Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst PtX, wherein the atomic percent of platinum in the bulk alloy is from 5 to 50 at %, the remaining being X, characterised in that the atomic percent of platinum at the surface of the alloy is from 10 to 80 at %, the remainder being X, provided that the at % of platinum at the surface of the alloy is at least 25% greater than the at % of platinum in the bulk alloy is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of using an alcohol and a primary or secondary amine as the starting material to produce the corresponding secondary amine easily at a high yield and a catalyst used therein. The invention relates to a film-type catalyst for production of a tertiary amine, which is used in producing a tertiary amine from an alcohol and a primary or secondary amine as the starting material, and a process for producing a tertiary amine, which includes reacting an alcohol with a primary or secondary amine in the presence of the film-type catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst material comprising an electrically conducting support material, a proton-conducting, polyazole-based polymer and a catalytically active material. A catalyst material prepared by the process of the invention. A catalyst ink comprising a catalyst material of the invention and a solvent. A catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane and also catalytically active layers comprising a catalyst material of the present invention. A gas diffusion electrode (GDE) comprising a gas diffusion layer and a catalytically active layer comprising a catalyst material of the invention. A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane, catalytically active layers comprising a catalyst material of the invention, and gas diffusion layers. And a fuel cell comprising a membrane-electrode assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: Melt additive ionic and non-ionic surfactants to impart stable durable hydrophilicity to thermoplastic polymers or blends thereof.

Abstract: An odiferous organic compounds cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. The cover contains a thermoplastic non-woven layer containing thermoplastic fibers having a contact angle with water greater than about 70°. The cover contains a UV barrier layer contains containing a UV blocking polymer, having a thickness of between one to three times the diameter of the thermoplastic fibers of the non-woven layer, and containing discontinuities forming microchannels through the layer thickness. The cover also contains an odor mitigation layer containing a UV translucent polymer which transmits at least about 60% of UV(C) energy and anatase titanium dioxide. The odor mitigation layer comprises discontinuities forming microchannels through the layer thickness forms the outer surface of the cover.

Abstract: A pathogen-resistant fabric comprising one or more photocatalysts capable of generating singlet oxygen from ambient air. The pathogen-resistant fabric may optionally include one or more singlet oxygen traps.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mixed matrix membranes which include a continuous phase organic polymer with molecular sieves interspersed therein, the molecular sieves comprising one or more zeolites having an HEU structure type; wherein the membrane exhibits a mixed matrix effect and further wherein the membrane has a N2/CH4 selectivity of greater than about 5, at 35° C. and a pressure of 100 psia (690 kPa). Methods for their preparation and use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pathogen-resistant fabric comprising one or more photocatalysts capable of generating singlet oxygen from ambient air. The pathogen-resistant fabric may optionally include one or more singlet oxygen traps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite or a composite membrane consisting of an ionomer and of an inorganic optionally functionalized phyllosilicate. The isomer can be: (a) a cation exchange polymer; (b) an anion exchange polymer; (c) a polymer containing both anion exchanger groupings as well as cation exchanger groupings on the polymer chain; or (d) a blend consisting of (a) and (b), whereby the mixture ratio can range from 100% (a) to 100% (b). The blend can be ionically and even covalently cross-linked. The inorganic constituents can be selected from the group consisting of phyllosilicates or tectosilicates.

Abstract: A method of making a porous membrane is disclosed. One such method optionally includes: forming a plurality of pillars in an array form over a substrate; and forming a layer with a mixture of a porous material precursor and a surfactant over the substrate. The method optionally includes removing the pillars to leave cavities in the layer; filling the cavities in the layer with a cavity filler; and removing the surfactant from the layer. The porous membrane can be used as, for example, a sieve for separating molecules from a chemical reaction.

Abstract: A process for production of a DDR-type zeolite membrane, which comprises: both a seed crystal-forming step of immersing a porous substrate in a seed crystal-forming raw material solution which contains a DDR-type zeolite powder dispersed therein and performing hydrothermal synthesis to form plural DDR-type zeolite crystal particles on surface of the porous substrate, and a membrane-forming step of immersing the resulting porous substrate with DDR-type zeolite crystal particles on the surface in a membrane-forming raw material solution which is free from DDR-type zeolite powder and performing hydrothermal synthesis to form a DDR-type zeolite membrane on the surface of the porous substrate. According to the process, a dense DDR-type zeolite membrane can be formed, and the vessel used in the synthesis can be prevented from being damaged.

