Abstract: A method for making an electrocatalyst containing manganese oxide nanoparticles present on carbon obtained from Albizia procera (MnOxNPs-C) for electrochemical water oxidation. The method includes a thermal decomposition and forms a product with specific morphological variations, including crystalline structure, elemental composition, and chemical compatibility. The manganese oxide nanoparticles are well dispersed over the carbon. The amount of manganese oxide nanoparticles increases by increasing the amount of precursor. Single-phase formation of the Mn3O4, and Mn3O4 along with MnO phase occurs at low and high amount of the precursor materials, respectively. The electrocatalyst can be used for the purpose electrolytic water splitting.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous carbon composite fibrous mats formed of a network of carbon fibers incorporated with porous carbon particles. The method includes electrospinning a polymer solution to form a porous layer of polymeric fibers and the polymeric fibers are doped with a precursor of conductive metal particles, wherein the polymer solution includes a polymer and the precursor of the conductive metal particles, electrospraying a metal organic framework suspension onto the porous layer of polymeric fibers, wherein the metal organic framework suspension includes metal organic framework particles, repeating the electrospinning and electrospraying in an alternating manner to form a porous network of polymeric fibers incorporated with the metal organic framework particles, and heating the porous network of polymeric fibers incorporated with the metal organic framework particles to form the porous carbon composite fibrous mats.

Abstract: A passive NOx adsorber is disclosed. The passive NOx adsorber is effective to adsorb NOx at or below a low temperature and release the adsorbed NOx at temperatures above the low temperature. The passive NOx adsorber comprises a noble metal and a molecular sieve having an LTL Framework Type. The invention also includes an exhaust system comprising the passive NOx adsorber, and a method for treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine utilizing the passive NOx adsorber.

Abstract: A GaON/ZnO photoelectrode involving a nanoarchitectured photocatalytic material deposited onto a surface of a conducting substrate, and the nanoarchitectured photocatalytic material containing gallium oxynitride nanoparticles interspersed in zinc oxide nanoparticles, as well as methods of preparing the GaON/ZnO photoelectrode. A method of using the GaON/ZnO photoelectrode for solar water electrolysis is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst having a perovskite structure in the form of ABO3, in which the number of ion moles at the A site has an excess ratio compared to the number of ion moles at the B site. The present invention exhibits an oxygen catalytic activity improved by about 3 times in an oxygen evolution reaction and by about 40% in an oxygen reduction reaction, compared to those of an existing LaNiO3 perovskite catalyst. Further, since the metallic conductivity is not significantly changed compared to the existing LaNiO3 perovskite oxide, there is an advantage in that a carbon support need not be used when the present invention is used as a catalyst in a battery positive electrode.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst is described for treating an exhaust gas produced by a diesel engine comprising a catalytic region and a substrate, wherein the catalytic region comprises a catalytic material comprising: bismuth (Bi) or an oxide thereof; an alkali metal or an oxide thereof; a platinum group metal (PGM) selected from the group consisting of (i) platinum (Pt), (ii) palladium (Pd) and (iii) platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd); and a support material comprising a mixed oxide of alumina and silica, a mixed oxide of silica and a refractory oxide, a composite oxide of alumina and silica, a composite oxide of silica and a refractory oxide, alumina doped with a silica or silica doped with a refractory oxide.

Abstract: Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical cells for the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and/or 2,5-diformylfuran are provided. Also provided are methods of using the cells to carry out the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and/or 2,5-diformylfuran.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode catalyst that can exhibit sufficient performance, is suitable for mass production, and is suitable for reducing production costs, even when containing a relatively high concentration of chlorine. The electrode catalyst has a core-shell structure including a support; a core part that is formed on the support; and a shell part that is formed so as to cover at least one portion of the surface of the core part. A concentration of bromine (Br) species of the electrode catalyst as measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is 500 ppm or less, and a concentration of chlorine (Cl) species of the electrode catalyst as measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is 8,500 ppm or less.

