The methods utilize in-situ reaction of kerogen involving liquid phase chemistry at ambient temperatures at pressures for the subsurface shale formation. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen to render it mobile using metal particulate catalysts. In the methods disclosed herein a fluid comprising metal is provided to the subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen in an inorganic matrix. A reducing agent is provided to the subsurface shale formation. The kerogen is converted by contacting the kerogen with a metal particulate catalyst formed from the metal; and a mobile kerogen-based product is formed. At least a portion of the mobile kerogen-based product is recovered. The kerogen-derived product can be upgraded to provide commercial products.

Devices and films made of thermochromic V02 nanocrystals promises for many applications and potential technological breakthroughs, such as energy efficiency smart windows, infrared laser protection, infrared camera and so forth.

Smart windows made of V02 nanoparticles have readily demonstrated significantly enhanced solar-heat modulation capability in response to temperature variation (approximately twice the capability as compared to traditional thin film counterparts). However, commercial scale manufacturing of high-quality, property-controlled V02 nanoparticles has not been achieved due to conventional batch processing techniques. These techniques cannot precisely control the size, shape and surface properties in a scaled process, which is largely due to its limited capability of controlling heat and mass transfer in a large batch chemical reactor.

This Argonne invention comprises a new continuous flow synthesis to massively synthesize V02 nanoparticles/rods (B or M phases). This is a solution-phase based hydrothermal, or solvo-thermal synthesis approach that uses a continuous flow micro-reactor. By using a continuous micro-reactor, heat and mass transfer can be precisely controlled and the synthesis reaction can be conducted in an extended range of temperatures and pressures. This is particularly useful and suited to hydrothermal synthesis of high-quality V02 (M) nanocrystals because the phase selection of this material, from its other structures V02 (A, B, R) and phases (e.g. V6013 and V409) depend closely on temperature. At the same time, the reaction can be conducted in a relatively easy, flexible and safe mode (i.e., a limited amount of chemical reagents are heated at a time). This results in well-controlled, nano-particulate products with unique and enhanced infrared (heat) manipulation properties.

Furthermore, this process is scalable and capable of stably manufacturing high-quality V02 nanoparticles or nanorods in specific, and a spectrum of other nano-scale materials in general, at the kilo/day level.

The Invention 

Argonne’s Enhanced Renewable Methane Production System provides a low-cost process that accelerates biological methane production rates at least fivefold. The innovative system addresses one of the largest barriers to expanding the use of renewable methane — the naturally slow rate of production. To overcome this challenge, Argonne researchers examined the natural biology of methane production, the natural processes for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration, and the environmental quality of the water found in coal bed methane wells. Their research led to the novel, low-cost treatment that enhances the heating value of biogas, delivering a gas that is close to pipeline quality. This system offers an improved means of producing biological methane at wastewater treatment plants, farms, and landfills. 

Argonne’s system also simultaneously sequesters the CO2 produced during the process by reacting with magnesium and calcium silicate rocks. This innovation links the biological conversion (renewable carbon source being converted to methane and carbon dioxide) to a geochemical mechanism (producing solid carbonate-enriched minerals), thus eliminating CO2 emissions. 

Benefits 

• Produces near-pipeline-quality methane 
• Enables simultaneous carbon dioxide sequestration

Applications and Industries

• Wastewater treatment plants 
• Recovery of methane from manure and agricultural processing 
• Recovery of methane from food processing wastes 
• Methane from other carbonaceous feedstock. 

Developmental Stage 

Reduction to practice testing is complete. Researchers are now working on prototype-scale testing with field testing to follow.