Method for low temperature catalytic production of hydrogen

The invention provides a process for the catalytic production of a hydrogen feed by exposing a hydrogen feed to a catalyst which promotes a base-catalyzed water-gas-shift reaction in a liquid phase. The hydrogen feed can be provided by any process known in the art of making hydrogen gas. It is preferably provided by a process that can produce a hydrogen feed for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The step of exposing the hydrogen feed takes place preferably from about 80° C. to about 150° C.

Liquid phase low temperature method for production of methanol from synthesis gas and catalyst formulations therefor

The invention provides a homogenous catalyst for the production of methanol from purified synthesis gas at low temperature and low pressure which includes a transition metal capable of forming transition metal complexes with coordinating ligands and an alkoxide, the catalyst dissolved in a methanol solvent system, provided the transition metal complex is not transition metal carbonyl. The coordinating ligands can be selected from the group consisting of N-donor ligands, P-donor ligands, O-donor ligands, C-donor ligands, halogens and mixtures thereof.

GRAPHENE OXIDE-BASED COMPOSITE MEMBRANES

Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The barrier layer includes a graphene oxide. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate. 1. An article comprising:a nanofibrous scaffold comprising fibers having a diameter of from about 1 nm to about 20,000 nm; anda barrier layer comprising graphene oxide on at least a portion of a surface of the nanofibrous scaffold,wherein the barrier layer has a thickness from about 5 nm to about 5000 nm.2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the nanofibrous scaffold comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins claim 1 , polysulfones claim 1 , fluoropolymers claim 1 , polyesters claim 1 , polyamides claim 1 , polycarbonates claim 1 , polystyrenes claim 1 , polynitriles claim 1 , polyacrylates claim 1 , polyacetates claim 1 , polyalcohols claim 1 , polysaccharides claim 1 , proteins claim 1 , polyalkylene oxides claim 1 , polyurethanes claim 1 , polyureas claim 1 , polyimines claim 1 , polyacrylic acids claim 1 , polymethacrylic acids claim 1 , polysiloxanes claim 1 , poly(ester-co-glycol) copolymers claim 1 , poly(ether-co-amide) copolymers claim 1 , derivatives thereof and copolymers thereof.3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the nanofibrous scaffold comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene claim 1 , polypropylene claim 1 , polyethersulfone claim 1 , polyvinylidene fluoride claim 1 , polyethylene terephthalate claim 1 , polytrimethylene terephthalate claim 1 , polybutylene terephthalate claim 1 , nylon 6 claim 1 , nylon 66 claim 1 , nylon 12 claim 1 , polystyrene claim 1 , polyacrylonitrile claim 1 , polymethyl methacrylate claim 1 , polyvinyl acetate claim 1 , polyvinyl alcohol claim 1 , chitosan claim 1 , cellulose claim 1 , collagen claim 1 , gelatin claim 1 , polyethylene oxide claim 1 , polyethylene glycol claim 1 , polyvinyl chloride ...

Method for low temperature catalytic production of hydrogen

The invention provides a process for the catalytic production of a hydrogen feed by exposing a hydrogen feed to a catalyst which promotes a base-catalyzed water-gas-shift reaction in a liquid phase. The hydrogen feed can be provided by any process known in the art of making hydrogen gas. It is preferably provided by a process that can produce a hydrogen feed for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The step of exposing the hydrogen feed takes place preferably from about 80° C. to about 150° C.

Biogas purification apparatus and method for operation thereof

A biogas purification method includes injecting biogas into a pressure vessel, cooling the pressure vessel to a first predetermined temperature and pressurizing the pressure vessel to a predetermined pressure. The method further includes visually monitoring separation of a biogas impurity from a product gas during an induction period, isolating the product gas from the biogas impurity at a clathrate formation equilibrium by removing the product gas from the pressure vessel and passing the product gas through water to yield a purified gas.

Method for production of mixed alcohols from synthesis gas

A method for production of mixed alcohols by using a sulfided transition metal catalyst selected from Group VI metals; nano-sizing the metal catalyst during its synthesis; suspending the catalyst in solvents to form a slurry; adding, a sulfur containing material to extend catalyst life; and contacting this slurry with carbon monoxide and hydrogen at 200-325° C. and 500-3000 psig pressure.

Method for production of mixed alcohols from synthesis gas

A method for production of mixed alcohols by using a sulfided transition metal catalyst selected from Group VI metals; nano-sizing the metal catalyst during its synthesis; suspending the catalyst in solvents to form a slurry; adding, a sulfur containing material to extend catalyst life; and contacting this slurry with carbon monoxide and hydrogen at 200-325° C. and 500-3000 psig pressure.

POLYMERIC NANOFIBROUS COMPOSITE MEMBRANES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT ETHANOL DEHYDRATION

Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The membranes also include zeolites in the barrier layer. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate.

Novel method for production of mixed alcohols from synthesis gas

A method for production of mixed alcohols by using a sulfided transition metal catalyst selected from Group VI metals; nano-sizing the metal catalyst during its synthesis; suspending the catalyst in solvents to form a slurry; adding, a sulfur containing material to extend catalyst life; and contacting this slurry with carbon monoxide and hydrogen at 200-325° C. and 500-3000 psig pressure.