Abstract: A synergistic microbicidal composition containing: (a) at least one microbicide selected from the group consisting of isopropyl methyl phenols and monosubstituted phenols and (b) at least one microbicide selected from the group consisting of p-menthene alcohols, menthadiene alcohols and other antimicrobial alcohols of a specified structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to catalyst particles comprising a layered core-shell-shell structure and to a method of their manufacture. The catalyst particles have the general formula BM/IL/PM in which BM is a base metal core (selected from Co, Ni or Cu), PM is a precious metal outer shell (selected from Pt, Ir or Pd) and IL is an intermediate layer comprising a base metal/precious metal alloy with a concentration gradient of base metal to the outside PM layer. The particles of the present invention comprise a core-shell-shell structure and a substantially continuous precious metal shell layer. They find use in various catalytic applications, for example in gas-phase catalysis, in electrocatalysts for fuel cells, in catalytic converters for automobiles and in electronic or medical applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for retrieval of nucleotide sequence. The process includes mixing iron chloride tetrahydrate with iron (III) chloride hexahydrate in solution; adding ammonium hydroxide to the mixture and stirring to form maghemite nanoparticles; stirring the maghemite nanoparticles in a solution with an inorganic acid, a surfactant and a monomer precursor of a conducting polymer; initiating polymerization of the monomer by adding the inorganic acid and an oxidizing agent to the stirred solution and further stirring to yield Polyaniline/maghemite nanocomposites; adding the nanocomposites to an first aqueous solution of the nucleotide sequence and stirring so as to electrostatically interact the nanocomposites with the nucleotide sequence; and weakening the electrostatic interaction between the nanocomposite and the nucleotide sequence to recover the nanocomposite independently of the nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conductive composition, comprising: poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly-(styrenesulfonic acid); and a surfactant; in which the surfactant has a concentration of 1 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and the conductive composition does not comprise any metal component. The present invention also relates to a cathode catalyst layer prepared by said conductive composition, and a method for preparing a cathode catalyst layer with said conductive composition.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrocatalyst article using porous polymers. The method creates a porous polymer designed to receive transition metal groups disposed at ligation sites and activating the transition metals to form an electrocatalyst which can be used in a fuel cell. Electrocatalysts prepared by this method are also provided. A fuel cell which includes the electrocatalyst is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocatalyst for the generation of diatomic hydrogen from a hydrogen containing precursor under the influence of actinic radiation comprising a semiconductor support with one or more noble and/or transition metal(s) deposited on said semiconductor support, wherein said metal is covered at least in part with a layer of the semiconductor support. Further disclosed is a method for preparing such catalyst and a method for generating diatomic hydrogen by photolysis.

Abstract: A parallel passage fluid contactor structure for chemical reaction processes has one or more segments, where each segment has a plurality of substantially parallel fluid flow passages oriented in an axial direction; cell walls between each adjacent fluid flow passages and each cell wall has at least two opposite cell wall surfaces. The structure also includes at least one active compound in the cell walls and multiple axially continuous conductive filaments either embedded within the cell walls or situated between the cell wall surfaces. The conductive filaments are at least one of thermally and electrically conductive, are oriented in axially, and are in direct contact with the active compound, and are operable to transfer thermal energy between the active material and the conductive filaments. Heating of the conductive filaments may be used to transfer heat to the active material in the cell walls. Methods of manufacturing the structure are discussed.

Abstract: Electrode materials systems for planar solid oxide fuel cells with high electrochemical performance including anode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases and cathode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in oxygen-containing gases. The anode materials may comprise a cermet in which the metal component is a cobalt-nickel alloy. These anode materials provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases, e.g., in SOFCs with sulfur contaminated fuels. The cermet also may comprise a mixed-conducting ceria-based electrolyte material. The anode may have a bi-layer structure. A cerium oxide-based interfacial layer with mixed electronic and ionic conduction may be provided at the electrolyte/anode interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photocatalyst, and methods for its use, that includes a photoactive material comprising a photonic band gap and an electronic band gap, wherein the photonic band gap at least partially overlaps with the electronic band gap, and an electrically conductive material deposited on the photoactive material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the preparation of a catalyst onto a solid support of a (semi-)conductive material consisting in depositing said catalyst onto said support from a near-neutral aqueous solution containing at least one nickel or cobalt organic complex and at least one basic oxoanion, by a method selected in the group consisting of reductive electrodeposition, photochemical electrodeposition and photoelectrochemical deposition. The present invention also concerns said catalyst and uses thereof.

