Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a membrane-based device configured to concentrate black liquor, which results from papermaking. Certain embodiments may comprise a nanofiltration membrane configured to remove lignin from black liquor, and the nanofiltration membrane may include a first macroporous polymer substrate and a first graphene oxide membrane covering the first macroporous polymer substrate. Some embodiments may comprise a reverse osmosis membrane, which may include a second macroporous polymer substrate and a second graphene oxide membrane covering the second macroporous polymer substrate.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for molecular separation including a molecular separation device comprising at least a polycrystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) and a nanocrystalline, zeolite MFI, wherein the MOF forms a polycrystalline membrane with zeolite MFI nanoparticles dispersed therein, and the MOF membrane matrix contacting and surrounding the zeolite MFI nanoparticles form a permselective nanoporous structure.

Abstract: A reactor cell for measuring gas and liquid permeation is disclosed. The reactor cell comprises a reactor module having a reactor chamber and a cover. A first hole extends into the reactor chamber from a first surface, a second hole opposing the first hole extends into the reactor chamber from a second surface, a third hole extends into the reactor chamber from a third surface and a fourth hole opposing the third hole extends into the reactor chamber from a fourth surface. A hollow fiber is supported by and sealed into the first and second holes of the reactor module. The first and second ends of the hollow fiber are sealed with a sealing solution. Methods for making and using the reactor cell are also disclosed. As made and used, the reactor cell further comprises a molecular sieving membrane grown on an inner bore surface of the hollow fiber.

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks, in particular hybrid zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), devices having hybrid ZIFs, and methods for preparing hybrid ZIFs are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method includes preparing a first solution comprising a first imidazolate and a second imidazolate, preparing a second solution comprising a metal ion, and combining the first solution and the second solution to form the hybrid ZIF.

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks, in particular hybrid zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), devices having hybrid ZIFs, and methods for preparing hybrid ZIFs are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method includes preparing a first solution comprising a first imidazolate and a second imidazolate, preparing a second solution comprising a metal ion, and combining the first solution and the second solution to form the hybrid ZIF.

Abstract: Effect ion-exchange of an alpha-alumina supported zeolite (e.g. a MFI zeolite, an LTA zeolite or a FAU zeolite) membrane, which process comprises: a) placing the membrane, which has a first surface and a spaced apart second surface, the first and second surfaces defining therebetween the membrane, in an ion exchange apparatus such that the first surface is in contact with an ion exchange solution and the second surface is in contact with a vapor space that is connected to a source of reduced pressure; b) actuating the source of reduced pressure to create a pressure differential between the first and second membrane surfaces of at least 0.4 atmosphere (0.

Abstract: A reactor cell for measuring gas and liquid permeation is disclosed. A hollow fiber is supported by and sealed into a first hole and a second hole of the reactor module. The first and second ends of the hollow fiber are sealed with a sealing solution. Methods for making and using the reactor cell are also disclosed. As made and used, the reactor cell further comprises a molecular sieving membrane that is uniform and free of defects grown on an inner bore surface of the hollow fiber.

Abstract: The growth of continuous MOF membranes on porous polymeric supports is reported, wherein a dip-coating procedure is used to deposit a layer of seed MOF nanocrystals on the surfaces of porous polymers, preferably in the form of hollow fibers, and polycrystalline MOF membranes are subsequently grown at temperatures as low as 65° C. from precursor solutions. The present work opens the road to inexpensive and scalable fabrication of MOF membranes for large-scale separation applications.

