Abstract: Radioactive nuclides (radionuclides) are separate from an aqueous radioactive liquid by feeding the liquid into a chamber between a porous anode and a porous cathode of a shock electrodialysis device. Meanwhile, an anolyte is fed through the porous anode, and a catholyte is fed through the porous cathode. A voltage is applied to the porous anode and to the porous cathode to create a voltage differential across the chamber. The liquid is passed through the chamber, and cations are selectively driven from the liquid into the cathode by the voltage differential. The voltage differential creates a desalination shock that produces an ion-enriched zone on one side of the desalination shock and a deionized zone on an opposite side. A brine including the radioactive cations is extracted from the ion-enriched zone through a brine outlet, and fresh water is extracted from the deionized zone through a fresh-water outlet.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of producing an aqueous rinsing liquid in an electrochemical cell having an anode chamber with an anode and a cathode chamber with a cathode, the anode chamber and cathode chamber being separated by a cation-selective membrane, wherein the method includes the steps of (a) feeding an aqueous anode chamber feedstock into the anode chamber (b) feeding an aqueous cathode chamber feedstock comprising at least one electrolyte through the cathode chamber; and (c) applying an electrical voltage to the anode and cathode to form rinsing liquid in the cathode chamber; and wherein steps a, b and c are performed, at least in part, simultaneously. Also disclosed is apparatus suitable for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for making intracycle adjustments to an osmotic agent concentration of peritoneal dialysate inside the peritoneal cavity of a patient. The systems and methods include osmotic agent sources, flow paths, and processors to adjust the osmotic agent concentration of dialysate in the peritoneal cavity of the patient. The method can include infusing peritoneal dialysate containing an osmotic agent into the peritoneal cavity of a patient; monitoring one or more patient parameters; and adjusting the osmotic agent concentration of the peritoneal dialysate in the peritoneal cavity of the patient by infusing a concentrated osmotic agent solution or by infusing sterile fluid into the peritoneal cavity of the patient using an on-line peritoneal dialysis machine. The system can include a peritoneal dialysis cycler.

Abstract: Provided are a method of determining a preconcentration type of an analyte and a method of converting a preconcentration type of an analyte. A method of determining a preconcentration type of an analyte, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes (a) establishing a critical mobility model, (b) calculating a critical mobility by applying a parameter value to the critical mobility model, and (c) determining the preconcentration type of the analyte by comparing the calculated critical mobility to an absolute value of an electrophoretic mobility of the analyte.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) system for fluid transport includes a UAV having a fluid chamber configured to transport a fluid, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes instructions which, when executed by the processor, may cause the system to receive a first location for collecting or releasing a fluid, determine a fluid level of the fluid chamber, and transport the fluid by the UAV to the first location based on the determined fluid level.

Abstract: A method of reducing a concentration of hydrogen peroxide from wastewater includes diluting the wastewater with water having a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the wastewater to produce a diluted wastewater, contacting the diluted wastewater with a dissolved iron compound at an acidic pH to form a partially treated wastewater having a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the diluted wastewater, and precipitating iron solids from the partially treated wastewater by raising a pH of the partially treated wastewater to form a neutralized partially treated wastewater.

Abstract: An apparatus and method isolating ion generation from target metal precipitation and flocculation rely on an ion generator and a precipitation reactor distinct, separated, optimized, and otherwise independent, so no co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation, nor their flow regimes, is permitted. Plug flow is hyper turbulent in the ion generator. Flow is quiescent to laminar the precipitator. Coating sacrificial anodes is avoided by not over driving currents for ionization at the anode. Control of electrical resistance across flows of very high TDS (over 200 kppm, often over 225 kppm) is accomplished by selectively masking a portion of the anode, cathode, or both of such electrodes. Masks may be dielectric films or layers, such as plastic sheets or tubes, or curtains of bubbles injected into the flow near an electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and devices for an integrated, heterogeneous ion-exchange membrane-based plastic microfluidic biochip platform that can be used to detect multiple diagnostic markers present in real samples. Its various components can be easily integrated in a modular fashion for different applications. Automated control allows sequential and dynamic activation of different components on the chip. The integrated platform consists of three units and is designed to execute the following functions: (i) separation of the target biomolecules from the real sample, (ii) localizing and concentrating the targeted molecules at a specific location in the microfluidic chip, and (iii) detection of the targeted molecules using hybridization/docking events against a complementary ssDNA oligoprobe sequence or a specific antibody.