Abstract: An emissions control device for a compression ignition engine is described. The emissions control device comprises: (a) a first catalyst comprising an electrically heatable substrate and a first composition disposed on the electrically heatable substrate, wherein the first composition comprises alumina and a first platinum group metal (PGM); and (b) a second catalyst comprising a substrate and a second composition disposed on the substrate, wherein the second composition comprises alumina and a second platinum group metal (PGM); wherein the loading of the first composition is less than the loading of the second composition.

Abstract: A catalyst composition may include a precontacted mixture of an olefin polymerization catalyst and an agent including an ammonium salt. The catalyst activity of the catalyst composition in the presence of water may be greater than if no ammonium salt were present in the catalyst composition. The ammonium salt may include a tetraalkylammonium salt, and the olefin polymerization catalyst may include a metallocene compound.

Abstract: Described are catalyst compositions, catalytic articles, methods of manufacturing catalytic articles and exhaust gas treatment systems and methods that utilize the catalytic articles. The catalyst composition comprises an oxidation catalyst comprising a washcoat layer including a platinum group metal supported on a refractory metal oxide support and porous molecular sieve particles having internal pores, the molecular sieve particles protected by a protecting material selected from an organic wax encapsulating the molecular sieve particles, a polymer encapsulating the molecular sieve particles, an inorganic oxide deposited on the surface of the molecular sieve particles, or an organic compound filling the internal pores of the molecular sieve particles, wherein the protecting material prevents interaction of the molecular sieve particles with the platinum group metal.

Abstract: A Dye Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cell (DSPEC) splits water with visible light using a derivatized, core/shell nanostructured photoanode with the core having a high surface area conductive metal oxide film—such as nanoITO (indium tin oxide) or nanoATO (antimony tin oxide)—coated with a thin outer shell of, for example, TiO2 formed by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). A “chromophore-catalyst assembly” 1, [(PO3H2)2bpy)2Ru(4-Mebpy-4-bimpy)Ru(tpy)(OH2)]4+, which combines both light absorber and water oxidation catalyst in a single molecule, is attached to the TiO2 shell. Visible photolysis of the resulting core/shell/assembly structure with a Pt cathode results in water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: There is a composition comprising mesoporous silica particles. The particles may have a MCM-48 three-dimensional framework and be characterized by having a surface area of about 300 to 2,000 square meters per gram, a pore volume of about 0.5 to 1.5 cubic centimeters per gram, an average pore diameter dimension of about 1 to 20 nanometers, and an average particle size of about 5 to 2,000 nanometers based on the average diameter of the silica particles. There is also a lithium-sulfur cell comprising an article comprising mesoporous silica particles. The cell also comprises a negative electrode, a circuit coupled with the negative electrode, a lithium-containing electrolyte medium and an interior wall of the cell. There are also associated methods of making and methods of using the silica particles and the cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catalyst for a metal air battery or fuel cell comprising a mixed metal oxide consisting of at least one lanthanide element and at least two different transition metal elements. The catalyst may further comprise a conducting additive. The present disclosure further provides an air electrode, metal air battery or fuel cell comprising the disclosed catalyst, and methods for forming the disclosed catalyst.

