Abstract: The present invention provides highly permeable and porous polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them, and their application as a high-performance membrane support for gas separation composite membranes. The polybenzimidazole membranes are bonded to a fabric substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to CO2-philic crosslinked polyethylene glycol membranes useful for natural gas purification processes. Also provided are methods of using the membranes to remove CO2 and H2S from natural gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides compact spiral-wound filter elements having cassette-like performance. The invention further provides filtration systems (e.g., TFF systems) and processes (e.g., SPTFF processes) employing compact spiral-wound filter elements having cassette-like performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air filter and a method of manufacture for an air filter which is much more cost effective and provides greater operational effectiveness than state-of-the-art air filters. The air filter includes an outer metallic shell which may be used to attach the filter in line to ducting of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The filter may further include a filter unit made of activated carbon material. The filter unit may have one or more sections and may have a honeycomb cross section.

Abstract: Synthesis, fabrication, and application of nanocomposite polymers in different form (as membrane/filter coatings, as beads, or as porous sponges) for the removal of microorganisms, heavy metals, organic, and inorganic chemicals from different contaminated water sources.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a polyaryl ether sulfone polymer solution [solution (SP)] comprising: —at least one sulfone polymer [polymer (PSI)] having recurring units, wherein more than 50% moles, with respect to all the recurring units of polymer (PSI), are recurring units (RPSI) selected from the group consisting of those of formulae (RPSI-1) and (RPSI-2) herein below: (RPSI-1) (RPSI-2) wherein: —each of E?, equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, is selected from the group consisting of those of formulae (E?-1) to (E?-3): (E?-I) (E?-II) (E?-III) —each R? is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium; and —j? is zero or an integer of 1 to 4; is a bond or a divalent group optionally comprising one or more than one heteroatom; preferably

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to methods and systems for separating olefins from a mixture that includes olefins and non-olefins. The methods include associating the mixture with a support that is embedded with an ionic liquid and a metal ion. The ionic liquid prevents the substantial reduction of the metal ion by reducing agents while the metal ion mediates the transport of the olefin through the support by selectively and reversibly coupling with the olefin. In some embodiments, the support may be in the form of supported ionic liquid porous membranes, and the ionic liquid may be held within the pores of the support by capillary forces. In some embodiments, the support may be in the form of a composite, and the ionic liquid may be dispersed throughout the composite. In some embodiments, the metal ion may be dissolved in the ionic liquid and dispersed throughout the support.

Abstract: A lubricating oil composition comprising at least 50 percent by mass, based on the mass of the composition of an oil of lubricating viscosity and 0.01 to 25 percent by mass, based on the mass of the composition of a polymer comprising units (a) and one or both units (b) and (c): —N(COR1)(CH2)x—??(a) —NH(CH2)y—??(b) —N(CH2CH2-k(CH3)kCOOR2)(CH2)z ??(c) where the total number (n) of units (a), (b) and (c) is an integer between 4 and 500; wherein x, y and z are independently 2 or 3; wherein k is zero or 1. The polymer shows good solubility in the lubricating oil and provides friction modification. A method of synthesising a polymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separation membrane having high permeability and selective removability of divalent/monovalent ions. The separation membrane of the present invention includes a supporting membrane and a separation functional layer formed on the supporting membrane, in which the separation functional layer contains a polymerized product of a polyfunctional amine with a polyfunctional acid halide, the polyfunctional amine contains a polyfunctional aliphatic amine as a main component, the separation functional layer has a hollow protuberant structure, and the separation functional layer has a relative surface area of 1.1-10.0.