Abstract: Open tubular capillary columns for liquid and ion chromatography, based upon an ionically impermeable polyolefin capillary having a bore with a sulfonate-group- or amine-group-functionalized internal surface. The capillary columns may include a coating of ion exchanging nanoparticles electrostatically bound to the functionalized internal surface. The capillary columns may be made by exposing the interior surface to a sulfonating reagent comprising chlorosulfonic acid (ClSO3H), preferably from 85 wt % to 95 wt % chlorosulfonic acid at a process temperature of 20 to 25° C. The interior surface may be subsequently exposed to an asymmetrical diamine to form a sulfonic mid-linkage to the diamine, i.e., to form a sulfonamide-linked, amine-group-functionalized internal surface. The coating may be provided by subsequently exposing the interior surface to an aqueous suspension of ion exchanging nanoparticles to electrostatically bond the ion exchanging nanoparticles to the functionalized internal surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for electroplating material onto a semiconductor substrate. The apparatus includes an ionically resistive element that separates the plating chamber into a cross flow manifold (above the ionically resistive element) and an ionically resistive element manifold (below the ionically resistive element). Electrolyte is delivered to the cross flow manifold, where it shears over the surface of the substrate, and to the ionically resistive element manifold, where it passes through through-holes in the ionically resistive element to impinge upon the substrate as it enters the cross flow manifold. In certain embodiments, the flow of electrolyte into the cross flow manifold (e.g., through a side inlet) and the flow of electrolyte into the ionically resistive element manifold are actively controlled, e.g., using a three-way valve. In these or other cases, the ionically resistive element may include electrolyte jets.

Abstract: Mass transfer packing with a minimal surface or a triply periodic minimal surface which enables significantly improved performance for separation and mixing applications particularly with respect to distillation, liquid-liquid contacting, and heat exchange applications.

Abstract: A multi-layer polyolefin porous membrane is disclosed. The membrane includes first and second layers, and a plurality of protrusions including polyolefin. The protrusions have a protrusion width (W) satisfying 5 ?m?W?50 ?m and have a protrusion height (H) satisfying 0.5 ?m?H. The protrusions are randomly disposed on a first side of the membrane, and the protrusions are disposed with a density of not less than 3 protrusions/cm2 and not greater than 200 protrusions/cm2. A meltdown temperature of the membrane is not lower than 165° C., an air permeation resistance of the membrane is not greater than 300 sec/100 cc Air, and a thickness of the membrane is not greater than 20 ?m.

Abstract: A membrane having permselectivity for perchlorate ion is prepared using certain types of quaternary ammonium salts contained in a polymeric matrix material, which may be plasticized. Such membranes are useful in electrodialysis processes, whereby perchlorate-contaminated aqueous compositions are purified.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and devices for an integrated, heterogenerous ion-exchange membrane-based plastic microfluidic biochip platform that can be used to detect multiple diagnostic markers present in real samples. Its various components can be easily integrated in a modular fashion for different applications. Automated control allows sequential and dynamic activation of different components on the chip. The integrated platform consists of three units and is designed to execute the following functions: (i) separation of the target biomolecules from the real sample, (ii) localizing and concentrating the targeted molecules at a specific location in the microfluidic chip, and (iii) detection of the targeted molecules using hybridization/docking events against a complementary ssDNA oligoprobe sequence or a specific antibody.

Abstract: Considering that the battery separator of embodiments of the present invention will have thinner materials and lower costs, provided are a polyolefin porous membrane with exceptionally high peel strength between the polyolefin porous membrane and a modified porous layer, suitable for high-speed processing during slit processing and the battery assembly process, and suitable for laminating on a modified porous layer, and a battery separator obtained by laminating a modified porous layer on the polyolefin porous membrane. A polyolefin porous membrane comprising protrusions of polyolefin having a size (W) within a range of 5 ?m?W?50 ?m and a height (H) within a range of 0.5 ?m?H and irregularly disposed on both sides of the polyolefin porous membrane in a density not less than 3/cm2 and not more than 200/cm2 per side, and the polyolefin porous membrane having a thickness of not more than 25 ?m.

