Abstract: The invention relates to a ground terminal and to a method for discharging electric currents from a rotor part of a vehicle (such as a rail vehicle or the like, that has an axle) to a stationary stator part of the vehicle. The ground terminal includes a retaining device and a terminal element. The retaining device is connected to the stationary stator part of the vehicle in electrically-conductive manner, the terminal element is disposed on and connected to the retaining in electrically-conductive manner. The terminal element is made mostly of graphite and subjected to a contact force by means of a spring device of the retaining device to realize an electrically-conductive sliding contact between a sliding contact surface of the terminal element provided for realizing the sliding contact and a terminal surface of the rotor part. The terminal element has an arc-shaped cross-section at least in portions thereof, an outer surface of the cross-section forming the sliding contact surface at least in sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the aniline content of hypersaline wastewater, said method comprising the steps of (a) providing a composition A comprising hypersaline wastewater and aniline, and (b) contacting composition A with cells of at least one halophilic microbial strain, thereby generating a composition B comprising said composition A and cells of said at least one halophilic microbial strain. The present invention further concerns a method for the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Further encompassed by the present invention is a composition comprising hypersaline wastewater, aniline, and cells of at least one halophilic microbial strain.

Abstract: A method of preparing silicon carbide according to the present invention includes reacting a silicon-containing compound with carbon dioxide, wherein a reducing agent is optionally used.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems for processing of carbonaceous compositions. The processing may include the manufacture (or synthesis) of oxidized forms of carbonaceous compositions and/or the manufacture (or synthesis) of reduced forms of oxidized carbonaceous compositions. Some embodiments provide methods, devices and systems for the manufacture (or synthesis) of graphite oxide from graphite and/or for the manufacture (or synthesis) of reduced graphite oxide from graphite oxide.

Abstract: A method for producing a negative electrode active material for a lithium ion secondary battery, comprising a step of charging either silicon and copper (II) oxide or silicon and copper metal in a pulverization device, pulverizing either the silicon and copper (II) oxide or silicon and copper metal, and simultaneously mixing either silicon and copper (II) oxide or silicon and copper metal thus pulverized. A negative electrode active material for a lithium ion secondary battery is produced by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphene-containing viscose fiber and a preparation method thereof, wherein the graphene is a non-oxidized graphene of no more than 10 layers. The preparation method comprises introducing a graphene into a viscose prior to spinning. The viscose fiber obtained according to the present invention possesses significant far-infrared and antibacterial properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a colloidal precipitated calcium carbonate (cPCC) for adsorbing and/or reducing the amount of at least one organic material in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods of oxidizing carbide anions, or negative ions, from salt like carbides at temperatures from about 150° C. to about 750° C. In another aspect, the disclosure provides for reactions with intermediate transition metal carbides. In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides for a system of reactions where salt-like carbide anions and intermediate carbide anions are oxidized to produce pure carbon of various allotropes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods by which lead from spent lead-acid batteries may be extracted, purified, and used in the production of new lead-acid batteries. The system includes a first phase separation device configured to: receive the first mixture from the basic lead stream digestion device, isolate a liquid component from one or more insoluble components of the first mixture, and output the liquid component. The system also includes a lead salt precipitation device configured to: receive and mix the liquid component and a carboxylate source to form a second mixture including a lead salt precipitate, and output the second mixture. The system further includes a second phase separation device configured to: receive the second mixture from the lead salt precipitation device, isolate the liquid component from the lead salt precipitate of the second mixture, and output the lead salt precipitate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved processes for the preparation of metal hydrides. The present disclosure also relates to metal hydrides, e.g., metal hydrides prepared by the processes described herein, that exhibit enhanced hydrogen storage capacity when used as hydrogen storage systems.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods of oxidizing carbide anions, or negative ions, from salt like carbides at low temperatures below about 600° C. In another aspect, the disclosure provides for reactions with intermediate transition metal carbides. In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides for a system of reactions where salt-like carbide anions and intermediate carbide anions are oxidized to produce pure carbon of various allotropes.

