Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating draw solution solutes and product solvent from a draw solution using a plurality of distillation columns. In one embodiment, the draw solution is used in a Forward Osmosis (FO) water desalination process. In this embodiment, the draw solution is directed to the plurality of distillation columns in parallel while the energy stream (heat) is directed to the plurality of distillation columns in series such that the efficiency of heat use is improved and in turn the cost of the heat is reduced.

Abstract: A system, having three independent subsystems, each yielding useful products for society. The CBM produced water, starting ingredient for subsystem one, yields LNG, and useable water. Subsystem two produces syngas from agricultural products irrigated by subsystem one water. This syngas is used in subsystem three to produce more potable water at a second plant. CBM produced water is separated into two streams of methane, for distribution as LNG and for use in a fuel cell to power a first desalination plant that uses the CBM produced water to create potable water and irrigation water. Fast growing crops, are irrigated by water from subsystem one, to serve as a cost effective source of raw material for a gasification plant to produce syngas; which syngas can be publically distributed, or used as the fuel for the third subsystem; namely a seawater desalination plant to produce potable water at a second site.

Abstract: A hydrothermally stable, microporous organic-inorganic hybrid membrane based on silica, having an mean pore diameter of between 0.2 and 1.5 nm, is characterised in that between 5 and 40 mole % of the Si—O—Si bonds have been replaced by moieties having the one of the formulas: Si—{[CmH(n-1)X]—Si—}q, Si—[CmH(n-2)X2]—Si or Si—CmHn—Si{(CmHn)—Si—}y in which m=1-8, n=2m, 2m-2, 2m-4, 2m-6 or 2m-8; provided that n?2, X=H or (CH2)pSi, p=0 or 1, and q=1, 2, 3 or 4. The membrane can be produced by acid-catalysed hydrolysis of suitable bis-silane precursors such as bis(trialkoxysily)alkanes, preferably in the presence of monoorganyl-silane precursors such as trialkoxy-alkylsilanes.

Abstract: A method for providing fuel for vehicle or power plant engines, including disassociating water into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis and catalysing the reformation of water vapor by spark catalysis is disclosed. The apparatus according to the invention incorporates utilization of a steam turbine and solar panels to provide additional electrical energy for electrolysis of the water fuel.

Abstract: A safe, reduced pressure apparatus for generating water vapor from hydrogen and oxygen and feeding high purity moisture to processes such as semiconductor production. The apparatus eliminates the possibility of the gas igniting by maintaining the internal pressure of the catalytic reactor for generating moisture at a high level while supplying moisture gas from the reactor under reduced pressure. A heat dissipation reactor improvement substantially increases moisture generation without being an enlargement in size by efficient cooling of the reactor alumite-treated fins.

Abstract: A process for modifying a liquid, comprising introducing a liquid into a cavitation device and cavitating the liquid in the cavitation device. During cavitation the liquid makes contact with an electron emitting material to inject electrons into the liquid. In some embodiments, the electron emitting material is a quartz crystal and the cavitation process produces micro-clustered water.

Abstract: Compounds are provided comprising at least one neutral, positive, or negative hydrogen species having a binding energy greater than its corresponding ordinary hydrogen species, or greater than any hydrogen species for which the corresponding ordinary hydrogen species is unstable or is not observed. Compounds comprise at least one increased binding energy hydrogen species and at least one other atom, molecule, or ion other than an increased binding energy hydrogen species. One group of such compounds contains one or more increased binding energy hydrogen species selected from the group consisting of Hn, Hn?, and Hn+ where n is an integer from one to three.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting fluid molecules from a liquid state into a vapor state wherein the fluid has unnatural bond angles. The apparatus comprises a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit, a chamber to contain the RC circuit and the fluid and a power source to provide power to the RC circuit. The RC circuit comprises an anode, a cathode and a plurality of substantially parallel electrically conductive plates. Current through the RC circuit generates a frequency that modifies the bond angles of molecules in a vapor state. Ignition of these molecules with unnatural bond angles reverts the molecules back to normal bond angles with a release of energy that can be utilized in many different applications without the release of toxic or noxious gases, greenhouse gases or any interaction with the atmosphere or the consumption of any atmospheric oxygen.