Abstract: Process for fabricating a catalyzed ion transport membrane (ITM). In one embodiment, an uncatalyzed ITM is (a) contacted with a non-reducing gaseous stream while heating to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to provide an ITM possessing anion mobility; (b) contacted with a reducing gaseous stream for a time period sufficient to provide an ITM having anion mobility and essentially constant oxygen stoichiometry; (c) cooled while contacting the ITM with the reducing gaseous stream to provide an ITM having essentially constant oxygen stoichiometry and no anion mobility; and (d) treated by applying catalyst to at least one of (1) a porous mixed conducting multicomponent metallic oxide (MCMO) layer contiguous with a first side of a dense layer of MCMO and (2) a second side of the dense MCMO layer. In another embodiment, these steps are carried out in the alternative order of (a), (d), (b), and (c).

Abstract: A method for separating CO2 from a processed fluid includes exposing a film to the processed fluid and reacting the CO2 with tetrahedrally coordinated zinc hydroxide moieties contained within the film to facilitate the transport of the CO2 through the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified molecular sieve membranes with improved CO2/CH4 separation selectivity and methods for making such membranes. The molecular sieve membranes are modified by adsorption of a modifying agent, such as ammonia, within and/or on the membrane.

Abstract: A process of producing a structure for molecular separations includes providing a plurality of template materials. The template materials are selected from biomolecules, biopolymers, polymers, or combinations thereof. A sieve material, suitable for producing a structure for molecular separations, is provided around the template materials. The template materials are positioned in an arrangement for leaving pores suitable for molecular separations. The template materials are removed to leave pores in the sieve material and produce the structure suitable for molecular separations.

Abstract: The fuel cell of this embodiment includes an ion conducting membrane having a first side and a second side. Characteristically, the ion conducting membrane has a sufficient amount of cerium ions to inhibit the loss of fluoride from the ion conducting membrane when compared to an ion conducting membrane having the same construction except for the presence of cerium ions. The MEA also includes a first catalyst layer disposed on the first side of the ion conducting layer and a second catalyst layer disposed on the second side of the ion conduction layer. A first gasket is disposed between the first catalyst layer and the first side of the ion conducting membrane along the periphery of the second side. Similarly, a second gasket is interposed between the second catalyst layer and the second side of the ion conducting membrane along the periphery of the second side.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of high performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) and methods for making and using the same. The MMMs comprise a continuous polymer matrix and at least two types of molecular sieves dispersed therein. The continuous polymer matrix in the MMM contains at least one type of polymer. The MMM in the form of a dense film, asymmetric flat sheet membrane or otherwise prepared exhibits simultaneously improved selectivity and permeability for gas separations compared to polymer membranes made from a continuous polymer matrix without any molecular sieves or with only one type of molecular sieve. MMMs of the present invention are suitable for a wide range of gas, vapor, and liquid separations such as alcohol/water, CO2/CH4, H2/CH4, O2/N2, CO2/N2, olefin/paraffin, iso/normal paraffins, and other light gases separations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a FAU-type zeolite membrane that comprises a FAU-type zeolite crystal layer incorporated in the surface porosity of at least one selected face of a porous substrate, in which the ratio between the thickness of said zeolite layer incorporated in the surface porosity of said selected face of the substrate and the total thickness of said zeolite layer is at least 70%. It also relates to processes for preparation and application of these membranes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to iridium oxide based catalysts for use as anode catalysts in PEM water electrolysis. The claimed composite catalyst materials comprise iridium oxide (IrO2) and optionally ruthenium oxide (RuO2) in combination with a high surface area inorganic oxide (for example TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2 and mixtures thereof). The inorganic oxide has a BET surface area in the range of 50 to 400 m2/g, a water solubility of lower than 0.15 g/l and is present in a quantity of less than 20 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. The claimed catalyst materials are characterised by a low oxygen overvoltage and long lifetime in water electrolysis. The catalysts are used in electrodes, catalyst-coated membranes and membrane-electrode-assemblies for PEM electrolyzers as well as in regenerative fuel cells (RFC), sensors, and other electrochemical devices.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.

Abstract: A method of producing de-alloyed nanoparticles. In an embodiment, the method comprises admixing metal precursors, freeze-drying, annealing, and de-alloying the nanoparticles in situ. Further, in an embodiment de-alloyed nanoparticle formed by the method, wherein the nanoparticle further comprises a core-shell arrangement. The nanoparticle is suitable for electrocatalytic processes and devices.

