browse university and national lab ip

"Photoelectrochemical device for commercial hydrogen production through water splitting that preliminarly has achieved a 5.6% light-to-hydrogen efficiency. Researchers at OSU have developed a solar or simulated solar thermal absorber, consisting of a dispersion of high photothermal efficiency Mie-resonator nanoparticles in liquids or solids depending on the application, such as an ionic liquid, oil, water, thermoset polymer, and glass. Mie-resonator nanoparticles function similarly to cavity resonators; they confine photons in a nanoscale volume by their high refractive index (n > 2.5). Test data for this technology have shown that isolated Cu­­­2O nanoparticles (250 nm) in air can reach a temperature of 550 °C under low laser radiation of ~5 mW (see plot below). In addition to Cu2O, other earth abundant materials may be employed to synthesize Mie-resonator nanoparticles, such as CuO, Fe2O3, FeS2, MoS2, Si, and VO2. The high efficiency Mie-resonator nanoparticles solar or simulated solar thermal absorbers can be exploited in water desalination/distillation, electric power generation, thermochemical processes, indoor heating, and sanitization."

Dr. Kris Hauser from the University of Illinois has developed a robotic packing algorithm that reduces packing waste and increases warehouse automation. Warehouses have employed robots for picking, but less often use them for packing. This new technology may allow for a fully automated picking and packing system.

Prof. Katherine Driggs-Campbell has created intention tracking framework. It uses generative AI to adapt to a wide variety of tasks and mimic human intuition. The tracking framework directly interfaces with the robot planning module to create a complete system that can quickly respond to human needs. The system proactively provides assistance based on its assessment of the human’s intentions and state of activity. The largest commercial use case is in collaborative manufacturing, where robot manipulation is highly prevalent. Additional use cases are in emerging markets like domestic / assistive robotics, robot cooking and other. There is another paper currently in review.

This technology is a visual, non-destructive pipeline inspection system using a depth camera array (DCA). The system generates high-resolution, high-fidelity 3D models of pipeline geometry via inline inspection (ILI). In a single pass, it provides a complete map of the interior pipe surface with < 0.2% distance error for straight pipes and centimeter-level geometric accuracy for straight and curved pipes.

The invention ;utilizes ;two sequential digestion reactions. ; ;The first reaction ;digests ;lignocellulosic feed at an alkaline pH and thermophilic temperature to produce a high purity biogas as well as digestate rich in volatile fatty acids. ; This ;digestate is then exposed to a neutralized pH and produces a second biogas that improves the overall yield. ; ;This second stage promotes the conversion of ;additional ;lignocellulosic feedstock and soluble intermediates (e.g. ;the suite of volatile fatty acids produced in the first alkaline digester) to further produce methane and carbon dioxide. ;

This technology improves the compressive and flexural strengths of cement mortar by 38% and 44%, resp., by using a trace amount of graphene oxide (GO) at low cost. The nano-engineering of sand also greatly reduced the mortar's porosity and water absorptivity. It can reduce the cement content in concrete by 20% to 30% without reducing the concrete’s strengths. Due to the enhanced interfacial transition zone (ITZ), the GO-enhanced aggregate endows the concrete with significantly better durability performance. This technology can be tailored to produce functional concrete with outstanding electrical conductivity and piezoresistive behavior. GO can also enable upcycling of off-spec aggregate in concrete, facilitating the use of local aggregates and reduce the footprint of concrete.

A cost-effective deconstruction of the comingled waste plastics streams through the novel sequential catalytic solvolysis process. This is an emerging novel technology developed at WSU for the selective deconstruction of an individual polymer or classes of polymers in a polymer mixture with homogeneous or or heterogeneous catalysts stage-by-stage under mild conditions, to produce monomers, chemicals, and hydrocarbon fuels or lubricants.

A new technology using cellulose, a common and sustainable material, tackles the growing issue of rare earth element (REE) pollution. Researchers created anionic hairy nanocellulose (AHNC) that quickly removes neodymium, a key REE, from water. This method is efficient, removing high amounts of neodymium in seconds. Because AHNC is made from a renewable resource and works at low concentrations, it offers a promising and eco-friendly solution for cleaning up industrial wastewater, mining waste, electronic waste, and even recovering REEs from used magnets. This technology has the potential to make REE use more sustainable and contribute to a circular economy for these valuable materials.

There is a need for improved inexpensive methods for converting CO2 ;to methanol.The present invention solves one or more problems of the prior art by providing in at least one embodiment a catalyst for C═O reduction and oxygen evolution.

The invention provides a liquid phase process for direct utilization of inorganic metal carbonate and related salts under hydrogenative conditions to produce value added fuels and feedstocks: methanol, methane, carbon monoxide and higher hydrocarbons; using preferably heterogeneous catalysts. The hydrogenation proceeds with high selectivity and yield for the desired product at relatively low temperatures, along with co-production of metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide can be used to capture CO2, forming metal carbonates and bicarbonates that can be reused to produce more methanol and methane, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, closing the loop. Such a hydrogenation process can thus also be used in a "carbon capture and recycling" manner to produce renewable methane, methanol, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and other carbon feedstocks from CO2 sourced from any natural and anthropogenic emissions as well as from ambient air.

