Abstract: A method for processing signals of active sensor systems including processing an emitted signal to include at least one distinguishing feature, the emitted signal emitted by an active sensor system adapted to intercept a reflection of the emitted signal, and to analyze the reflection of the emitted signal for determining at least one parameter of at least one object located in a space, analyzing an intercepted portion to verify the at least one distinguishing feature in the intercepted portion, and processing the intercepted portion as the reflection of the emitted signal when the at least one distinguishing feature is verified.

Abstract: Disclosed herein methods for combating biofouling in a liquid, e.g. an aqueous medium by providing a surface coated with at least one laser-induced graphene (LIG) layer in said liquid medium. Particularly disclosed herein method and devices for treating water comprising passing a water stream through a membrane module equipped with at least one spacer coated with at least one layer of LIG, and optionally by applying an electric potential to the at least one LIG layer to achieve a bactericidal effect in the water stream. Specifically, disclosed herein a polymeric mesh suitable for use as a spacer in a membrane module in water treatment application, said mesh being at least partially coated with LIG.

Abstract: A method for processing signals of active sensor systems including processing an emitted signal to include at least one distinguishing feature, the emitted signal emitted by an active sensor system adapted to intercept a reflection of the emitted signal, and to analyze the reflection of the emitted signal for determining at least one parameter of at least one object located in a space, analyzing an intercepted portion to verify the at least one distinguishing feature in the intercepted portion, and processing the intercepted portion as the reflection of the emitted signal when the at least one distinguishing feature is verified.

Abstract: Disclosed herein methods for combating biofouling in a liquid, e.g. an aqueous medium by providing a surface coated with at least one laser-induced graphene (LIG) layer in said liquid medium. Particularly disclosed herein method and devices for treating water comprising passing a water stream through a membrane module equipped with at least one spacer coated with at least one layer of LIG, and optionally by applying an electric potential to the at least one LIG layer to achieve a bactericidal effect in the water stream. Specifically, disclosed herein a polymeric mesh suitable for use as a spacer in a membrane module in water treatment application, said mesh being at least partially coated with LIG.

Abstract: There is provided a composite membrane, which may include an electronically conductive asymmetric porous support and an electro-polymerized selective layer. There is also provided a composite membrane for water application(s), which may include an electronically conductive porous support and an electro-polymerized selective layer. Moreover, there is provided a composite membrane for gas application(s), which may include an electronically conductive asymmetric porous support and an electro-polymerized selective layer. There is also provided a membrane system which may include at least one composite membrane which may include an electronically conductive asymmetric porous support and an electro-polymerized selective layer. In addition there is provided a method for the preparation of a composite membrane.

Abstract: There is provided herein a membrane or film comprising one or more aromatic ionomers covalently crosslinked through aryl-aryl (—Ar—Ar—), aryl-ether-aryl (—Ar—O—Ar—), aryl-sulfide-aryl (—Ar—S—Ar—), aryl-sulfone-aryl bonds, or any combination thereof, wherein said one or more aromatic ionomers further comprises at least one electron withdrawing group adapted to improve oxidant resistance of said membrane or film.

Abstract: There is provided herein a membrane or film comprising one or more aromatic ionomers covalently crosslinked through aryl-aryl (—Ar—Ar—), aryl-ether-aryl (—Ar—O—Ar—), aryl-sulfide-aryl (—Ar—S—Ar—), aryl-sulfone-aryl bonds, or any combination thereof, wherein said one or more aromatic ionomers further comprises at least one electron withdrawing group adapted to improve oxidant resistance of said membrane or film.

Abstract: There are provided herein selective membranes, such as composite membranes, and/or films and processes for their preparation. The membranes and/or films have a given morphology which may be stabilized, for example against swelling and chemical degradation, by covalent crosslinking and optionally, in addition, by hydrophobization. There is provided a membrane and/or film and a process for the preparation thereof, the membrane and/or film include an ionomer and/or polyelectrolyte crosslinked through aryl-aryl (—Ar—Ar—), aryl-ether-aryl (—Ar—O—Ar—) and/or aryl-sulfide-aryl (—Ar—S—Ar—) bonds.