Abstract: A method for efficiently producing a high-purity metal hydride without contamination of other metals while initiating reaction rapidly is provided. A method for producing a metal hydride from a metal selected from the group consisting of Group 2 metals and Group 3 metals comprising: (A) charging the pressure resistant container with the metal, introducing hydrogen into the container, and heating the container to initiate reaction, wherein a gauge pressure (a) is set to 0.1 to 1.5 MPa, a heating temperature (b) is set to 50 to 250° C., and a product of the gauge pressure and the heating temperature, a×b, is set in the range of 20 to 100; (B) stopping the introduction of hydrogen to allow the reaction to proceed when the temperature in the reaction container is increased to a temperature higher by 10 to 100° C. than the heating temperature; (C) introducing hydrogen of 0.1 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flameless heating apparatus for food products. In particular, it relates to an improved potentially exothermic mixture/blend for such heaters and to meal packages including foods and heating apparatus. An embodiment of the invention comprises a composite material consisting of a potentially exothermic metallic alloy powder dispersed throughout a porous polyethylene matrix, which releases hydrogen in an exothermic reaction. The present invention seeks to reduce the production of such gas per unit mass, and further seeks to improve the efficiency of the reaction.

Abstract: A method of making fancy pale blue or fancy pale blue/green CVD diamond material is described. The method comprises irradiating single crystal diamond material that has been grown by a CVD process with electrons to introduce isolated vacancies into the diamond material, the irradiated diamond material having (or after a further post-irradiation treatment having) a total vacancy concentration [VT] and a path length L such that [VT]×L is at least 0.072 ppm cm and at most 0.36 ppm cm, and the diamond material becomes fancy pale blue or fancy pale blue/green in color. Fancy pale blue diamonds are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for preparing graphite oxide, in accordance with the present disclosure, when an oxidizer is added by stages into a sequencing batch oxidizer mixer connected in multiple stages at a constantly low temperature, the oxidizer is mixed therein while suppressing an oxidation reaction. During an oxidation reaction of graphite, in a risky range of overheating and explosion, a tube type reactor equipped within a heat exchanger is used to accurately control a local temperature and the oxidizer can permeate between layers of the graphite with increased efficiency under ultrasonication. In an additional reaction range out of the risky range, a continuous stirred tank reactor is used to mature the oxidation reaction, so that a risk of explosion during manufacturing of graphite oxide can be reduced and a great amount of graphite oxide can be mass-produced economically.

Abstract: Silica-dysprosium oxide core-shell nanoparticles and a method for preparing the silica-dysprosium oxide core-shell nanoparticles are disclosed. Initially, ethyl silicate, n-butanol, ethylenediamine, and distilled water are mixed in the presence of ultrasonic radiation to prepare silica nanoparticles. Then, the silica nanoparticles are isolated. Next, the isolated silica nanoparticles, an acid, n-butanol, and dysprosium oxide are mixed in the presence of ultrasonic radiation to prepare silica-dysprosium oxide core-shell nanoparticles. Finally, the silica-dysprosium oxide core-shell nanoparticles are isolated.

Abstract: Dry processes, apparatus, compositions and systems are provided for reducing emissions of mercury and optionally sulfur oxides and/or HCl. In an embodiment the copper-based mercury remediation composition comprises a copper ammonium complex having an empirical formula of C2H7CuNO2 or any of the other materials described, which include compositions defined by the formula Cu(NH3)x(lower carboxylate)y, wherein the lower carboxylate is selected from the group consisting of formate, acetate and propionate, x is an integer from 0 to 4, y is an integer from 0 to 2, and x+y is equal to or greater than 1. Sulfur oxides and/or HCl can be additionally reduced by introduction of dolomite hydrate sorbent, and additional mercury remediation chemicals as manganese oxides can be employed. The treated gas stream is treated with a particulate removal device.

Abstract: The invention relates to granules composed of agglomerated reactive bulk material and a binder matrix, the binder matrix comprising as binder an organic or inorganic salt.

Abstract: A remedial composition comprising a soluble silicate, a surfactant, a polyol and water is disclosed. The remedial composition of the present invention is generally intended for use in the treatment of soil, sand, water, fly ash and other mediums that may contain hazardous materials. In one embodiment of the present invention the soluble silicate of the remedial composition has a mole ratio of about 2.6 to about 3.9 moles silicate per mole of alkali metal oxide. In another embodiment of the present invention the remedial composition will have a pH level ranging from about 10.5 to about 11.9. In another embodiment the water component further comprises from about 0.5% to about 15% dissolved oxygen (O2). In another embodiment of the present invention the remedial composition may be further diluted by adding water to create various solutions comprising about 1 to 300 parts water to 1 part remedial composition.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an intermediate filtering membrane comprising: a filtering membrane having a charged or polar surface; and a transiently coupled charged compound, wherein the charged compound has an opposite charge to the membrane charge. Likewise, provided herein are methods and kits utilizing the intermediate membrane for various filtering membranes operations.

