The Pt-cluster based catalysts outperformed the very best reported ODHP catalyst in both activity (by up to two orders of magnitude higher turn-over frequencies) and in selectivity. The results clearly demonstrate that highly dispersed ultra-small Pt clusters precisely localized on high-surface area supports can lead to affordable new catalysts for highly efficient and economic propene production, including considerably simplified separation of the final product. The combined GISAXS-mass spectrometry provides an excellent tool to monitor the evolution of size and shape of nanocatalyst at action under realistic conditions. Also provided are sub-nanometer gold and sub-nanometer to few nm size-selected silver catalysts which possess size dependent tunable catalytic properties in the epoxidation of alkenes.

Invented size-selected cluster deposition provides a unique tool to tune material properties by atom-by-atom fashion, which can be stabilized by protective overcoats.

Subnanometer and nanometer catalysts, method for preparing size-selected catalysts (ANL-IN-07-067)

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Presented here is a novel application of size-preselected metal-containing clusters under realistic high temperature catalytic conditions. More specifically, the invention produces and utilizes size selected sub-nanometer metal cluster-based catalysts and up to several nm size-selected nanoparticles for chemical conversions such as epoxidation and dehydrogenation.

Subnanometer and nanometer catalysts, method for preparing size-selected catalysts (ANL-IN-07-067B)

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The invention provides a catalytic electrode for converting molecules, the electrode comprising a predetermined number of single catalytic sites supported on a substrate. Also provided is a method for oxidizing water comprising contacting the water with size selected catalyst clusters. The invention also provides a method for reducing an oxidized moiety, the method comprising contacting the moiety with size selected catalyst clusters at a predetermined voltage potential.

The Invention 

Pulsed thermal imaging is widely used for nondestructive evaluation of advanced materials and components. Thermal imaging methods to analyze single-layer materials are well developed. However, a general method for analyzing multi-layer materials and coatings/films has not been developed due to the complexity of material systems and lack of an analytical solution. This technology provides a general method, test system including a filter, and numerical algorithm for automated analysis of thermal imaging data for multi-layer coating materials. 

Argonne’s pulsed thermal imaging-multilayer analysis method can accurately measure coating thermal conductivity and heat capacity (and/or thickness) distributions over an entire component’s surface. The method analyzes a temporal series of measured thermal imaging data to determine the properties for all coating layers based on a multilayer model. Argonne’s invention is currently the only method that can analyze coatings of more than one layer, is fully automated to produce 2D layer property images, and has validated high accuracy.

Argonne’s approach includes an infrared filter for flash lamps to eliminate the flash’s infrared radiation, ensuring accurate detection of surface temperature during pulsed thermal imaging tests. 

Key to Argonne’s thermal multi-layer analysis method is the numerical algorithm used for automated analysis of thermal imaging data for multi-layer materials, implemented in dedicated, Argonne-created software that allows for complete data-processing automation without the need of user intervention.

Benefits 

• Allows fast 2D imaging of multi-layer material properties of an object from one surface 
• All-in-one solution that includes method, optical filter, and analytical software for thermal multi-layer material analysis 
• Imaging is nondestructive and fast 
• Eliminates infrared radiation to assure data accuracy 
• Automated analysis of imaging data 

Applications and Industries 

• Multi-layer coating materials development 
• Manufacturing quality control 
• Coating degradation monitoring 
• Medical applications 

Developmental Stage 

Proof of Concept: the technology has been tested and proven to work for coated engine parts. 

Argonne Inventions 

• IN-05-125, Optical Filter for Flash Lamps in Pulsed Thermal Imaging View the patent.
• IN-14-032, Method and Apparatus for Material Thermal Property Measurement by Flash Thermal Imaging View the patent.
• IN-06-017, Method for Thermal Tomography of Thermal Effusivity from Pulsed Thermal Imaging View the patent

The Invention 

A series of novel redox shuttle additives for lithium ion batteries for the purpose of overcharge protection and increased battery safety. 

The additives not only can provide excellent overcharge protection in lithium-ion batteries but are also compatible with conventional carbonate-based electrolytes. These novel shuttle additives also provide improved solubility in carbonate based electrolyte. 

As the demand for hybrid and electric vehicles continues to grow, so does the demand for lithium-ion batteries that are safer, more powerful, and less expensive. These Argonne additives will help meet that demand. 

Benefits 

• Prevent overcharge and improves safety, 
• Balance cell in a battery pack, 
• Reduce cost, and 
• Increase battery reliability. 

Applications and Industries 

• Electrodes used in batteries for 
• Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; 
• Portable electronic devices; 
• Medical devices; and 
• Space, aeronautical, and defense-related devices. 

Developmental Stage 

The various redox shuttle technologies are at several stages of development. 

Intellectual Property 

• ANL-IN-05-012, ​“Novel Redox Shuttles for Overcharge Protection of Lithium Ion Batteries”, U.S. Patent 7,851,092, GB issued patent 2,437,902; Inventors: Khalil Amine, Qingzheng Wang and Zonghai Chen 
• ANL-IN-08-024, ​“Electrolyte Salts for Lithium Batteries”, combined with ANL- IN-08-033, ​“Ionic Metal Complex Redox Shuttle for Lithium Ion Batteries”, U.S. Published Application 12/192,452; Inventors: Khalil Amine, Zhengcheng Zhang and Zonghai Chen 
• ANL-IN-09-082, ​“Polyether-Functionalized Redox Shuttles for Lithium Ion Batteries”, U.S. Published Application 13/114,452; Inventors: Zhengcheng Zhang, Lu Zhang and Khalil Amine 
• ANL-IN-09-084, ​“Redox Shuttle Additives for High Voltage Cathodes”, U.S. Published Application 13/114,468; Inventors: Lu Zhang, Zhengcheng Zhang, and Khalil Amine 
• ANL-IN-09-086, ​“Redox Shuttle for Overcharge Protection of Lithium Ion Batteries”, U.S. Published Application 13/113,499; Inventors: Wei Weng, Zhengcheng Zhang and Khalil Amine 
• ANL-IN-10-076, ​“Redox Shuttles for Overcharge Protection of Lithium Batteries”, U.S. Provisional Application 61,529,413; Inventors: Zhengcheng Zhang, Lu Zhang, and Khalil Amine 
• ANL-IN-11-128, ​“Redox Shuttle for Overcharge Protection of Lithium Ion Batteries,” U.S. Patent Pending 13/457,239; Inventors: Wei Weng, Zhengcheng Zhang and Khalil Amine