Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite film comprising a graphene oxide coating layer, a porous polymer support comprising the same, and a method for preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite film comprising a graphene oxide coating layer with improved permeability and stability, a porous polymer support for a composite film comprising a graphene oxide coating layer with improved permeability, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: This invention provides a new high flux reverse osmosis (RO) membrane comprising a nanoporous polyethersulfone (PES)/polyethylene oxide-polysilsesquioxane (PEO-Si) blend support membrane (PES/PEO-Si) comprising a polyethylene oxide-polysilsesquioxane (PEO-Si) polymer and a polyethersulfone (PES) polymer, a hydrophilic polymer inside the pores on the skin layer surface of the polyethersulfone/polyethylene oxide-polysilsesquioxane blend support membrane, and a thin, nanometer layer of cross-linked polyamide on the skin layer surface of said polyethersulfone/polyethylene oxide-polysilsesquioxane blend support membrane, and a method of making such a membrane. This invention also provides a method of using the new high flux reverse osmosis membrane comprising nanoporous PES/PEO-Si blend support membrane for water purification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite separation membrane having a separation layer formed of SPAE on the surface of a porous support membrane wherein the porous support membrane and a coat of SPAE are firmly adhered with each other so that separation property and water permeation property continue for a long period. The present invention is a composite separation membrane having a separation layer on the surface of a porous support membrane, characterized in that said porous support membrane contains 50% by mass or more of polyphenylene ether, and that said separation layer is formed of a sulfonated polyarylene ether copolymer constituted from a repeating structure of a specific hydrophobic segment and a specific hydrophilic segment. The composite separation membrane of the present invention is suitable as a liquid treating membrane such as a nanofiltration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system comprising a cross-flow filter is arranged to permit a first pump to recirculate part of the retentate of the filter to the inlet of the cross-flow filter and a second pump to return part of the permeate to the inlet of the cross-flow filter. A third pump is configured supply source fluid to the inlet of the filter. The flow path between the second pump and the cross-flow filter inlet may include an adsorption filter that may selectively remove contaminants, toxins, or pathogens in the permeate. A controller may control the first, second and third pumps to provide predetermined flow ratios among the fluid flow paths of the system in order to achieve a desired filtration level. This system may be applicable to the removal of harmful substances from blood, by first separating the plasma from the blood and then removing harmful substances from the plasma.

Abstract: A forward osmosis membrane characterized in that a thin membrane layer having the performance of a semi-permeable membrane is laminated on a polyketone support layer.

Abstract: A multilayer bioabsorbable construct is provided that includes at least one top layer, at least one chorion membrane layer, at least one basement layer, and at least one support layer between the chorion membrane layer and basement layer. Various therapeutic uses of the multilayer bioabsorbable construct are also provided.

Abstract: A separator for a separator device, for example a final separator for a final separator device for separating water from a liquid such as oil and/or fuel, may include a filter body including at least one filter material through which the liquid can flow. The filter body may have a first side and a second side. A nanofibre layer may be disposed on the first side in at least one region. The nanofibre layer may be configured hydrophobic. According to an implementation, the nanofibre layer is treated to produce the hydrophobic property. The filter body may have a porosity on the first side that is smaller than on the second side.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for recharging zirconium phosphate and/or zirconium oxide in reusable sorbent modules. The devices, systems, and methods provide for precision recharging of the zirconium phosphate and/or zirconium oxide to avoid the need of excess recharge solutions. The devices systems and methods also provide for calculation of the volumes of recharge solution needed for fully recharging the zirconium phosphate and zirconium oxide modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a nanocomposite membrane, comprising: (a) providing a nanocomposite solution comprising a polymer solution and nanomaterials; (b) subjecting the nanocomposite solution to a cold water bath to produce the nanocomposite membrane in a gel-like form; and (c) subjecting the gel nanocomposite membrane to a heat treatment to solidify the nanocomposite membrane, wherein the nanomaterials are dispersed within the polymer matrix of the nanocomposite membrane.

Abstract: The method includes dispersing copper or other material ions through the water receiving area of a gutter guard for the prevention of moss or mold growth. The method includes the utilization of thread(s) sewn into or embroidered onto or otherwised affixed to or immediately preceding the water receiving areas of a gutter guard, such thread(s) being comprised of moss killing materials. The thread(s) comprise only a portion of the water receiving area, so if corrosive elements form and wash over the water receiving area, they will be in sufficient amounts to kill moss but not in so great an amount as to clog any water receiving apertures. The method includes the utilization of staples or other objects comprised of copper or other moss killing materials fastened to or adhered or welded to the body or water receiving areas of a gutter guard or areas immediately preceding such.