Abstract: (Problem) In conventional method for producing artificial graphite, in order to obtain a product having excellent crystallinity, it was necessary to mold a filler and a binder and then repeat impregnation, carbonization and graphitization, and since carbonization and graphitization proceeded by a solid phase reaction, a period of time of as long as 2 to 3 months was required for the production and cost was high and further, a large size structure in the shape of column and cylinder could not be produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials such as carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber and carbon nanohorn could not be produced.

Abstract: This invention pertains to method for imparting a durable antimicrobial activity to substrates, particularly textiles. An acetate-free metal and peroxide antimicrobial treatment formulation is prepared from a metal derivative, hydrogen peroxide and a source of hydroxide ion. The substrate is treated with the composition and dried to afford the treated substrate with antimicrobial activity. Zinc salts, ions, or complexes are preferred.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and method for separating radioactive nuclides from a waste salt and recovering a refined salt, which are able to maximize process efficiency and operating efficiency of a process of regenerating a waste salt produced during a pyrochemical process of used nuclear fuel by converting the waste salt into a thermally stable form and distilling the waste salt under a reduced pressure using a single apparatus having two top covers which are mountable to replace radioactive nuclides included in the waste salt, and highly improve applicability and utility in a remote operation facility for disposal of a radioactive waste by further simplifying operation/handling compared with conventional processes.

Abstract: A process for the production of a H2S-enriched H2 gas stream without the need for H2S compression is disclosed. A slip stream of rich amine from a hydroprocessing unit is reduced in pressure and stripped with a hydrogen-containing gas. The H2S content of the resulting gas stream can be readily controlled by adjusting the stripping pressure and/or hydrogen rate. The H2S-enriched H2 gas stream is suitable for the sulfidation of catalytically active metals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a hydrogel, which is performed in a reactor which has a body A which rotates about an axis of rotation and a metering system. A component comprising at least i) a soluble salt of an acidic or amphoteric oxygen-containing molecular anion and ii) a component comprising a precipitant are applied with the aid of the metering system to the surface of the rotating body A, such that a mixture of components i) and ii) flows over the surface of the rotating body A to an outer region of the surface of the rotating body A, the mixture leaves the surface and the pH of the mixture after leaving the surface of the body A is between 2 and 12. Additionally disclosed is the use of the resulting hydrogels for production of aerogels.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanocrystals, containing one or more metals as defined in the specification; having a size of 2 to 200 nm; having a defined, three-dimensional polyhedral structure, optionally functionalized by ligands and/or embedded crystals. The invention further relates to monodisperse assemblies of such nanocrystals, to formulations and devices comprising such nanocrystals as well as to the manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: A process for the production of a H2S-enriched H2 gas stream without the need for H2S compression is disclosed. A slip stream of rich amine from a hydroprocessing unit is reduced in pressure and stripped with a hydrogen-containing gas. The H2S content of the resulting gas stream can be readily controlled by adjusting the stripping pressure and/or hydrogen rate. The H2S-enriched H2 gas stream is suitable for the sulfidation of catalytically active metals.

Abstract: An improved and efficient method of producing a composition containing a metal peroxide capable of enhancing microbial degradation of contaminants in soil and groundwater. The method includes reacting a metal oxide or metal hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide in a solution of water containing a reaction moderator, intercalation agent, and a gelling agent.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a hybrid hydrogen storage system is provided. In one embodiment, the hybrid hydrogen storage system includes: a first hydrogen storage material present at a first volume percent (%) having a first gravimetric capacity and a first volumetric capacity; and a second hydrogen storage material forming an unreacted mixture with the first hydrogen storage material and present at a second volume % being 100 volume % minus the first volume %, the second storage material having a second gravimetric capacity and a second volumetric capacity, the first gravimetric capacity at the first volume % being higher or lower than the second gravimetric capacity at the second volume %, and the first volumetric capacity at the first volume % being the other of higher or lower than the second volumetric capacity at the second volume %.

