Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite hollow fiber membrane, a manufacturing method therefor, a hollow fiber membrane cartridge including same, and a fuel cell membrane humidifier, the composite hollow fiber membrane comprising a hollow fiber membrane and a contaminant collection layer coated on the inner surface of the hollow fiber membrane. The composite hollow fiber membrane can prevent performance deterioration of a fuel cell by removing, without a separate gas filtering device, contaminants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), and ammonia (NH3) during a humidifying process.

Abstract: A filter medium according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first support having a plurality of pores; a nanofiber web comprising nanofibers disposed on upper and lower portions of the first support and forming a three-dimensional network structure, and a hydrophilic coating layer formed on at least a part of an outer surface of the nanofibers, wherein the hydrophilic coating layer is formed of a hydrophilic coating composition comprising a hydrophilic polymer compound having at least one functional group selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group and a crosslinking agent comprising at least one sulfone group; and a second support having a plurality of pores interposed between the first support and the nanofiber web.

Abstract: Described are methods for the assembly of monolayer, bilayer, or multi-layer structures composed of homogenous rod-like molecules and particles. Included are methods for tuning physical properties of the mono- or multi-layered structures by changing ionic conditions and the size or concentration of polymer used for self-assembly.

Abstract: Provided are a porous film having excellent surface smoothness and a method for producing the same. The surface roughness of a porous film of polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethersulfone, polyimide and/or polyamide-imide is Ra 30,000 ? or less. The opening diameter of the porous film is preferably from 100 nm to 5000 nm. The method for producing a porous film preferably includes a step for kneading a varnish containing fine particles and at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polyether sulfone, polyamic acid, polyimide, polyamide-imide precursor, and polyamide-imide. The varnish preferably has a viscosity at 25° C. of 0.1-3 Pa·s, a solids fraction concentration of 10-50 mass %, and a fine particle average particle size of 10-5000 nm.

Abstract: The present technology includes a color changeable indicator that changes color upon exposure of the indicator to high pressure and comprises at least one reagent releasing layer, a transition layer disposed on the reagent releasing layer, a color changeable layer disposed on the transition layer, and a non-porous protectant encompassing the reagent releasing layer, the transition layer and the color changeable layer. An additional reagent releasing layer can be located between the transition layer and the color changeable layer. The indicators provide simple, reliable, and cost effective detection means for detecting whether a product has been exposed to high pressure, e.g. high pressure pasteurization, and may find use in applications such as food and beverage processing and/or packaging and medical applications.

Abstract: A substrate for a liquid filter, which includes a polyolefin microporous membrane, the polyolefin microporous membrane having a water permeation efficiency of 0.51 to 1.20 ml/min·cm2, the polyolefin microporous membrane having a bubble point of 0.45 MPa or more and 0.70 MPa or less, the polyolefin microporous membrane having a compressibility of less than 15%.

Abstract: A substrate for a liquid filter, which includes a polyolefin microporous membrane, the polyolefin microporous membrane having a water permeation efficiency of 1.21 to 2.90 ml/min·cm2, the polyolefin microporous membrane having a bubble point of 0.40 MPa to 0.65 MPa, the polyolefin microporous membrane having a compressibility of less than 15%.

Abstract: A substrate for a liquid filter, which includes a polyolefin microporous membrane, the polyolefin microporous membrane having a water permeation efficiency of 0.10 to 0.50 ml/min·cm2, the polyolefin microporous membrane having a bubble point of 0.50 MPa or more and 0.80 MPa or less.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for separation of an aromatic compound from a mixture comprising an alkane using an improved thin-film composite membrane. The membrane is particularly useful for separation of benzene from cyclohexane, which have similar boiling points. The membrane comprises a more mechanically durable and defect-free separation layer as a result of its fabrication from an ionomer solution that is substantially free of dissolved ionic species not associated with the ionomer.

Abstract: A thin micro-porous membrane sheet and filtering device using it is presented. The membrane sheet includes a thin porous metal sheet of thickness between 20 and 200 ?m with a porous ceramic coating of thickness less than 25 ?m on at least one of its surfaces. The porous metal sheet has mean pore sizes at micro and sub-micrometer level and has a surface substantially free of pores greater than 10 micrometers. The ceramic coating layer may be made of particles with a mean particle size in a range of 10 to 300 nm and contains certain sintering promoters. The ceramic coating is sintered with the metal sheet in non-oxidizing environment at lower temperatures than typical ceramic membranes. The thin membrane sheet is used to filter fine particulates from micrometers to nanometers from a liquid or gas stream. The thin membrane sheet may be assembled into a filter device having high surface area packing density and straight mini-flow channels.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method for controlled release of a cement additive for use in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of mixing an aramide capsule with a cement slurry to form an additive-containing slurry, and introducing the additive-containing slurry into the wellbore. The aramide capsule is formed by interfacial polymerization where an aramide polymer forms a semi-permeable membrane encapsulating the cement additive.