Abstract: Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing oxygen in an atmosphere substantially devoid of breathable oxygen.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor apparatus produces high purity water vapor by reacting hydrogen and oxygen together within a catalytic reaction chamber. The reactants and an inert gas, such as argon gas or nitrogen, are supplied to the catalytic reaction chamber in a controlled fashion by a gas panel. The cylindrical catalytic reaction chamber is preferably constructed of titanium or stainless steel. The catalytic reaction chamber is filled with high purity ceramic pellets of a nonreactive material coated with a catalyst, such a noble metal catalyst. Screens at each end of the reaction chamber prevent the catalyst pellets from being transported outside reaction chamber. The interior of the reaction chamber has two perpendicular baffle plates traversing the length to increase contact area with the catalytic pellets for electrical charge and thermal transport during the reaction. The temperature of the reaction chamber is maintained below 350 C during operation.

Abstract: A reducing ice that after dissolution, exhibits an oxidation-reduction potential of ?10 to ?2000 mV The pH value after dissolution is preferably ?9, and the ice can consist of a member selected from among seawater, deionized marine deep water, mineral water, tapwater, purified tapwater, well water, rainwater, tea, coffee and juice. As the reducing ice even after dissolution has an extremely low oxidation-reduction potential, any liquid can be converted to a reducing liquid by addition of the reducing ice thereto.

Abstract: This invention provides a means to produce on site Hydrogen to power fuel cells or Hydrogen engines storing the energy in Calcium metal. It continues by using the Calcium hydroxide byproduct of Calcium generated Hydrogen reaction to capture Carbon dioxide from exhaust situations, both moving and stationary as trucks and power plants. This reaction goes to completion with the sedimentation of Calcium carbonate, which may be useful to the cement industry as a component of their products, or it could be used to capture sulfates in stack gas. Either Calcium carbonate or Calcium sulfate may be electrolyzed to recover metallic Calcium, which is not readily available on the market at this time. Solar power, water wheels, resistive gym apparatus, wind power generation of electrical energy as well as unused power from power plants can electrolyze water into Hydrogen and Oxygen.

Abstract: A highly stable aqueous solution having a molecular cluster with dimensions which are small enough to ensure substantial chemical-physical stability thereof for a relatively long time. To prepare the solution a fluid treatment device is used, which comprises at least one chamber (7) and at least one anode (4) and one cathode (3) arranged in the chamber (7). The anode (4) and cathode (3) are at least partly made of a first metallic material. At least one of the at least one cathode (3) and anode (4) comprises a coating of nanoparticles (5) of a second metallic material.

Abstract: In a process for photochemical and thermochemical generation of hydrogen and/or oxygen, water is contacted with at least one Si-containing compound selected from silicides, silicide-like compositions, and oxides of the silicides and silicide-like compositions. The Si-containing compound is selected from metallosilicides and non-metallic suicides of the formula RSixOy wherein R represents an organic, metallic, organometallic, biochemically derived and/or inorganic residue, wherein Si is silicon. The compound is preferably a silicide moiety with X>zero.

Abstract: A method for producing of electrolyzed water involves, using an electrolyzing apparatus for water having a structural feature of dividing an electrolyzer into an anode chamber (D) and a cathode chamber (E) by a diaphragm (1) and arranging an anode plate (3) in the anode chamber and a cathode plate (4) in the cathode chamber and carrying out the electrolysis by filling water to which electrolyte is previously added, wherein the flow rate of water to be provided to the cathode chamber is restricted to 40 mL/min. per 1 A (ampere) of loading electric current or less, and softening previously the water provided to the cathode chamber (10) alone. It is possible to divide the electrolyzer into three chambers by 2 diaphragms, filling an aqueous solution of electrolysis in the center chamber and to provide the electrolysis by electrophoresis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method of treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal in need thereof comprising a step of administering to said mammal an effective amount of water comprising from 99.76 to 99.99 molecular % of isotopologue 1H216O. Further, invention relates to the medical food for treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal in need thereof which comprises water comprising from 99.76 to about 99.99 molecular % of isotopologue 1H216O. Further, invention relates to the use of water comprising from about 99.76 to about 99.99 molecular % of isotopologue 1H216O for the manufacture of a medical food for treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is a self-contained electrolysis process. The process includes utilizing a cryogenic cogeneration process to extract a liquid from an atmospheric medium, passing a current through the liquid, and separating at least one chemical element from the liquid. A second aspect of the present invention is a self-contained electrolysis apparatus. The apparatus includes cryogenic cogeneration means for extracting a liquid from an atmospheric medium, electrical means for passing a current through the liquid and separating means for separating at least one chemical compound from the liquid. A third aspect of the present invention is a method and system of removing at least one element from a chemical compound. The method and system include utilizing a cryogenic cogeneration process to remove the at least one element from the chemical compound.