Abstract: A fluid permeable anodic oxide film includes a plurality of regularly-disposed pores formed by anodizing metal and a plurality of permeation holes having an inner width larger than an inner width of the pores and extending through the fluid permeable anodic oxide film. Also provided is a fluid permeable body which makes use of the fluid permeable anodic oxide film.

Abstract: Nanoporous selective sol-gel ceramic membranes, selective-membrane structures, and related methods are described. Representative ceramic selective membranes include ion-conductive membranes (e.g., proton-conducting membranes) and gas selective membranes. Representative uses for the membranes include incorporation into fuel cells and redox flow batteries (RFB) as ion-conducting membranes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the display technical field and discloses specifically an electrowetting display apparatus, comprising: an electrowetting casing including a black oil layer to which an ultraviolet absorbing material is added; an ultraviolet light source arranged at a lower side of the electrowetting casing, for emitting ultraviolet (UV) light upwards; and a colored fluorescent layer arranged at an upper side of the electrowetting casing. By means of the electrowetting display apparatus in the present disclosure, wherein the ultraviolet light source emits UV light, the ultraviolet absorbing material in the black oil layer absorbs the UV light when the black oil layer spreads, and the colored fluorescent layer displays colors when the black oil layer is applied with electric power and then contracts, such that no colored membrane is necessary to achieve a colored display, and thus an outstanding display effect can be realized.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composite membrane and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, disclosed are a composite membrane, which includes a porous support and an active layer deposited on a surface of the porous support, and a method of manufacturing the composite membrane using concentration polarization of a network-nanoparticle-dispersed organic sol-containing solution on a surface of the porous support.

Abstract: A membrane bioreactor (MBR) has membranes comprising a supporting structure. A supply unit doses a sorbent such as powdered activated carbon (PAC) into the MBR. The PAC is maintained at a concentration in the mixed liquor of 200 mg/L or more. Mixed liquor with the sorbent particles recirculates within the MBR at a flow rate of at least twice the feed flow rate. Air bubbles are provided to scour the membranes including during at least part of a permeation step. The sorbent particles are present in the mixed liquor and contact the membranes. Bioaugmentation products may be immobilized on PAC or other carriers and then added to an MBR or other bioreactors.

Abstract: A filtration membrane (1) is provided that includes a porous support (4) and a membrane layer having a first and a second zone (2, 3). The first zone (2) has a thickness of 5 to 15 ?m and an average pore opening size of smaller/equal 0.4 and the second zone (3) has a thickness of 5 to 40 ?m and an average pore opening size of 0.5 to 5.0 ?m. The filtration membrane (1) is produced by forming a single- or -double-layer coating on the porous support (4).

Abstract: Disclosed are a pharmaceutical composition, cosmetic product, and food or drink product each comprising a porous ceramic obtained by combustion synthesis of a starting material comprising (1) titanium and (2) at least one member selected from the group consisting of carbon, boron, nitrogen, and silicon; a pharmaceutical composition and cosmetic product each comprising a radical- and nanobubble-containing liquid; and a blood treatment device comprising a blood flow channel for extracorporeal circulation of a patient's blood, the blood flow channel being provided with the porous ceramic above, and the porous ceramic and the blood are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: A fluid purification system, comprising a first fluid purification media comprising a first rigid porous purification block, comprising a longitudinal first surface; a longitudinal second surface disposed inside the longitudinal first surface; and a porous high density polymer disposed between the longitudinal first surface and the longitudinal second surface; a second fluid purification media, comprising a fluid purification material comprising a particulate oxidizing material disposed adjacent to the first surface of the first fluid purification media, the second surface of the first purification media, or both.

Abstract: A water permeable membrane for water purifications applications including filtration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis is provided. The water permeable membrane includes a porous support and a composite layer disposed over the porous support. Characteristically, the composite layer includes graphene oxide dispersed within a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid inspection device comprising at least one channel including a top channel surface and a bottom channel surface, and a first spacing formed therebetween; at least one chamber communicating with the at least one channel from which a fluid flows into the at least one chamber and including a top chamber surface, a bottom chamber surface and a fluid-filling area and a through opening communicating with the at least one chamber and the outside. A second spacing is formed between the top chamber surface of at least one portion of the fluid-filling area and a corresponding bottom chamber surface thereof, wherein the second spacing is smaller than the first spacing. The fluid inspection device prevents bubbles from producing in the chamber and obstructing the inspection and further allows less required fluid amount in the chamber.

