Abstract: The invention provides electrochemically-based methods and devices for producing fluid flow and/or changes in fluid pressure. In the methods and devices of the invention, current is passed through a divided electrochemical cell. Adjacent compartments of the cell are divided by a separator which comprises an ionically conducting separator. Each compartment includes an electrode and an electrolyte solution or ionic liquid. The electrolyte solution(s) or ionic liquid(s) and the ionically conducting separator are selected to obtain the desired relationship between the current through the cell and the fluid flowrate and/or change in fluid pressure.

Abstract: SAPO-34 membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO-34 membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with a synthesis gel comprising a first and a second templating agent. SAPO-34 crystals having a narrow size distribution were applied to the surface of the support prior to synthesis. A layer of SAPO-34 crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: The present invention provides gels, solutions, films, membranes, compositions, and other materials containing polymerized and/or non-polymerized room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). These materials are useful in catalysis, gas separation and as antistatic agents. The RTILs are preferably imidazolium-based RTILs which are optionally substituted, such as with one or more hydroxyl groups. Optionally, the materials of the present invention are composite materials comprising both polymerized and non-polymerized RTILs. The RTIL polymer is formed from polymerized RTIL cations typically synthesized as monomers and polymerized in the presence of the non-polymerized RTIL cations to provide a solid composite material. The non-polymerized RTIL cations are not covalently bound to the cationic polymer but remain as free cations within the composite material able to associate with charged subunits of the polymer. These composite materials are useful in catalysis, gas separation, and antistatic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides electrochemically-based methods and devices for producing fluid flow and/or changes in fluid pressure. In the methods and devices of the invention, current passes through a divided electrochemical cell. Adjacent compartments of the cell are divided by an ionically conducting separator. Each compartment includes an electrode and an electrolyte solution or ionic liquid. The electrolyte solution(s) or ionic liquid(s) and the ionically conducting separator are selected to obtain the desired relationship between the current through the cell and the fluid flowrate and/or change in fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making improved zeolite and crystalline silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) membranes, in particular SAPO-34 membranes, on a porous support through improved removal of the organic structure-directing templating agent. A calcining step is performed in an oxygen free atmosphere, such as under a vacuum or inert gas, to remove the organic templating agent. By removing the templating agent in the absence of oxygen, the calcination step can remove a greater amount of the templating agent than comparable template removal steps conducted in the presence of oxygen and the calcination step can be conducted at significantly lower temperatures. The membranes of the present invention provide increased permeance while maintaining comparable selectivity for gas separations, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) separations and separations at high temperatures.

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 dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is provided. The DSSC anode includes a first electron-collecting layer deposited on a substrate and a first electron-transporting layer deposited on the first electron-collecting layer, the first electron-transporting layer containing light-absorbing dye. The DSSC anode also includes a second nanoporous electron-collecting layer deposited on the first electron-transporting layer; and a second electron-transporting layer deposited on the second porous electron-collecting layer, the second electron-transporting layer containing light-absorbing dye. Methods of fabricating the DSSC anode are also provided.

Abstract: A modular surfactant architecture based on room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) has been developed that affords non-polymerizable and polymerizable amphiphiles that form lamellar (L), hexagonal (H) or bicontinuous cubic (Q) LLC phases when mixed with water or RTILs serving as the polar solvent. The amphiphiles are imidazolium salts having two or more imidazolium head groups joined by one or more spacers. Polymerization of the LLC assembly can produce polymeric materials having ordered nanopores, with the ordering of the pores determined by the LLC phase.

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: 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: The invention provides electrochemically-based methods and devices for producing fluid flow and/or changes in fluid pressure. In the methods and devices of the invention, current is passed through a divided electrochemical cell. Adjacent compartments of the cell are divided by a separator which comprises an ionically conducting separator. Each compartment includes an electrode and an electrolyte solution or ionic liquid. The electrolyte solution(s) or ionic liquid(s) and the ionically conducting separator are selected to obtain the desired relationship between the current through the cell and the fluid flowrate and/or change in fluid pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides electrochemically-based methods and devices for producing fluid flow and/or changes in fluid pressure. In the methods and devices of the invention, current is passed through a divided electrochemical cell. Adjacent compartments of the cell are divided by a separator which comprises an ionically conducting separator. Each compartment includes an electrode and an electrolyte solution or ionic liquid. The electrolyte solution(s) or ionic liquid(s) and the ionically conducting separator are selected to obtain the desired relationship between the current through the cell and the fluid flowrate and/or change in fluid pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides chemically activated valves based on crystalline molecular sieve membranes. Adsorption of a swelling agent within the pores of the molecular sieve crystals limits transport through the membrane. Desorption of the swelling agent can re-establish transport through the membrane. This valving mechanism can be used in methods for storing and dispensing various substances.

Abstract: The invention provides electrochemically-based methods and devices for producing fluid flow and/or changes in fluid pressure. In the methods and devices of the invention, current passes through a divided electrochemical cell. Adjacent compartments of the cell are divided by an ionically conducting separator. Each compartment includes an electrode and an electrolyte solution or ionic liquid. The electrolyte solution(s) or ionic liquid(s) and the ionically conducting separator are selected to obtain the desired relationship between the current through the cell and the fluid flowrate and/or change in fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising ionic liquids and an amine compound, and methods for using and producing the same. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention are useful in reducing the amount of impurities in a fluid medium or a solid substrate.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions comprising ionic liquids and an amine compound, and methods for using and producing the same. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein are useful in reducing the amount of impurities in a fluid medium or a solid substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides composite nanofiltration membranes (FIG. 5) with lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) polymer porous membranes (30) attached to a porous support (20). The LLC membranes are prepared from LLC monomers which form the inverted hexagonal or bicontinuous cubic phase. The arrangement, size, and chemical properties of the pores can be tailored on the molecular level. The composite membrane of the invention is useful for separation processes involving aqueous and nonaqueous solutions as well as gases. Methods for making and using the composite nanofiltration membranes of the inventions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides composite nanofiltration membranes with a lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) polymer composition embedded in or forming a layer on a porous support. The LLC membranes are prepared from LLC monomers which form a bicontinuous cubic (QI) phase. The arrangement, size, and chemical properties of the pores can be tailored on the molecular level. The composite membranes of the invention are useful for separation processes involving aqueous and nonaqueous solutions as well as gases. Methods for making and using the composite nanofiltration membranes of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides heteroaryl salts and methods for producing the same. In particular, the invention provides heteroaryl salts of the formula: and methods for producing the same, where M, a, X1, X2, X3, and X4 are those defined herein.

Abstract: A method and device for storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. Provided within a vessel is a nanocomposite material comprising an imidazolium surfactant and an integral solvent that is essential to the formation of the nanocomposite material. The fluid is contacted with the nanocomposite material for take-up of the fluid by the polymerized nanocomposite material. The fluid is released from the nanocomposite material and dispensed from the vessel.