Abstract: This invention relates to sulfur functionalized ionic liquid compounds that are useful in methods of carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide removal to which they may be applied.

Abstract: Processes and reactor systems are provided for the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons, ketones and alcohols useful as liquid fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel or diesel fuel, and industrial chemicals. The process involves the conversion of mono-oxygenated hydrocarbons, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, furans, carboxylic acids, diols, triols, and/or other polyols, to C4+ hydrocarbons, alcohols and/or ketones, by condensation. The oxygenated hydrocarbons may originate from any source, but are preferably derived from biomass.

Abstract: NO2 may be removed from a carbon dioxide feed gas comprising NOx and at least one “non-condensable” gas as contaminants by passing the feed gas at a first elevated pressure through a first adsorption system that selectively adsorbs at least NO2 to produce at least substantially NO2-free carbon dioxide gas. The adsorption system is at least partially regenerated using a carbon dioxide-rich gas recovered from the substantially NO2-free carbon dioxide gas after purification. The invention has particular application in removing NOx and water from flue gas generated by oxyfuel combustion.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas comprising the steps of releasing pulses of a compressed hydrocarbon gas into an expansion chamber (8) and passing the expanded hydrocarbon gas over a catalytic converter (11) to oxidize the hydrocarbon gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovery of high purity carbon dioxide from a gaseous source and uses thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to the production of high purity carbon dioxide, which is substantially free of nitrogen, oxygen, nitrogen oxides, sulphurous compounds and volatile organic contaminants, particularly benzene. The present invention also relates to a method for removal of benzene from a carbon dioxide feeding gas as well as the use of said high purity carbon dioxide in foodstuffs.

Abstract: An advanced method for processing a solid feedstock such as coal and a liquid feedstock such as bitumen wherein gases produced from such fossil fuel feedstocks are divided in a way as to polygenerate various by-products which includes the conversion of a waste gas (flue gas) containing nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from the combustion of said gases to produce an intermediate made of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N2) in the form of cyanogen which in turn is converted to a fertilizer such as oxamide. This approach obviates the necessity of CO2 capture and storage in a geologic formation. Besides the making of a fertilizer from a waste gas containing N2 and CO2, the other by-products can be power in the form of electricity and/or steam from a lean gas and liquid transportation fuel like methanol/gasoline, or chemicals from a hydrogen rich gas. The method is applicable to utility as well as to industry.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming nano-structures of carbon solids includes a reactor chamber into which extends a plasma torch configured to generate a plasma plume that extends into the interior of the reactor chamber. CO2 from is applied to the plasma plume where the CO2 is dissociated into carbon and oxygen. A plurality of nozzles also extends into the reactor chamber, which sprays liquid water on the plume, cooling at least a portion of the carbon causing it to form solid carbon nano-structures in a mixture of liquid water. The mixture is conveyed to a flocculation tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream without consuming excess energy, wherein a solid sorbent material is used to capture the carbon dioxide. The solid sorbent material may utilize a water-swing for regeneration. Various geometric configurations are disclosed for advantageous recovery of CO2 and regeneration of the sorbent material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbonaceous feed-stock, comprising: a) supplying a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and steam to a reaction zone comprising a steam reforming catalyst and catalytically reforming the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock to produce a reformed gas comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide; b) supplying a molecular oxygen-comprising gas to the permeate side of a first hydrogen separation membrane; c) contacting a part of the hydrogen with a first hydrogen separation membrane, allowing the hydrogen to permeate through the first hydrogen separation membrane and combusting the hydrogen with the molecular oxygen at a permeate side of the first hydrogen separation membrane to produce all heat necessary for catalytic reforming the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock; d) contacting the remainder of the hydrogen with a second hydrogen separation membrane, which is separate from the first hydrogen separation membrane, and allowing the hydrog

Abstract: The invention concerns a capture tank for capturing a captive target compound from a gaseous and/or vaporous mixture comprising at least the captive target compound and one other material, or for capturing, concentrating or crystallising a target compound from a liquid mixture or solution comprising the target compound and at least one other material, the capture tank comprising an enclosure having a top region, a bottom region and at least one side defining the enclosure, the enclosure being at least partly open in its top region in order to communicate in use of the capture tank with the gaseous and/or vaporous mixture and for permitting ingress of a gaseous and/or vaporous mixture into the enclosure; the enclosure communicating in its bottom region with a reservoir for receiving the captured captive target compound; having means associated with its at least one side and/or its bottom region for permitting egress from the enclosure of the gaseous and/or vaporous mixture in at least partially captive target