Abstract: Systems and Methods for manufacturing ZPGM catalysts systems that may allow the prevention of formation or the conversion of corrosion causing compounds, such as hexavalent chromium compounds, within ZPGM catalyst systems are disclosed. ZPGM catalysts systems, may include metallic substrate, which may include alloys of iron and chromium, a washcoat and an overcoat. Disclosed manufacturing processes may include a thermal decomposition of hexavalent chromium compounds which may allow the decomposition of such compounds into trivalent chromium compounds, and may also produce metallic catalyst, such as silver.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suppress flooding phenomenon in an electrode catalyst for fuel cells containing a metal atom, a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom. A production process of an electrode catalyst for fuel cells is provided which includes a fluorination step of bringing a catalyst body into contact with fluorine, the catalyst body having an atom of at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of zinc, titanium, niobium, zirconium, aluminum, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, strontium, yttrium, tin, tungsten, cerium, samarium and lanthanum, a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom.

Abstract: In this proposal, we provide a highly original solution to resolve/decompose carbon dioxide into useful by-products which provide industrial values to businesses around the world and meanwhile carbon emission control is the most importance. By taking high energy of light particles from Ultraviolet light, our innovational equation, (uv)+CO2+(AgM)+2H2?2H2O+(4e??)+C4+(AgM)+[4e??]?C+(AgM), is designed to break the quantum effect of electron bond between carbon and oxygen, hence to restore carbon and release oxygen to achieve reduction of green house gas.

Abstract: The present invention describes cyclic amine compounds useful for catalysts for polyurethane form-forming compositions. The cyclic amine compounds of the invention provide distinct benefits for reaction compositions, methods, and polyurethane foams based on their desirable physical and catalytic properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing stabilized and/or activated urease inhibitors, as well methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane, comprising in this order a first catalyst layer, an electronically and ionically conducting layer having a nanosized microstructure, and a second catalyst layer, characterized in that the electronically and ionically conducting layer is formed from an electrolyte material, a grain growth inhibitor and/or grain boundary modifier, and a method for producing same.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer and one absorbent core layer. The topsheet layer, absorbent core layer and backsheet layer each include a longitudinally directed side peripheral edge. The absorbent article further includes an aqueous medium-sensitive coating composition for triggered release of active ingredients from the absorbent article. The aqueous medium-sensitive coating composition is affixed to the absorbent article adjacent a longitudinally directed side peripheral edge. The coating composition includes a betaine ester or betaine ester derivative having a functional active group derived from a fragrance with a hydroxyl group, a color changing visual indicator chemistry, where the visual indicator chemistry is selected from at least one of the group of a pH indicator dye and pH adjuster, a thermochromic dye and a polarity-sensitive dye.

Abstract: Refractory slurry for use in coating a foam cluster to provide a foam pattern for lost foam casting is provided. The slurry includes a catalyst capable of catalyzing reactions for vaporizing the foam cluster. A foam pattern with a refractory coating including the catalyst and processes for preparing the foam pattern and using the foam pattern are also provided.

Abstract: To provide a honeycomb structure capable of using as a catalyst carrier, which functions as a heater, and where a bonding layer is hard to break and an electrical resistance value is hard to rise; including a honeycomb segment bonded body where honeycomb segments are bonded by bonding layer, and a pair of electrode members disposed on a side surface of the bonded body, the electrode members is formed into a band shape, and in a cross section perpendicular to the cell extending direction, one electrode member is disposed on an opposite side across the center of the bonded body to another electrode member, and in at least a part of the bonding layer, inorganic fibers made of ?-SiC and a metal silicide are included in a porous body where silicon carbide are bound with silicon in a state where pores are held among the particles.

Abstract: To provide a honeycomb structure capable of using as a catalyst carrier, which suitably functions as a heater by applying a voltage, and where a bonding layer is hard to break; and including a honeycomb segment bonded body where honeycomb segments are bonded by bonding layer, and a pair of electrode members disposed on side surface of the bonded body, wherein the electrode members is formed into a band shape, in a cross section perpendicular to the cell extending direction, the one electrode member is disposed on an opposite side across the center of the bonded body with respect to another electrode member, and in at least a part of the bonding layer, inorganic fibers made of an oxide are included in a porous body where particles of silicon carbide are bound with silicon in a state where pores are held among the particles.

