Skip to main content

Energy Environmental Sciences and Materials

Latest Innovations
String Protection for Photovoltaic Cells Hot-spotting is a common problem in solar panel configurations that can potentially damage photovoltaic cells by forcing the conduction of reverse current in shaded or... Read More Hot-spotting is a common problem in solar panel configurations that can potentially damage photovoltaic cells by forcing the conduction of reverse current in shaded or dysfunctional cells. The proposed invention offers a solution at the modular level by incorporating the photovoltaic panel into an open circuit to prevent hot-spotting. As a result, other panels in the photovoltaic string will remain functional under all adverse conditions. Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a method and apparatus to protect solar cells from hot spotting and damage resulting from arc faults. This device would also provide a way to shut off the solar array remotely. By preventing the damage caused by hot spotting and arc faults this device increases the longevity of solar arrays. It also reduces the risk of fire and provides a remote way to cut the power in cases of emergency.
Water Resistant Metal-Organic Frameworks The construction of nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOF) by copolymerization of organic molecules with metal ions has received widespread attention in recent... Read More The construction of nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOF) by copolymerization of organic molecules with metal ions has received widespread attention in recent years. These materials are thermally robust and, in many cases, have high porosity. However, recent experiments have shown that some MOFs are not stable when exposed to >4% water, limiting their usefulness. Coordination bonding overcomes this limitation, requires mild conditions to create frameworks, and brings myriad choices of building blocks. Trifluoromethoxy group, which has been proved on most water repellent polymers and coating materials, reduces the water damage on MOF structures. A water resistant MOF, namely, ZnMOF3 is obtained through both solvothermal synthesis and microwave assisted solvothermal synthesis. It has a comparable vapor adsorbtion capacity with the commonly used MOFs, but does not adsorb moisture at 70 C. In addition, exposing ZnMOF3 to boiling water vapor for one week does not result in any dramatic X-ray powder pattern change. ZnMOF3 is a potential adsorbent in many industrial applications such as air adsorption.
Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based Microfluidic Devices: Sensors and Fuel Cells A microfluidic electrochemical reactor includes an electrode and one or more microfluidic channels on the electrode, where the microfluidic channels are covered... Read More A microfluidic electrochemical reactor includes an electrode and one or more microfluidic channels on the electrode, where the microfluidic channels are covered with a membrane containing a gas permeable polymer. The distance between the electrode and the membrane is less than 500 micrometers. The microfluidic electrochemical reactor can provide for increased reaction rates in electrochemical reactions using a gaseous reactant, as compared to conventional electrochemical cells. Microfluidic electrochemical reactors can be incorporated into devices for applications such as fuel cells, electrochemical analysis, microfluidic actuation, pH gradient formation.
Stable Pyrochlore Electrocatalysts and Nanomaterial Formed Therefrom for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Media Dr. Yang from the University of Illinois has developed several stable pyrochlore based electrocatalysts that are efficient OER catalysts in acidic media, resistant... Read More Dr. Yang from the University of Illinois has developed several stable pyrochlore based electrocatalysts that are efficient OER catalysts in acidic media, resistant to corrosion, and cost efficient.
Gas Purification Device with Liquefaction of Dilute Gas Components Many manufacturing processes currently emit large quantities of gas effluent into the atmosphere or dispose of by techniques such as thermal oxidation or bio-... Read More Many manufacturing processes currently emit large quantities of gas effluent into the atmosphere or dispose of by techniques such as thermal oxidation or bio-filtration (which both consume auxiliary fuel and produce CO2). These are usually carrier gases that contain dilute concentrations of organic gas (contaminants). This invention is a new device process for separating dilute gas(es) (e.g. organic gases) from gas streams for reuse as a liquid or other useful purposes (e.g. auxiliary fuel or chemical manufacturing). The invention provides gas purification methods and systems for the recovery and liquefaction of low boiling point organic and inorganic gases, such as methane, propane, CO.sub.2, NH.sub.3, and chlorofluorocarbons. Many such gases are in the effluent gas of industrial processes and the invention can increase the sustainability and economics of such industrial processes. In a preferred method of the invention, low boiling point gases are adsorbed with a heated activated carbon fiber material maintained at an adsorption temperature during an adsorption cycle. During a low boiling point desorption cycle the activated carbon fiber is heated to a desorption temperature to create a desorption gas stream with concentrated low boiling point gases. The desorption gas stream is actively compressed and/or cooled to condense and liquefy the low boiling point gases, which can then be collected, stored, re-used, sold, etc. Systems of the invention include an active condensation loop that actively cools and/or compresses a desorption gas stream from said vessel to liquefy low boiling point gases. Applications Packaging Material Gas purification (O2/N2 Separation, Ethane/Butane/Propane Separation) Chemical Manufacturing Petrochemical Printing & Painting Natural Gas Benefits Converts waste gas stream into 1) useful liquid (close to 100% pure) and/or 2) purified gas stream Generate auxiliary fuel by recycling purified carrier gas Closed loop system (reduces operating cost, energy, and material consumption) Reduces CO2 gas production (thousands of metric tons per year) Uses gas, not vapor (therefore boiling point is not an issue) To license the entire Vapor Phase Removal and Recovery System portfolio, click here.