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and a system for decomposing one or more volatile organic compounds (VOC) from a composition. This invention is particularly directed to a process and a system for decomposing one or more volatile organic compounds (VOC) from a coating composition. This invention is directed for reducing overall VOC emission from a composition, particularly from a coating composition.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting carbon dioxide present in the terrestrial atmosphere and sequestering the carbon dioxide. A renewable energy source, such as a wind turbine, provides electrical power without generating carbon dioxide emissions. The electricity is used to electrolyze seawater, providing a cathodic solution enriched in NaOH. By aeration of the cathodic solution, carbon dioxide is captured as Na2CO3. The cathodic solution is combined with precipitated carbonates are produced as solids and dumped in the ocean thereby sequestering carbon dioxide. The electrolysis produces H2 and Cl2 as product gases, which are captured and utilized.

Abstract: Processes and reactor systems are provided for the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons, ketones and alcohols useful as liquid fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel or diesel fuel, and industrial chemicals. The process involves the conversion of mono-oxygenated hydrocarbons, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, furans, carboxylic acids, diols, triols, and/or other polyols, to C4+ hydrocarbons, alcohols and/or ketones, by condensation. The oxygenated hydrocarbons may originate from any source, but are preferably derived from biomass.

Abstract: To further reduce the concentrations of basic amine compounds remaining in decarbonated flue gas. Means of Solution A CO2 recovery system includes an absorber 2 and a regenerator 3. The absorber 2 includes a CO2 absorbing section 21 and a water-washing section 22. The CO2 absorbing section 21 allows flue gas 101 to come into contact with a basic amine compound absorbent 103 so that the basic amine compound absorbent 103 absorbs CO2 in the flue gas 101. The water-washing section 22 allows the decarbonated flue gas 101A in which the amount of CO2 has been reduced in the CO2 absorbing section 21 to come into contact with circulating wash water 104 and to be washed with the wash water 104 so that the amounts of the basic amine compounds entrained in the decarbonated flue gas 101A are reduced. The regenerator 3 releases CO2 from the basic amine compound absorbent 103 the CO2 absorbed therein.

Abstract: An oxyfiring system and method for capturing carbon dioxide in a combustion process is disclosed. The oxyfiring system comprises (a) an oxidation reactor for oxidizing a reduced metal oxide; (b) a decomposition reactor wherein a decomposition fuel is combusted and oxidized metal oxide sorbents are reduced with oxygen being released and a flue gas with an oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream is produced; (c) a fuel combustion reactor for combusting a primary fuel and the oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream into a primary flue gas; and (d) separation apparatus for separating a portion of the primary flue gas so that a carbon dioxide enriched stream can be prepared. The method comprises providing a primary fuel and an oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream to a fuel combustion reactor. The primary fuel and oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream are combusted into a primary flue gas stream which is split into a first flue gas portion and a second flue gas portion.

Abstract: A closed loop combustion system for the combustion of fuels using a molten metal oxide bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including porous biomolecule-containing metal-organic frameworks and methods for their preparation. The porous biomolecule-containing metal-organic frameworks can include a metal component and a biomolecule component. The pores located within the frameworks have a pore space and said pore space is capable to adsorb materials therein. These compositions of the present invention are useful in a wide variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, hydrogen and carbon dioxide sequestration, separation and storage; carbon dioxide uptake; and drug storage and release.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions of matter comprising a hydride ion having a binding energy greater than about 0.8 eV. The claimed hydride ions may be combined with cations, including a proton, to form novel hydrides.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is purified by processes employing NOx-rich sulfuric acid that can be formed by removal of SO2 from the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is purified by processes employing NOx-rich sulfuric acid that can be formed by removal of SO2 from the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, such as for example carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere above a ground surface, the method comprising injecting a gas stream comprising one or more than one greenhouse gas into a subsurface injection formation, where the subsurface injection formation comprises a water-laden layer comprising formation water, and where some or all of the greenhouse gases present in the gas stream become dissolved in the formation water in the subsurface injection formation, sequestering the one or more than one greenhouse gas in the subsurface injection formation, separating non-greenhouses gas in situ from the greenhouse gas, venting the non-greenhouse gas from the formation and thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to salts that are room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), methods of making them, and methods of using them in connection with temporary or permanent gas sequestration. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a class of solvents which can be transformed into RTILs by exposure to a gas, and methods of using them in connection with temporary or permanent gas sequestration.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes and apparatuses for purifying greenhouse gases. This invention relates to processes and apparatuses for drying carbon dioxide and/or producing syngas. The process includes the step of contacting a greenhouse gas stream having a contaminant with a solvent stream to at least partially reduce an amount of the contaminant and form a used solvent stream. The process includes the step of using the greenhouse gas stream for carbon sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, industrial gas supply, or chemical synthesis and production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for continuously producing and pelletizing gas hydrates. The apparatus includes a gas supply unit, a water supply unit and a reactor. Gas and water are respectively supplied from the gas supply unit and the water supply unit into the reactor. The gas and water react with each other in the reactor. The reactor includes a dual cylinder unit which forms a gas hydrate in such a way as to squeeze a slurry of reaction water formed by the reaction between the gas and water. The dual cylinder unit includes an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder and a connection pipe which connects the upper cylinder to the lower cylinder. The connection pipe has passing holes through which the reaction water in the reactor flows into and out of the connection pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for chemical-looping redox combustion on an active mass including a binder, in form of a fluidized-bed catalytic cracking catalyst containing silica and alumina, and a metal oxide active phase. The active mass is obtained by impregnating metal salts on a new or used catalytic cracking catalyst. Advantageously, the invention applies to the sphere of CO2 capture.

