Abstract: A system for irrigating a patient's skin. The system includes a fluid container that includes a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment being adapted to retain a first fluid on a first side of a divider and the second compartment being adapted to retain a second fluid on a second side of the divider. The system also includes an irrigation sleeve adapted cover a portion of the patient's skin. The system also includes a fluid charging portion adapted to receive a portion of the first fluid and a portion of the second fluid, wherein the portion of the first fluid reacts with the portion of the second fluid to form a charged compound in the fluid charging portion. The system also includes a compound delivery portion that extends at a first end of the compound delivery portion from the fluid charging portion, the compound delivery portion being adapted to deliver the charged compound from the fluid charging portion to the irrigation sleeve.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymeric material is formed by polymerizing a polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate and a sulfonate salt containing a double bond that facilitates covalent bonding of the sulfonate salt to the polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate. In the polymeric material, cations from the salt are optionally replaced with metal ions selected from sodium, lithium, aluminum, magnesium, and zinc. Related methods and membranes and batteries including the cross-linked polymeric material are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a filter device and a washing method therefor. The filter device comprises a membrane housing (1); a spacer (2) having an ion transmittance and separating the membrane housing (1) into a first chamber (11) and a second chamber (12); a membrane element (6) disposed in the first chamber (11); a first electrode (4) disposed in the first chamber (11); and a second electrode (5) disposed in the second chamber (12). The method comprises respectively connecting a positive electrode and a negative electrode to the first electrode (4) and the second electrode (5), such that the first electrode (4) and the second electrode (5), water in the first chamber (11) and water in the second chamber (12) form an electrolytic cell, thus generating acidic water or alkaline water in the first chamber (11). The acidic water and/or the alkaline water are/is used for washing the member element.

Abstract: An electroosmotic pump unit includes at least a first pump element, at least a second pump element, and an electrode. Each pump element includes a tube, an electrically grounded fluid inlet, a fluid outlet electrically coupled to the electrode, and a porous monolith immobilized in the tube and having open pores having net surface charges. When the electrode applies a voltage across the monoliths, a fluid supplied to the first pump element flows through the pump elements in a direction from a fluid inlet of the first pump element toward a fluid outlet of the second pump element. A plurality of electroosmotic pump units may be connected in series in a pump assembly. The electroosmotic pump unit, or pump assembly, may be connected to an apparatus such as a HPLC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device, comprising a control unit, a drive unit, a pressurizing medium container arranged to contain a pressurizing liquid, a drug container arranged to contain a drug and a discharge nozzle, wherein the drive unit when controlled and energized by the control unit is arranged to generate a pressure gradient in the pressurizing liquid thereby propagating the pressure to the drug container and at least partially displacing the drug from the drug container through the discharge nozzle, wherein the drive unit is arranged as an electro-osmotic actor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abating scale formation during the purification and demineralization of water in an electrochemical deionization apparatus. In the apparatus and method, scale forming ions in a raw water feed are precipitated at a controlled location remote from the deionization chambers of the deionization apparatus. Concentrate water produced during the deionization process to produce demineralized product water is acidified and circulated through the deionization apparatus to prevent scale formation and build-up in the deionization apparatus.

Abstract: A flow battery includes a positive electrode, a positive electrode electrolyte, a negative electrode, a negative electrode electrolyte, and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode electrolyte includes water and a first redox couple. The first redox couple includes a first organic compound which includes a first moiety in conjugation with a second moiety. The first organic compound is reduced during discharge while during charging the reduction product of the first organic compound is oxidized to the first organic compound. The negative electrode electrolyte includes water and a second redox couple. The second couple includes a second organic compound including a first moiety in conjugation with a second moiety. The reduction product of the second organic compound is oxidized to the second organic compound during discharge.

