Abstract: A membrane evaporative condenser (MEC) includes a repeating sequence of channels for evaporation and/or condensation are arranged, each sequence of channels includes a condensation channel for condensation of a vapor to a liquid, an evaporation channel, and zero to one hundred evaporation-condensation channels. The condensation channel has walls of a non-permeable material which exterior to the condensation channel share the wall with a liquid evaporative medium (LEM) conduit that contains a LEM. The LEM conduit includes a moisture transfer membrane (MTM), where the LEM can evaporate into an evaporation channel or an evaporation-condensation channel that can amplify the effect of the heat transfer for additional mass transfer.

Abstract: Compact membrane evaporative chillers, methods for cooling a process fluid (e.g., air) using a compact membrane evaporative chiller, and air conditioning systems and methods that include a compact membrane evaporative chiller are disclosed herein. Compact membrane evaporative chillers as disclosed herein can advantageously reduce or eliminate power consumption needed to circulate a working fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a membrane having a first major surface and a second major surface and including one or more anionic exchange electrolyte polymers. The membranes can be useful for selectively mass transporting molecules and/or ions.

Abstract: In one aspect, energy storage devices and methods are disclosed that include (preferably in order): a cationic electrode cover layer, a cationic electrode, a cationic exchange polymer electrolyte layer, a separation dielectric layer, an anionic exchange polymer electrolyte layer, an anionic electrode, and an anionic electrode cover layer. In certain embodiments, the device is configured to be initially placed in an ionized state, and optionally, can be configured to be further charged to store energy in an electrostatic mode. In another aspect, ionic solid dielectric materials, energy storage devices including ionic solid dielectric materials, and methods of making and using such materials and devices are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling and/or separating a component from a fluid are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can include one or more of a separator (e.g., a dehumidifier), a chiller, and/or an expirator, each of which can include a selective transfer membrane. Such systems and methods can be used for a wide variety of applications including, for example, cooling and/or dehumidifying air.

Abstract: Energy storage devices that include a solid multilayer electrolyte are provided. In certain embodiments, the energy storage devices disclosed herein can exhibit behavior analogous to an electrochemical battery at lower voltages, but can transition to electrostatic capacitor behavior as voltages rise. The energy storage devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein can preferably be advantageous by providing a large total energy storage capacity.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to products and processes relating to compatible polymer blends comprising at least one sulfonated polymer and at least one non-sulfonated polymer. The sulfonated polymers may be produced using a number of sulfonating agents including a coordination complex of sulfur trioxide. The polymeric blended materials described herein are useful in a variety of applications, including as coatings for medical devices, protective clothing and fabric, laboratory equipment, vascular stents and shunts, absorbent materials and separation membranes, three-dimensional constructs, devices, and other uses.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a membrane having a first major surface and a second major surface and including one or more anionic exchange electrolyte polymers. The membranes can be useful for selectively mass transporting molecules and/or ions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to products and processes relating to compatible polymer blends comprising at least one sulfonated polymer and at least one non-sulfonated polymer. The sulfonated polymers may be produced using a number of sulfonating agents including a coordination complex of sulfur trioxide. The polymeric blended materials described herein are useful in a variety of applications, including as coatings for medical devices, protective clothing and fabric, laboratory equipment, vascular stents and shunts, absorbent materials and separation membranes, three-dimensional constructs, devices, and other uses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling and/or separating a component from a fluid are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can include one or more of a separator (e.g., a dehumidifier), a chiller, and/or an expirator, each of which can include a selective transfer membrane. Such systems and methods can be used for a wide variety of applications including, for example, cooling and/or dehumidifying air.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments relating to particular systems comprising a selective transfer membrane that can be utilized in material separation. In certain embodiments, the membrane assembly comprises part of a desalination, distillation, liquid purification, and/or heating and cooling system. Other particular embodiments allow for a high rate of thermal capture by way of the system utilizing a selective transfer membrane. Certain preferred embodiments include a selective transfer membrane comprising an ionomeric polymer that is permeable to high dipole materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a membrane having a first major surface and a second major surface and including one or more anionic exchange electrolyte polymers. The membranes can be useful for selectively mass transporting molecules and/or ions.

Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, compositions, and systems relating generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more specifically, to HVAC systems that transfer sensible and/or latent energy between air streams, humidify and/or dehumidify air streams. In certain embodiments, a polymeric membrane is utilized for fluid exchange, with or without an additional support. Certain embodiments allow for individual regulation of air temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Energy storage devices that include a solid multilayer electrolyte are provided. In certain embodiments, the energy storage devices disclosed herein can exhibit behavior analogous to an electrochemical battery at lower voltages, but can transition to electrostatic capacitor behavior as voltages rise. The energy storage devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein can preferably be advantageous by providing a large total energy storage capacity.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide capacitors, and particularly ultracapacitors, including molecules suitable to substantially increase the capacitance of the capacitor, and methods for making same, Particular aspects provide ultracapacitors that include nanoparticles optionally coated with molecules, such as polymer electrolytes. Certain aspects provide an energy storage device or capacitor, including at least three layers sealed in a fluid-tight covering, wherein a first layer includes at least one electrolytic polymer molecule of positive charge and at least one nanoparticle; a second dielectric layer including at least one insulative polymer; a third layer including at least one electrolytic polymer molecule of negative charge and at least one nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to products and processes relating to sulfonating molecules, including nucleic acids, amino acids, peptides, polypeptides, oligomers, polymers, and copolymers. The disclosed process allows for a uniform and controlled level of sulfonating molecules. The sulfonated molecules produced by the disclosed process exhibit a high degree of uniform sulfonation as well as improved properties.

Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, compositions, and systems relating generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more specifically, to HVAC systems that transfer sensible and/or latent energy between air streams, humidify and/or dehumidify air streams. In certain embodiments, a polymeric membrane is utilized for fluid exchange, with or without an additional support. Certain embodiments allow for individual regulation of air temperature and humidity.

Abstract: An organic-inorganic hybrid is derived from combining at least one inorganic alkoxide and a hydrogenated sulfonated block copolymer containing a controlled distribution copolymer block of a conjugated diene and a mono alkenyl arene, where the controlled distribution copolymer block has terminal regions that are rich in conjugated diene units and a center region that is rich in mono alkenyl arene units. The inorganic alkoxide may be an alkoxysilane compound or composition.

Abstract: A unitary humidity exchange cell (HUX) is dislosed that includes at least one composite membrane, disposed between at least one first chamber for flow of the first fluid therethrough and at least one second chamber for flow of the second fluid therethrough. The composite membrane include an at least partially sulfonated humidity-conducting polymer comprising residues derived from at least one arylvinyl monomer; and a reinforcing substrate bonded thereto. The product finds utility in a variety of physical and chemical processes and products whereby moisture or other highly polar liquid or gas transfer, exchange removal or delivery is important. A notable application is the Membrane Energy Recovery Ventilator (MERV) in which both heat, ions and moisture is transferred between two air streams, one intake and one exhaust, from an air-conditioned building.

Abstract: A unitary humidity exchange cell (HUX) is disclosed that includes at least one composite membrane, disposed between at least one first chamber for flow of the first fluid therethrough and at least one second chamber for flow of the second fluid therethrough. The composite membrane include an at least partially sulfonated humidity-conducting polymer comprising residues derived from at least one arylvinyl monomer; and a reinforcing substrate bonded thereto. The product finds utility in a variety of physical and chemical processes and products whereby moisture or other highly polar liquid or gas transfer, exchange removal or delivery is important. A notable application is the Membrane Energy Recovery Ventilator (MERV) in which both heat, ions and moisture is transferred between two air streams, one intake and one exhaust, from an air-conditioned building.