Background Silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbonitride, and silicon dioxide films are used to protect the semiconducting regions of microprocessors, memory devices, and solar panels. These coatings are prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using aminosilanes, or by applying perhydropolysilazane solutions....

Compartmentalization increases the overall activity and specificity of encapsulated enzymes by protecting the enzymes, maintaining a high concentration of enzymes and substrates, and promoting substrate channeling. While there have been artificial enzymatic particles that have been created using compartmentalization by virus-like proteins, liposomes,...

Batteries operate by polarizing and transferring ions through liquid or molecular solvents. Recent developments have made use of organic cation salts in plastic crystalline states as solvents, in which lithium salts can be dissolved. These lithium salts are known as electrolytes. Unfortunately, they are associated with low conductivity. Other electrolytes...

The demand for electric automobiles is driving research to find new rechargeable battery options. Current lithium ion batteries are very heavy and require large amounts of space. Additionally, these batteries have the potential to overheat during charging and cause fires. Lithium ion batteries are used because they can be recharged, but the charging...

The processes of Hydrosilylation or Hydrogenation are widely used in the manufacturing of silicone-based materials and as a precursor in pharmaceuticals. These materials include coatings, adhesives, sealants, and cured rubbers. These processes rely on the use of metal catalysts. Unfortunately, these catalysts are relatively toxic, rare, and are very...

Controlling products like carbon dioxide from combustion systems can help chemical manufacturers adjust to the recent limit on carbon emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency. Existing control techniques use carbon dioxide as feed to generate reusable chemicals thus reducing emissions. However, manufacturers use expensive modified combustion...

Frost and ice accumulation are major safety and performance concerns for aircraft, sea vessels, wind turbines, and off-shore oil platforms. A common and effective way to prevent ice buildup is to apply chemicals that lower the freezing temperature of water. In wintery conditions antifreeze is routinely sprayed on commercial airliners, and smaller planes...

The demand for rechargeable batteries is rapidly rising due to increased sales of consumer electronics, electric and hybrid automobiles, and the need for grid-based energy storage systems. Currently, the most widely used rechargeable batteries are manufactured with lithium-ion and liquid electrolyte materials. Unfortunately, as these batteries are charged...