Abstract: Mesoporous activated carbon is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, virgin activated carbon to be processed may be coconut shell-based. The enhanced activated carbon may have a mesopore structure of at least about 10%. The enhanced activated carbon may be produced through a calcium-catalyzed activation process. A chelator may also be used. Catalyzed thermal activation may be carried out until a desired mass loss is achieved.

Abstract: A method for producing a wet-laid nonwoven fabric for a semipermeable membrane supporting body, the method comprising: performing papermaking according to a wet papermaking method by using a fiber slurry containing a synthetic fiber as a main constituent fiber; drying the fiber slurry; subsequently subjecting the dried sheet to hot press processing two times by using a heat calender apparatus, wherein the hot press process temperature in the second treatments is adjusted to be higher by 10° C. or more than the hot press processing temperature in the first treatment, while treating the dried sheet by using a hard nip heat calender apparatus equipped with a combination of a metal roll and a metal roll for at least one time of the hot press processing; and thereby obtaining a wet-laid nonwoven fabric for a semipermeable membrane supporting body.

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a polymerization composition, a polymer using the same, a polymer electrolyte membrane using the same, a fuel cell including the same, and a redox flow battery including the same.

Abstract: A porous body that includes a first porous layer including a first resin, a second porous layer including a second resin, and a third porous layer including a third resin in this order. The second porous layer has a portion where no material is present when viewed in a thickness direction.

Abstract: Provided are: a fouling inhibitor that is capable of effectively inhibiting fouling of porous filtration membranes use as water purification membranes or the like, that has resistance to chemicals, such as alkali used when the membrane is fouled, and that is capable of maintaining such effects sufficiently even after chemical wash; a filtration membrane provided with the inhibitor; and a method for producing the same. The inhibitor contains: (A) a copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 10000 to 300000 and contains a MPC unit (a1) and a BMA unit (a2), wherein the ratio of (a1) to (a2) ((a1)/(a2)) by mole is 10/90 to 70/30; and (B) PVA having a saponification degree of 72 to 93 mol % and a polymerization degree of 300 to 1000, wherein the ratio of component (A) to component (B) ((A)/(B)) by mass is 25/75 to 75/25.

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 invention relates to a composite membrane for nanofiltration of a feed stream solution comprising a solvent and dissolved solutes and showing preferential rejection of the solutes. The composite membrane comprises a thin polymeric film formed by interfacial polymerization on a support membrane. The support membrane is further impregnated with a conditioning agent and is stable in polar aprotic solvents. The composite membrane is optionally treated in a quenching medium, where the interfacial polymerization reaction can be quenched and, in certain embodiments, membrane chemistry can be modified. Finally the composite membrane is treated with an activating solvent prior to nanofiltration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element (1) comprising a drainage element (2) which is arranged between two filter membranes (3). According to the invention, said drainage element (2) is made of a non-woven filtering material which is arranged in a laminated manner between the filter membranes (3) respectively by means of an adhesive non-woven material (4). The invention also relates to a method for producing a filter element (1), a drainage element (2) made from a non-woven filtering material being laminated between two filter membranes (3). An adhesive non-woven material (4) is arranged between the drainage element (2) and each filter membrane (3), then lamination takes place due to the thermal effect under pressure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filtration membrane includes: a) selecting and preparing an organic polymer, such as a collodion; b) injecting a collodion into at least one channel of an extrusion die that also comprises an extrusion die core and at least one outlet; c) injecting an internal liquid into a hollow centering pin, the hollow centering pin comprising a channel positioned on the core of the extrusion die and also positioned at an axis of the outlet of the extrusion die; d) applying a holding film to the outlet of the extrusion die; e) unrolling the holding film onto a surface of at least one hollow fiber emerging from the outlet of the extrusion die; f) immersing the hollow fiber with the first holding film in a rinsing solution so as to obtain a flat hollow fiber filtration membrane; and ending the rinsing of the filtration membrane.

Abstract: Articles are described including a first microfiltration membrane layer having a first major surface and a second major surface disposed opposite the first major surface, and a first silica layer directly attached to the first major surface of the first microfiltration membrane layer. The first silica layer includes a polymeric binder and acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. A method of making an article is also described, including providing a first microfiltration membrane layer having a first major surface and a second major surface disposed opposite the first major surface, and forming a first silica layer on the first major surface.