Abstract: A thin micro-porous membrane sheet and filtering device using it is presented. The membrane sheet includes a thin porous metal sheet of thickness between 20 and 200 ?m with a porous ceramic coating of thickness less than 25 ?m on at least one of its surfaces. The porous metal sheet has mean pore sizes at micro and sub-micrometer level and has a surface substantially free of pores greater than 10 micrometers. The ceramic coating layer may be made of particles with a mean particle size in a range of 10 to 300 nm and contains certain sintering promoters. The ceramic coating is sintered with the metal sheet in non-oxidizing environment at lower temperatures than typical ceramic membranes. The thin membrane sheet is used to filter fine particulates from micrometers to nanometers from a liquid or gas stream. The thin membrane sheet may be assembled into a filter device having high surface area packing density and straight mini-flow channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric hollow fiber membrane and a carbon molecular sieve hollow fiber membrane, both of which have excellent gas separation performance, and processes for preparing the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a hybrid polymeric hollow fiber membrane that comprises a glassy polymer containing fluorine and a ladder-structured polysilsesquioxane, a hybrid carbon molecular sieve hollow fiber membrane prepared by pyrolysis thereof, and processes for preparing the same. The hybrid polymeric hollow fiber membrane and the hybrid carbon molecular sieve hollow fiber membrane according to the embodiments of the present invention are excellent in gas flux and selectivity and can have a large surface area per unit volume. Thus, they can be advantageously used for separating gases with a high energy efficiency on a large scale.

Abstract: Provided herein are lagoon systems and methods for industrial wastewater remediation.

Abstract: A novel membrane is provided in which the permeate flow rate is not prone to decrease even when the membrane is used to process seawater with high salt concentration and high heavy metal ion concentration. This composite semipermeable membrane comprises a porous support layer, a separation function layer arranged on the porous support layer, and a coating layer coating the separation function layer, wherein the separation function layer contains a crosslinked polymer amide which is a condensate of polyfunctional aromatic amine and polyfunctional aromatic acid chloride, and the coating layer contains an aliphatic polymer including a polyether moiety and a carbonic acid polymer moiety.

Abstract: A process is provided of making facilitated transport membrane comprising a relatively hydrophilic, very small pore, nanoporous support membrane, a hydrophilic polymer inside the very small nanopores on the skin layer surface of the support membrane, a thin, nonporous, hydrophilic polymer layer coated on the surface of the support membrane, and metal salts incorporated in the hydrophilic polymer layer coated on the surface of the support membrane and the hydrophilic polymer inside the very small nanopores. In addition, the process provides a new method of making facilitated transport membrane spiral wound elements or hollow fiber modules for olefin/paraffin separations, particularly for C3=/C3 and C2=/C2 separations.

Abstract: A facility and method for membrane permeation treatment of a feed gas flow containing at least methane and carbon dioxide that includes a compressor, a pressure measurement device, at least one valve, and first, second, third, and fourth membrane separation units for separation of CO2 from CH4 to permeates enriched in CO2 and retentates enriched in CH4, respectively. The at least one valve adjusts the number of membranes combined and connected to the flow of gas entering into at least one of the membrane separation units as a function of the pressure recorded by the pressure measurement device.

Abstract: A facility and method for membrane permeation treatment of a feed gas flow containing at least methane and carbon dioxide that includes a compressor, a pressure measurement device, at least one valve, and first, second, third, and fourth membrane separation units for separation of CO2 from CH4 to permeates enriched in CO2 and retentates enriched in CH4, respectively. A temperature of the first retentate is adjusted at an inlet of the second membrane separation unit with at least one heat exchanger as a function of the measured CH4 concentration in such a way so as to reduce the determined difference.

