Abstract: Components, systems, and methods for producing highly hydrophilitic, functionalized inorganic filtration membranes, pre-treating organic and biological-containing waste waters for minimal membrane fouling and scaling when processed using such functionalized membranes, and use of such functionalized membranes of the present invention in filtration systems for separating such pre-treated waste waters, all with respect to optimal permeate production rates, purity of permeate and resistance to fouling and scale formation on the membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to membranes, membrane modules, and applications therefor. In particular, the invention relates to the construction of membranes and membrane modules for use in osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter with uniform pore sizes includes synthesizing a moiety so as to form a plurality of like platelets having a precisely sized pore extending therethrough, distributing the plurality of like platelets about a membrane having apertures therethrough, and bonding the plurality of platelets around the apertures to form precisely sized pores through the membrane. A filtration membrane is also disclosed which provides a porous membrane having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a plurality of platelets, wherein each platelet has a pore therethrough. The platelets are positioned over or in the apertures.

Abstract: An inorganic membrane element and a pretreatment process are provided. The inorganic membrane element includes a tubular structure having an inner separating layer, an outer supporting layer, and at least one intermediate layer interposed between the separating and supporting layers, where the separating layer is nanoporous to selectively retain solutes while permitting the transfer of high-temperature solvents therethrough. The pretreatment process utilizes the inorganic membrane element to provide solubilized organics in concentrated form for the subsequent conversion into bio-fuels and other chemicals.

Abstract: The invention provides permeable magnetically responsive filtration membranes that include a filtration membrane polymer base suitable for fluid filtration; hydrophilic polymers conjugated to the surface of the filtration membrane polymer; and magnetic nanoparticles affixed to the ends of a plurality of the hydrophilic polymers, wherein the hydrophilic polymers are movable with respect to the surface of the filtration membrane polymer surface in the presence of an oscillating magnetic 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: Mixed matrix pervaporation membranes are described which include i) a matrix phase comprising a polymeric material, and ii) a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) dispersed in the matrix phase. In membranes described, the thickness of the membrane is greater than 0.5 ?m. The membranes may in examples be used in a process for separating an organic compound from an aqueous liquid mixture. An example process includes contacting the liquid mixture on one side of a mixed matrix pervaporation membrane to cause the organic compound to permeate the mixed matrix membrane, and removing from the other side of the membrane a permeate composition comprising a portion of the organic compound which permeated the membrane. Example membranes described have relatively good selectivity for separation of the organic compound from the liquid mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to design and manufacture of multilayer sintered membranes made from metals and inorganic compounds (ceramics, silicate, clay, zeolites, phosphates, etc.). The membranes are designated for separation of water. They comprise at least one layer having nanopores commensurable with the size of water molecules. The membranes comprise: (a) supporting metallic layer having pore size 1-500 microns, (b) metallic interlayer having pore size <2 micron, (c) sublayer with local regular protrusions of the interlayer into the supporting layer to increase service life of the membrane, and (d) one nanoporous ceramic or metallic top layer having pore size in the range of 1-15 angstroms. The invented design and method allow the manufacture of cost-effective multilayer membranes containing nanoporous layer with controlled pore sizes in each layer and optimal morphology of pores that provides selective transport of molecules during filtration and separation of liquids.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis separation membrane includes a porous support, a separation active layer formed on the supporting layer, and a ultra hydrophilic layer formed on the separation active layer. The ultra-hydrophilic layer includes a complex metal oxide including at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Sn(IV) and Al(III), and Si, and an organic compound containing a hydrophilic group making a physical or chemical bond with Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Sn(IV) or Al(III) among the complex metal oxide. A method of manufacturing the reverse osmosis separation membrane also is provided. A reverse osmosis membrane including a single coating layer and having an improved durability, chlorine-resistance and antifouling properties may be provided.

