A method for forming a ceramic-based material comprises depositing a ceramic-precursor composition comprising nanoparticles having at least one dimension less than 100 nm and an aspect ratio of 1.5 or greater, and a carrier fluid on a surface of a substrate to form an as-deposited layer of the ceramic precursor composition; and sintering the as-deposited layer of the ceramic precursor composition at a sintering temperature to form a ceramic-based material.

A spiral-orifice ceramic filter for metal casting, including spiral channels and two drain openings, where the spiral channels are distributed in a ceramic substrate in a staggered manner. By adoption of the spiral channel structure, molten metal may rotate to generate a centrifugal force while flowing forwards so as to promote separation of inclusions. The spiral-orifice ceramic filter for metal casting includes the following components: 90-95 wt % of MgO, 4-8 wt % of SiO.sub.2 and 2-4 wt % of ZrO.sub.2. Therefore, the spiral-orifice ceramic filter for metal casting has high strength under normal temperature and optional thermal impact resistance under high temperature, and may tolerate the impact of molten metal at 1700° C. or higher without break. The ceramic substrate and the spiral channel are superficially coated with one layer of functional oxide prepared from CaO.2Al.sub.2O.sub.3, CaO.6Al.sub.2O.sub.3, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2, or Re.sub.2O.sub.3.

A method of applying a NOx degrading composition on a concrete element, including providing a concrete element having a surface, and applying a composition including photocatalytic titanium dioxide particles dispersed in a continuous phase on the surface of said concrete element. Also, a concrete element having NOx degrading properties. Also, a concrete element having photocatalytic titanium dioxide particles dispersed thereon.

A method of applying a NOx degrading composition on a concrete element, including providing a concrete element having a surface, and applying a composition including photocatalytic titanium dioxide particles dispersed in a continuous phase on the surface of said concrete element. Also, a concrete element having NOx degrading properties. Also, a concrete element having photocatalytic titanium dioxide particles dispersed thereon.

A method of making a titanium dioxide nanowire array includes contacting a substrate with a solvent comprising a titanium (III) precursor, an acid, and an oxidant while microwave heating the solvent, thereby forming a hydrogen titanate H2Ti2O5.H2O nanowire array. The hydrogen titanate nanowire array is annealed to form a titanium dioxide nanowire array. The substrate is seeded with titanium dioxide before starting the hydrothermal synthesis of the hydrogen titanate nanowire array. The titanium dioxide nanowire array is loaded with a platinum group metal to form an exhaust gas catalyst. The titanium dioxide nanowire array can be used to catalyze oxidation of combustion exhaust.

A method of making a titanium dioxide nanowire array includes contacting a substrate with a solvent comprising a titanium (III) precursor, an acid, and an oxidant while microwave heating the solvent, thereby forming a hydrogen titanate H2Ti2O5.H2O nanowire array. The hydrogen titanate nanowire array is annealed to form a titanium dioxide nanowire array. The substrate is seeded with titanium dioxide before starting the hydrothermal synthesis of the hydrogen titanate nanowire array. The titanium dioxide nanowire array is loaded with a platinum group metal to form an exhaust gas catalyst. The titanium dioxide nanowire array can be used to catalyze oxidation of combustion exhaust.

A composite membrane for hydrogen separation and purification, including: a modified and activated support, a Palladium (Pd) layer, and an interstice layer between the second surface-modifying layer and the Pd layer. The support includes a support substrate, a first surface-modifying layer on the support substrate, and a second surface-modifying layer on the first surface-modifying layer.

A composite membrane for hydrogen separation and purification, including: a modified and activated support, a Palladium (Pd) layer, and an interstice layer between the second surface-modifying layer and the Pd layer. The support includes a support substrate, a first surface-modifying layer on the support substrate, and a second surface-modifying layer on the first surface-modifying layer.

An emulsion composition includes an acrylic polymer, a metal silicate, and water. Advantageously, the emulsion composition provides coatings with superior adhesion of coatings to a concrete, clay, or ceramic substrate. In particular, the emulsion composition provides improved adhesion of the silicate primer to the concrete, clay, or ceramic substrate and strong cohesion between the primer and top coat paint allow for a much better overall performance. A method for applying the emulsion composition is also provided.

An emulsion composition includes an acrylic polymer, a metal silicate, and water. Advantageously, the emulsion composition provides coatings with superior adhesion of coatings to a concrete, clay, or ceramic substrate. In particular, the emulsion composition provides improved adhesion of the silicate primer to the concrete, clay, or ceramic substrate and strong cohesion between the primer and top coat paint allow for a much better overall performance. A method for applying the emulsion composition is also provided.