USC researchers have investigated the activity of a cobalt phosphino-thiolate complex ([Co(triphos)(bdt)]+ for the selective reduction of CO2 to formate for use in renewable energy storage. They find that in the presence of water, there is selective production of formate as high as 90% with overpotentials of 750mV and negligible current degradation over 8 hours. Based on the results of computational and experimental studies, the method likely operates through a metal-hydride pathway with an ECEC-based mechanism.

Researchers at OSU have developed a novel UAV design that delivers power opportunities for long-range endurance UAVs, the PowerLine Unmanned Surfer (PLUS). This fixed-wing UAV is capable of mutual inductance charging while flying, by employing an innovative approach: PLUS perceives powerlines using optical time of flight sensors, and dynamically morphs its shape directing its flight pattern to closely fly along powerlines through a novel spatial frequency matching controller. Powerline surfing, non-contact charging enables PLUS to greatly extend its endurance to previous unattainable ranges while simultaneously enabling long-range GPS-denied navigation, as powerline charging in this fashion utilizes dead reckoning and feature detection, providing critical spatial information for a variety of defense and industry applications.

This invention describes an innovative system configuration for power generation applications using novel protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFC) electrochemical technology at the heart of the system and explores the performance characteristics of different, high efficiency PCFC system configurations.

Researchers at Colorado State University’s Agricultural Water Quality Program (AWQP) have developed a low-cost, automated water sampler (LCS) with Internet of Things (IoT) technology for scalable, near-real-time water quality research. This can be utilized in edge-of-field (EoF) monitoring and is significantly less expensive than current commercial water samplers.

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a turbo-compression cooling system (TCCS) that captures waste heat from diesel generators and other industrial sources to improve cooling efficiency. This system directly uses waste heat to reduce electricity use, achieving high efficiency with a compact design. By utilizing low-grade heat sources, it provides a continuous, sustainable cooling solution adaptable to various industrial needs.

As the global economy shifts towards decarbonization, the demand for fuel-flexible and low-emission combustion technologies has never been greater. Current lean, premixed combustor designs face significant limitations, including high NOx emissions, combustion instability, and the need for complex fuel staging systems. These challenges are particularly pronounced when using hydrogen-rich fuels. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are working to address these issues with the NRRL combustor, a breakthrough in combustion technology that accommodates a wide range of fuels while dramatically reducing NOx emissions and enhancing operational flexibility, making it a critical tool in the transition to renewable energy sources.

This technology integrates high-resolution DFOS data—covering temperature, strain, pressure, and vibrations—into well control systems, providing critical insights for fluid dynamics and safety. Tested at LSU’s 5,100-foot test well, DFOS improved well control, detecting early gas kicks and other anomalies. Benefits include enhanced well safety, superior environmental resistance, and seamless integration with Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) systems.

Traditional pressure monitoring systems in wells rely on gauges that are limited in accuracy, durability, and spatial coverage. LSU’s innovative solution integrates Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) and Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) with machine learning to provide real-time pressure data along the full length of a well. This technology enhances well management by offering more accurate, continuous data even in extreme conditions, such as high-pressure or high-temperature environments. Additionally, the fiber optic system is resistant to corrosion and interference, improving safety, troubleshooting, and integration with managed pressure drilling (MPD).

a novel system for autonomous and wireless drone charging. The system consists of a charging platform that is highly efficient and provides an automatic charge. The platform is meant to be placed in the area where the drone is operating to facilitate continuous use of the drone once it has recharged. The drone is provided last-mile guidance for landing via a Bluetooth based guidance system. Once a drone lands on the platform, the platform identifies the position of the drone, moves a charging coil into position via an actuated arm for maximum efficiency, and begins charging within one minute of landing. The drone can then be charged in a matter of minutes. The battery charges at a constant voltage with decreasing current, and once the current decreases enough, charging stops and the drone may fly away. Multiple platforms can be placed in the drone’s flight path to be utilized as the drone operates and requires boosts in battery charge. This autonomous and wireless charging system is much more efficient than alternative charging methods that can take up to an hour to fully charge a drone. The autonomy element allows this system to work free of any human intervention and enables drones to operate continuously without interruption. The inventors have developed a field-tested 700 watt charging pad prototype, and are working to develop a 4 kilowatt prototype.