A fluorescent sensor for Hg_+ detection Sensors that can detect mercury with high sensitivity and selectivity are very useful in preventing mercury poisoning as well as understanding its distribution.... Read More Sensors that can detect mercury with high sensitivity and selectivity are very useful in preventing mercury poisoning as well as understanding its distribution. Most fluorescent sensors for Hg_+ detection need an organic solvent, and have poor sensitivity or selectivity. Based on the fact that Hg_+ can bind in between T-T mismatches in DNA and stabilize the T-T mismatches, while other metals cannot, this sensor has a detection limit of 2.4 nM, which is lower than the EPA limit of Hg_+ in drinking water. The sensor is also very selective and is silent to any other metal ions with up to millimolar concentration levels.
A DNA-Cleaving DNAzyme-Based Fluorescent Sensor for Cu_+ Detection Copper is a widely used metal that can leak into the environment through various routes. In low concentrations, copper is an essential nutrient; however, exposure... Read More Copper is a widely used metal that can leak into the environment through various routes. In low concentrations, copper is an essential nutrient; however, exposure to high levels of copper even for a short period of time can cause gastrointestinal disturbance. Long term exposure causes liver or kidney damage. Most fluorescent sensors for Cu2+ detection give quenched fluorescence, because Cu2+ is a paramagnetic metal ion. These sensors are prone to false positive results because anything that can quench fluorescence could be mistakenly interpreted as Cu2+. This new sensor can give over 13-fold enhancement in fluorescence in the presence of very low concentrations of Cu2+. Most sensors for Cu2+ detection are based on fluorescent organic molecules that can selectively bind Cu2+. Upon Cu2+ binding, these molecules usually show quenched fluorescence. Although some of these sensors are very sensitive and selective for Cu2+, their practical applications are limited due to their light-down nature. This invention can provide highly sensitive and selective detection of Cu2+ in heavy water. In this invention, Cu2+ recognition and signaling are spatially separated. Therefore, Cu2+ quenching efforts are minimized.
Vapor Phase Removal and Recovery System (VaPRRS) The University's Vapor Phase Removal and Recovery System (VaPRRS) is a patented long-lasting filter that effectively removes dilute volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and... Read More The University's Vapor Phase Removal and Recovery System (VaPRRS) is a patented long-lasting filter that effectively removes dilute volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from gas streams and recovers them as pure liquids. The technology can be integrated into a variety of manufacturing facilities and air pollution control (APC) systems to make them more effective. VaPRRS is a VOC/HAP recovery system that uses an activated carbon fiber cloth and electrothermal desorption (ED) to inexpensively and selectively remove vapors from gas streams. The system rapidly adsorbs and then efficiently regenerates the sorbent and allows for condensation of the sorbate gas all within one control volume. This portfolio of four patented technologies is available for ready-to-sign licensing. The technologies within this bundle can also be licensed individually. Thermal Swing Adsorption Based on Electrical Properties of the Adsorbent (TF11145) A method for indirectly monitoring and controlling an electrically resistive adsorption system. Adsorption of a predetermined adsorbate is conducted while indirectly monitoring electrical resistance of a unified adsorbent element. Breakthrough is predicted based upon the indirectly monitored electrical resistance and a previously measured mass loading relationship between the resistance of the unified adsorbent element and the loading of the unified resistance element with the predetermined adsorbate. Adsorption, regeneration, and cooling cycles are controlled by a controller without any direct measurement of temperature or resistance of the element and characterizations of mass loading and temperature. Systems of the invention can have no sensors that contact the element, are in an adsorption vessel, and/or are downstream adsorption vessel. To license this technology individually, click here. Gas Purification Device with Liquefaction of Dilute Gas Components (TF09117) Many manufacturing processes currently emit large quantities of gas effluent into the atmosphere or dispose of by techniques such as thermal oxidation or bio-filtration. These are usually carrier gases that contain dilute concentrations of organic gas. This invention is a new device process for separating dilute gas(es) from gas streams for reuse as a liquid or other useful purposes. The invention provides gas purification