Abstract: To provide a method and facility for enabling CO2 gas generated in a cement manufacturing facility to be separated and recovered at a high concentration. To this end, according to the present invention, the calcination of a cement material and the recovery of CO2 gas generated in a calciner are performed by one of the following steps of: [1] superheating the cement material before calcination to at least the calcination temperature thereof in a superheating furnace and then mixing the superheated cement material with a new cement material before calcination in a mixer/calciner; [2] mixing, in the mixer/calciner, the cement material before calcination with a part of high-temperature cement clinker discharged from a cement kiln; and [3] using an externally heated calciner.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon dioxide by the steps of feeding a CO2-rich feed stream containing fuel gas to an oxygenated oxygen-selective ceramic bed to produce a product stream of carbon dioxide, water, and residual oxygen; adding oxygen to this product stream and feeding to an oxygen-depleted oxygen-selective ceramic bed and recovering carbon dioxide substantially free of oxygen and fuel gas. In an additional embodiment, nitrogen oxides are also removed from the fuel gas.

Abstract: A process for gasification is provided for a non-catalytic, two-stage gasification process for gasification of a carbonaceous material. The reactor system generally comprises combustion in a first reaction zone and combustion in a second reaction zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing CO2, N2 and/or SO2 from a sample for a quantitative analysis of the sample, comprising a reactor structure and metals acting in an oxidizing manner or metal oxides in the reactor. According to the invention, the reactor structure has at least two zones through which the sample can flow, which is to say a first zone with reactor metal and reservoir metal, or only reactor metal, and following the first zone, a second zone with reactor metal and reservoir metal, or only reservoir metal, wherein both metals can form oxides, and wherein the ratio of the reactor metal to the reservoir metal in the first zone is greater than in the second zone.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor device for sequestering flue gas CO2 from a flue gas source is provided. The fluidized bed reactor device comprises an operating portion having a first end and a second end. A flue gas inlet is formed at the first end of the operating portion with the flue gas inlet receiving flue gas from the flue gas source. A flue gas outlet formed at the second end of the operating portion. A distributor plate is mounted within the operating portion adjacent the first end of the operating portion. A volume of fly ash is encased within the operating portion between the second end and the distributor plate with the flue gas traveling through the distributor plate and the fly ash creating reacted flue gas wherein the reacted flue gas exits the operating portion through the flue gas outlet.

Abstract: A novel method and system of separating carbon dioxide from flue gas is introduced. Instead of relying on large temperature or pressure changes to remove carbon dioxide from a solvent used to absorb it from flue gas, the ion pump method, as disclosed herein, dramatically increases the concentration of dissolved carbonate ion in solution. This increases the overlying vapor pressure of carbon dioxide gas, permitting carbon dioxide to be removed from the downstream side of the ion pump as a pure gas. The ion pumping may be obtained from reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, thermal desalination methods, or an ion pump system having an oscillating flow in synchronization with an induced electric field.

Abstract: A system for removing carbon dioxide from an atmosphere to reduce global warming including an air extraction system that collects carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a medium and removes carbon dioxide from the medium; a sequestration system that isolates the removed carbon dioxide to a location for at least one of storage and generation of a renewable carbon fuel; and one or more power supplying units that supply heat to the air extraction system to remove the carbon dioxide from the medium, at least one of the one or more power supplying units being a fossil fuel plant.