Abstract: This invention relates to treated geothermal brine compositions containing reduced concentrations of silica, iron, and potassium compared to the untreated brines. Exemplary compositions of the treated brine contain a concentration of silica ranging from about 0 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg, a concentration of iron ranging from about 0 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, and a concentration of potassium ranging from about 300 mg/kg to about 8500 mg/kg. Other exemplary compositions of the treated brines also contain reduced concentrations of elements like rubidium, cesium, and lithium.

Abstract: Sodium silicate solutions of modulus 3.0 to 3.8 are provided. In some embodiments, the solution is made by a process that uses two specific principal reaction stages. A sodium silicate solution having a low SiO2:Na2O molar ratio, in the range from 2.0 to 2.8, is first produced by reaction of the SSS, as a cost-effective SiO2 source, with aqueous caustic soda. The conversion of this intermediate sodium silicate solution of low modulus to a high SiO2:Na2O molar ratio is made possible by using a SiO2 source that is prepared as precipitated amorphous silica from the intermediate sodium silicate solution produced above.

Abstract: Metal sorbent compositions for removing a metal contaminant from a fluid, such as removal of mercury from a coal-fired flue gas stream, and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject metal sorbent compositions comprise an effective amount of an aqueous dispersion of microfine elemental sulfur particles on an adsorbent substrate, and optionally, a metal capture enhancing agent such as a halogen source and/or an oxidizing agent in an amount providing a metal capture enhancing effect on the metal sorbent composition. The subject metal sorbent compositions are prepared by drying an aqueous dispersion of microfine elemental sulfur particles on an adsorbent substrate, such as on a substrate of microfine particles of a refractory material and the like. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions, and compositions produced by the methods. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide: a production method for commercially advantageously producing lithium difluorophosphate or an electrolyte solution containing the lithium difluorophosphate, the lithium difluorophosphate serving as an additive useful for improving performance of a nonaqueous electrolyte battery; and a nonaqueous electrolyte battery employing the electrolyte solution for the nonaqueous electrolyte battery which solution contains the lithium difluorophosphate produced by the production method. To provide an electrolyte solution for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery which solution contains lithium difluorophosphate, in such a manner as to produce lithium difluorophosphate in the electrolyte solution by reacting a halide other than a fluoride, LiPF6 and water in a nonaqueous solvent, the lithium difluorophosphate serving as an additive useful for improving performance of the nonaqueous electrolyte battery.

Abstract: A cutting element and a method of providing the cutting element are provided. The cutting element may comprise a substrate, a first polycrystalline diamond zone, and a second polycrystalline diamond zone. The first polycrystalline diamond zone may have substantially free of a catalyst material. The second polycrystalline diamond zone rich in the catalyst material may be bonded to the substrate along an interface. The second polycrystalline diamond zone may be bonded to the first polycrystalline diamond zone along an effective transition zone. The effective transition zone may have a plurality of irregular projections toward the first polycrystalline diamond zone and the second polycrystalline diamond zone.

Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for fabricating and implementing nanoparticles with hollow core and sealable holes. In one aspect, a nanoparticle device can includes a shell structure including at least two layers including an internal layer and an external layer, the internal layer structured to enclose a hollow interior region and include one or more holes penetrating the internal layer, the external layer is of a porous material and formed around the internal layer and sealing the one or more holes, and a substance contained within the hollow interior region, the substance incapable of passing through the external layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing mercury emissions from fluid streams are provided herein. In embodiments, mercury is removed from flue gas streams by injecting a dry admixture of a porous mercury adsorptive material and at least one halide containing agent into the flue gas stream.

Abstract: A method of producing inorganic compound particles is provided. It includes a step of impregnating a melt liquid of second raw particles into first raw particles by heating a raw material including them at a temperature, which equals to or higher than an eutectic temperature between a region-II (solid-liquid phase range) and a region-I (solid phase range) in a phase diagram and lower than the melting temperature of the inorganic compound. The first raw particles contain an element with a melting point equals to or higher than a melting point of the inorganic compound. The second raw particles contain an element with a melting point lower than the inciting point of the inorganic compound. The method also includes a step of synthesizing inorganic compound particles by a synthetic reaction in the first raw particles between the elements contained in the first and second raw particles.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of converting an oxy halide salt into a halide dioxide in a reaction zone under certain conditions is provided. More specifically, the method includes generating chlorine dioxide from a stable composition comprising an oxy halide salt by introducing said composition to a reducing agent and minimum temperature within the reaction zone. According to another aspect of the invention, a composition for a stable chlorine dioxide precursor comprising an oxy halide salt is provided.