Abstract: Electrochemical separation devices are configured for lower energy consumption. Techniques for reducing shadow effect may involve providing distance between a spacer screen and an adjacent ion-selective membrane. A spacer having a screen that is thin relative to a surrounding frame may be used. Mild pressure may also be applied to a compartment to promote distance between a spacer screen and an adjacent ion-selective membrane.

Abstract: A device, a system, and a method for isolating biomolecules from biological materials are provided. The device comprises a quartz-based solid phase extraction matrix comprising one or more reagents impregnated therein; and an electroosmotic pump (EOP) operationally coupled to the quartz-based solid phase extraction matrix to elute the nucleic acids, wherein the EOP comprises a plurality of electroosmotic membranes comprising one or more positive electroosmotic membranes and one or more negative electroosmotic membranes disposed alternatively and a plurality of electrodes comprising one or more cathodes and one or more anodes, wherein at least one cathode is disposed on one side of one of the membranes and at least one anode is disposed on another side of that membrane and at least one cathode or anode is disposed between a positive electroosmotic membrane and a negative electroosmotic membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through tissue having an introducer sheath therein includes an elongate positioning member including a housing on a proximal end and an expandable member on a distal end, and a cartridge advanceable along the positioning member from a proximal position to a distal position. The cartridge includes a tubular member including a sealant and an advancer member disposed within lumen of the tubular member. A sleeve is slidably disposed over the tubular member distal end such that, when the tubular member is advanced over the positioning member, the tubular member distal end enters the introducer sheath while the sleeve is stopped and slides over the tubular member to expose the tubular member distal end within the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath and cartridge are then withdrawn, exposing the sealant within the puncture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an odor generator capable of providing a wide range of odors including the odor of a low volatile fragrance ingredient. The odor generator comprises a plurality of electroosmotic flow pumps, each of which typically includes a storage section for storing a liquid containing a volatile fragrance ingredient, and an outlet section having a porous material arranged for discharging the stored liquid through the porous material when a voltage is applied to the porous material and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) or other element for atomizing or vaporizing the liquid discharged from the outlet section.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the removal of ammonia from an ammonia-containing gas stream by treating the ammonia in the ammonia-containing gas stream with an acid, during which treatment an aqueous stream comprising an ammonium salt, wherein the aqueous stream comprising the ammonium salt is treated with electrodialysis, whereby the acid is recovered and an aqueos stream comprising an ammonium hydroxide salt is formed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrophoretic or electrophoretically assisted enrichment of sperm cells along a channel placed between two chambers. According to certain preferred embodiments, the methods and apparatuses may be used, simultaneous to sperm cell enrichment for the separation of said sperm cells from a pre-treatment chemical compound with which they have been contacted to improve their fertilization ability when subsequently used, for example, in intrauterine insemination or another method of insemination.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for decaffeinating a liquid. The device includes at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode which are spaced apart and which are immersed in the liquid; a power supply coupled to the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode and configured to apply power thereto, wherein the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode are configured to generate an electric field in the liquid upon application of the power to attract caffeine molecules in the liquid to the at least one cathode electrode; wherein the at least one cathode electrode is made of or coated with an absorbing material configured to absorb at least part of the caffeine molecules that are attracted to the at least one cathode electrode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electrolytic membrane separation (EMS) subsystem is configured to remove one or more impurities from a contaminated reject solution and to recycle the reusable reject solution for subsequent use in regenerating ion exchange resins. According to another embodiment of the invention, the EMS subsystem is configured to concentrate the impurities recovered from the contaminated brine solution for subsequent disposal or treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis having integrated electrodialysis and electrodeionization capabilities are provided. In an embodiment, the dialysis system includes a carbon source, a urease source, an ED/EDI unit. The carbon source, urease source, and/or the ED/EDI unit can be in the form of removable cartridges.

Abstract: A method and a system for process parameter control of a liquid composition in a reverse electro-enhanced dialysis (REED) system comprising at least two Reverse Electro-Enhanced Dialysis (REED) membrane stacks, wherein the direction of the electric field within any one membrane stack is reversed at asynchronical intervals of time relative to the current reversals for any other membrane stack.