methods and systems for the recovery and liquefaction of low boiling point organic and inorganic gases, such as methane, propane, CO.sub.2, NH.sub.3, and chlorofluorocarbons. Many such gases are in the effluent gas of industrial processes and the invention can increase the sustainability and economics of such industrial processes. In a preferred method of the invention, low boiling point gases are adsorbed with a heated activated carbon fiber material maintained at an adsorption temperature during an adsorption cycle. During a low boiling point desorption cycle the activated carbon fiber is heated to a desorption temperature to create a desorption gas stream with concentrated low boiling point gases. The desorption gas stream is actively compressed and/or cooled to condense and liquefy the low boiling point gases, which can then be collected, stored, re-used, sold, etc. Systems of the invention include an active condensation loop that actively cools and/or compresses a desorption gas stream from said vessel to liquefy low boiling point gases. To license this technology individually, click here. A System and Method to Integrate Adsorption, Steady-State Electrothermal Desorption, and Subsequent Destruction of Air Pollutants (TF05053) A preferred embodiment steady state tracking desorption system achieves steady tracking of either a fixed sorbate output set point, or a set point that changes over time. The system includes an electrically heated thermal adsorption/desorption device. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of an adsorbent material within the adsorption/desorption device. A sorbate sensor senses a sorbate level from an outlet of the adsorption/desorption device. A power sensor senses the power supplied by the desorption device. A controller interprets levels sensed by the temperature sensor, the sorbate sensor and the power sensor and provides a signal to achieve steady set point tracking of a sorbate level from the outlet of the adsorption/desorption device. To license this technology individually, click here. Selective Sorption, Desorption, and Liquefaction of Vapors from Gas Streams (TF00018) This technology uses activated-carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) as an alternative adsorbent to traditional granular activated carbon (GAC) to remove and recover organic vapors from gas streams. The ACFC is microporous, has up to 250% of the adsorption capacity of GAC, has faster mass and heat transfer properties than GAC, and is ash free to inhibit chemical reactions between the ACFC and the adsorbed vapors. Electrothermal desorption can be used to rapidly regenerate the ACFC with lower energy requirements than steam- or heated nitrogen-based regeneration. ED also eliminates the need for an adsorbent drying step and the recovered solvent/water separation processes usually required with conventional steam regeneration technology. This technology consists of two adsorption/desorption units that enclose hollow elements containing ACFC and provide gas ports at either end. The compounds are adsorbed onto ACFC cartridges that are electrothermally regenerated at a very rapid rate, causing the adsorbate to condense within the adsorption vessel itself and produce two-phase flow of the effluent during regeneration. The ACFC elements provide controlled electrical resistance, allowing for direct electrothermal heating and rapid regeneration of the ACFC and recovery of the VOCs/HAPs. Rapid ED with in-vessel condensation results in significant reductions in system complexity, cycle times, and nitrogen consumption. This new system also operates without the use of steam, heated inert gas, vacuum, or a refrigeration system. The pilot-scale system regenerates the ACFC within 40 minutes. To license this technology individually, click here.
Origami of Air Conditioning Mr. Rose of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois has developed a membrane-based technology which can be used for building ventilation... Read More Mr. Rose of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois has developed a membrane-based technology which can be used for building ventilation devices. The technology uses the commonly available material Tyvek (product of DuPont), folded in a special origami structure, which allows for maximum heat and energy recovery. The proposed use of this technology is in Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators, which can transfer as much as 80% of heat and humidity from the outgoing air to the incoming air in buildings.
Self Healing Coating Resists Seawater Dr. Paul Braun from the University of IL has developed a type of coating that uses seawater as the catalyst for increasing seawater resistance. Read More Dr. Paul Braun from the University of IL has developed a type of coating that uses seawater as the catalyst for increasing seawater resistance.

Pages