Abstract: An organic/inorganic composite membrane may include hydrophilic inorganic particles dispersed in an organic polymer matrix having finger-like pores. The hydrophilic inorganic particles may be present at a higher concentration near one surface of the membrane having a higher density than the other surface of the membrane having a lower density.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a flexible free-standing ultrathin (nano) or thin protein membrane that includes (1) keeping a dilute metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) nitrate or chloride solution under neutral or weak basic pH to spontaneously form metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) hydroxide nanostrands; (2) mixing the metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) hydroxide nanostrands and protein solution to obtain composite nanofibers made of protein and the metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) hydroxide nanostrands; (3) filtering the obtained dispersion of composite nanofibers on a filter; (4) cross-linking the proteins contained in the composite nanofibers by a bifunctional cross-linker; and (5) removing the metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) hydroxide nanostrands.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a separation membrane with a titanium dioxide nanostructure bound thereto, wherein titanium dioxide in the form of nanowire is fixed to the separation membrane by means of a polymer nanostructure so as to prevent a decrease of the specific surface area and separation performance of the membrane and thus removal of pollutants by the separation membrane and photo oxidative degradation by titanium dioxide in the form of nanowire can be maximized, and a method for fabricating the same.

Abstract: A water-sterilizing polymeric membrane is made from cotton fibers, conductive polyaniline and silver nanostructures. In a first, two-step method of making the membrane, cotton is coated with a conductive polyaniline polymer, and then silver nano structures are incorporated with the polyaniline-coated cotton by conformal or dip coating. The silver nanostructures may be in the form of silver nanoparticles, silver nanowires, silver flakes, combinations thereof, or the like. In a second, one-step approach, silver nanostructures are generated or synthesized in situ during the polymerization of aniline on the cotton fibers. In use, the membrane is used for a filter electrode by passing electrical current therethrough. Then, water to be sterilized is passed through the electrified matrix membrane, producing potable drinking water. The polyaniline, silver and electrical current all contribute to antimicrobial activity in the matrix membrane.

Abstract: A zeolite membrane excellent in separation performance and having an acid resistance, and a separation membrane employing the zeolite membrane are provided. A zeolite membrane comprising a layer wherein at least two different types of zeolite crystals are present in mixed state, wherein at least two types of the above at least two different types of zeolite crystals are detectable by an X-ray pattern obtained by X-ray diffraction under the conditions that (A) the output of X-ray is 1.2 kW, (B) an X-ray bulb of copper (Cu) is employed, and (C) the wavelength of X-ray is 1.54058 A. As an alternative, the zeolite membrane comprising a first layer containing zeolite crystals and a second layer containing different type of zeolite crystals from the zeolite crystals of the first layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer constitute a laminate structure, and the thickness of the laminate structure is at most 20 pm.

Abstract: A microporous organic-inorganic hybrid membrane based on silica of the invention has an average pore diameter of less than 0.6 nm, and comprises bridging organosilane moieties of the formula ?O1.5Si—CHR—SiO1.5? or ?O1.5Si—CH(CH3)—SiO1.5?. The membrane can be used in the separation of hydrogen from mixtures comprising hydrogen and CH4, CO2, CO, N2, and the like, and in the separation of water from alcohols having 1-3 carbon atoms, optionally in the presence of an inorganic or organic acid.

Abstract: A hybrid porous structured material may include a porous region (that forms a nanopore structure) and a non-porous region. The porous region may form a stacked structure where a plurality of spherical bodies are stacked so as to contact each other in three dimensions. The non-porous region may form a structure that fills a gap between the plurality of spherical bodies of the porous region.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the preparation of antimicrobial membranes by inclusion of low leaching, control release silver-based antimicrobial additives as described in claim 1 into the polymer matrix and forming this into a semipermeable membrane. The antimicrobial agents protect the membrane system against bacterial and/or algal decay and assist in maintaining a high efficiency of the membrane filtration process.