Abstract: A composition of mater comprising a harmonized cluster of water molecules with Fibonacci chains between them and ordered water molecules based on hydrogen bonds that each water molecule interacts with three other water molecules having a magnetic spectra as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14.

Abstract: A method for filtering a fluid to obtain a fluid having a known purity is described. The fluid is filtered with a filtration system, and upstream of a final filtration stage of the filtration system, a purity of the fluid is measured. A purity of the fluid filtered by the filtration system is determined by correcting the measured purity with a filtration behavior of the final filtration stage. In an embodiment, the fluid comprises an ultra pure water for use as an immersion liquid in a lithographic apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical water, which comprises from 99.760 to 99.999% of light isotopologue 1H2 16O and up to 100% of residual isotopologues 1H2 17O, 1H2 18O, 1H2H16O, 1H2H17O, 1H2H 18O, 2H2 16O, 2H2 17O, and 2H2 18O, for the production of finished product, intermediate reagent preparation, and analytical processes in pharmaceutical industry. Further, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a biologically active agent and said pharmaceutical water, wherein said agent is selected from the group consisting of drugs, physiologically active peptides, physiologically active proteins, and nucleic acids. Further, the invention relates to method of administering a biologically active agent to a mammal in need thereof, which method comprises a step of administering to said mammal said therapeutic composition.

Abstract: A safe, reduced pressure apparatus for generating water vapor from hydrogen and oxygen and feeding high purity moisture to processes such as semiconductor production. The apparatus eliminates the possibility of the gas igniting by maintaining the internal pressure of the catalytic reactor for generating moisture at a high level while supplying moisture gas from the reactor under reduced pressure. A heat dissipation reactor improvement substantially increases moisture generation without being an enlargement in size by efficient cooling of the reactor alumite-treated fins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sorbent comprising a disordered polyvalent metal oxide on the surface of an inert substrate. The substrate can be a layered silicate, such as vermiculite, an aluminosilicate such as montmorillonite, or a nonlayered silicate such as a zeolite. The sorbent removes ionic contaminants, such as arsenic, from process streams.

Abstract: A removing agent for heavy metal ion in water which comprises synthetic zeolite, wherein 10 mol % or more of a total amount of exchangeable cation is substituted with magnesium ion and 60 mol % or more thereof is substituted with magnesium ion and calcium ion, and activated carbon at a weight ratio of 2:98 to 50:50 can effectively adsorb and remove heavy metal ions such as lead in water as well as residual chlorine and trihalomethane efficiently, particularly, in tap water, so as to allow delicious and healthful water without disturbing the balance between calcium ion and magnesium ion.

Abstract: A safe, reduced pressure apparatus for generating water vapor from hydrogen and oxygen and feeding high purity moisture to processes such as semiconductor production. The apparatus eliminates the possibility of the gas igniting by maintaining the internal pressure of the catalytic reactor for generating moisture at a high level while supplying moisture gas from the reactor under reduced pressure. A heat dissipation reactor improvement substantially increases moisture generation without being an enlargement in size by efficient cooling of the reactor alumite-treated fins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhanced structured water containing mineral ions that are released by water-insoluble minerals and integrated into water clusters in the structured water. Specifically, the present invention provides compositions containing structured water selected from the group consisting of I water, S water, and a combination thereof. The structured water includes at least one charged cluster of water molecules having at least one mineral ion bound therewith to form a cluster complex. The mineral ions in the cluster complex exhibit enhanced biological activities, in comparison with mineral ions in un-structured waters. Further, by incorporating at least one bridging agent, and at least one capping agent into the cluster complex, the compositions of the present invention exhibit bright and intense colors with surprising and unexpected color stability.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for spraying water in a feedwater tank of a thermal power plant. Because the spraying device comprises a catalyst for the conversion of the gases contained in the water, the gases released from the water during the spray degasification can be removed easily, reliably and completely. Thus, the degree of efficiency of the thermal circuit of the power plant and the lifespan of the components arranged in the circuit are increased.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing titanium-dissolved water with molten titanium dissolved therein, the molten titanium being titanium metal melted by the combustion gas resulting from the combustion of a mixed gas of oxygen and hydrogen in high-pressure water, as well as the resultant titanium-dissolved water and health articles, medical articles and cosmetics utilizing the physiologically activating effect of the high-function water containing titanium.

