Plasmonically-enhanced catalytic surfaces and accompanying optics are described herein. These elements facilitate efficient coupling of light energy into a photocatalytic system by way of a surface plasmon. Various compatible optical configurations are presented, with an emphasis on the broadband coupling of light into a single plasmon mode. In an example embodiment, dispersive optics are used to direct polychromatic light onto a grating-embossed SPR-active surface. Dispersive optics allow resonance to be achieved at a wide range of incident wavelengths. Energy then transfers from the excited plasmon to an adjacent photocatalyst. The plasmon mode thus acts as a “funnel” of broadband light energy to the catalytic materials. High-efficiency incoupling and outcoupling from the plasmon mode suggest overall enhancement of catalytic activity, and broad applicability is anticipated due to the inherent flexibility of the system. The catalytic surfaces and optical components can be fabricated as sheets or 3D arrays, justifying industrial-scale manufacturing.

The invention relates to integrated methods for direct capture of carbon dioxide and water from the atmosphere and their conversion into value-added products in an economical and carbon negative fashion. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the water captured in a DAC process is treated, bottled, and sold as value-added drinking water, thereby offsetting the cost of the capture process. Preferably the drinking water is bottled in low carbon footprint packaging to offer cost benefit while maintaining overall carbon neutrality or negativity. In other embodiments of the invention, a portion of the captured water is split by photovoltaic electrolysis into hydrogen and oxygen as further value-added products. In other embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the captured carbon dioxide is chemically reduced, preferably utilizing hydrogen from the aforementioned photovoltaic-electrolysis process, to produce methanol for use as a carbon-advantaged fuel.

Provided relates to a capsule for the generation of oxygen, typically a disposable capsule. The generation of oxygen is by a chemical reaction of a reactant with water. The capsule is configured to be coupled with an appliance for the supply of oxygen and its utilization within the appliance. The chemical reaction occurs within the capsule when coupled with the appliance upon introduction of water thereinto through an a priori sealed port.

Plasmonically-enhanced catalytic surfaces and accompanying optics are described herein. These elements facilitate efficient coupling of light energy into a photocatalytic system by way of a surface plasmon. Various compatible optical configurations are presented, with an emphasis on the broadband coupling of light into a single plasmon mode. In an example embodiment, dispersive optics are used to direct polychromatic light onto a grating-embossed SPR-active surface. Dispersive optics allow resonance to be achieved at a wide range of incident wavelengths. Energy then transfers from the excited plasmon to an adjacent photocatalyst. The plasmon mode thus acts as a “funnel” of broadband light energy to the catalytic materials. High-efficiency incoupling and outcoupling from the plasmon mode suggest overall enhancement of catalytic activity, and broad applicability is anticipated due to the inherent flexibility of the system. The catalytic surfaces and optical components can be fabricated as sheets or 3D arrays, justifying industrial-scale manufacturing.

Disclosed herein are carbon doped tin disulphide (C—SnS.sub.2) and other SnS.sub.2 composites as visible light photocatalyst for CO.sub.2 reduction to solar fuels. The in situ carbon doped SnS.sub.2 photocatalyst provide higher efficiency than the undoped pure SnS.sub.2. Also disclosed herein are methods for preparing the catalysts.

An apparatus and method generate oxygen gas from sodium percarbonate and water including seawater. The apparatus includes a chamber, a valve system, and an output port. The valve system controls combining a quantity of the sodium percarbonate, a quantity of the water, a quantity of potassium iodide, and optionally a quantity of sodium sulfate decahydrate. A chemical reaction between the sodium percarbonate and the water in the chamber generates oxygen gas, which is output at an output port from the chamber. The potassium iodide is a catalyst for the chemical reaction and optionally the sodium sulfate decahydrate is a temperature moderator for the chemical reaction. A ratio between the water and the sodium percarbonate is in a range of 2.5 to 8 by weight. A ratio of the potassium iodide per liter of the water yields a molarity in a range of 0.25 to 1.25.

A system for co-generating ammonia and power is described. The system includes oxygen transport reactors having an ion transport membrane (ITM) that separates a feed side and a permeate side. The feed side includes a feed inlet and a feed outlet, and the permeate side includes a permeate inlet and a permeate outlet. A first feed inlet receives water vapor to be converted into hydrogen and first oxygen, and a second feed inlet receives air to be split into nitrogen and second oxygen. The ITM selectively allows permeation of the first oxygen and the second oxygen to respective permeate side to support oxy-combustion process. A first feed outlet discharges hydrogen and a second feed outlet discharges nitrogen, where the hydrogen and the nitrogen are combined in a catalytic converter to form ammonia. Combustion gases from the oxygen transport reactors are used to run a gas turbine to extract power.

A radiolytic electrochemical system that comprises a cathode, an anode that comprises a semiconductor, an aqueous electrolyte solution disposed between the cathode and anode, and ionizing radiation, wherein the ionizing radiation splits water molecules via radiolysis and forms solvated free radicals that migrate to the anode or cathode, depending upon a radical's charge, and participate in redox reactions at the anode and cathode thereby producing electrical current capable of performing work when the anode and cathode are electrically connected.

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen is described herein. The PEC cell includes a first side configured to capture electromagnetic energy. The PEC cell further includes a second side opposed to the first side comprising an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The PEC cell further includes a buried p-n junction that converts electromagnetic energy received at the first side into electrical energy. The electrical energy is used to catalyze oxygen and hydrogen at the second side of the PEC cell.

An anode for oxygen evolution that operates at a small overpotential and in a stable manner, and can be used favorably in an organic chemical hydride electrolytic synthesis apparatus. An anode 10 for oxygen evolution that evolves oxygen in a sulfuric acid aqueous solution containing a substance to be hydrogenated dissolved at a concentration higher than 1 mg/L, wherein an anode substrate 10a is composed of a valve metal, and an anode catalyst layer 10b containing at least one oxide, nitride or carbide of iridium, and at least one oxide, nitride or carbide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to groups 4, 5 and 13 of the periodic table is formed on the surface of the anode substrate 10a.