Abstract: Core-shell nanoparticulate compositions and methods for making the same are disclosed. In some embodiments core-shell nanoparticulate compositions comprise transition metal core encapsulated by metal oxide shell. Methods of catalysis comprising core-shell nanoparticulate compositions of the invention are disclosed. Compositions comprising core-shell nanoparticles displayed on a metal-oxide support and methods for preparing the same are also disclosed. In some embodiments compositions comprise core-shell nanoparticles displayed as a substantially single layer superposed on a metal oxide support. Methods of catalysis employing the supported core-shell nanoparticles are disclosed.

Abstract: An initiator for cationic polymerization comprises a salt of a protic acid as well as a protic add. The molar ratio of protic acid to salt is in the range from 1:0.01 to 1:2000. The initiator is used for example for cationic homo- or copolymerization of trioxane, and permits stable and flexible operation of the polymerization.

Abstract: A method for completely reducing an inorganic halide to obtain a non-halogen inorganic substance and/or hydride thereof and preferably anhydrous hydrogen halide fluid using inorganic halide substances, such as sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen trifluoride, tungsten hexafluoride, uranium hexafluoride and others by reduction with a reducing agent at a proper temperature. The reducing agents may be molecular hydrogen, inorganic hydrides and inorganic metallic elements; molecular hydrogen is preferable, but in certain instances the inorganic hydrides are used, as well as inorganic metallic elements such as calcium and magnesium.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method for producing a composition, comprising: heating a first material comprising an amorphous alloy to a first temperature; and contacting the first material with a second material comprising at least one fiber to form a composition comprising the first material and the second material; wherein the first temperature is higher than or equal to a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the amorphous alloy.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube includes carbon nanotubes, and an entanglement member which is combined with the carbon nanotubes and has a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a method of scrubbing a waste gas, the method comprising: mixing HBr with washed dregs from a pulp mill green liquor clarifier to produce an activated carbon capable of oxidizing mercury; injecting the activated carbon slurry with HBr into a waste gas containing mercury at a temperature of from about 600° F. to about 900° F., thereby drying the activated carbon and oxidizing the mercury; and collecting the dried activated carbon and oxidized mercury on a filter.

Abstract: Provided are azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). Such azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions are useful as intermediates in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf).

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of converting an oxy halide salt into a halide dioxide in a reaction zone under certain conditions is provided. More specifically, the method includes generating chlorine dioxide from a stable composition comprising an oxy halide salt by introducing said composition to a reducing agent and minimum temperature within the reaction zone. According to another aspect of the invention, a composition for a stable chlorine dioxide precursor comprising an oxy halide salt is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus having a composite sea-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities.

Abstract: Provided is a preparation method of an oxygen-selective adsorbent selectively adsorbing oxygen in the air and an oxygen-selective adsorbent prepared thereby. The preparation method includes: preparing BaMg(CO3)2 particles or particles in which MgCO3 or Mg(OH)2 are attached to the outside of BaMg(CO3)2; and sintering the particles at a high temperature. The oxygen-selective adsorbent according to the present invention may adsorb oxygen in the air at a fast rate as compared with an existing oxygen-selective adsorbent and have high thermal stability and excellent oxygen adsorptivity.

Abstract: Process for producing nanomaterials such as graphenes, graphene composites, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxides and other nanomaterials by high heat vaporization and rapid cooling. In some of the preferred embodiments, the high heat is produced by an oxidation-reduction reaction of carbon dioxide and magnesium as the primary reactants, although additional materials such as reaction catalysts, control agents, or composite materials can be included in the reaction, if desired. The reaction also produces nanomaterials from a variety of other input materials, and by varying the process parameters, the type and morphology of the carbon nanoproducts and other nanoproducts can be controlled. The reaction products include novel nanocrystals of MgO (percilase) and MgAl2O4 (spinels) as well as composites of these nanocrystals with multiple layers of graphene deposited on or intercalated with them.