Abstract: A potable water system (10) comprises a supply line (18) and a water-purification device (20) incorporated thereinto. The water-purification device (20) comprises a microorganism filter (40) having a housing (42) and replaceable cartridge (42). The cartridge's filter media (50) includes a microorganism-capturing membrane (e.g., comprising an electropositive material) and a microorganism-killing membrane (e.g., comprising a biocidal material).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite semipermeable membrane having an excellent resistance property to contamination, particularly an excellent resistance property to microbial contamination, and a water treatment method using the composite semipermeable membrane. The present invention relates to a composite semipermeable membrane comprising a skin layer formed on the surface of a porous support and containing a polyamide-based resin obtained by reacting a polyfunctional amine component with a polyfunctional acid halide component, wherein an antibacterial layer containing a silver-based antibacterial agent and a polymer component is formed on the skin layer directly or with other layer interposed therebetween, and the weight ratio between the silver-based antibacterial agent and the polymer component in the antibacterial layer is 55:45 to 95:5 (silver-based antibacterial agent:polymer component).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an additive that may be used in the manufacture of thin-film polyamide composite membranes. Thin-film polyamide composite membranes are used in filtration processes, such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. The additive may be an amino-siloxane compound. The amino-siloxane compound includes repeated groups of silicon bonded to oxygen with at least one amine functional group. Optionally, the amino-siloxane compound may also include a hydrophilic group. The additive reacts with an aqueous phase and an organic phase to form a thin polyamide film on a porous substrate.

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: The present invention aims to provide a honeycomb-shaped ceramic porous body where the strength reduction upon forming a separation layer is less than conventional porous bodies. The ceramic porous body (9) is provided with a honeycomb-shaped base material (30) and an intermediate layer. At least a part of the ceramic porous body (9) has a structure where aggregate particles are bonded to one another by an inorganic bonding material component. In the ceramic porous body (9), the intermediate layer thickness, which is the thickness of the intermediate layer, is 100 ?m or more and 500 ?m or less, the base material thickness at the shortest portion between the cells, but excluding the intermediate layer and the separation layer is 0.51 mm or more and 1.55 mm or less, and the ratio of the base material thickness to the intermediate layer thickness is 2.5 or more.

Abstract: A method of making a membrane assembly is provided. The method comprises forming an inorganic membrane layer disposed on a substrate, and forming a plurality of macropores in the substrate at least in part using anodization. Further, a membrane assembly is provided. The membrane assembly comprises a filtering membrane that is coupled to an anodized substrate comprising a plurality of macropores.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ionic liquid comprising (i) a cationic portion containing a complex of a silver (I) ion and one or more neutral ligands selected from organoamides, organoamines, olefins, and organonitriles, and (ii) an anionic portion having the chemical formula wherein m and n are independently 0 or an integer of 1 or above, and p is 0 or 1, provided that when p is 0, the group —N—SO2—(CF2)nCF3 subtended by p is replaced with an oxide atom connected to the shown sulfur atom. The invention is also directed to a method for separating an olefin from an olefin-paraffin mixture by passing the mixture through a layer of the ionic liquid described above.

Abstract: Process for removing asphaltenic particles from a hydrocarbon feed containing asphaltenic particles by treating the feed in a filter unit comprising a perforated tube surrounded by hollow longitudinal projections comprising a filter having openings of at most 50 micrometer diameter in which the internal space of each of the hollow projections is in fluid communication with the inside of the perforated tube and which filter is regularly subjected to cleaning by treating each of the projections with cleaning fluid wherein the flow of cleaning fluid is opposite to the direction of normal flow.

Abstract: An electrochemical separation membrane and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The method includes: a polymer solution preparing step to mix a polymer material, solvent and ceramic precursors thoroughly to form a polymer solution, wherein the polymer material and the ceramic precursors are dissolved uniformly in the solvent; a coating step to coat the polymer solution on a porous base material; a hydrolysis step to cause the porous base material coated with the polymer solution to contact an aqueous solution to hydrolyze the ceramic precursor into ceramic particles; and a drying step to remove the water and the solvent from the porous base material and in order to form the electrochemical separation membrane. The electrochemical separation membrane made of this method have better ion conductivity, interface stability and thermal stability based on the ceramic particles.

