methods include the step of electrolytic decarboxylation of a ribonic acid or arabinonic acid reactant to produce erythrose. Optionally, the reactant can be obtained from a suitable hexose sugar, such as allose, altrose, glucose, fructose or mannose. The erythrose product can be hydrogenated to produce erythritol.

Abstract: A method for reducing carbon dioxide to one or more products is disclosed. The method may include steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may bubble the carbon dioxide into a solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode generally reduces the carbon dioxide into the products. Step (B) may vary at least one of (i) which of the products is produced and (ii) a faradaic yield of the products by adjusting one or more of (a) a cathode material and (b) a surface morphology of the cathode. Step (C) may separate the products from the solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes of making solutions of metal alcoholates in their corresponding alcohols using an electrolytic process. In a preferred embodiment, sodium methylate in methanol is made from methanol and sodium hydroxide solution. The sodium hydroxide solution is placed in the anolyte compartment and the methanol is placed in the catholyte compartment, and the two compartments are separated by a ceramic membrane that selectively transports sodium under the influence of current. In preferred embodiments, the process is cost-effective and not environmentally harmful.

Abstract: The present invention provides ruthenium or osmium complexes and their uses as a catalyst for catalytic water oxidation. Another aspect of the invention provides an electrode and photo-electrochemical cells for electrolysis of water molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes of making solutions of alkali alkoxides in their corresponding alcohols using an electrolytic process. In one embodiment, sodium methoxide in methanol is made from methanol and aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, where the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is present in the anolyte compartment and a solution of sodium methoxide in methanol is present in the catholyte compartment, the two compartments are separated by a ceramic membrane that selectively transports sodium ions under the influence of an electric potential, and wherein the composition of the solution of sodium methoxide in methanol in the catholyte compartment of the electrolytic cell comprises between at least about 2% by weight sodium methoxide and at most about 20% by weight sodium methoxide.

Abstract: An environmentally beneficial method of producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning power plants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by an electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode in one compartment and a metal cathode electrode in a compartment that also contains an aqueous solution comprising methanol and an electrolyte. An anion-conducting membrane can be provided between the anode and cathode to produce at the cathode therein a reaction mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can be subsequently used to produce methanol while also producing oxygen in the cell at the anode. The oxygen produced at the anode can be recycled for efficient combustion of fossil fuels in power plants to exclusively produce CO2 exhausts for capture and recycling as the source of CO2 for the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to various embodiments of an environmentally beneficial method for reducing carbon dioxide. The methods in accordance with the invention include electrochemically or photoelectrochemically reducing the carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode, e.g., an inert metal counterelectrode, in one cell compartment and a metal or p-type semiconductor cathode electrode in another cell compartment that also contains an aqueous solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst of one or more substituted or unsubstituted aromatic amines to produce therein a reduced organic product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing methanol from a methane source by oxidizing methane under conditions sufficient to a mixture of methanol and formaldehyde while minimizing the formation of formic acid and carbon dioxide. The oxidation step is followed by treatment step in which formaldehyde is converted into methanol and formic acid which itself can further be converted into methanol via catalytic hydrogenation of intermediately formed methyl formate.

Abstract: An environmentally beneficial method of producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning power plants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by an electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode in one cell compartment and a metal cathode electrode in another cell compartment that also contains an aqueous solution comprising methanol and an electrolyte of one or more alkyl ammonium halides, alkali carbonates or combinations thereof to produce therein a reaction mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen which can be subsequently used to produce methanol while also producing oxygen in the cell at the anode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating alkali metal ions from alkali salts of glycerine to thereby form clean glycerine. These methods are enabled by the use of alkali ion conductive membranes in electrolytic cells that are chemically stable in low pH conditions. The alkali ion conductive membrane preferably includes a chemically stable ionic-selective polymer membrane. A layered composite of a chemically stable ionic-selective polymer and a cation-conductive ceramic membrane is disclosed.

Abstract: An environmentally beneficial method of producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning power plants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by an electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode in one cell compartment and a metal cathode electrode in another cell compartment that also contains an aqueous solution comprising methanol and an electrolyte of one or more alkyl ammonium halides, alkali carbonates or combinations thereof to produce therein a reaction mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen which can be subsequently used to produce methanol while also producing oxygen in the cell at the anode.

Abstract: A production system and process comprising mixing electrochemically-activated liquid and feedstock granules to form a slurry a slurry cooker, and producing alcohol from the slurry.