Abstract: An activated catalyst for the rapid decomposition of H2O2 is provided wherein a porous high surface area catalyst base, e.g. a zeolite molecular sieve (ZMS) is impregnated or doped with a solution of metal cation salts and an ionic promoter, dried and calcined to form an activated catalyst. Such activated catalyst, in the form of a porous monolith or chunks, extrudate, pieces, pellets, or spheres, can be poured into and confined, in a tight pack, in a cavity of a rocket housing, downstream of a pressurized H2O2 tank. The H2O2 is flowed through the catalyst and undergoes rapid decomposition into steam and O2 and flows out the propellant nozzle of such rocket.

Abstract: Novel catalysts comprised of graphitic nanostructures. The graphitic nanostructure catalysts are suitable for catalyzing reactions such as oxidation, hydrogenation, oxidative-hydrogenation, and dehydrogenation.

Abstract: A technique for generating water vapor involves providing oxygen and hydrogen to a heated reaction chamber that includes a porous reaction structure enclosed within an encapsulation structure. The porous reaction structure, which may include an open-celled ceramic structure, provides sufficient heat exchange and mixing to cause the oxygen and hydrogen to combine to form water vapor. The reaction chamber can be easily and safely heated using resistance, infrared lamp, radio frequency or other heating sources to a temperature above the reaction temperature required to ensure the reaction and conversion of oxygen and hydrogen to water vapor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating ultrapure steam by oxidation of hydrogen in a closed torch with separate feed lines for hydrogen and oxygen and a discharge line for discharging the steam which is formed to a process chamber. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method. The invention is intended to provide a method which is simple to implement and an arrangement for generating ultrapure steam which results in a significantly extended injector service life. For this purpose, oxygen and water are fed to the torch in a slightly superstoichiometric ratio, and pure additional oxygen is admixed with the steam formed during the combustion, when it enters the process chamber, in order to generate a considerable excess of oxygen in the steam. The associated device comprises a torch with feed lines for feeding hydrogen and oxygen to the closed torch and a discharge line leading to a process chamber. Each feed line being assigned a mass flow controller.

Abstract: A semi-closed combined cycle power system 100 is provided which can also convert an open combined cycle gas turbine 10 into a non-polluting zero emissions power system. The prior art open combined cycle gas turbine 10 includes a compressor 20 which compresses air A′ and combusts the air A′ with a fuel, such as natural gas. The products of combustion and the remaining portions of the air form the exhaust E′ which is expanded through the turbine 40. The turbine 40 drives the compressor 20 band outputs power. The exhaust E′ exits the turbine 40 and then can optionally be routed through a heat recovery steam generator 50 to function as a combined cycle. According to this invention, the exhaust E′ is not emitted into the atmosphere, but rather is routed to a divider 110. The divider 110 includes two outlets for the exhaust E′ including a return duct 120 and a separation duct 130 which both receive a portion of the exhaust E′.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of treating semiconductor substrates, including the production of pure water, a method of producing the pure water for semiconductor fabrication, and a water-producing apparatus. Ammonia is catalytically oxidized in a catalytic conversion reactor to form pure water. The water is then supplied to a semiconductor fabrication process. The water-producing apparatus comprises a housing surrounding a catalytic material for adsorbing ammonia, an ammonia and oxidant source, each in communication with the housing, and an outlet for reaction products. The outlet is connected to a semiconductor processing apparatus. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus can be a catalytic tube reactor, a fixed bed reactor or a fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing synthesis gas comprising the steps of reacting a hydrogen-containing stream with an oxygen-containing stream and producing an oxidized stream comprising water; contacting a feedstream comprising hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon comprising at least one atom of oxygen with the oxidized stream comprising water and forming a reforming feedstream; and passing the reforming feedstream into a reforming reaction zone at reforming reaction conditions and producing a synthesis gas product.