Abstract: A process to enhance the performance of plastic optical fiber to operate with a high data rate (e.g., at least 1 gigabit per second) at high temperature (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius) for airplane avionic systems. Gigabit plastic optical fiber has a core including a dopant that enables data transmission at gigabit rates. The enhancement process uses rapid thermal cooling of the gigabit plastic optical fiber to stabilize the polymer matrix of the fiber. This rapid cooling treatment blocks dopant diffusion in a high-temperature environment, thereby avoiding degradation of the fiber's bandwidth and optical loss characteristic. Such degradation typically occurs in gigabit plastic optical fiber having core and cladding made of transparent carbon-hydrogen bond-free perfluorinated polymer.

Abstract: A negative electrode for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, a negative electrode agent for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, which is used therefor, and a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery provided with the negative electrode. The negative electrode agent for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries related to the present invention comprises, at least, an active material and a binder wherein the binder contains a first water-soluble polymer of linear polycarboxylate and a second water-soluble polymer of linear polycarboxylic acid. The first water-soluble polymer has a crosslinked structure of high molecular weight, and the second water-soluble polymer has a low molecular weight.

Abstract: A method of preparation of focal plane arrays of infrared bolometers includes processing carbon nanotubes to increase a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), followed by patterning to form focal plane arrays for infrared imaging.

Abstract: A device including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a membrane permeable to neutral gases but impermeable to water that is positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first layer including PVDF and PDMS, and the PVDF has a plurality of pores at least partially filled with at least some of the PDMS.

Abstract: Asymmetric articles are described including a porous substrate with two opposing major surfaces and a porous structure extending between the surfaces, and a polymeric coating on one of the major surfaces and extending into the porous structure to a depth of the porous structure. Methods for making an asymmetric composite article are also provided, including providing a porous substrate, treating the porous substrate with a plasma treatment or a corona treatment from one major surface to a depth of the porous structure between the two major surfaces. The method further includes applying a coating solution to the treated porous substrate and drying the coating solution to form a composite asymmetric composite article having a polymeric coating on one major surface and extending into the porous structure to the depth of the treated porous structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a separator for batteries, a separator manufactured by the method, and a secondary battery including the separator. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a separator having enhanced tensile strength by performing a shutdown process stopping a stretch during a process of stretching a base film of the separator.

Abstract: A filter for a chromatography system includes a filter body having an exterior wall, a cavity, an interior wall surrounding the cavity and a channel extending between the exterior and interior walls. The channel passes a flow of a liquid from the cavity. The filter body is formed of a sintered metal oxide material and has a pore size that is less than a particle size to be filtered liquid. In some embodiments the filter body is formed of zirconium oxide or aluminum oxide. The filters reduce or eliminate the types of reactions that occur between conventional filter bodies and chromatographic solvents and samples. The filters can be used at different locations in a chromatography system to remove particles that may be present in sources of chromatographic solvents or introduced into the chromatographic system flow by chromatographic components, such as pumps, valves and other chromatographic system components.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a method for manufacturing a water-treatment membrane, a water-treatment membrane manufactured using the same, and a water-treatment module including the water-treatment membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments described include devices and methods for forming a porous polymer material. Devices disclosed and formed using the methods described a spacer for spinal fusion, craniomaxillofacial (CMF) structures, and other structures for tissue implants.

Abstract: Conventional oil-water separation methods are inefficient since they break down a given “primary” phase into two “secondary” phases, one is richer and the other one is poorer in the “secondary” phase of the “primary” phase. As such, neither oil is recovered as a readily de-watered stream nor is water recovered as a readily de-oiled stream. However, de-watering and de-oiling of “oil-water” streams are synonymous, and therefore they should be simultaneously targeted by an efficient method. There are provided herein systems and methods to effectively treat “oil-water” streams by simultaneously de-watering the oil phase and de-oiling the water phase, de-scaling the de-oiled water phase, and de-salting the de-scaled water phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a membrane for a sensor, such as an opto-chemical or electrochemical sensor, including a polymer layer, for example, one featuring pores or openings, that is permeable to a measuring fluid and/or an analyte contained in the measuring fluid, with a surface designed to be in contact with a measuring fluid, wherein the surface is designed such that, at least in a moist condition of the polymer layer obtained by moistening the surface, a contact angle of a water drop applied to the surface is less than 50°, including less than 30°, and including less than 10°.

Abstract: Hierarchical porous membranes suitable for use in oil/water separation processes are provided. The membranes described herein are particularly well suited for separating trace amounts of water (e.g., no greater than 3 wt % water content, no greater than 1 wt % water content, or 50-1000 ppm water) from oil. The membranes have a wide range of applications, including deep seep oil exploration, oil purification, and oil spill cleanup.