Abstract: Methods for embedding photocatalytic titanium dioxide in asphalt surfaces to reduce pollutants via photocatalytic reactions are provided herein. One method includes applying an amount of an asphalt surface treatment compound to an upper surface of the asphalt surface, the asphalt surface treatment compound including a mixture of a liquid carrier compound with a titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst.

Abstract: Described herein are elements comprising a p-type semiconductor comprising mixed valence oxide compounds and an n-type semiconductor having a deeper valence band than the p-type semiconductor valence bands wherein the semiconductor types are in ionic communication with each other. The elements enhance photocatalytic activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oriented photocatalytic semiconductor surfaces which may include photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals (PCCNs) positioned all in the same orientation. The photoactive material may be employed in a plurality of photocatalytic energy conversion applications such as the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide and water splitting, among others. The disclosed oriented PCCNs, within the oriented photoactive material, may also exhibit different shapes and sizes, and higher efficiency in a light harvesting process. Having all the PCCNs oriented at the same angle and dipole moment may allow the light to interact with the dipole at an increased efficiency, to predict the polarity of the light or a more efficient interaction with the nanocrystals substrate, and therefore, increasing the harvesting efficiency by controlling different parts of the light spectrum in the same system.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage room formed therein, a door that opens and closes the storage room, a filter module, and a cool air circulation fan that circulates cool air through the filter module. The filter module includes a metal photocatalyst filter and a UV LED module for radiating UV rays to the metal photocatalyst filter. The metal photocatalyst filter has photocatalysts made of one of ZnTiO2, CuTiO2, AgTiO2 or FeTiO2 coated on a filter base. The filter module may allow the entire storage room to be uniformly subject to antibiosis and sterilization at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: An ammonia-producing catalyst includes a p-type semiconductor, an n-type semiconductor, and a metal fine particle having a function of adsorbing nitrogen. In the ammonia-producing catalyst including the metal fine particle, generation of ammonia is promoted, and the generated amount of ammonia is increased. An ammonia-producing catalyst includes a p-type semiconductor, an n-type semiconductor, and an ammonia-fixing compound for fixing ammonia. In the ammonia-producing catalyst including the ammonia-fixing compound, a fixed yield of ammonia is sufficiently increased.

Abstract: A catalytic ink preparation method comprises mixing a first ion conducting body and a catalyst, preparing a first ink, and concentrating the first ink. The method is characterized by further comprising a step of adding a second ion conducting body to the concentrated first ink. With such a catalytic ink preparation method, the quantity of solvent in the first ion conducting body is reduced by concentration. In other words, the first ion conducting body adheres to the catalyst, and re-dissolution is not prone to occurring with the first ion conducting body when the second ion conducting body is added. Thus, it is possible to efficiently manufacture an electrode catalyst in which a significant part of the surface of the catalyst is covered with two ionomer layers, and there is almost no portion which is covered with only one ionomer layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and composition for forming photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals which may include semiconductor nanocrystals and inorganic capping agents as photocatalysts. Photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals may be deposited on a substrate and treated to form a photoactive material which may be employed in a plurality of photocatalytic energy conversion applications such as the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. Different semiconductor materials, shapes and sizes may be combined when forming photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals, allowing band gaps to be tuned and expand the range of wavelengths of sunlight usable by the photoactive material.

Abstract: A photosynthetic system for splitting water to produce hydrogen and using the produced hydrogen for the reduction of carbon dioxide into methane is disclosed. The disclosed photosynthetic system employs photoactive materials that include photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals within their composition, in order to harvest sunlight and obtain the energy necessary for water splitting and subsequent carbon dioxide reduction processes. The photosynthetic system may also include elements necessary to transfer water produced in the carbon dioxide reduction process, for subsequent use in water splitting process. The systems may also include elements necessary to store oxygen and collect and transfer methane, for subsequent transformation of methane into energy.

Abstract: A catalyst ink for improving the performance of catalyst electrodes in a fuel cell is produced by the following procedure. A catalyst dispersion is prepared by dispersing catalyst-supported particles as conductive particles with a catalyst supported thereon in a solvent. A gel material having viscoelasticity is prepared by mixing an ionomer with a volatile solvent. A catalyst ink having a desired viscosity is produced by stirring and mixing the catalyst dispersion with the gel material.