Abstract: A reactor comprising a body made of a heat-resistant material and having an inlet and an outlet for water/moisture gas, having a gas-diffusing member provided in an internal space of the body, and having a platinum coating on an internal wall surface of the body. Hydrogen and oxygen fed from the inlet are diffused by the gas-diffusing member and then come into contact with the platinum coating to enhance reactivity, thereby producing water. A temperature of the reactor is held to be below an ignition temperature of hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas. The platinum-coated catalyst layer on the internal wall of the reactor body is formed by treating the surface of the internal wall of the body, cleaning the treated surface, forming a barrier coating of a nonmetallic material of an oxide or nitride on the wall surface, and forming the platinum coating on the barrier coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating ultrapure steam by oxidation of hydrogen in a closed torch with separate feed lines for hydrogen and oxygen and a discharge line for discharging the steam which is formed to a process chamber. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method. The invention is intended to provide a method which is simple to implement and an arrangement for generating ultrapure steam which results in a significantly extended injector service life. For this purpose, oxygen and water are fed to the torch in a slightly superstoichiometric ratio, and pure additional oxygen is admixed with the steam formed during the combustion, when it enters the process chamber, in order to generate a considerable excess of oxygen in the steam. The associated device comprises a torch with feed lines for feeding hydrogen and oxygen to the closed torch and a discharge line leading to a process chamber. Each feed line being assigned a mass flow controller.

Abstract: Intellectual message energetic water, wherein water is processed by an energy message recorder so that different messages are inputted into water to generate high efficiency message energetic water, and correct message wave is generated for correcting fault messages into normal message; the high efficiency message energetic water is used as drinking water, breeding animal, cultivating plants, industrial products, environment improvement, foods, sanitary products, medical products, drugs and cosmetics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating energy from a composition comprising urea and water are described. The method in one embodiment includes: (a) reacting the urea with water to form ammonia; and (b) oxidizing the ammonia formed in step (a) to form water and nitrogen generating energy.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor apparatus produces high purity water vapor by reacting hydrogen and oxygen together within a catalytic reaction chamber. The reactants and an inert gas, such as argon gas or nitrogen, are supplied to the catalytic reaction chamber in a controlled fashion by a gas panel. The cylindrical catalytic reaction chamber is preferably constructed of titanium or stainless steel. The catalytic reaction chamber is filled with high purity ceramic pellets of a nonreactive material coated with a catalyst, such a noble metal catalyst. Screens at each end of the reaction chamber prevent the catalyst pellets from being transported outside reaction chamber. The interior of the reaction chamber has two perpendicular baffle plates traversing the length to increase contact area with the catalytic pellets for electrical charge and thermal transport during the reaction. The temperature of the reaction chamber is maintained below 350 C. during operation.

Abstract: A photocatalytic device for photocatalytically treating evaporative emissions comprises a substrate with a photocatalyst. A shell is disposed about the substrate, and can optionally comprises one or more sections of transparent material capable of being penetrated by an ultra violet light. Additionally, sealing agent can optionally be disposed between the shell and sections of transparent material to provide a gas tight seal.

Abstract: Described are aqueous solutions comprising sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate in a molar ratio of 1:1.7 to 1:0.5, which are useful for preparing alkaline dyeing liquors, especially padding liquors, of fiber-reactive dyes for producing dyeings on cellulosic textile material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of treating semiconductor substrates, including the production of pure water, a method of producing the pure water for semiconductor fabrication, and a water-producing apparatus. Ammonia is catalytically oxidized in a catalytic conversion reactor to form pure water. The water is then supplied to a semiconductor fabrication process. The water-producing apparatus comprises a housing surrounding a catalytic material for adsorbing ammonia, an ammonia and oxidant source, each in communication with the housing, and an outlet for reaction products. The outlet is connected to a semiconductor processing apparatus. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus can be a catalytic tube reactor, a fixed bed reactor or a fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A method of gasifying large molecular weight organic materials (carbonaceous compounds) such as coal, shredded waste tire or waste oil into gaseous fuel, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and an apparatus therefore are provided. The method comprises the steps of supplying initial fuel gas and oxygen into a gasification reactor to produce water and carbon dioxide, supplying the organic materials into the reactor and reacting them with the water and carbon dioxide to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, discharging the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas from the reactor, recycling a part of the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas discharged from the reactor into the reactor, and reacting the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas supplied into the reactor with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide. The method facilitates the control of temperature in the gasification reactor as well as produces fuel gas of high quality by increasing the concentration of hydrogen.