Abstract: A filter media is disclosed for removing particles from an air stream. The filter media, in an embodiment, includes a porous membrane layer and a pre-filter layer including a downstream surface and an upstream surface. The pre-filter layer is arranged with the downstream surface adjacent an upstream side of the porous membrane layer. The pre-filter layer includes a wet laid composite media having a mixture of glass fibers and synthetic fibers. A method for using the filter media in a gas turbine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coated, thin-film composite membrane includes a porous support and a polyamide barrier layer in contact with the porous support. A fouling-resistant and antimicrobial layer of star polymers is in contact with the polyamide barrier layer. The star polymers included hydrophilic arms of about 40 mol % to about 80 mol % of neutral hydrophilic moieties, and about 60 mol % to about 20 mol % of antimicrobial functional groups.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to prepare lanthanum (La) supported tin oxide-titania (SnO2—TiO2) nanoparticles in the presence of three different solvents (Ethyl acetate, Benzyl alcohol, Ethylene glycol) as directing medium, through sol-gel followed by hydrothermal method for nanofiltration system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing cancer, predicting a disease outcome or response to therapy in a patient sample. The method involves isolating a circulating tumor cell (CTC), for example, a viable CTC, from a sample using a parylene microfilter device comprising a membrane filter having or consisting of a parylene substrate, which has an array of holes with a predetermined shape and size; and detecting and quantifying telomerase activity in blood circulating tumor cells. The invention further provides methods of using cells live-captured in various applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-wetting porous membrane comprising an aromatic hydrophobic polymer such as polysulfone and a wetting agent comprising a copolymer of formula A-B or A-B-A, wherein A is a hydrophilic segment comprising a polymerized monomer of the formula (I): CH2?C(R1)(R2), wherein R1 and R2 are as described herein, and B is polyethersulfone, wherein segments B and A are linked through an oxygen atom. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a self-wetting membrane comprising casting a solution containing an aromatic hydrophobic polymer and the wetting agent, followed by subjecting the cast solution to phase inversion. The self-wetting porous membrane finds use in hemodialysis, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration.

Abstract: An intravenous delivery system may have a liquid source containing a liquid, tubing, and an anti-run-dry membrane positioned such that the liquid, flowing form the liquid source to the tubing, passes through the anti-run-dry membrane. The anti-run-dry membrane may have a plurality of pores through which the liquid flows, and may be formed of a hydrophilic material that resists passage of air through the pores. The intravenous delivery system may further have a bubble point raising component that raises the bubble point of the anti-run-dry membrane. The bubble point raising component may, in some embodiments, be a high surface energy coating or additive.

Abstract: A method for densifying thermoplastics, particularly polyimides, for use in conjunction with electronic circuits while producing improved physical properties and a high degree of crystallinity, involves variable frequency microwave (VFM) processing at temperatures typically 100° C. below the glass transition temperature or lower, for times of about 50 to 100 minutes. It is particularly applicable to polymers based on BPDA-PPD, but may also be generally applied to other intentionally designed polyimide structures with the same features. The invention enables the creation of layered structures involving integrated circuits with small feature sizes and overcoatings of polymers with high Tg and other desirable properties.

Abstract: A negative electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery, which has high energy density and which can suppress a crease (form change) of a negative electrode active material layer and a negative electrode current collector caused by the expansion and contraction occurring along with the quick charging and discharging and also suppress the falloff of the negative electrode active material layer after the quick charging and discharging cycle, and a lithium ion secondary battery using the negative electrode. The negative electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery and the lithium ion secondary battery include: a negative electrode active material including 5% or more of silicon or silicon oxide; a binder that is polyacrylate whose carboxylic groups at terminals of side chains of polyacrylic acid are cross-linked with magnesium or alkaline earth metal; and a negative electrode current collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membranes being suitable e.g. for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, or hemofiltration of blood. The invention also relates to a process for the production of the membranes; and to devices comprising the membranes.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a composite, which is capable of preventing a silicone coating solution, which becomes a silicone resin layer that prevents an acidic gas separation layer from entering a porous support, from entering the porous support, preventing a porous film and an auxiliary support film from being peeled off, and suitably forming a dense silicone resin layer on the surface of the porous support. The method thereof includes a coating process of coating the surface of the porous film side of the porous support with the silicone coating solution which becomes a silicone resin layer according to a roll-to-roll system. In the coating process, the conveying speed of the porous support is in a range of 0.5 m/min to 200 m/min, the viscosity of the silicone coating solution is in a range of 100 cP to 1000000 cP, and the peel force between the porous film and the auxiliary support film is 10 mN/min or greater.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nano membrane structure includes preparing a temporary structure having a substrate in which a through-hole is formed in a central portion, and a nano membrane including silicon nitride (SiN), that covers the through-hole on the substrate, and including a central area formed on the through-hole, and a peripheral area formed on the substrate. The method includes preparing an insulating support member including at least one of silicon and a compound containing silicon, and in which a micropore is formed in a central portion, forming a complex structure by performing a hydrophilic surface processing of a surface of the nano membrane and one surface of the insulating support member and by bonding the temporary structure and the insulating support member so that at least a portion of the central area of the nano membrane and the micropore face, and removing the substrate from the complex structure.