Abstract: A process to capture and sequester an impurity gas from a fluid stream. The impurity gas capture is accomplished by contacting the fluid stream with an impurity removing mixture, the mixture comprising an ionic liquid and an amine compound under conditions sufficient to reduce the amount of impurity gas from said fluid stream. The captured impurity gas is sequestered by reacting the impurity gas with a sequestration material.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon dioxide product stream from a synthesis gas stream formed within a hydrogen plant having a synthesis gas reactor, a water-gas shift reactor, located downstream of the synthesis gas reactor to form the synthesis gas stream and a hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit to produce a hydrogen product recovered from the synthesis gas stream. In accordance with the method the carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas stream by separating the carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas stream in a vacuum pressure swing adsorption system, thereby to produce a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas stream and a crude carbon dioxide stream and then purifying the crude carbon dioxide stream by a sub-ambient temperature distillation process thereby to produce the carbon dioxide product. A hydrogen synthesis gas feed stream to the hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit is formed at least in part from the hydrogen rich stream.

Abstract: A method of generating hydrogen-enriched fuel gas and carbon dioxide comprising converting hydrocarbon molecules from a gaseous hydrocarbon feed stream into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, separating the hydrogen and carbon dioxide, blending the hydrogen back into the gaseous hydrocarbon feed stream to generate a hydrogen-enriched fuel gas, and utilizing the carbon dioxide for storage or sequestration. A system for generating hydrogen-enriched fuel gas and carbon dioxide comprising an inlet handling system, a syngas and water-gas shift system, a water-gas compression system, a carbon dioxide recovery system, a dehydration system, and a carbon dioxide compression system.

Abstract: A system and method for calcination/carbonation cycle processing. The system comprises a calciner reactor for receiving partially carbonated mineral sorbent granules; a heat exchange structure for transferring heat through a wall of the calciner reactor to a granular flow of the sorbent granules for facilitating a calcination reaction of the sorbent granules to regenerate the sorbent granules; a gas extraction unit for removing gas products from the calciner, wherein the gas products comprise carbon dioxide from the calcination reaction; a carbonator reactor for receiving the regenerated sorbent granules from the calciner reactor and for receiving a cold flue gas, such that the regenerated sorbent granules are partially carbonised while the flue gas is scrubbed and the partially carbonated sorbent granules and the scrubbed flue gas exit the carbonator reactor as respective hot materials; and a riser unit for cycling the partially carbonated sorbent granules from the carbo?ator reactor to the calciner reactor.

Abstract: A method of creating a carbon dioxide hydrate is disclosed. The preferred steps include supplying liquid carbon dioxide and a dissociation agent to a hydrocarbon hydrate, decomposing the hydrocarbon hydrate by the dissociation agent into a hydrocarbon gas and liquid water, and forming the carbon dioxide hydrate from the liquid carbon dioxide and the liquid water. The dissociation agent preferably is at least one of an inorganic salt, a surface active agent, a hydrate inhibitor, and an absorption solution. Furthermore, a substance composition of liquid carbon dioxide and the dissociation agent is described, which is provided for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation. Furthermore, a deposition device is described, which is configured for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation.

Abstract: A CO2 recovering apparatus includes a CO2 absorber that brings flue gas containing CO2 into contact with CO2 absorbent to reduce the CO2 contained in the flue gas; and a regenerator that reduces CO2 contained in rich solvent absorbing CO2 to regenerate the rich solvent, so that lean solvent that is the CO2 absorbent having the CO2 reduced in the regenerator is reused in the CO2 absorber. The CO2 recovering apparatus further includes a controller that detects a difference between a gas temperature (T1) of the flue gas guided into an entrance of the CO2 absorber and a gas temperature (T2) of the gas exiting the CO2 absorber, and an absorbent concentration (X (Vol %)) of the CO2 absorbent; and controls to adjust an amount of water contained in the gas depending on the gas temperature difference between the gas entering and the gas exiting the CO2 absorber and to keep an absorbent concentration of the CO2 absorbent within a set range (e.g., X0±10% in a relative ratio).

Abstract: A process for the combustion of a carbon-containing fuel, wherein the flue gases are filtered so as to achieve a solid particle concentration of less than 1 mg/m3 before compression, purification and sequestration or transport is presented.