Abstract: A polyolefin porous membrane disclosed. The membrane includes a plurality of protrusions of polyolefin having a size (W) of 5 ?m?W?50 ?m and a height (H) of 0.5 ?m?H. The protrusions are disposed on one side of the polyolefin porous membrane with a density of at least 3/cm2 and at most 200/cm2, and the polyolefin porous membrane has a thickness of at most 20 ?m. A battery separator including the membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are solid-state nanopore platforms for fast, electronic, label-free and high-resolution analysis of biomolecules.

Abstract: Electrochemical purification apparatuses for treating water and methods of assembling the devices are provided. The apparatuses may be cross-flow electrochemical devices. The devices may be assembled and sealed through masking and application of a potting material. The devices may comprise various structures configured to improve the current efficiency of the device, reduce leakage, and improve the distribution of potting material to the assembly.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus for water treatment using capacitive deionization and a method for controlling the same. The apparatus for water treatment using capacitive deionization includes a first filter unit and a second filter unit allowing dissolved solids included in an introduced fluid to be adsorbed on electrodes to generate purified water when a water purification voltage is applied to the electrodes, and allowing the dissolved solids adsorbed on the electrodes to be desorbed to generate regenerated water when a regeneration voltage is applied to the electrodes, respectively, and a controller iteratively alternatively applying the water purification voltage and the regeneration voltage to the first filter unit and the second filter unit to generate purified water having a pre-set target total dissolved solids (TDS) value.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling ionic strength and/or pH of a solution are provided.

Abstract: An electrolytic device comprising: a central sample flow channel, first and second regenerant flow channels, first and second charged barriers disposed between said sample flow channel and first and second regenerant flow channels, and pairs of oppositely charged, spaced electrodes disposed in the regenerant flow channels. Also, electrolytic devices with a different electrode configuration are described. Also, methods of using the devices, e.g., for suppression in an ion chromatography system are described.

Abstract: An electrodialysis unit 8 comprises a plurality of cathodes 68, a plurality of anodes 70 and a plurality of membranes 71; wherein the cathodes 68 and anodes 70 are arranged alternately in an electrode stack, with membranes 71 in between each cathode 68 and anode 70; and wherein the cathode 68 and the anode 70 are each formed of a single conductive plate such that both surfaces of the cathode plates and anode plates enclosed within the electrode stack are, in use, in conductive contact with the water being treated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling ionic strength and/or pH of a solution are provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for producing hydrogen gas and cupric chloride. The cell comprises: an anode compartment comprising an anode for disposition in an anolyte, wherein the anolyte is cuprous chloride in hydrochloric acid; a cathode compartment comprising a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises an electrocatalyst; a plurality of ion exchange membranes disposed between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment; and at least one center compartment defined by a pair of said ion exchange membranes and comprising at least one element for removal or sequestering of copper ions that cross at least one of said membranes from the anode compartment. Also described is a method for CuCl/HCl electrolysis in the production of hydrogen using the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic method for suppressing liquid eluent containing previously separated sample analyte anions, counterions to the sample anions, and non-sample anions suppressible to weak acids in an electrolytic device comprising a housing defining at least a sample stream flow channel and an ion receiving flow-through channel separated by an ion exchange bather. The sample stream flow channel includes an upstream channel portion and a downstream channel portion. A first current is applied across the upstream channel portion for substantially completely suppression. A second current is applied across the downstream channel portion at a magnitude of less than 10% of the magnitude of the first current.

Abstract: A filtration membrane (4) including a porous base layer (8) arranged adjacent to a filtration layer (6) having pores (10) extending through the filtration layer (6) is provided. The filtration layer is electrically conductive and at least one compound (24, 26) is attached on the filtration layer (6), thereby providing a protective surface layer (40). The at least one compound (24, 26) is configured to be at least partially cleaved off of the filtration layer (6) by a predefined cleave-off process.