Abstract: A device and a method for recombining hydrogen and oxygen in a gas mixture, especially for a nuclear plant, includes feeding the gas mixture to a heating chamber through a feed line in which a blower is connected. A control unit associated with the blower is provided to adjust the delivery rate of the blower in accordance with the hydrogen content of the gas mixture. This provides a particularly simple measure for reliably reducing the hydrogen present in the gas mixture, even in different operating states.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recombination of hydrogen in a gas mixture, in particular for a nuclear power station, during the operation of which unintentional ignition of the gas mixture is avoided in a particularly reliable way. The apparatus contains a catalyst configuration that is disposed in a housing through which the gas mixture can flow by free convection in the operating situation and the catalyst configuration is assigned a flame retention device. In this case, a sediment trap is preferably integrated into the flame retention device, so that hot catalyst particles that become detached from the catalyst configuration are reliably prevented from flowing out counter to the direction of flow of the gas mixture.

Abstract: Heat exchange water for cooling an object of heat exchange such as machinery, air, or liquid, which serves to prevent oxidation and deterioration of metal materials used in pipes for supplying/circulating the heat exchange water or in the liquid ends of the heat exchanger, to suppress growth of algae and microorganisms, and to reduce influence on the environment. The heat exchange water is reductive water having zero or negative standard oxidation-reduction potential as determined on the basis of the hydrogen electrode standard.

Abstract: A process of supplying moisture at low flow rates which permits high precision control of the flow of moisture to a semiconductor manufacturing line from an apparatus for the generation of moisture, characterized in that the flow of hydrogen to a moisture-generating reactor is controlled by means of a flow controller in such a way that an amount of hydrogen as fed is gradually increased from the start and reaches a specific set level such that when a specific time has passed, a predetermined rate of moisture begins to be produced and supplied to the semiconductor manufacturing line. The moisture is generated in the apparatus for generation of moisture in which hydrogen and oxygen are (a) fed into a reactor provided with a coat of platinum on the wall in the interior space, (b) enhanced in reactivity by the platinum catalytic action, and (c) caused to instantaneously react with each other at a temperature lower than the ignition point to produce moisture without undergoing combustion at a high temperature.

Abstract: A process for preparing a supported catalyst comprising a transition metal selected from palladium, platinum, nickel, cobalt or copper on an aerogel support, which includes the steps of providing a mixture containing an alkoxide precursor of the aerogel, a chelate complex of the transition metal with a chelating agent having Si(OR)3 anchor groups, and an organic solvent in which the chelate complex is soluble; hydrolyzing the mixture by admixing it with water to form a gel; and converting the gel under supercritical conditions into the transition metal aerogel-supported catalyst. The supported catalyst has an especially homogeneous distribution of the metal component and is suitable, for example, for use as a hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: A system for converting light hydrocarbons to heavier hydrocarbons having a synthesis gas production unit and a hydrocarbon synthesis unit. For one application the synthesis gas production unit includes a turbine unit with a compression section, an autothermal reformer fluidly coupled to the compression section for producing synthesis gas and combusting at least a portion the gas therein, and an expansion section of the turbine unit fluidly coupled to the autothermal reformer for developing energy from the output of the autothermal reformer. A water separation unit is preferably fluidly coupled to the synthesis gas production unit for removing water from the synthesis gas. The water is directed to an oxygen/hydrogen separator to produce oxygen and hydrogen. Another water separation unit may also be coupled to the output from the hydrocarbon synthesis unit for removing water from the heavier hydrocarbons and directing the water to the oxygen/hydrogen separator.