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: The filling status of a drug reservoir in a drug pump devices may be determined with mechanical and/or magnetic position sensor associated with a reservoir boundary.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide can be separated from gas streams using ion exchange, such as in an electrochemical cell. An anion exchange membrane can be configured to increase the efficiency of the system and to permit the flow of the carbon-containing ions within the system while reducing diffusion of protons and/or hydroxyl ions. A gas stream containing carbon dioxide can be introduced to the system on the cathode side, while a source of hydrogen-containing molecules can be introduced on the anode side. Operation of the system can separate the carbon dioxide from the gas stream and provide it at a separate outlet.

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: 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: There is disclosed an electrochemical cell for treating water comprising at least one water chamber configured to hold water to be treated; at least one redox electrode comprising reactants capable of accepting and having a reversible redox reaction with at least one negative ion in the water; at least one intercalation electrode capable of accommodating and intercalating at least one positive ion in the water, wherein the intercalation electrode is immersed in the water chamber or separated from the water chamber by an optional porous separator; and an anion exchange membrane separating the redox electrode from the water chamber. The cell can be used to desalinate water having a wide range of salinities, including sea water, and brackish water. The cell can also be used to collect salt, which can subsequently used to concentrate industrial brine. Methods for using the electrochemical cell to treat water, such as desalinate saline solutions are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a solid electrolyte including an epitaxial thin film crystal made of an electrolyte containing at least lithium.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to sequencing nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems for sequencing-by-synthesis using changes in pH to monitor base addition. In some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a microfabricated mixed metal oxide electrode and in some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a membrane electrode. Moreover, in some embodiments the device further comprises a reference electrode. Performing the sequencing reaction involves moving solutions and other fluids (e.g., samples, nucleotide solutions, wash solutions) into and out of the reaction vessel. Thus, in some embodiments, the device further comprises a tube or other transport mechanism or pathway attached to the reaction vessel.

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: Multiple staged filters are provided herein. A filter may include a plurality of panels that each include a filtering front surface and a flat back surface, the filtering front surface having a first row of vertically extending protrusions spaced apart from one another to form vertical channels, a second row of vertically extending protrusions spaced apart from one another to form vertical channels, and one or more rows of filtering protrusions, where the one or more rows are vertically spaced apart from one another and extending between the first and second rows of vertically extending protrusions. Further, each row of filtering protrusions may include filtering protrusions that are spaced from one another to form filter channels having a size that is configured to receive and retain objects of a given size.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for decaffeinating a liquid. The device comprises at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode which are spaced apart and which are immersed in the liquid; a power supply coupled to the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode and configured to apply power thereto, wherein the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode are configured to generate an electric field in the liquid upon application of the power to attract caffeine molecules in the liquid to the at least one cathode electrode; wherein the at least one cathode electrode is made of or coated with an absorbing material configured to absorb at least part of the caffeine molecules that are attracted to the at least one cathode electrode.

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

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: Selectively amino- or phosphino-functionalized block copolymers, and their preparation, for use as anion exchange membrane materials. The selectively functionalized block copolymers have at least two end blocks A each of which are substantially free of amino- or phosphino-functional groups, and have at least one interior block D which comprises on average at least one amino- or phosphino-functionalized polymer unit of formula (I) wherein Z is nitrogen or phosphorous; R1 is hydrogen or alkyl; R2 is hydrogen or is tertiary alkyl; R each independently, is hydrogen or is alkyl optionally substituted by a moiety -(A1-NRa)xRb; or two R groups, together with the Z to which they are bonded, form an optionally substituted ring; x is 1, 2 or 3; A1 is straight chain alkylene optionally substituted by one or more methyl and/or ethyl groups; and Ra and Rb, each independently, is hydrogen or alkyl; or a corresponding onium salt.

