Abstract: A method and system for reversibly converting water between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, using a switchable additive, is described. The disclosed method and system can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions. Following extraction of a solute from a medium by dissolving it in water, the solute can then be isolated from the aqueous solution or “salted-out” by converting the water to a solution having an increased ionic strength. The solute then separates from the increased ionic strength solution as a separate phase. Once the solute is, for example, decanted off, the increased ionic strength aqueous solution can be converted back to water having its original ionic strength and reused. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with CO2, CS2 or COS.

Abstract: A forward osmosis system is disclosed which use a polymer switchable between a neutral form and an ionized form. The switchable polymer has a higher osmotic pressure at the ionized form than the neutral form, the ratio between the former and the latter is ?2. There is also disclosed a method for treating the polymer such that the ratio is improved. Use of polymers for forward osmosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for reversibly converting water between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, using a switchable additive, is described. The disclosed method and system can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions. Following extraction of a solute from a medium by dissolving it in water, the solute can then be isolated from the aqueous solution or “salted-out” by converting the water to a solution having an increased ionic strength. The solute then separates from the increased ionic strength solution as a separate phase. Once the solute is, for example, decanted off, the increased ionic strength aqueous solution can be converted back to water having its original ionic strength and reused. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with CO2, CS2 or COS.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use of switchable water, which is capable of reversibly switching between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, is described. The disclosed methods and systems can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions, desalination, clay settling, viscosity switching, etc. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with C02, CS2 or COS or treatment with Bronsted acids. Switching from higher to lower ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with air, inert gas, heating, agitating, introducing a vacuum or partial vacuum, or any combination or thereof.

Abstract: The present application provides a composite material that comprises a solid and solid-supported non-polymeric switchable moiety, wherein the switchable moiety comprises a functional group that is switchable between a first form and a second form, said first form being neutral and hydrophobic, and said second form being ionized and hydrophilic. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said second form when the switchable moiety is exposed to CO2 at amounts sufficient to maintain the ionized form. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said first form when CO2 is removed or reduced to an amount insufficient to maintain the ionized form. CO2 is removed or reduced by exposing the composite material to heat and/or a flushing inert gas such as N2, Ar, or air. Envisioned uses of these composite materials includes removing water from non-aqueous solvents, removing water vapour from gaseous mixtures, and cleaning industrial reaction vessels and/or pipelines.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use of switchable water, which is capable of reversibly switching between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, is described. The disclosed methods and systems can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions, desalination, clay settling, viscosity switching, etc. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with C02, CS2 or COS or treatment with Bronsted acids. Switching from higher to lower ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with air, inert gas, heating, agitating, introducing a vacuum or partial vacuum, or any combination or thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for reversibly converting water between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, using a switchable additive, is described. The disclosed method and system can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions. Following extraction of a solute from a medium by dissolving it in water, the solute can then be isolated from the aqueous solution or “salted-out” by converting the water to a solution having an increased ionic strength. The solute then separates from the increased ionic strength solution as a separate phase. Once the solute is, for example, decanted off, the increased ionic strength aqueous solution can be converted back to water having its original ionic strength and reused. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with CO2, CS2 or COS.

Abstract: A method obtains media on a device, provides identification of an object in the media via image/video recognition and audio recognition, and displays on the device identification information based on the identified media object.

Abstract: A method obtains media on a device, provides identification of an object in the media via image/video recognition and audio recognition, and displays on the device identification information based on the identified media object.

Abstract: A method obtains media on a device, provides identification of an object in the media via image/video recognition and audio recognition, and displays on the device identification information based on the identified media object.

Abstract: A method obtains media on a device, provides identification of an object in the media via image/video recognition and audio recognition, and displays on the device identification information based on the identified media object.