Abstract: Provided is a post-formation process for preparation of a highly permeable thin film composite membranes for reverse osmosis, particularly for use with brackish water at low energy conditions. The process includes contacting a polyamide discrimination layer of a TFC membrane with a solution containing an oxidizing agent to form a treated membrane, followed by contacting the treated membrane with a solution containing a reducing agent. The resulting membrane exhibits enhanced water flux while maintaining salt rejection. Also provided are reverse osmosis membranes prepared in accord with the method, and modules containing the highly permeable thin film composite membranes, and methods of purifying water using the membranes or modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for selectively removing a block on one side using a wet etching process in connection with self-assembly block copolymer thin films that have etching-resisting properties different from each other. The present invention can form a vertical nanopore structure having a high aspect ratio, even in the case of a thick film which has a vertically oriented cylinder self-assembly structure and which has one or more periods, by overcoming the limit of the prior art, which cannot implement a vertical pore structure through wet etching.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell is provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a working electrode which includes a plurality of twisted carbon nanotube yarns. The dye-sensitized solar cell also includes a hybrid sensitizer. The hybrid sensitizer includes a nanoporous titanium oxide layer coated on the plurality of twisted carbon nanotube yarns, a microporous titanium oxide layer coated onto the nanoporous titanium oxide layer, and dye particles and quantum dots disposed in the pores of the microporous titanium oxide layer. In addition, the dye-sensitized solar cell includes a conducting electrode which includes at least one carbon nanotube yarn disposed about the hybrid sensitizer. The dye-sensitized solar cell also includes a solid state electrolyte disposed about the hybrid sensitizer.

Abstract: A method of processing a mixture of heated vapors, at least two of which substantially differ in polarity from each other, the method comprising directing said mixture of heated vapors at a temperature of at least 150° C. through a hydrophobic or hydrophilic mesoporous membrane comprising a mesoporous coating of hydrophobized or hydrophilized metal oxide nanoparticles, respectively, wherein the hydrophobic mesoporous membrane permits passage of one or more hydrophobic heated vapors and blocks passage of one or more hydrophilic heated vapors, and wherein the hydrophilic mesoporous membrane permits passage of one or more hydrophilic heated vapors and blocks passage of one or more hydrophobic heated vapors. The method is particularly directed to embodiments where the heated vapors emanate from a pyrolysis process. An apparatus for achieving the above-described method is also described.

Abstract: Provided are thin film composite membrane structures comprising: a selective membrane layer for ion rejection attached to a support layer, the support layer comprising a multi-zone microfiltration membrane comprising: a porous support material; and at least two microfiltration zones, where a first zone comprises a first membrane and a second zone that is attached to the first zone and that coats at least a portion of the porous support material. Thin film composite membrane structures may be provided in reverse osmosis systems or nanofiltration systems. Also, thin film composite membrane structures may be provided in direct osmotic concentration systems, forward osmosis systems, or pressure retarded osmosis systems.

Abstract: A functional polymer membrane including a porous support and a crosslinked polymer electrolyte, in which the film thickness of the functional polymer membrane is smaller than 100 ?m, the crosslinked polymer electrolyte is a crosslinked polymer formed by subjecting a composition including a monomer having a (meth)acrylamide skeleton to a polymerization curing reaction, and the proportion of elemental oxygen in the elemental composition excluding elemental hydrogen and helium at the surface of the porous support is from 14.0 atom % to 25.0 atom %; and a method for producing the same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water treatment separation membrane having improved durability and including a porous support; a polyamide active layer formed on the porous support; and a protective layer formed on the polyamide active layer and including polyvinyl pyrrolidone, wherein a thickness of the protective layer is 0.5 nm to 1000 nm, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A proton conducting ceramic membrane comprising a conducting layer, wherein said conducting layer comprises a mixture of a rare-earth tungstate as herein defined and a mixed metal oxide as herein defined. The invention also relates to a reactor comprising said membrane and the use of said membrane in a dehydrogenation process.