The present invention combines the advantages of fabrication of semiconductor heterostructure (Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4WO.sub.3) with plasmonic metals (Pt and Ag) with optical interference to optimize the visible light photo response of plasmonic metals deposited semiconductor (PtAg/Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4WO.sub.3) for visible light assisted H.sub.2 generation utilizing the aqueous bio-alcohols. Crystalline Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4 and WO.sub.3 nanofibers were synthesized by microwave and electrospinning methods. Three different WO.sub.3 nanofibers composition (5, 10 and 15 wt. %) were used to obtain Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4/WO.sub.3 nanocomposite heterostructures, which are effective visible light active photo catalysts. Further, a simple, enviro-friendly, and cost-effective biogenic synthesis method have been achieved using Salvia officinalis extract to decorate Pt and Ag metal nanoparticles on the surface of Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4WO.sub.3 composites. Presence of bioactive agents in the extract are responsible for the Pt and Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4 reduction and for prevention of the Pt nanoparticles from aggregation in aqueous medium.

The present invention combines the advantages of fabrication of semiconductor heterostructure (Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4WO.sub.3) with plasmonic metals (Pt and Ag) with optical interference to optimize the visible light photo response of plasmonic metals deposited semiconductor (PtAg/Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4WO.sub.3) for visible light assisted H.sub.2 generation utilizing the aqueous bio-alcohols. Crystalline Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4 and WO.sub.3 nanofibers were synthesized by microwave and electrospinning methods. Three different WO.sub.3 nanofibers composition (5, 10 and 15 wt. %) were used to obtain Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4/WO.sub.3 nanocomposite heterostructures, which are effective visible light active photo catalysts. Further, a simple, enviro-friendly, and cost-effective biogenic synthesis method have been achieved using Salvia officinalis extract to decorate Pt and Ag metal nanoparticles on the surface of Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4WO.sub.3 composites. Presence of bioactive agents in the extract are responsible for the Pt and Ag.sub.3PO.sub.4 reduction and for prevention of the Pt nanoparticles from aggregation in aqueous medium.

Catalysts for dehydrating hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof to acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof with high yield and selectivity, short residence time, and without significant conversion to undesired side products, such as, for example, acetaldehyde, propionic acid, and acetic acid, are provided. The catalysts are mixed protonated monophosphates. Methods of preparing the catalysts are also provided.

Catalysts for dehydrating hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof to acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof with high yield and selectivity, short residence time, and without significant conversion to undesired side products, such as, for example, acetaldehyde, propionic acid, and acetic acid, are provided. The catalysts are mixed protonated monophosphates. Methods of preparing the catalysts are also provided.

Described herein are heterogeneous materials comprising a p-type semiconductor comprising two metal oxide compounds of the same metal in two different oxidation states and an n-type semiconductor having a deeper valence band than the p-type semiconductor valence bands, wherein the semiconductor types are in ionic communication with each other. The heterogeneous materials enhance photocatalytic activity.

A water treatment system with a photocatalytic nanocomposite sheet, an adsorbent layer, and a fibrous filter, wherein the photocatalytic nanocomposite sheet comprises polymethylmethacrylate and silver phosphate, the adsorbent layer comprises plasma activated carbon nanotubes, and the fibrous filter is a composite of polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer fibers, with carbon nanotubes that are dispersed within the polymer fibers and silver nanoparticles that are deposited on the polymer fibers. Various embodiments of the water treatment system and methods of fabricating the photocatalytic nanocomposite sheet, the adsorbent layer, and the fibrous filter are also provided.

The present disclosure describes hybrid binary catalysts (HBCs) that can be used as engine aftertreatment catalyst compositions. The HBCs provide solutions to the challenges facing emissions control. In general, the HBCs include a porous primary catalyst and a secondary catalyst. The secondary catalyst partial coats the surfaces (e.g., the internal porous surface and/or the external surface) of the primary catalyst resulting in a hybridized composition. The synthesis of the HBCs can provide a primary catalyst whose entire surface, or portions thereof, can be coated with the secondary catalyst.

Catalysts for dehydrating hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof to acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof with high yield and selectivity, short residence time, and without significant conversion to undesired side products, such as, for example, acetaldehyde, propionic acid, and acetic acid, are provided. The catalysts are mixed condensed phosphates. Methods of preparing the catalysts are also provided.

Hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof are dehydrated using a catalyst and a method to produce bio-acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof. A method to produce the dehydration catalyst is also provided.

Various embodiments of a process for converting light alkanes to diesel are disclosed. In general, the process includes reacting a feed rich in one or more light alkanes with an aromatization catalyst to convert the light alkanes to aromatic hydrocarbons, reacting the aromatic hydrocarbons with a hydroalkylation catalyst to convert the aromatic hydrocarbons into diesel range hydrocarbons, and hydrogenating the diesel range hydrocarbons to produce a diesel product.