NCSU researchers have developed “Glow Bubbler”, a specially designed robotic arm for extreme environment Plasma emission spectroscopy (PES) work. This novel design of the contact tip enables continuous monitoring of any liquid, including extremely high temperature, extremely high pressure, and non-conductive liquids. PES analysis allows the user to gain a comprehensive molecular analysis of the material being sampled. This allows a user to know the purity of his liquid, the types and volumes of contaminants, and other key data abou the liquid being sampled. Previous version of this technology required a user to remove a sample of the liquid and test it in a lab. The probe has a no theoretical maximum length and can thus be as long as the user needs to reach any deep well. This is the first real-time functioning, in situ option for PES analysis, and it has been tailored for extreme environments. A PES sensor that could function in all extreme environment liquids, such as petroleum, would have wide application.

Processes to additively manufacture and post-process branching heat pipe structures with integral wicks in high performance materials enabling extremely mass and thermally efficient heat transfer solutions.

A demonstrated a self-looped electrochemical battery recycling approach that enables a sustainable and efficient recovery of lithium and transition metals from spent cathode materials into battery manufacturing feedstocks. Use of a three-chamber porous solid electrolyte reactor, enables a sustainable process that requires only low energy, does not consume external chemicals (except H2O2 to assist acid leaching), and avoids external cation contaminations or waste stream treatments.

This invention is a new process to remove fouling and scaling from membranes used in water treatment. More specifically, the invention is the tailored geometric parameters (such as the thickness and width of electrically conductive lines, and their spacing) and operational parameters (including the type, amount, and duration of external electrical application) that simultaneously enhance electrical conductivity, fouling cleaning efficiency, as well as water production efficiency. This approach presents a cost saving and potentially more effective alternative to traditional fouling control methods, such as chemical cleaning and backwashing, within membrane-based water/wastewater treatment plants. Traditional fouling and scaling control methods can account for up to 25% of the operational cost of membrane processes.

This developed modularized process can reform natural gas to hydrogen and co products using electricity. This process produces hydrogen via a plasma-based reformer at ambient temperature and pressure. Hydrogen is being separated from co-products through a designed membrane system.

This fuel cell system recovers up to 43% of H2 from Plasma Pyrolysis Assemblies (PPA), outpacing commercial catalysts that get less than 1% recovery from expensive, precious metal catalysts. Less expensive and more efficient than conventional platinum catalysts. Efficient recovery of hydrogen from fuel cell effluent is essential for reducing fuel cell emissions by recycling them back into fuel, lessening fuel costs, and mitigating carrying excess fuel on long voyages (space travel).

Almost all industrial operations, whether they are food and beverage manufacturers, chemical industries, or refineries, generate wastewater that needs to be treated to remove contamination. Organic contaminants, such as those present in brewery wastewater at high concentrations, can become valuable resources with waste-to-energy systems. Anaerobic microorganisms can be utilized to convert complex biopolymers into methane which can be used to produce energy, but current approaches are energy-intensive due to the requirements of microbial separation or retention via membranes or specialized reactors. For these reasons, alternative approaches are required for bacterial retention in wastewater treatment applications. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed an encapsulated supported anaerobic biofilm that can process wastewater with decreased energy requirements, and the method to make said encapsulated biofilms. By encapsulating the anaerobic bacteria, the bacteria are retained in the bioreactor without the need for membrane separation. The encapsulated biofilm produces on average 27 times more methane than encapsulated platonic bacteria. A two-stage reactor is utilized first to break down the organic compounds and then to generate the methane, resulting in a modular approach that can also be applied to the generation of other byproducts, including hydrogen gas. Pilot studies have been conducted with brewery and dairy wastewater demonstrating stable (>3 days) performance with >90% COD removal within <4 weeks of startup and stable performance of encapsulation chemistry (<15% 3-day moving average) over a > 30-day period.

This technology is a mathematical model to optimize the hydrolysis of acid pretreated lignocellulosic biomass in fed-batch hydrolysis systems. The model allows a user to maximize glucose production by controlling the feed rate of acid pretreated biomass materials. The user can also take into account the solids content of the acid pretreated material. When tested in a fed-batch process, the model allowed for a 108.76% increase in glucose concentration and a 37.50% increase in cellulose conversion over a batch process using the same enzyme loading.

This portfolio of technologies enables formic acid as a 2-way liquid organic hydrogen carrier. With substantial DOE support (DE EE-0008825), we developed reusable catalysts and a high pressure reactor that rapidly convert neat liquid formic acid to pressurized H2 (ANSI spec, <2 ppm impurities, DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11308). CO2 is separated and sequestered, and no other by-products are observed (< 5 ppm). This has been demonstrated through TRL 6 at lab scale, processing 10^0 liters of formic acid per pass (DOI: 10.1039/D2CY00676F). The catalysis is based on a homogeneous iridium system that is stable through millions of turnovers. Still, we have demonstrated mild conditions for metal recovery and recycling at 87% yield (DOI: 10.1039/d4gc00151f). This hydrogen release technology is complemented by new methods to convert the CO2 product back to formate, enabling a closed-loop hydrogen storage system in a single site.