Abstract: Alkali alcoholates, also called alkali alkoxides, are produced from alkali metal salt solutions and alcohol using a three-compartment electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an anolyte compartment configured with an anode, a buffer compartment, and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. First and second separators are positioned between the anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment to define a buffer compartment. The first and second separators are permeable to alkali ions. They may be fabricated of the same or different materials including, but not limited to, an alkali ion conducting solid electrolyte configured to selectively transport alkali ions, a porous ceramic, or a porous polymer separator material. The catholyte solution may include an alkali alcoholate and alcohol. The anolyte solution may include at least one alkali salt. The buffer compartment solution may include a soluble alkali salt and an alkali alcoholate in alcohol.

Abstract: Alkali alcoholates, also called alkali alkoxides, are produced from alkali metal salt solutions and alcohol using a three-compartment electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an anolyte compartment configured with an anode, a buffer compartment, and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. An alkali ion conducting solid electrolyte configured to selectively transport alkali ions is positioned between the anolyte compartment and the buffer compartment. An alkali ion permeable separator is positioned between the buffer compartment and the catholyte compartment. The catholyte solution may include an alkali alcoholate and alcohol. The anolyte solution may include at least one alkali salt. The buffer compartment solution may include a soluble alkali salt and an alkali alcoholate in alcohol.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating carbon dioxide to generate methanol. In the process, a strip of copper base plate is transported by the groups of rotating drive rollers to deposit porous metallic zinc on the copper base plate. Hydrogen is generated from the porous metallic zinc upon electrochemical reactions in the inner space sealed with the above groups of rollers. Simultaneously, zinc oxide and copper oxide catalysts are formed on the porous metallic zinc. Carbon dioxide is introduced into the sealed inner space under high-temperature and high-pressure to generate methanol by hydrogenation.

Abstract: Direct bromination of hydroxy aromatic compounds by electrolysis of mixtures comprising the hydroxy aromatic compound, a source of bromide ion, and an organic solvent provides product brominated hydroxy aromatic compounds at synthetically useful rates with high para-selectivity. The process does not require the use or handling of molecular bromine or bromine complexes and allows the full use of the bromide source without generating hydrogen bromide as a by-product of the reaction. The simple electrochemical equipment required by the present process, for example an undivided electrochemical cell, makes the process less capital intensive than analogous electrochemical processes carried out in divided cells. The use of hydrobromic acid as the source of bromide ion provides clean reaction with nearly exclusive formation of the target brominated product.

Abstract: A method for producing compounds which are oxidized in an alpha position by electrochemical reaction with alcohol in the presence of an auxiliary electrolyte and catalytic amounts of a metal salt.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol comprises subjecting a hydrocarbon feedstock partial oxidation and an optional reformer to produce a partial oxidation reactor effluent comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; adding an amount of a hydrogen feedstock, at least a portion of which is obtained from electrolyzing water, to the partial oxidation reactor effluent to produce a synthesis gas stream having a predetermined ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide and optionally to carbon dioxide; subjecting the synthesis gas to methanol synthesis to produce a methanol product stream; and, recycling a substantial portion of the methanol product stream to the partial oxidation reactor.