Abstract: The growth of continuous MOF membranes on porous polymeric supports is reported, wherein a dip-coating procedure is used to deposit a layer of seed MOF nanocrystals on the surfaces of porous polymers, preferably in the form of hollow fibers, and polycrystalline MOF membranes are subsequently grown at temperatures as low as 65° C. from precursor solutions. The present work opens the road to inexpensive and scalable fabrication of MOF membranes for large-scale separation applications.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite semipermeable membrane having an excellent resistance property to contamination, particularly an excellent resistance property to microbial contamination, and a water treatment method using the composite semipermeable membrane. The present invention relates to a composite semipermeable membrane comprising a skin layer formed on the surface of a porous support and containing a polyamide-based resin obtained by reacting a polyfunctional amine component with a polyfunctional acid halide component, wherein an antibacterial layer containing a silver-based antibacterial agent and a polymer component is formed on the skin layer directly or with other layer interposed therebetween, and the weight ratio between the silver-based antibacterial agent and the polymer component in the antibacterial layer is 55:45 to 95:5 (silver-based antibacterial agent:polymer component).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an antimicrobial membrane, to a method for preparing said antimicrobial membrane, to a process of operating said antimicrobial membrane, and to uses of said antimicrobial membrane. The antimicrobial membrane of the invention comprises on at least one side of the membrane a multilayer coating, said multilayer coating having alternate polycation and polyanion layers, wherein one or more polycation layers and one or more polyanion layers comprise metal nanoparticles having antimicrobial activity, wherein i) said metal nanoparticles comprise silver; and ii) at least 75 wt. % of said metal is present in a reduced form.

Abstract: Polymer composite membranes containing mesoporous particles which function in part as reinforcing agents, modifiers of polymer surface polarity, and membrane structure modifiers are provided. The composites provide superior resistance to internal damage and pore compaction, increased permeability to water with retention of separation fidelity, and resistance to chemical degradation and mechanical wear, along with minimal shedding of the reinforcing particles under applied pressure. These improvements in properties are particularly desirable for the water purification by membrane filtration methods.

Abstract: A porous membrane can include a nanoparticle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose ceramic membranes having bonded ceramic nanowires. Methods of making ceramic membranes having bonded ceramic nanowires are also disclosed.

Abstract: Two-dimensional material based filters, their method of manufacture, and their use are disclosed. The filters may include at least one active layer disposed on a porous substrate. The at least one active layer may include intrinsic and/or intentional formed pores. In some embodiments, the flow resistance of the porous substrate may be selected to limit flow through defects and intrinsic pores in the at least one active layer.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to fabricate nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.

Abstract: A separator fractionates a dispersion of cells including cells having phagocytic activity corresponding to a size of the cells to obtain a dispersion in which the content of the cells having phagocytic activity is higher than that of the dispersion, and includes a filter, at least part of the filter having a hydrophilic surface as a result of being covered with at least one of a self-assembled monolayer that includes an alkanethiol having a nonionic hydrophilic group that is formed on a gold thin film via a sulfur-gold bond, and a homopolymer or a copolymer of an ester of (meth)acrylic acid and at least some of hydrophilic groups of phospholipids that form a biomembrane. The separator is thus configured so that clogging of the filter is suppressed, and the separation efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite membrane (104) comprising particles of a filler material (110) in a polymer matrix (114) is described. In an example, the method includes the steps of: providing a support surface (100); applying particles of filler material onto the support surface to form an array of particles (110) and interspaces (112) between the particles; and applying matrix material to the filler material on the support surface such that matrix material (114) is applied in interspaces. By applying the particles to the surface, followed by the application of the matrix material, in some examples a more desirable distribution of the particles in the final membrane may be achieved.

Abstract: A method of making a porous membrane is disclosed. One such method optionally includes: forming a plurality of pillars in an array form over a substrate; and forming a layer with a mixture of a porous material precursor and a surfactant over the substrate. The method optionally includes removing the pillars to leave cavities in the layer; filling the cavities in the layer with a cavity filler; and removing the surfactant from the layer. The porous membrane can be used as, for example, a sieve for separating molecules from a chemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of fabricating nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous nanoscale membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane can be used as a filtration device to screen agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions. In one embodiment, the membrane allows for screening agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions using a small sample volume with efficient high-throughput screening applications.