Abstract: An ion-conductive composite membrane and a method of manufacturing the same, the membrane including phosphate platelets, a silicon compound, and a Keggin-type oxometalate and/or Keggin-type heteropoly acid, wherein the phosphate platelets are three-dimensionally connected to each other via the silicon compound. An electrolyte membrane having an ion-conductive inorganic membrane or an ion-conductive organic/inorganic composite membrane effectively prevents crossover of liquid fuel without the reduction of ion conductivity in a liquid fuel cell, thereby allowing for the production of fuel cells having excellent performance.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a film of nanocomposites of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (a) providing a first solution that contains a plurality of CNTs, (b) providing a second solution that contains a plurality of Pt nanoparticles, (c) combining the first solution and the second solution to form a third solution, and (d) filtering the third solution through a nanoporous membrane using vacuum filtration to obtain a film of nanocomposites of CNTs and Pt nanoparticles.

Abstract: There is provided a zeolite membrane which is thinner than a conventional membrane and which has improved permeability and a method for manufacturing the zeolite membrane. The method includes a surface layer forming step for forming a surface layer by attaching a low polar polymer on a first surface of a porous substrate to cover the surface, a filling step for filling a masking polymer into pores in the porous substrate from a surface different from the first surface of the porous substrate up to the surface layer by impregnating the porous substrate with the masking polymer and solidifying the masking polymer, and a surface layer removing step for removing the surface layer. After the surface layer removing step, a zeolite membrane is formed on the first surface of the porous substrate.

Abstract: A hydrogen permeable membrane is disclosed. The membrane is prepared by forming a mixture of metal oxide powder and ceramic oxide powder and a pore former into an article. The article is dried at elevated temperatures and then sintered in a reducing atmosphere to provide a dense hydrogen permeable portion near the surface of the sintered mixture. The dense hydrogen permeable portion has a higher initial concentration of metal than the remainder of the sintered mixture and is present in the range of from about 20 to about 80 percent by volume of the dense hydrogen permeable portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for production of a zeolite separation membrane with satisfactory separation performance. The process for production of a zeolite separation membrane according to the invention is comprising: a seed crystal-attaching step in which: a sealed body (10), which is obtained by sealing both ends of a cylindrical porous body (11) with sealing members (12a, 12b), is immersed from the sealing member (12a) end into a suspension (22) containing zeolite seed crystals; the suspension (22) is allowed to permeate from the exterior of the porous body (11) to the interior thereof; the zeolite seed crystals are thereby attached to the porous body (11); and a seed crystal-attached porous body is obtained; and a zeolite membrane-forming step in which: the seed crystal-attached porous body is contacted with a reaction solution containing the raw material of a zeolite membrane; the zeolite membrane is formed on the porous body (11); and a zeolite separation membrane is obtained.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a functional protective material, especially with the function of protecting against chemical and/or biological poisons and/or noxious materials, such as combat agents, wherein the functional protective material comprises a multilayer construction. The multilayer construction has a two-dimensional backing material, especially a textile backing material and a membrane, which is assigned to the backing material and, in particular, is connected therewith. The membrane is provided with a reactive finish, especially with a component having catalytic activity preferably with respect to chemical and/or biological poisons and/or noxious matter. The adsorption filter material is suitable particularly for use in ABC protection objects (such as ABC protective clothing).

Abstract: New ionic liquid-solid-polymer mixed matrix membranes were proposed for gas separations such as CO2 removal from natural gas or N2. For the new mixed matrix membranes, the solids such as carbon molecular sieves, microporous molecular sieves, MCM-41 type of mesoporous molecular sieves, or polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) are coated (or impregnated) with ionic liquids such as 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium bis[trifluoromethylsulfonyl]amide. The ionic liquids coated or impregnated solids are then dispersed in the continuous polymer matrix to form mixed matrix membranes. These hybrid mixed matrix membranes will combine the properties of the continuous polymer phase, the ionic liquids, and the dispersed ionic liquids coated or impregnated solids phase, which will possibly open up new opportunities for gas separation processes such as CO2 separation from natural gas or flue gas.

Abstract: A pathogen-resistant coating comprising one or more photocatalysts capable of generating singlet oxygen from ambient air. The pathogen-resistant coating may optionally include one or more singlet oxygen traps.

Abstract: A porous substrate with a seed crystal-containing layer for manufacturing a zeolite membrane includes: a ceramic porous substrate, and a seed crystal-containing layer containing a zeolite powder to function as a seed crystal for forming a zeolite membrane and a ceramic powder and being loaded on a surface of the ceramic porous substrate and fired to fix the seed crystal-containing layer on the porous substrate. The porous substrate with a seed crystal-containing layer used for manufacturing a zeolite membrane inhibits a defect such as a crack from being generated in the zeolite layer upon manufacture or use by manufacturing a zeolite membrane by the use of the substrate which then can be subjected to air-spraying, washing, and processing for the purpose of removing a foreign substance, etc., prior to hydrothermal synthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen conducting membrane includes a dense, mixed-conducting, multi-metallic oxide membrane having one surface which is coated with dispersed particles based on noble metals or magnesium oxide.

