Direct catalytic conversion of ethanol to hydrocarbon blend-stock can increase biofuels use in current vehicles beyond the ethanol blend-wall of 10-15%. Literature reports describe quantitative conversion of ethanol over zeolite catalysts but high C2 hydrocarbon formation renders this approach unsuitable for commercialization. Furthermore, the prior mechanistic studies suggested that ethanol co...

The deep-sea vestimentiferan tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi forms large aggregations at hydrocarbon seeps in the Gulf of Mexico that may persist for over 250 y. Here, we present the results of a diagenetic model in which tubeworm aggregation persistence is achieved through augmentation of the supply of sulfate to hydrocarbon seep sediments. In the model, L. luymesi releases the sulfate generat...

U.S. Army systems increasingly require novel methods of high density, fast charging power sources. In this study, a novel alternative to traditional batteries, catalytic microcombustors utilizing hydrocarbon fuels, are fabricated and characterized. These devices are found to be robust, easy to start up, operable over a wide range of compositions and temperatures, and able to support complete co...

Gasification was chosen as one of the more conventional methods for conversion of biomass due to some important reasons such as space consideration, flexibility of fuels used, reducing the volume of solid waste and recovery of energy. Essentially, the process of gasification involves partial combustion of the organic part of the fuels to combustible gas rich in carbon monoxide, hydrogen and som...

The effect of various fuel additives on the ability of platinum-palladium catalytic converters to remove the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon components of automotive exhaust has been examined. Engine dynamometer studies suggest that these catalysts may be successfully used in conjunction with fuels of relatively high tetraethyllead concentrations, provided the ethylene dibromide portion of the ...