Abstract: There are disclosed a ceramic porous membrane formed with less membrane formation times and having less defects, a small and uniform thickness and a high flux, and a ceramic filter. A silica membrane is formed on a titania UF membrane as an ultrafiltration membrane (a UF membrane) formed on a porous base member which is a microfiltration membrane (also referred to as an MF membrane) and having an average pore diameter smaller than that of the porous base member, and the silica membrane has an average pore diameter smaller than that of the titania UF membrane, and does not substantially permeates the titania UF membrane.

Abstract: Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The membranes also include zeolites in the barrier layer. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method whereby small particle nano materials may be contained in a highly functional package for fluid separation and/or purification applications. The package consists of an aerogel material which uniformly surrounds the nano-particles. The aerogel may be composed of carbon, silicon, or silicon oxide or other suitable materials. The morphological features of the aerogel may be tailored specifically towards fine particle and ultrafine particle containment while maintaining uniform fluid flow in separation and purification processes. The aerogel may be bonded to a suitable rigid housing by chemical or mechanical means.

Abstract: A ceramic pervaporation membrane and a ceramic vapor-permeable membrane where the total aperture length of discharge channels parallel to the channel direction of water collection cells is at least 10% of the length of filtration cells and where the ratio m/n of the number m of rows of filtration cells to the number n of rows of water collection cells is between 1 and 4 have a high water permeation rate and a high separation coefficient.

Abstract: Stabilized surfactant-based membranes and methods of manufacture thereof. Membranes comprising a stabilized surfactant mesostructure on a porous support may be used for various separations, including reverse osmosis and forward osmosis. The membranes are stabilized after evaporation of solvents; in some embodiments no removal of the surfactant is required. The surfactant solution may or may not comprise a hydrophilic compound such as an acid or base. The surface of the porous support is preferably modified prior to formation of the stabilized surfactant mesostructure. The membrane is sufficiently stable to be utilized in commercial separations devices such as spiral wound modules. Also a stabilized surfactant mesostructure coating for a porous material and filters made therefrom. The coating can simultaneously improve both the permeability and the filtration characteristics of the porous material.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to engineered osmosis and related membrane-based separation technologies. Disclosed are semi-permeable nanostructured osmosis membranes comprising a film polymerized on a nanofiber support fabric, methods for osmotically-driven separation, the method comprising creating an osmotic pressure gradient across a semi-permeable nanostructured osmosis membrane comprising a film polymerized on a nanofiber support fabric, and methods of generating power comprising creating an osmotic pressure gradient across a semi-permeable nanostructured osmosis membrane comprising a film polymerized on a nanofiber support fabric. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A process of producing a structure for molecular separations includes providing a plurality of biopolymers. The biopolymers are selected from DNAs, RNAs, nucleic acid loops, nucleic acid hairpins, nucleic acid dumbbells, alkylated phosphonates, non-standard nucleobases, or combinations thereof. A sieve material, suitable for producing a structure for molecular separations, is provided around the biopolymers. The biopolymers are positioned in an arrangement for leaving pores suitable for molecular separations. The biopolymers are removed to leave pores in the sieve material and produce the structure suitable for molecular separations.

Abstract: A process of producing a structure for molecular separations includes providing a plurality of template materials. The template materials are selected from biomolecules, biopolymers, polymers, or combinations thereof. A sieve material, suitable for producing a structure for molecular separations, is provided around the template materials. The template materials are positioned in an arrangement for leaving pores suitable for molecular separations. The template materials are removed to leave pores in the sieve material and produce the structure suitable for molecular separations.

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: SAPO-34 membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO-34 membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with a synthesis gel. The Si/Al ratio of the synthesis gel can be from 0.3 to 0.15. SAPO-34 crystals are optionally applied to the surface of the support prior to synthesis. A layer of SAPO-34 crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO-34 crystals may also form in the pores of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: An inorganic membrane having an improved pore structure. The membrane has a mean pore size of up to about 100 nm and a mean particle size in a range from about 10 nm to about 100 nm. In one embodiment, the membrane comprises ?-alumina and is formed by providing a coating slip comprising ?-alumina; applying the coating slip to a support surface to form a coating layer; drying the coating layer; and firing the dried coating layer at a temperature of at least about 1000° C. to convert at least a portion of the ?-alumina to ?-alumina and form the inorganic membrane.