Abstract: An ion-conductive composite membrane and a method of manufacturing the same, the membrane including phosphate platelets, a silicon compound, and a Keggin-type oxometalate and/or Keggin-type heteropoly acid, wherein the phosphate platelets are three-dimensionally connected to each other via the silicon compound. An electrolyte membrane having an ion-conductive inorganic membrane or an ion-conductive organic/inorganic composite membrane effectively prevents crossover of liquid fuel without the reduction of ion conductivity in a liquid fuel cell, thereby allowing for the production of fuel cells having excellent performance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microporous aluminophosphate (AlPO4) molecular sieve membranes and methods for making and using the same. The microporous AlPO4 molecular sieve membranes, particularly small pore microporous AlPO-14 and AlPO-18 molecular sieve membranes, are prepared by three different methods, including in-situ crystallization of a layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a porous membrane support, coating a layer of polymer-bound AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a porous membrane support, and a seeding method by in-situ crystallization of a continuous second layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals on a seed layer of AlPO4 molecular sieve crystals supported on a porous membrane support.

Abstract: Zeolite membrane sheets for separation of mixtures containing water, alcohols, or organics are provided, as well as methods for making the same. Thin, but robust, zeolite membrane sheets having a zeolite membrane layer formed directly on a thin porous metal support sheet provide improved separations performance. The zeolite membrane layers have a thickness less than 3 ?m and are formed on a thin porous metal support sheet having a thickness less than or equal to approximately 200 ?m. The porous metal support sheet comprises an average pore size of less than 3 ?m, a porosity between 25% and 75%, and a thickness of less than or equal to 200 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a hybrid composition membrane comprising the steps of preparing a sol comprising at least one poly(amino-alcohol) and at least one alkoxy silane, casting the sol on a surface and drying the casted sol to form the hybrid composition membrane. The hybrid composition membrane may be used for capturing and separating CO2 and/or H2S from a gas sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are immobilized liquid membranes for gas separation, methods of preparing such membranes and uses thereof. In one example, the immobilized membrane includes a porous metallic host matrix and an immobilized liquid fluid (such as a silicone oil) that is immobilized within one or more pores included within the porous metallic host matrix. The immobilized liquid membrane is capable of selective permeation of one type of molecule (such as oxygen) over another type of molecule (such as water). In some examples, the selective membrane is incorporated into a device to supply oxygen from ambient air to the device for electrochemical reactions, and at the same time, to block water penetration and electrolyte loss from the device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a DDR zeolite membrane element including the steps of: immersing a porous substrate in a raw material solution, forming a DDR zeolite membrane containing 1-adamanthanamine on a surface of the porous substrate by subjecting a DDR zeolite to hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of DDR zeolite seed crystals, applying a glass paste onto the surface of the porous substrate so as to contact the membrane, and heating the membrane at 500 to 800° C., thereby burning away the 1-adamanthanamine contained in the membrane and melting the glass paste to form a membrane-like glass seal contacting the membrane on the surface of the porous substrate. The method for manufacturing a DDR zeolite membrane element can inhibit the permeation of the DDR zeolite membrane from being hindered in a contact portion between the membrane and the glass seal and inhibit poor seal of the glass seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified molecular sieve membranes with improved CO2/CH4 separation selectivity and methods for making such membranes. The molecular sieve membranes are modified by adsorption of a modifying agent, such as ammonia, within and/or on the membrane.

Abstract: A novel zeolite membrane is manufactured using zeolite seeds that are deposited on a support material. The seeds are then further grown in a secondary growth step to form a membrane with inter-grown particles. The pore size of the zeolite membrane is in a range between 3 angstrom and 8 angstrom, which allows water to flow through the membrane at a relatively high flux rate while excluding dissolved ions. The novel zeolite membrane is surprisingly efficient for desalinating sea water using reverse osmosis. The zeolite membrane is capable of high rates of water flux rate and high percentage of ion rejection.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a catalyst of high activity having a dehydrogenation function or hydrogenation function, to provide a fuel cell with a high output density, and further to provide a hydrogen storage/supply device, with which hydrogen is stored or supplied in a high efficient manner. In order to achieve the above object, a porous oxide film of a metal oxide is formed on a hydrogen separation membrane surface of a catalyst having a dehydrogenation function or hydrogenation function and the hydrogen separation membrane is arranged so as to be partially exposed to at the interface with the porous oxide film. In doing so, hydrogen generated on the catalyst can quickly diffuse into the hydrogen separation membrane thereby efficiently releasing the hydrogen to outside of the reaction system. Eventually, the reaction efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: Electrocatalyst layers include an electrocatalyst having high oxygen reduction activity that is useful as an alternative material to platinum catalysts. Uses of the electrocatalyst layers are also disclosed. The electrocatalyst layer includes an electrocatalyst that is formed of a metal oxide obtained by thermally decomposing a metal organic compound. The metal element forming the electrocatalyst is preferably one selected from the group consisting of niobium, titanium, tantalum and zirconium.