Abstract: There are provided herein selective membranes, such as composite membranes, and/or films and processes for their preparation. The membranes and/or films have a given morphology which may be stabilized, for example against swelling and chemical degradation, by covalent crosslinking and optionally, in addition, by hydrophobization. There is provided a membrane and/or film and a process for the preparation thereof, the membrane and/or film include an ionomer and/or polyelectrolyte crosslinked through aryl-aryl (—Ar-Ar-), aryl-ether-aryl (—Ar—O—Ar—) and/or aryl-sulfide-aryl (—Ar—S—Ar—) bonds.

Abstract: Process for producing ion exchange membranes. A matrix material that comprises a polymeric component chosen from the group consisting of monomeric and oligomeric polymer precursors and cross-linkable polymers is provided. Ion cation or anion exchange particles, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting particles, or cation or anion exchange polymers, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting polymers are introduced in the matrix. The particles are mixed or the polymer is dissolved with the matrix. The resulting mixture is formed into membrane configuration. The particles or the domains of the polymer formed by polymer-matrix phase separation upon solvent evaporation or cooling, are ordered by an electric field.

Abstract: There is provided a composite membrane, which may include an electronically conductive asymmetric porous support and an electro-polymerized selective layer. There is also provided a composite membrane for water application(s), which may include an electronically conductive porous support and an electro-polymerized selective layer. Moreover, there is provided a composite membrane for gas application(s), which may include an electronically conductive asymmetric porous support and an electro-polymerized selective layer. There is also provided a membrane system which may include at least one composite membrane which may include an electronically conductive asymmetric porous support and an electro-polymerized selective layer. In addition there is provided a method for the preparation of a composite membrane.

Abstract: Process for producing ion exchange membranes. A matrix material that comprises a polymeric component chosen from the group consisting of monomeric and oligomeric polymer precursors and cross-linkable polymers is provided. Ion cation or anion exchange particles, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting particles, or cation or anion exchange polymers, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting polymers are introduced in the matrix. The particles are mixed or the polymer is dissolved with the matrix. The resulting mixture is formed into membrane configuration. The particles or the domains of the polymer formed by polymer-matrix phase separation upon solvent evaporation or cooling, are ordered by an electric field.

Abstract: An electrochemical filter which consists of a fibrous electrically conducting material to which there are bonded microscopic particles of carbon or active charcoal. A variety of fibers can be used: carbon fibers, graphite fibers, fibers of inert metal etc. A process for the production of such filters where the particles are bonded to the fibers by a pyrolyzable binder which is pyrolyzed. Electrochemical separation and filter devices based on such filter media.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing ions from water which is passed through an ion depletion compartment of an electrodeionization apparatus. The electrodeionization apparatus contains an ion depletion compartment containing mixed ion exchange resin beads and an ion concentration compartment which may contain ion exchange resin beads in a given separation stage having an anode and a cathode. The anion resin beads and cation resin beads utilized each comprise beams of substantially uniform size. A second liquid is passed through the ion concentration compartment to collect ions under the influence of DC potential which pass from the depletion compartments into the concentration compartments through ion permeable membranes. The electrodeionization apparatus can be operated continuously since resin regeneration is not required.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and process are provided for removing ions from liquids. Liquid to be purified is passed through depleting compartments containing mixed anion and cation exchange resin beads while a second liquid is passed through concentrating compartments also containing ion exchange resin beads. Ions, under influence of a D.C. potential, pass from the depleting compartments into the concentrating compartments through ion permeable membranes. The beads in the depleting compartments are housed within subcompartments of controlled width and thickness and are retained therein by the ion permeable membranes which are secured to the walls of the subcompartments. Means are provided for reversing the polarity of the D.C. potential to convert the depleting compartments to concentrating compartments and the concentrating compartments to depleting compartments. Means are provided for continuously recovering purified water from the apparatus regardless of the polarity of the D.C.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing ions from water which is passed through an ion depletion compartment of an electrodeionization apparatus. The electrodeionization apparatus contains an ion depletion compartment containing mixed ion exchange resin beads and an ion concentration compartment which may contain ion exchange resin beads in a given separation stage having an anode and a cathode. The anion resin beads and cation resin beads utilized each comprise beams of substantially uniform size. A second liquid is passed through the ion concentration compartment to collect ions under the influence of DC potential which pass from the depletion compartments into the concentration compartments through ion permeable membranes. The electrodeionization apparatus can be operated continuously since resin regeneration is not required.