Method for low temperature catalytic production of hydrogen

The invention provides a process for the catalytic production of a hydrogen feed by exposing a hydrogen feed to a catalyst which promotes a base-catalyzed water-gas-shift reaction in a liquid phase. The hydrogen feed can be provided by any process known in the art of making hydrogen gas. It is preferably provided by a process that can produce a hydrogen feed for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The step of exposing the hydrogen feed takes place preferably from about 80° C. to about 150° C.

Method for reducing the sulfur content of a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream

The sulfur content of a liquid hydrocarbon stream is reduced under mild conditions by contracting a sulfur-containing liquid hydrocarbon stream with transition metal particles containing the transition metal in a zero oxidation state under conditions sufficient to provide a hydrocarbon product having a reduced sulfur content and metal sulfide particles. The transition metal particles can be produced in situ by adding a transition metal precursor, e.g., a transition metal carbonyl compound, to the sulfur-containing liquid feed stream and sonicating the feed steam/transition metal precursor combination under conditions sufficient to produce the transition metal particles.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING WASTEWATER USING NON-CHEMICAL PROCESS

A method for treating wastewater, comprising: (i) injecting a hydrate-forming gas (e.g., propane) into the wastewater under conditions of elevated pressure and reduced temperature to form a solid hydrate composed of the hydrate-forming gas and water from the wastewater; and (ii) separating the solid hydrate from the wastewater to result in removal of water from the wastewater, thereby resulting in partially dewatered wastewater, and optionally, (iii) lowering the pressure and/or raising the temperature of the solid hydrate to decompose the solid hydrate into reformed hydrate-forming gas and reformed water, and further optionally, recycling the reformed hydrate-forming gas for use in step (i) and/or capturing the reformed water from step (iii) and further decontaminating until suitable for release into waterway or for use in a process. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for practicing the method described above. 1. A method for treating wastewater , comprising:(i) injecting a hydrate-forming gas into the wastewater under conditions of elevated pressure and reduced temperature to form a solid hydrate composed of the hydrate-forming gas and water from the wastewater; and(ii) separating the solid hydrate from the wastewater to result in removal of water from the wastewater, thereby resulting in partially dewatered wastewater.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:(iii) lowering the pressure and/or raising the temperature of the solid hydrate to decompose the solid hydrate into reformed hydrate-forming gas and reformed water.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:(iv) capturing the reformed hydrate-forming gas from step (iii) and recycling the reformed hydrate-forming gas by using the reformed hydrate-forming gas as hydrate-forming gas in step (i).4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:(iv) capturing the reformed water from step (iii) and further decontaminating until suitable for release into waterway or for use in a process.5. The ...

POLYMERIC NANOFIBROUS COMPOSITE MEMBRANES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT ETHANOL DEHYDRATION

Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The membranes also include zeolites in the barrier layer. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate. 1. An article comprising:a nanofibrous scaffold comprising fibers having a diameter of from about 1 nm to about 20,000 nm; anda hydrophilic barrier layer on at least a portion of a surface of said nanofibrous scaffold, the hydrophilic barrier layer comprising a polymer,wherein the nanofibrous scaffold, the hydrophilic barrier layer, or both, further comprise at least one zeolite.2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the nanofibrous scaffold comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins claim 1 , polysulfones claim 1 , fluoropolymers claim 1 , polyesters claim 1 , polyamides claim 1 , polycarbonates claim 1 , polystyrenes claim 1 , polynitriles claim 1 , polyacrylates claim 1 , polyacetates claim 1 , polyalcohols claim 1 , polysaccharides claim 1 , proteins claim 1 , polyalkylene oxides claim 1 , polyurethanes claim 1 , polyureas claim 1 , polyimines claim 1 , polyacrylic acids claim 1 , polymethacrylic acids claim 1 , polysiloxanes claim 1 , poly(ester-co-glycol) copolymers claim 1 , poly(ether-co-amide) copolymers claim 1 , derivatives thereof and copolymers thereof.3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the nanofibrous scaffold comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene claim 1 , polypropylene claim 1 , polyethersulfone claim 1 , polyvinylidene fluoride claim 1 , polyethylene terephthalate claim 1 , polytrimethylene terephthalate claim 1 , polybutylene terephthalate claim 1 , nylon 6 claim 1 , nylon 66 claim 1 , nylon 12 claim 1 , polystyrene claim 1 , polyacrylonitrile claim 1 , polymethyl methacrylate claim 1 , polyvinyl acetate claim 1 , polyvinyl alcohol claim 1 , chitosan claim 1 , cellulose claim 1 , collagen claim 1 , gelatin ...

Polymeric nanofibrous composite membranes for energy efficient ethanol dehydration

Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The membranes also include zeolites in the barrier layer. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate.

Graphene oxide-based composite membranes

Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The barrier layer includes a graphene oxide. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate.