Abstract: Embodiments related to fuel cells and membrane-electrode assemblies for fuel cells are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a membrane-electrode assembly includes a catalyzed anode material and a membrane disposed in face-sharing contact with the catalyzed anode material. The membrane comprises mutually interpenetrating first and second phases, the first phase supporting an ionic conduction through the membrane, and the second phase supporting a dimensional structure of the membrane. The membrane-electrode assembly also includes a catalyzed cathode material disposed in face-sharing contact with the membrane, opposite the catalyzed anode material. Two opposing flow plates are also provided, each flow plate configured to distribute a reactant gas to a catalyzed electrode material of the membrane-electrode assembly. Other embodiments provide variants on the membrane-electrode assembly and methods to make the membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying a protein to remove impurities from a mixture liquid containing a desired protein and the impurities, comprising the step of performing filtration using a porous membrane having a graft chain on a pore surface and an anion-exchange group fixed to the graft chain.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.

Abstract: A process utilising the gases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce alcohols directly, comprises the steps of bringing a fluid mixture comprising carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen into contact with the surfaces of a supported tubular porous catalyst membrane having a range of pore sizes including micropores, mesopores and macropores, controlling the temperature of the said catalyst membrane, maintaining a pressure over said catalyst membrane of from 88 to 600 kPa, and recovering alcohol containing product formed by contact of the fluid mixture with said catalyst membrane.

Abstract: The present invention specifies the physical property valves of a catalytic layer correlating with the performance of a fuel cell, and provides the catalytic layer having the physical proper values and a fuel cell. Specifically, in a fuel cell having a membrane-electrode assembly provided with a catalytic layer 13 on each side of an electrolyte membrane 10, an electrode powder constituting the catalytic layer 13 shall have an amount of adsorbed water vapor in a range of 52 to 70 cm3(STP)/g by a value measured when the water-vapor partial pressure is 0.6, which is determined from the adsorption isotherm of water. The fuel cell having the catalytic layer with the use of the electrode powder having the amount of adsorbed water vapor in this range has the output performance of 0.6 A/cm2 or higher by current density at 0.6 V, in a less humidified condition and a more humidified condition.

Abstract: Ion transport membrane system comprising (a) a pressure vessel comprising an interior, an exterior, an inlet, an inlet conduit, an outlet, and an outlet conduit; (b) a plurality of planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and arranged in series, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide ceramic material and having an interior region and an exterior region, wherein the inlet and the outlet of the pressure vessel are in flow communication with exterior regions of the membrane modules; (c) a gas manifold having an interior surface wherein the gas manifold is in flow communication with the interior region of each of the planar ion transport membrane modules and with the exterior of the pressure vessel; and (d) a liner disposed within any of the inlet conduit, the outlet conduit, and the interior surface of the gas manifold.

Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst PtX, wherein the atomic percent of platinum in the bulk alloy is from 5 to 50 at %, the remaining being X, characterised in that the atomic percent of platinum at the surface of the alloy is from 10 to 80 at %, the remainder being X, provided that the at % of platinum at the surface of the alloy is at least 25% greater than the at % of platinum in the bulk alloy is disclosed.

Abstract: A porous catalyst layer formed from discrete particles of unsupported metal, wherein at least 80%, suitably at least 90%, of the discrete particles have a mass of from 1 to 1000 zeptograms, and wherein the catalyst layer has a metal volume fraction of less than 30% and a metal loading of less than 0.09 mg/cm2 is disclosed. The catalyst layer is suitable for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical applications.

Abstract: Polymer composite including a compatibilizer and having selective permeability to chemical permeants due to interaction differences between the compatibilizer and the chemical permeants, includes 50-99 wt % of an amorphous thermoplastic resin selected from the group polyethylenepropylendienterpolymer, poly(1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne), amorphous nylon, polystyrene and polycarbonate; 0.9-50 wt % of a semi-crystalline polymer selected from the group polyamide (nylons), polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, and thermotropic or lyotropic liquid crystal polymer, and dispersed in the amorphous thermoplastic resin to provide a dispersed phase having an interface with the amorphous thermoplastic resin; and 0.