Invention

In the event of a chemical and/or biological release, it is critical to be able to rapidly detect the components that have been released, determine the concentration of the components, decontaminate the released components, and verify that the decontamination efforts have been successful. Argonne inventors have developed a ​“smart” surface that can be incorporated into fabrics, painted surfaces, or other systems for rapid detection and decontamination.

Opportunity & Solution

The Argonne solution is a coupled, semiconductor-based detection and decontamination system that detects contaminant absorption by changes in surface resistance. These changes induce a photocatalytic oxidation or reduction of the contaminant while continuously monitoring resistance and temperature during the process to determine the decontamination status.

Benefits

The Argonne invention is a rapid, integrated detection and response system for chemical decontamination in near real-time.  

Applications, Industries

The invention has potential application in decontaminating large surface areas.

SPARTA is a mobile supported venue assessment tool created to assess both cyber and physical vulnerabilities in stadiums and arenas.

Features:

• Web-based application
• Requires professional regular maintenance
• Non-executable software

Technical Requirements:

• Multi-Platform
• Web based tool currently running on linux.

Redox flow batteries comprising a first aqueous electrolyte comprising a first type of redox active material and a second aqueous electrolyte comprising a second type of redox active material. The first type of redox active material may comprise one or more types of quinoxalines, or salts thereof.

Described herein are redox flow batteries comprising a first aqueous electrolyte comprising a first type of redox active material and a second aqueous electrolyte comprising a second type of redox active material. The first type of redox active material may comprise one or more types of quinoxalines, or salts thereof. Methods for storing and releasing energy utilizing the described redox flow batteries are also provided.

Non-aqueous redox flow battery comprising a negative electrode immersed in a non aqueous liquid negative electrolyte, a positive electrode immersed in a non-aqueous liquid positive electrolyte, and a cation-permeable separator between the negative electrolyte from the positive electrolyte.

The present invention provides a non-aqueous redox flow battery comprising a negative electrode immersed in a non aqueous liquid negative electrolyte, a positive electrode immersed in a non-aqueous liquid positive electrolyte, and a cation-permeable separator (e.g., a porous membrane, film, sheet, or panel) between the negative electrolyte from the positive electrolyte. During charging and discharging, the electrolytes are circulated over their respective electrodes. The electrolytes each comprise an electrolyte salt (e.g., a lithium or sodium salt), a transition-metal free redox reactant, and optionally an electrochemically stable organic solvent. Each redox reactant is selected from an organic compound comprising a conjugated unsaturated moiety, a boron cluster compound, and a combination thereof. The organic redox reactant of the positive electrolyte is selected to have a higher redox potential than the redox reactant of the negative electrolyte.

A sealant for an oil or geothermal well capable of setting within about 3 to about 6 hours at temperatures less than about 250° F. for shallow wells less than about 10,000 feet and deep wells greater than about 10,000 feet having MgO present in the range of from about 9.9 to about 14.5%, KH2PO4 present in the range of from about 29.7 to about 27.2%, class C fly ash present in the range of from about 19.8 to about 36.3%, class F fly ash present in the range of from about 19.8 to about 0%, boric acid or borax present in the range of from about 0.39 to about 1.45%, and water present in the range of from about 20.3 to about 21.86% by weight of the sealant.

A method of sealing wells is disclosed as are compositions for very high temperature wells is disclosed as is a composition for treating oil field wastes.

A process of washing plastics contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is provided to reduce the concentration of the PCBs. A two-step process includes a first washing step using a selected washing solution or solvent, such as, a non-flammable solvent, and followed by a second step using thermal desorption. The two-step process enables reducing the concentration of PCBs in polymers, such as recovered from shredder residue, for example, to as low as 0.253 PPM. One of the preferred solvents is Perchloroethylene.

Methods and apparatus for implementing robust and efficient cryoloop auto-centering for crystal location and alignment to the x-ray beam are provided. Image processing techniques are used for recognition of the small protein crystals. The detected crystal location enables crystal positioning in the x-ray beam, and optimization of the x-ray optics such as beam profile and intensity to the size and shape of the protein crystals.