Abstract: A method for producing alcoxylated carbonyl compounds of general formula (I) (compounds I): R1aR2C(OR3)b wherein R1, R2 represent hydrogen or C1-C6-alkyl, R3 independently means C1-C6-alkyl, a is 0 or 1, b 2 or 3 with the proviso that the sum of a and b is 3, by means of anodic oxidation of germinal dialcoxy compounds of general formula (II) (compounds II) wherein R4, R5, R6, R7 represent hydrogen or C1-C6-alkyl, R5, R6 represent C1-C6-alkyl or C1-C6-alcoxy, in the presence of a C1-C6-alkyl alcohol (compounds III). A usual compound (compound IV) is used as a cathodic depolarizer suitable for electrochemical oxidation. The anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction is carried out in an undivided electrolyte cell in the presence of C1-C6-alkyl alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the electrochemical production of alkali alcoholates and to an electrolytic cell that can be used for this purpose. In particular, the invention is concerned with a method of production in which aqueous saline solutions are used on the anode side. A main characteristic of the electrolytic cell is that the anode compartment and the cathode compartment are separated by an anolyte-stable and catholyte-stable solid electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods using neutral red to mediate the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. Electrically reduced neutral red has been found to promote cell growth and formation of reduced products by reversibly increasing the ratio of the reduced:oxidized forms of NAD(H) or NADP(H). Electrically reduced neutral red is able to serve as the sole source of reducing power for microbial, cell growth. Neutral red is also able to promote conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy by facilitating the transfer of electrons from microbial reducing power to a fuel cell cathode.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a process, which includes: electrochemically oxidizing at least one organic compound by bringing the organic compound into contact with an anode, wherein the anode includes: an electrically conductive support; and an electrically conductive, anodically polarized layer on the support; wherein the anodically polarized layer is formed in situ upon the support by precoating; and wherein the organic compound is not phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a product, produced by the above process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high through-put system for determining and/or monitoring electrophysiological properties of ion channels of ion channel-containing membranes, typically lipid membrane-containing structures such as cells. In particular, the invention provides a substrate which provides means for automatically positioning cells at measuring sites using electroosmotic flow in canals formed on or in the substrate. The electroosmotic flow is generated and controlled by electroosmotic flow pumps integrated on the substrate or positioned in relation thereto. Thereby, cells can be positioned in favorable measurement configuration at a plurality of sites for performing testing and measurements. Also, the invention relates to a main electric circuit for performing testing and measurements on a plurality of cells in parallel.

Abstract: An electroenzymatic reactor comprises a reaction vessel having a working electrode compartment. Within the working electrode compartment is a reactor solution containing a redox enzyme, a redox carrier, and an oxidizable or reducible substrate. Also within the working electrode compartment is a reference electrode and a metal oxide working electrode capable of being held close to the redox potential of the redox carrier. A counter electrode is provided outside the working electrode compartment. Necessary molecular oxygen or hydrogen is supplied to the reaction by water electrolysis at the counter electrode. Hydrogen peroxide that is generated at the working electrode or counter electrode is decomposed by a screen situated near the hydrogen-peroxide generating electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods using neutral red to mediate the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. Electrically reduced neutral red has been found to promote cell growth and formation of reduced products by reversibly increasing the ratio of the reduced:oxidized forms of NAD(H) or NADP(H). Electrically reduced neutral red is able to serve as the sole source of reducing power for microbial cell growth. Neutral red is also able to promote conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy by facilitating the transfer of electrons from microbial reducing power to a fuel cell cathode.

Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical uses is made of a conductive metal mesh coated with boron-doped diamond. The electrode may be used in electrochemical reactions either as a cathode or as an anode, or can be used with an alternating current.

Abstract: Metal nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder with high surface area (up to 150 m2/g) is prepared by using sol-gel process. The metal organic precursor, alkoxides or amides, is synthesized firstly. The metal organic precursor is modified by using unhydrolyzable organic ligands or templates. A wet gel is formed then by hydrolysis and condensation process. The solvent in the wet gel is then be removed supercritically to form porous amorphous hydroxide. This porous hydroxide materials is sintered to 725° C. under the ammonia flow and porous nitride powder is formed. The other way to obtain high surface area nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder is to pyrolyze polymerized templated metal amides aerogel in an inert atmosphere. The electrochemical capacitors are prepared by using sol-gel prepared nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder. Two methods are used to assemble the capacitors.

Abstract: Simple methods of detecting single base pair mutations and other mutations in nucleic acid sequences are provided comprising generating a sample which may comprise heteroduplexes and homoduplexes and performing gel electrophoresis on the sample. The sample may be analyzed for one or more isolated high-melting domains prior to performance of gel electrophoresis. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: An electrolyte contains a tetravalent salt of titanium and a trivalent salt of cerium in a methanesulfonic acid solution. A reducing agent consisting of trivalent titanium and an oxidizing agent consisting of tetravalent cerium are provided in the same solution. An electrochemical cell is disclosed wherein the catholyte and anolyte utilize this electrolyte. The reduction of tetravalent titanium into trivalent titanium is accomplished by electrolysis in the presence of extraneous trivalent cerium ions. The oxidation of trivalent cerium into tetravalent cerium is accomplished by electrolysis in the presence of extraneous tetravalent titanium ions. Simultaneous reduction of tetravalent titanium into trivalent titanium and oxidation of trivalent cerium to tetravalent cerium by electrolysis is also disclosed. Reduction of organic compounds using trivalent titanium in the presence of trivalent cerium in methanesulfonic acid is disclosed.