Abstract: An electrodialysis unit comprises a plurality of cathodes, a plurality of anodes and a plurality of membranes; the cathodes and anodes being arranged alternately in an electrode stack, with membranes in between each cathode and anode, anode flow paths formed between the membranes and anodes and cathode flow paths formed between the membranes and cathodes; the electrodialysis unit further comprising: an inlet manifold for distributing water to the anode flow paths or to the cathode flow paths, wherein the inlet manifold comprises a first tube provided with holes along its length, the holes being connected to the flow paths, and a second tube located within and enclosed by the first tube, the second tube having an inlet at one end and being closed at its second end and the second tube being provided with holes along its length that open into the first tube.

Abstract: An electrodialysis unit 8 comprises a cathode 68, an anode 70, a membrane 71 between the cathode 68 and the anode 70, a cathode flow path 72 for water flow along the membrane 71 on the cathode side, an anode flow path 74 for water flow along the membrane 71 on the anode side, and a reaction zone formed between the membrane 71 and the cathode 68 where the cathode 68 faces the anode 70, wherein the cathode flow path 72 is arranged for laminar flow in the reaction zone and wherein the electrodialysis unit 8 comprises flow conditioning elements 64 arranged to promote laminar flow in the incoming water flow to the cathode flow path 72.

Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices and methods for water treatment are disclosed. An electrodeionization device (100) may include one or more compartments (110) containing an ionselective media, such as boron-selective resin (170). Cyclic adsorption of target ions and regeneration of the media in-situ is used to treat process water, and may be driven by the promotion of various pH conditions within the electrochemical device.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed here relate to treating water. In certain embodiments, a treatment system comprises an electrochemical water treatment device, a recirculating concentrate stream in fluid communication with the electrochemical water treatment device, a flow control device in fluid communication with a first flow path comprising acidic water and configured to be in fluid communication with the recirculating concentrate stream, and a second flow path comprising feed water and configured to be in fluid communication with the recirculating concentrate stream, and a control system in communication with the flow control device. The treatment system may further comprise a recirculating dilution stream in fluid communication with a second inlet and a second outlet of the electrochemical water treatment device.

Abstract: An electrodialysis process and apparatus is presented for improving the current efficiency of salty water desalination. The process includes reducing the osmotic and the electro-osmotic flow of water from diluate compartments to concentrate compartments, and between electrode compartments and adjacent compartments, by confinement and hydraulic isolation of their contents in constant volume compartments, so that the tendency of waters entering from diluate compartments to concentrate compartments leads to pressure buildup in the concentrate compartments, reducing the transfer of product desalinated water to the concentrate waste.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for melt processing a sulfonated block copolymer in which the sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups are partially or completely neutralized by an amine, and to articles obtained by the method. Moreover, the shaped articles which are obtained by molding a composition comprising the neutralized sulfonated block copolymer may can be converted into shaped articles which comprise the sulfonated block copolymer(s) employed in the preparation of the amine neutralized block copolymer(s). The present disclosure further provides a sulfonated block copolymer comprising which is modified by an amine of formula (Ia) wherein Het together with the nitrogen to which it is bonded represents an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered hetero cycle.

Abstract: Flow-through capacitors are provided with one or more charge barrier layers. Ions trapped in the pore volume of flow-through capacitors cause inefficiencies as these ions are expelled during the charge cycle into the purification path. A charge barrier layer holds these pore volume ions to one side of a desired flow stream, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the flow-through capacitor purifies or concentrates ions.

Abstract: A supercapacitor desalination cell comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a spacer disposed between the first and second electrodes, and a monovalent ion selective layer disposed on at least one of the first and second electrodes. A supercapacitor desalination device and a method for desalination of a liquid are further presented.

Abstract: Ion Concentration Polarization (ICP) purification devices and methods for building massively-parallel implementations of the same, said devices being suitable for separation of salts, heavy metals and biological contaminants from source water.