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: An electrochemical separation system may be modular and may include at least a first modular unit and a second modular unit. Each modular unit may include a cell stack and a frame. The frame may include a manifold system. A flow distribution system in the frame may enhance current efficiency. Spacers positioned between modular units may also enhance current efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A device comprises an electric field applying assembly adapted to generate an electric field having a discrete electric field profile; a conducting volume and an electrical interface region provided between the conducting volume and the electric field applying assembly such that the discrete electric field is applied to the material by the electric field applying assembly at a location spaced from the conducting volume, wherein the electrical interface region comprises at least an ionically conductive material arranged adjacent to an in contact with the conducting volume; such that the discrete electric field applied by the electric field applying assembly is smoothed by the electrical interface region so that the electric field profile established within the conducting volume is substantially continuous.

Abstract: A compound membrane for use in electrochemical devices is disclosed. The compound membrane has of proton-conducting polymer cast in a porous media having dispersed therein at least one active ingredients. It supplies considerably improved performance data in comparison to known membranes. The compound membrane electrode can be produced by treating proton-conducting polymers with acetone to obtain polymer pulp, then sulfonating the polymer pulp, combining one or more active ingredients with the polymer pulp and casting the polymer pulp to obtain the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides anion exchange membranes, processes for producing same and uses thereof. The anion exchange membranes according to embodiments of the present invention achieve a desirable combination of low resistance, high permselectivity and low degree of dimensional swelling. Anion exchange membranes according to embodiments of the present invention are also cost effective.

Abstract: A method of preparing an anion exchange membrane with anion exchange groups. The method includes polymerizing a first monomer with a functional group selected from the pyridine derivatives with a second monomer selected from the benzene derivatives, such as styrene, to form a copolymer. The copolymer may be crosslinked with a crosslinker. The functional group of the copolymer may be functionalized to an anion exchange group.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization device includes; at least one flow path configured to receive influent fluid, at least one pair of electrodes, at least one charge barrier disposed between the at least one flow path and a corresponding electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes, at least one electrolyte solution disposed between at least one of the at least one pair of electrodes and a corresponding charge barrier of the at least one charge barrier, and at least one electrolyte compensation device in fluid communication with the at least one electrolyte solution, wherein the at least one electrolyte solution differs from the influent fluid.

Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer or a graphene oxide layer. The nanopore could be oxidized to graphene oxide at an inner surface. The graphene or graphene oxide in the nanopore is coated with an organic layer configured to interact with biomolecules in a different way in order to differentiate the biomolecules. The organic layer enhances resolution and motion control of the biomolecules. A time trace of ionic current is monitored to identify the biomolecules based on a respective interaction of the biomolecules with the organic layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof in concentrating a species of interest and/or controlling liquid flow in a device. The methods make use of a device comprising a fluidic chip comprising a planar array of channels through which a liquid comprising a species of interest can be made to pass with at least one rigid substrate connected thereto such that at least a portion of a surface of the substrate bounds the channels, and a high aspect ratio ion-selective membrane is embedded within the chip, attached to at least a portion of the channels. The device comprises a unit to induce an electric field in the channel and a unit to induce an electrokinetic or pressure driven flow in the channel.

Abstract: Blends comprising a sulfonated block copolymer and particulate carbon are useful materials for membranes, films and coatings in applications which require high dimensional stability, high water vapor transport, high conductivity, and low flammability. The sulfonated block copolymer comprises at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups based on the number of monomer units of the B block.

Abstract: Buffer generators are described based on electrodialytic devices. The methods of using these devices can generate buffers for diverse applications, including separations, e.g., HPLC and ion chromatography. Also provided are chromatographic devices including the buffer generators, generally located upstream from a chromatography column, sample injector valve or both.