Abstract: A wire catalyst for hydrogenation reaction and/or dehydrogenation reaction comprises a metallic core and an oxide surface layer covering at least part of the surface thereof. The metallic core is electrically conductive so that the metallic core itself can generate heat by directly passing an electric current therethrough or electromagnetic induction. The oxide surface layer is made of an oxide of a metallic element constituting the metallic core. The oxide surface layer is provided with a porous structure having pores opening at the surface of the oxide surface layer. The catalytic material is supported in the pores of the oxide surface layer. When a shaped wire catalyst is manufactured, the shaping into a specific shape is made before the oxide surface layer having the porous structure is formed and the catalytic material is supported thereon.

Abstract: A method and composition for making photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals include semiconductor nanocrystals and inorganic capping agents as photocatalysts. The photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals may be deposited on a substrate and treated to form a photoactive material that may be used in a plurality of photocatalytic energy conversion applications such as water splitting. By combining different semiconductor materials for photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals employed and by changing the semiconductor nanocrystals shapes and sizes, band gaps can be tuned to expand the range of wavelengths of sunlight usable by the photoactive material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to catalyst particles comprising a layered core-shell-shell structure and to a method of their manufacture. The catalyst particles have the general formula BM/IL/PM in which BM is a base metal core (selected from Co, Ni or Cu), PM is a precious metal outer shell (selected from Pt, Ir or Pd) and IL is an intermediate layer comprising a base metal/precious metal alloy with a concentration gradient of base metal to the outside PM layer. The particles of the present invention comprise a core-shell-shell structure and a substantially continuous precious metal shell layer. They find use in various catalytic applications, for example in gas-phase catalysis, in electrocatalysts for fuel cells, in catalytic converters for automobiles and in electronic or medical applications.

Abstract: In a direct-liquid fuel cell supplied directly with a liquid fuel, a process for producing an electrode catalyst for a direct-liquid fuel cell is provided which is capable of suppressing decrease in cathode potential caused by liquid fuel crossover and providing an inexpensive and high-performance electrode catalyst for a direct-liquid fuel cell. The process for producing an electrode catalyst for a direct-liquid fuel cell includes Step A of mixing at least a transition metal-containing compound with a nitrogen-containing organic compound to obtain a catalyst precursor composition, and Step C of heat-treating the catalyst precursor composition at a temperature of from 500 to 1100° C. to obtain an electrode catalyst, wherein part or entirety of the transition metal-containing compound includes, as a transition metal element, at least one transition metal element M1 selected from Group IV and Group V elements of the periodic table.

Abstract: A catalyst ink used for production of electrodes of a fuel cell includes: catalyst-carrying particles that are particles with a catalyst carried thereon; an ionomer having proton conductivity; and a dispersion solvent in which the catalyst-carrying particles and the ionomer are dispersed. An adsorption amount of the ionomer per unit specific surface area of the catalyst-carrying particles is 0.1 (mg/m2) or greater.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation membrane comprising a palladium alloy that includes at least palladium, an added metal A, and an added metal B, the added metal A and the added metal B being two different metals other than palladium, each of the added metal A and the added metal B forming a complete solid solution with palladium, and the added metal A and the added metal B having a triple point in an equilibrium diagram and not forming an intermetallic compound. The hydrogen separation membrane exhibits excellent hydrogen permeability and durability.

Abstract: A triggerable composition for two-stage, controlled release of a functional active chemical includes an encapsulation material for encapsulating a betaine ester or betaine ester derivative including a functional active. The encapsulation material is triggerable to release the betaine ester or betaine ester derivative at a first stage upon the occurrence with an environmental stimulus, such as a pH change, an enzymatic change, and a temperature change. The betaine ester or betaine ester derivative of a functional active with at least one hydroxyl group releases the functional active through a hydrolysis reaction upon contact with an aqueous medium.