Abstract: A super-capacitor desalination device is described and includes a pair of terminal electrodes and at least one bipolar electrode located between the terminal electrodes. The at least one bipolar electrode has an ion exchange material disposed on opposing surfaces thereof The ion exchange material is a cation exchange material or an anion exchange material. A method for super-capacitor desalination is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the ionic strength or the concentration of certain polyvalent ions in aqueous dispersions of organic binding agents or inorganic solid bodies by electrodialysis, and a cell package suitable for use in the method. This method permits stabilization of aqueous compositions of the dispersed components by regulating the ionic strength or the concentration of certain polyvalent ions thereby increasing the durability and throughput times of coating baths. More particularly, the method is used in removing polyvalent metal cations from anionically stabilized aqueous binding agent dispersions.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the quality and quantity of a soluble salt recovered from the supernatant produced when concentrated solutions are mixed to precipitate an insoluble salt are disclosed. Liquid residual, or supernatant, contains salt that is reusable in the regeneration solution of ion removal devices such as ion exchange or electrodialysis metathesis (EDM). The disclosed embodiments include a method for concentration and purification of salt. NaCl is recovered in a truly Zero Discharge Desalination (i.e., ZDD) process. The ZDD process utilizes reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) for the primary desalination of groundwater that has high concentration of CaSO4 and utilizes EDM to separately remove calcium and sulfate ions from the RO or NF concentrate so that water recovery can be improved. The recovered NaCl is reused in the EDM.

Abstract: Electrically-driven separation systems and methods for use in oil recovery.

Abstract: A desalination system is provided. The desalination system comprises a desalination apparatus. The desalination apparatus comprises first and second electrodes, and a first group of paired ion exchange membranes disposed between the first and second electrodes to form a first group of alternating first and second channels. The first channels are configured to receive a first stream for desalination and the second channels are configured to receive a second stream to carry away ions removed from the first stream, respectively. The desalination apparatus further comprises a plurality of spacers disposed between each pair of the adjacent ion exchange membranes and between the first and second electrodes and the respective ion exchange membranes. Wherein each of the ion exchange membranes in the first group is a cation exchange membrane. A desalination system and a method for removing ions from an aqueous stream area also presented.

Abstract: A device and process are disclosed for the separate removal of oppositely charged ions from electrolyte solutions and recombining them to form new chemical compositions. The invention provides the ability to create multiple ion flow channels and then form new chemical compositions therefrom. The process is accomplished by selectively combining oppositely charged ions of choice from different electrolyte solutions via the capacitive behavior of high electrical capacitance electrodes confined in insulated containers.

Abstract: A device and process are disclosed for the separate removal of oppositely charged ions from electrolyte solutions and recombining them to form new chemical compositions. The invention provides the ability to create multiple ion flow channels and then form new chemical compositions therefrom. The process is accomplished by selectively combining oppositely charged ions of choice from different electrolyte solutions via the capacitive behavior of high electrical capacitance electrodes confined in insulated containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the electrochemical treatment of at least one component, which has a treatment chamber and at least one feed unit for an electrolyte to the treatment chamber, and at least one way for setting the pH value of the electrolyte being provided before the treatment chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the desalination of seawater or brackish water for the purpose of obtaining potable water. Systems may include a combination of electrodialysis and electrodeionization modules. The system configuration and process controls may achieve low energy consumption and stable operation.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatus and methods method for filtering water fluid by screening ionic minerals including sodium chloride from the water fluid. In one embodiment, the water fluid is passed into a work zone defined at least in part by oppositely-arranged first and second porous structures, each of which have a plurality of gated channels. The water fluid is processed in the work zone by applying respective electric voltages to electrically bias the first porous structure and the second porous structure. The respective electric voltages deplete sodium chloride ions in the water fluid in the work zone due to ion-flux continuity. In response to processing of the water fluid, ion-filtered water is collected from the work zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the potassium concentration of a dialysate fluid during hemodialysis therapy using cation exchange materials that do not release sodium ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to patterned graphite oxide films and methods to make and use same. The present invention includes a novel strategy developed to imprint any required conductive patterns onto self-assembled graphene oxide (GO) membranes.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a regeneration cycle to increase pure flow rate and efficiency of the cell.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a method for recovering a boron adsorbent, including: preparing water having an electric resistivity of 0.01 M?·cm or more and kept at a temperature within a temperature range; and contacting the water with the boron adsorbent to release boron adsorbed at the boron adsorbent.