Abstract: Embodiments are described that generally relate to the storage and release of a gas using piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: Methods for increasing methane emitted from organic waste and for collecting methane and other gaseous bi-products. A gas collection unit collects gas in a first separation tank, wherein the gas is separated into methane and other components. The methane is collected, and other components are diverted. A second separation tank receives diverted components combined with an acidic solution and further separates the components into carbon dioxide and other compounds. The carbon dioxide is collected for reuse in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A process and a system are provided for producing and separating hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon and steam. A hydrocarbon and steam are steam reformed and the reformed gas is shift reacted to produce a shift gas. Hydrogen is removed from the shift gas, and the hydrogen-depleted gas is reformed and shift reacted again to produce more hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The hydrogen and carbon dioxide are then separated.

Abstract: There is provided a method for purifying a gas stream such as for example a carbon dioxide gas stream by removing hydrocarbons from the carbon dioxide by heat exchange, impurity adsorption and cooling.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a carbon dioxide stream generated in oxygen gasification of organic matter for carbonating calcium from a liquid containing calcium ions. The invention also relates to a manufacturing process of paper or board, wherein organic matter is gasified with oxygen in order to carbonate the calcium, the produced carbon dioxide stream is reacted with a liquid containing calcium ions and the carbonated calcium is added to the pulp during the papermaking process as a filler or onto finished paper as a coating.

Abstract: A hot solids process operable selectively for combustion purposes and gasification purposes wherein a pre-identified product is selected from a group of products to be generated through the use of the hot solids process. Based on the nature of the pre-identified product, which is to be generated through the use of the hot solids process, a specific fuel from which the pre-identified product is capable of being derived is selected from a group of fuels. Then, from a group of reactors there is selected a first reactor, which is operable for generating in the first reactor the pre-identified product as an output from the first reactor. Thereafter, from a group of reactors, there is selected a second reactor, which is operable for effecting in the second reactor the conversion of air and of a predetermined carrier selected from a group of carriers to produce a predefined output from the second reactor.

Abstract: A system and process for maximizing the generation of electrical power from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize energy production. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide, which are subsequently purified and marketed. The system and process minimizes environmental emissions.

Abstract: In a gas generator for gasifying solid granular fuels to obtain combustible gaseous compounds for producing synthesis gas or H2-suitable raw gas, a fluidized bed formed of the fuels moves through a closed reaction vessel with a sluice mounted at the top for continuously introducing the fuels and with a closure mounted below the funnel-shaped constriction of the bottom for discharging the ash formed into an ash sluice, wherein above the funnel-shaped constriction of the bottom a revolving grate is arranged, through which the gasifying medium can be introduced from below into the fluidized bed, and through which the ash formed can be discharged into the ash sluice via the funnel-shaped constriction and an adjoining tubular portion. To achieve a continuous operation of the revolving grate, a bulk-material slide valve is mounted in the tubular portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a CO2 rich gas stream in a catalytic oxidizer. In this process, flammable contaminants that are present in the CO2 rich gas stream are oxidized when the CO2 rich gas stream is injected along with a precisely measured amount of substantially pure oxygen into the catalytic oxidizer. As a result, a purified CO2 rich gas stream is produced which depending upon the amount of oxygen injected contains only minor traces of residual oxygen or minor traces of the flammable contaminants. This process is useful for purifying high-pressure residue streams from membrane water-gas shift reactors, membrane reformers, or sorbent enhanced reformers, where the pressurized CO2 rich gas stream also contains amounts of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide. The process is also suitable for purifying CO2 permeate streams from reverse selectivity polymeric membranes that are used to separate CO2 from gas mixtures that contain CO2, H2 and CH4.

Abstract: ZnO structures comprising crystalline ZnO micro or nanorods and methods for making and using these ZnO structures are provided. The side surface of the central portion of each rod may comprise planes of the form {1 0 ?1 0}, {0 1 ?1 0}, {?1 1 0 0}, {?1 0 1 0}, {0 ?1 1 0} or {1 ?1 0 0}, with central edge regions including a crystallographic plane of the form {2 ?1 ?1 0} or {?2 1 1 0}. The tip of the rod may comprise planes of the form {1 0 ?1 1} {0 1 ?1 1}, {?1 1 0 1}, {?1 0 1 1}, {0 ?1 1 1} or {1 ?1 0 1} with tip edge regions including a crystallographic plane of the form {2 ?1 ?1 2} or {?2 1 1 2}. The rods may be joined at or near their bases to form a “flower-like” morphology. In an embodiment, a synthesis mixture is prepared by dissolving a zinc salt in an alcohol solvent, followed by addition of at least two additives. The zinc salt may be zinc nitrate hexahydrate, the first additive may be benzyl alcohol and the second additive may be urea.