Liquid phase low temperature method for production of methanol from synthesis gas and catalyst formulations therefor

The invention provides a homogenous catalyst for the production of methanol from purified synthesis gas at low temperature and low pressure which includes a transition metal capable of forming transition metal complexes with coordinating ligands and an alkoxide, the catalyst dissolved in a methanol solvent system, provided the transition metal complex is not transition metal carbonyl. The coordinating ligands can be selected from the group consisting of N-donor ligands, P-donor ligands, O-donor ligands, C-donor ligands, halogens and mixtures thereof.

Method for low temperature catalytic production of hydrogen

The invention provides a process for the catalytic production of a hydrogen feed by exposing a hydrogen feed to a catalyst which promotes a base-catalyzed water-gas-shift reaction in a liquid phase. The hydrogen feed can be provided by any process known in the art of making hydrogen gas. It is preferably provided by a process that can produce a hydrogen feed for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The step of exposing the hydrogen feed takes place preferably from about 80° C. to about 150° C.

Method for reducing the sulfur content of a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream

The sulfur content of a liquid hydrocarbon stream is reduced under mild conditions by contracting a sulfur-containing liquid hydrocarbon stream with transition metal particles containing the transition metal in a zero oxidation state under conditions sufficient to provide a hydrocarbon product having a reduced sulfur content and metal sulfide particles. The transition metal particles can be produced in situ by adding a transition metal precursor, e.g., a transition metal carbonyl compound, to the sulfur-containing liquid feed stream and sonicating the feed steam/transition metal precursor combination under conditions sufficient to produce the transition metal particles.

MODULAR PRESSURE MANAGEMENT OIL SPILL CONTAINMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

A modular pressure management oil spill containment system is constructed on the floor of an ocean to contain an oil spill caused by a wild well blowout. A base containment module including a hollow wall and at least one pressure relief valve is submerged below a surface of the ocean, positioned on a portion of the ocean floor that circumvents the wild well and its hollow wall is reinforced. At least one additional containment module including a hollow wall and at least one pressure relief valve is submerged below the ocean surface, positioned on top of the base containment module and its hollow wall is also reinforced. A plurality of riser assemblies are connected between at least a portion of the pressure relief valves of the containment modules and at least one containment vessel. The pressure relief valves are controlled to manage the containment of the oil spill.

Method and apparatus for sulfur removal

Provided is a method for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream. The method includes contacting the gas stream with a reactor that is configured to remove the hydrogen sulfide. The reactor includes at least one nano-sized metal.

Homogeneous catalyst formulations for methanol production

There is disclosed synthesis of CH3OH from carbon monoxide and hydrogen using an extremely active homogeneous catalyst for methanol synthesis directly from synthesis gas. The catalyst operates preferably between 100-150°C and preferably at 100-150 psia synthesis gas to produce methanol. Use can be made of syngas mixtures which contain considerable quantities of other gases, such as nitrogen, methane or excess hydrogen. The catalyst is composed of two components: (a) a transition metal carbonyl complex and (b) an alkoxide component. In the simplest formulation, component (a) is a complex of nickel tetracarbonyl and component (b) is methoxide (CH30?), both being dissolved in a methanol solvent system. The presence of a co-solvent such as p-dioxane, THF, polyalcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, and crown ethers accelerates the methanol synthesis reaction.

Homogeneous catalyst for methanol production, process for producing the catalyst, and process for producing methanol from synthesis gas

Low temperature catalysts for methanol production

A catalyst and process useful at low temperatures (below about 160° C.) and preferably in the range 80°-120° C. used in the production of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen is disclosed. The catalyst is used in slurry form and comprises a complex reducing agent derived from the component structure NaH--RONa--M(OAc) 2 where M is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, and Co and R is a lower alkyl group containing 1-6 carbon atoms. This catalyst is preferably used alone but is also effective in combination with a metal carbonyl of a group VI (Mo, Cr, W) metal. The preferred catalyst precursor is Nic (where M=Ni and R=tertiary amyl). Mo(CO) 6 is the preferred metal carbonyl if such component is used. The catalyst is subjected to a conditioning or activating step under temperature and pressure, similar to the parameters given above, to afford the active catalyst.

Method and apparatus for sulfur removal

Provided is a method for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream. The method includes contacting the gas stream with a reactor that is configured to remove the hydrogen sulfide. The reactor includes at least one nano-sized metal.

Method and apparatus for treating wastewater using non-chemical process

A method for treating wastewater, comprising: (i) injecting a hydrate-forming gas (e.g., propane) into the wastewater under conditions of elevated pressure and reduced temperature to form a solid hydrate composed of the hydrate-forming gas and water from the wastewater; and (ii) separating the solid hydrate from the wastewater to result in removal of water from the wastewater, thereby resulting in partially dewatered wastewater, and optionally, (iii) lowering the pressure and/or raising the temperature of the solid hydrate to decompose the solid hydrate into reformed hydrate-forming gas and reformed water, and further optionally, recycling the reformed hydrate-forming gas for use in step (i) and/or capturing the reformed water from step (iii) and further decontaminating until suitable for release into waterway or for use in a process. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for practicing the method described above.