Abstract: A water treatment system comprises at least one electrolytic cell comprising at least one electrode and a power source for powering the electrode. The electrode may be a metal electrode comprising a coating of polymer comprising structural units of formula I (I) wherein R1 is independently at each occurrence a C1-C6 alkyl radical or —SO3M wherein M is independently at each occurrence a hydrogen or an alkali metal a hydrogen or an alkali metal, R2 is independently at each occurrence a C1-C6 alkyl radical, a is independently at each occurrence an integer ranging from 0 to 4, and b is independently at each occurrence an integer ranging from 0 to 3. An associated method is also described.

Abstract: A nanocomposite membrane includes a macroporous polymer membrane having a plurality of pores. A plurality of metal nanoparticles are synthesized and immobilized within those plurality of pores. The nanoparticles are reduced and capped with a green reducing and capping agent such as green tea extract.

Abstract: A bio-inspired method for detoxifying contaminated water is disclosed. In the method, polydopamine, a mussel-inspired adhesive catecholamine was used as an adsorbent to effectively remove from contaminated water three major classes of toxic agents: heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Cd), toxic organic species (e.g., 4-aminopyridine), and radioisotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177). Furthermore, the polydopamine adsorbent was regenerated by treatment with acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A membrane includes a porous base membrane and a hydrophilic coating. The coating comprises a hydrophilic additive and a hydrophilic polymer derivatized with an electron beam reactive group adapted to form a radical under high energy irradiation. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises a fluoropolymer. Also disclosed are processes for forming the membrane.

Abstract: A carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membrane is made by pyrolyzing, to a peak pyrolysis temperature TP, a hollow fiber membrane having a polymeric sheath surrounding a polymeric core, anti-substructure collapse particles present in pores formed in the polymeric core help prevent collapse of pores formed in the hollow fiber membrane before pyrolysis. The anti-substructure collapse particles are made of a material or materials that either: i) have a glass transition temperature TG higher than TP, ii) have a melting point higher than TP, or ii) are completely thermally decomposed during said pyrolysis step at a temperature less than TP. The anti-substructure collapse particles are not soluble in a solvent used for dissolution of the polymeric material of the core.

Abstract: An electrochemical lateral flow biosensor (ELFB) includes an ELFB strip and electronic detector unit coupled to the strip. The strip includes a polymeric hydrophobic membrane, conjugation pad, sampling pad, screen-printed electrode (SPE), and wick pad. The membrane provides a solid support and enables capillary flow along the strip. The conjugation pad is placed on the membrane at one end of the strip and contains adsorbed dehydrated labelled conjugate particles that are coated with the biorecognition element and coated or filled with the electrochemically active component. The sampling pad is placed on the conjugation pad and provides adsorption of the liquid sample. The SPE is coated with immobilized capture antibodies. The wick pad is placed on the SPE and provides absorption of excess reagents maintaining a lateral flow along the strip. The ELFB can be used for rapid and early detection and quantity analysis of biological liquids and wastewater.

Abstract: The invention proposes an apparatus for gas cleaning having a high gas cleaning efficiency at any relative humidity. The apparatus comprises a passage (10) for gas flow; a hydrophilic carrier (12) permeable for gas flow, at least part of which is positioned within said passage for gas flow, and configured for containing a reagent that contacts the gas in said passage for gas flow; a unit (14) for disposing liquid to said carrier; and a controller (16), associated with said unit for disposing liquid, configured for controlling the unit for disposing to dispose an aqueous solution of dissolved reagent to the carrier; and after that controlling the unit for disposing to dispose liquid in case the humidity of the gas is below a first humidity threshold, or to stop disposing liquid in case the humidity of the gas is above a second humidity threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a band seal for hard capsules filled with PEG, particularly a low-molecular-weight PEG, PEG 200 to 600, the band seal being capable of effectively preventing content leakage through the gap between the body and cap of the capsule; and a liquid for preparing the band seal. The present invention further provides a hard capsule filled with PEG, particularly a low-molecular-weight PEG, PEG 200 to 600, the filled capsule being prevented content leakage through the gap between the body and cap of the capsule. The band seal can be prepared using a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a mixture thereof as a main component.