Abstract: A method for extracting and enriching lithium, including: (a) providing an electrodialysis device including an electrodialysis cell; (b) dividing the electrodialysis cell into a lithium salt chamber and a brine chamber using an anion exchange membrane; (c) filling the brine chamber with salt lake brine; (d) filling the lithium salt chamber with a Mg2+ free supporting electrolyte solution; (e) placing a conductive substrate coated with an ion sieve in the brine chamber to operate as a cathode; (f) placing a conductive substrate coated with a lithium-intercalated ion sieve in the lithium salt chamber to operate as an anode; and (g) carrying out an electrodialysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis having integrated electrodialysis and electrodeionization capabilities are provided. In an embodiment, the dialysis system includes a carbon source, a urease source, an ED/EDI unit. The carbon source, urease source, and/or the ED/EDI unit can be in the form of removable cartridges.

Abstract: A three-electrode electrolyzer cell is described that can produce either alkaline water or acid water, by selecting polarity and ion exchange membrane type. The cell has a middle chamber and two side electrolysis chambers bordering the middle chamber. Each of the side electrolysis chambers is separated from the middle chambers by a membrane, which is the same on both sides. Porous electrodes are placed on the electrolysis side of each membrane. The electrolysis chamber electrodes are placed next to the membranes, and they are both charged with either positive or negative polarity at the same time. The electrode in the middle chamber is charged with the opposite polarity to the electrolysis chamber electrodes. Each of the electrolysis chambers has inlets and outlets for flowing a solution to be electrolyzed through the cells. The electrolyte solution is in the middle chamber. It is not circulated, or is only circulated to replenish electrolytes or remove gases.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to provide de-ionization. A plurality of cylindrical-shaped conductive membranes are placed in a feed channel having a feed flow with a first flow direction. Each of the conductive membranes encloses a concentration channel having a second flow direction and an electrode positioned inside the conductive membrane. A voltage distribution network coupled to the conductive membranes provides independent voltages across the channels to cause movement of ions in the feed and concentration flows toward the electrode.

Abstract: A method for treating a radioactive liquid waste containing a sodium salt, which includes: feeding a radioactive liquid waste containing at least one of sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate and sodium carbonate to an anode chamber in an electrolytic cell provided with an anode and a cathode on both sides of a permeable membrane, which is selectively permeable to sodium ions, and electrodialyzing the radioactive liquid waste; separating sodium ions permeated through the permeable membrane as sodium hydroxide from the radioactive liquid waste in a cathode chamber; separating a radioactive substance remaining in the anode chamber as a concentrated radioactive liquid waste; and recovering the separated sodium hydroxide and concentrated radioactive liquid waste, respectively.

Abstract: A membrane enhanced deionized capacitor (MEDC) device, consisting of insulating plates (6,7) and a series of MEDC unit cells, is provided. The MEDC unit cell includes a cation and anion ion-exchange membranes (2,4), one pair of carbon electrodes (1-1,1-2), a spacer (3) and an insulating holder (5) and is assembled in the order of [(1-1)/(2)/(3)/(5)/(4)/(1-2)]. The cation-exchange membrane combined with one electrode is used as negative electrosorptive electrode while the anion-exchange membrane combined with another electrode is used as positive electrode. Unit cells can be connected with each other in series, or in parallel. The devices can be made as either stack type or roll type.

Abstract: In order to carry out a selective extraction of cations (Mn+) by an electrochemical transfer in a solution from a first electrolyte (E1) to a second electrolyte (E2), the method includes using as an electrolyte separation wall a transfer wall (2) made of chalcogenide with molybdenum clusters (MonXn+2 or MxMonXn+2) and ensuring the cation transfer through the transfer wall by generating a potential difference (?E) between the electrode A1 in the first electrolyte (E1) and the electrode C2 in the second electrolyte (E1) or the transfer wall (2) in order to induce an intercalation of the cations in the transfer wall on the side of the first electrolyte, a scattering of the cations therein, and the de-intercalation thereof in the second electrolyte.