Abstract: A nanoporous catalytic membrane which displays several unique features Including pores which can go through the entire thickness of the membrane. The membrane has a higher catalytic and product selectivity than conventional catalysts. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes serve as the catalyst substrate. This substrate is then subjected to Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), which allows the controlled narrowing of the pores from 40 nm to 10 nm in the substrate by deposition of a preparatory material. Subsequent deposition of a catalytic layer on the inner surfaces of the pores reduces pore sizes to less than 10 nm and allows for a higher degree of reaction selectivity. The small pore sizes allow control over which molecules enter the pores, and the flow-through feature can allow for partial oxidation of reactant species as opposed to complete oxidation. A nanoporous separation membrane, produced by ALD is also provided for use in gaseous and liquid separations.

Abstract: A new method for improving the efficiency of electrodialysis (ED) cells and stacks, in particular those used in chemical synthesis. The process entails adding a buffer solution to the stack for subsequent depletion in the stack during electrolysis. The buffer solution is regenerated continuously after depletion. This buffer process serves to control the hydrogen ion or hydroxide ion concentration so as to protect the active sites of electrodialysis membranes. The process enables electrodialysis processing options for products that are sensitive to pH changes.

Abstract: A nanoporous catalytic membrane which displays several unique features including pores which can go through the entire thickness of the membrane. The membrane has a higher catalytic and product selectivity than conventional catalysts. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes serve as the catalyst substrate. This substrate is then subjected to Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), which allows the controlled narrowing of the pores from 40 nm to 10 nm in the substrate by deposition of a preparatory material. Subsequent deposition of a catalytic layer on the inner surfaces of the pores reduces pore sizes to less than 10 nm and allows for a higher degree of reaction selectivity. The small pore sizes allow control over which molecules enter the pores, and the flow-through feature can allow for partial oxidation of reactant species as opposed to complete oxidation. A nanoporous separation membrane, produced by ALD is also provided for use in gaseous and liquid separations.

Abstract: An improved device and process for atomic layer deposition (ALD) is provided. A more rapid deposition of layers is accomplished by a continuous flow of reactant moieties. The first moiety, carried by an inert carrier gas, is deposited as a monolayer. The flow is then switched to the second moiety, also carried by an inert gas, which is deposited as a monolayer and which reacts with the first moiety thereby forming a product moiety monolayer. The process is repeated with continual switching of flow between the two different reactant moieties. This allows for the deposition of many layers of the product moiety Any unreacted moiety molecules and unadsorbed product moiety molecules are swept out by the carrier gas. The capability exists to use more than three reactant moieties and thus form complex materials.

Abstract: A method to minimize oxidation of metal during melting processes is provided, the method comprising placing solid phase metal into a furnace environ-ment, transforming the solid-phase metal into molten metal phase having a molten metal surface, and creating a barrier between the surface and the environment. Also provided is a method for isolating the surface of molten metal from its environment, the method comprising confining the molten metal to a controlled atmos-phere, and imposing a floating substrate between the surface and the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrodialysis apparatus includes a stack of alternating cation and anion semi-permeable, ion-selective membranes disposed between a positive DC potential anode electrode and a negative DC potential cathode electrode. The cation and anion selective membranes can be selective for monovalent or multivalent ions and form compartments therebetween through alternate compartments of which flow concentrate and diluate solutions such that the concentrate and diluate solutions are separated from each other by the ion selective membranes. Due to the potential maintained across each of the compartments and the cation and anion selective membranes separating the compartments, cations and anions as well as water will migrate from the diluate solution to the concentrate solution.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable electrode is provided comprising a hollow substrate with an open upper end for confining a fluid containing a metal, a film covering portions of the external surface; and a mechanism for replenishing the film. Also provided is a method for maintaining the dimensions of an anode during electrolysis comprising adapting an interior surface of the anode to receive a fluid containing a metal, facilitating transport of the metal to an exterior surface of the anode, forming a protective film on the exterior surface, wherein the transported metal is a cation of the formed protective film, and maintaining the protective film on the exterior surface while the anode is in use.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable electrode is provided comprising a hollow substrate with an open upper end for confining a fluid containing a metal, a film covering portions of the external surface; and a mechanism for replenishing the film. Also provided is a method for maintaining the dimensions of an anode during electrolysis comprising adapting an interior surface of the anode to receive a fluid containing a metal, facilitating transport of the metal to an exterior surface of the anode, forming a protective film on the exterior surface, wherein the transported metal is a cation of the formed protective film, and maintaining the protective film on the exterior surface while the anode is in use.