Abstract: A method for forming a hybrid zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) comprises the formation steps of: preparing a first solution comprising: a 2-methylimidazolate or a functionalized derivative thereof; and a carboxaldehyde-2-imidazolate or a functionalized derivative thereof; preparing a second solution comprising a metal ion; and combining the first solution and the second solution to form the hybrid ZIF, wherein a first fraction of 2-methylimidazolate or a functionalized derivative thereof in the hybrid ZIF is from about 5 to about 95 or any value there between and a second fraction carboxaldehyde-2-imidazolate or a functionalized derivative thereof in the hybrid ZIF is 100—the first fraction is disclosed. A metal-organic framework (MOF) comprising the hybrid ZIF and a molecular sieve device comprising the hybrid ZIF are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are single-walled metal oxide nanotubes having a plurality of organic functional units or moieties bonded generally in a covalent manner to the inner wall of the single-walled nanotubes. Functionalization of the single-walled metal oxide nanotubes is performed in a single-step during synthesis of the nanotubes. The organic functional units are found dispersed throughout the length of the inner wall and not sterically hindered or contained at only the mouth or ends of the single-walled metal oxide nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nanocomposite material having single-walled aluminosilicate nanotube in polymer, a membrane comprising such nanocomposite material, and the method of making the nanocomposite material, in which the composite material has high volume fraction of well-dispersed nanotubes. A gel-phased single-walled aluminosilicate nanotube is first prepared and then mixed with a polymer matrix to yield the composite material.

Abstract: Described is a liquid separation device comprising a porous support structure further comprising polymeric hollow fibers; an inorganic mesoporous silica membrane disposed on the porous support structure, wherein the inorganic mesoporous silica membrane is free of defects; and wherein the inorganic mesoporous silica membrane has a network of interconnected three-dimensional pores that interconnect with the porous support structure; and wherein the inorganic mesoporous silica membrane is a silylated mesoporous membrane. Also described are methods for making and using the liquid separation device.

Abstract: Described are single-walled metal oxide nanotubes having a plurality of organic functional units or moieties bonded generally in a covalent manner to the inner wall of the single-walled nanotubes. Functionalization of the single-walled metal oxide nanotubes is performed in a single-step during synthesis of the nanotubes. The organic functional units are found dispersed throughout the length of the inner wall and not sterically hindered or contained at only the mouth or ends of the single-walled metal oxide nanotubes.

Abstract: A reactor cell for measuring gas and liquid permeation is disclosed. The reactor cell comprises a reactor module having a reactor chamber and a cover. A first hole extends into the reactor chamber from a first surface, a second hole opposing the first hole extends into the reactor chamber from a second surface, a third hole extends into the reactor chamber from a third surface and a fourth hole opposing the third hole extends into the reactor chamber from a fourth surface. A hollow fiber is supported by and sealed into the first and second holes of the reactor module. The first and second ends of the hollow fiber are sealed with a sealing solution. Methods for making and using the reactor cell are also disclosed. As made and used, the reactor cell further comprises a molecular sieving membrane grown on an inner bore surface of the hollow fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the modification of the internal surfaces of zeolite crystals via treatment with alcohols containing at least four carbon atoms. The modified zeolites possess high thermal stability and the properties of the modified zeolites can be tailored to provide improved performance for use in separations processes.

Abstract: DDR nanocrystals were synthesized using hydrothermal secondary growth. The morphology of the nanoparticles can be manipulated by changing the ratio of silica to water, the synthesis temperature, and the mineralizing agents. Specifically, nanocrystals with morphology of hexagonal plates, octahedral, and diamond-like plates are disclosed. These nanoparticles can be used as seed coatings for DDR membrane growth on substrates, and for the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes, and for any other use where uniform, small DDR zeolite crystals are beneficial.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for characterizing the pores of reticulated framework structures and using these characteristics to predict the actual performance characteristics of the reticulated framework structures as membranes for gas separation, and other purposes.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for measuring mass change under high pressure, comprising: a high pressure cell comprising a reference quartz crystal microbalance sensor and a sample quartz crystal microbalance sensor, wherein the sample quartz crystal microbalance sensor is coated with a test sample selected from the group consisting of nanoporous materials and metal-organic frameworks; a pressure sensor operatively connected to the high pressure cell; a thermocouple operatively connected to the high pressure cell, wherein the high pressure cell is maintained at a pre-selected temperature; a gas inlet fluidly connected to the high pressure cell; and a gas outlet fluidly connected to the high pressure cell. Also described are methods of making and using the apparatus.

Abstract: DDR nanocrystals of uniform size and structure were synthesized using hydrothermal secondary growth and then used to make DDR zeolite membranes and for any other use where uniform, small DDR zeolite crystals are beneficial.

Abstract: MOF nanocrystals having a narrow size distribution, as well as methods of making and using same are disclosed.