Abstract: Membranes having first and second porous portions, wherein the first portion has a more open pore structure than the second portion, wherein the first porous portion includes channels prepared by removing introduced fibers, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for anion exchange membranes and processes for their manufacture. The anion exchange membranes described herein are made the polymerization product of at least one functional monomer comprising a tertiary amine which is reacted with a quaternizing agent in the polymerization process.

Abstract: Functionalized membranes for use in applications, such as electrodeionization, can be prepared simply and efficiently by contacting a conductive carbon nanotube and polymer membrane with a solution containing at least one electrochemically active and functional compound under conditions suitable for electrochemically depositing the electrochemically active and function compound on a surface of the membrane.

Abstract: Integrated, sequential stages of nanofiltration, forward osmosis, and reverse osmosis and related membranes provide an Integrated Osmosis structure, systems and methods. By optimally placing and using the desired characteristics of each membrane, performance and cost effectiveness not attainable individually is obtained. Integrated Osmosis systems provide high diffusive and osmotic permeability, high rejection, low power consumption, high mass transfer, and favorable Peclet number, by manipulating convection, advection and diffusion, low concentration polarization gradients, low reverse salt flux and effective restoration of performance after cleaning fouled membranes. Benefits include increased permeate recovery and decreased waste concentrate volume from reverse osmosis processes or other elevated osmotic pressure solutions. Integrated Osmosis first employs nanofiltration for selective harvesting of solutes, proffering a reduced osmotic pressure permeate.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer electrolyte membrane used in fuel cells, and a method for producing the same, the method including a step of filling a crosslinkable ion conductor in the pores of a porous nanoweb support; and a step of crosslinking the ion conductor filled in the pores of the porous nanoweb support. The method for producing a polymer electrolyte membrane uses a relatively smaller amount of an organic solvent, can ameliorate defects of the support caused by solvent evaporation, and can enhance the impregnability of the ion conductor to the support and the convenience of the process.

Abstract: Ion exchange membranes may include a polymeric microporous substrate, a cross-linked ion transferring polymeric layer on the substrate, and a hydrophobic coating on the cross-linked ion transferring polymer. The hydrophobic coating may comprise at least one of a weak base copolymer and an organosilicate compound.

Abstract: A sample handling method may include drawing an encapsulating liquid from an encapsulating-liquid input; discharging the drawn encapsulating liquid (a) onto a free surface of a carrier liquid in a carrier-liquid conduit having a stabilization feature and (b) proximate to the stabilization feature, the encapsulating liquid being immiscible with the carrier liquid, so that the discharged encapsulating liquid does not mix with the carrier liquid, floats on top of the carrier liquid, and is immobilized by the stabilization feature; drawing a sample liquid from a sample-liquid input; and discharging the drawn sample liquid, the sample liquid being immiscible with the encapsulating liquid and with the carrier liquid, so that the sample liquid does not mix with the encapsulating liquid or with the carrier liquid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nano structures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within polymers or other flexible materials to provide a flexible skin-like material, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a carbon nanotube/polymer composite material having a plurality of carbon nanotubes formed into a predetermined architecture, with each of the plurality of nanotubes having a desired width and length.

Abstract: A solvent composition comprising an organic solvent; dispersed nanoparticles; and a non-volatile electrolyte is provided. A method of forming a liquid composite composition is provided.

Abstract: A nanocomposite membrane includes a macroporous polymer membrane having a plurality of pores. A plurality of metal nanoparticles are synthesized and immobilized within those plurality of pores. The nanoparticles are reduced and capped with a green reducing and capping agent such as green tea extract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-independent surface-modifying multifunctional biocoating and methods of application thereof. The method comprises contacting at least a portion of a substrate with an alkaline solution comprising a surface-modifying agent (SMA) such as dopamine so as to modify the substrate surface to include at least one reactive moiety. In another version of the invention, a secondary reactive moiety is applied to the SMA-treated substrate to yield a surface-modified substrate having a specific functionality.

Abstract: A variety of applications, systems, methods and constructs are implemented for use in connection with screening of ion-channel modulators. Consistent with one such system, drug candidates are screened to identify their effects on cell membrane ion channels and pumps. The system includes screening cells having light responsive membrane ion switches, voltage-gated ion switches and fluorescence producing voltage sensors. A chemical delivery device introduces the drug candidates to be screened. An optical delivery device activates the light responsive ion switches. An optical sensor monitors fluorescence produced by the voltage sensors. A processor processes data received from the optical sensor. A memory stores the data received from the optical sensor.