Abstract: Multicomponent copolymers including two or more types of repeat units is presented. In one example, the multicomponent copolymer includes at least one repeat unit AC having a structure (I), at least one repeat unit DC having a structure (II), and at least one repeat unit BC having a structure (III) or (V). The multicomponent copolymer may be cross-linked via a cross-linking agent. A polymer blend including the multicomponent copolymer or a cross-linked copolymer and a second polymer is also provided. The multicomponent copolymer may be a random or a block copolymer. The structural units of the multicomponent copolymers provide improved, tunable properties, such as improved biocompatibility and hydrophilicity, protein fouling, and mechanical properties, to the copolymers and/or the membranes fabricated from the copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite membrane for gas separation and/or nanofiltration of a feed stream solution comprising a solvent and dissolved solutes and showing preferential rejection of the solutes. The composite membrane comprises a separating layer with intrinsic microporosity. The separating layer is suitably formed by interfacial polymerization on a support membrane. Suitably, at least one of the monomers used in the interfacial polymerization reaction should possess concavity, resulting in a network polymer with interconnected nanopores and a membrane with enhanced permeability. The support membrane may be optionally impregnated with a conditioning agent and may be optionally stable in organic solvents, particularly in polar aprotic solvents. The top layer of the composite membrane is optionally capped with functional groups to change the surface chemistry. The composite membrane may be cured in the oven to enhance rejection.

Abstract: A method for producing a spiral wound separation membrane element includes preparing a composite semipermeable membrane having a skin layer on the surface of a porous support. The method further includes forming on the skin layer a protective layer containing 35 mg/m2 or more of an anionic polyvinyl alcohol to prepare a protective layer-equipped composite semipermeable membrane, preparing an unwashed spiral wound separation membrane element from the protective layer-equipped composite semipermeable membrane, and passing wash water through the unwashed spiral wound separation membrane element to remove the protective layer on the skin layer.

Abstract: A microextraction capsule holding a sol-gel coating or monolithic bed with an affinity for one or more target analytes infused in a porous tube that can be placed in a sample matrix containing the target analytes. The microextraction capsule can include a magnetic wire to allow the capsule to be spun in the presence of the matrix to increase the rate of absorption of the target analytes. The microextraction capsule can be formed by infusing a sol solution into the porous tube and forming a metal oxide or hybrid inorganic-organic sorbent comprising gel from the sol within the pores of the porous tube or by forming a gel by sol-gel condensation with water followed by grinding the gel to a particulate gel and infusing the particles into a porous tube.

Abstract: A thin film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane or TFC-NF membrane includes an ultrafiltration support membrane coated with a trimesic acid coating layer. The trimesic acid coating layer is formed or self-assembled on the ultrafiltration support membrane by pouring an aqueous solution of a water soluble tertiary amine on the support membrane to form a first coating layer and then applying a solution of trimesolychloride on the first coating layer. In other words, the trimesic acid coating layer can be formed as a result of the liquid-liquid interface of the water soluble tertiary amine and the trimesolychloride. A total thickness of the TFC-NF membrane can be about 150 ?m. The thin film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane can be free from MPD monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of linear aromatic polyimides and the production of membranes for the separation of gases. Specifically, polyimides featuring in their chemical structure, in the part derived from a diamine, 4-fluoro-4?,4?-diaminotriphenylmethane, and an aromatic dianhydride derived from tetracarboxylic acid. Polyimides are soluble in amidic solvents such as N,N?-dimethylformamide, N,N?-dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, etc., which are processed as dense membranes by controlled evaporation of the solvent. The resulting membranes are capable of separating at least a gaseous mixture constituted by two components such as H2/CH4, He/N2, H2/CO2, O2/N2, CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2.

Abstract: Methods of making a battery component are provided. The method comprises gas phase depositing a composition onto an electrode, the composition comprising a first component and a second component, and removing at least a portion of the second component to form a separator comprising a porous polymer film on the electrode. The first component is selected from the group consisting of polymers, dimers and monomers. In some embodiments, the second component is selected from the group consisting of polymers, dimers and monomers and is different from the first component. The first component and the second component each form separate polymer phases and together form a layer. In some embodiments, the second component is selected from the group consisting of by-products and remaining portions of the first component from the forming the first polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing antifouling coatings on reverse osmosis membranes with initiated chemical vapor deposition. The coatings enhance the stability and lifetime of membranes without sacrificing performance characteristics, such as permeability or salt retention.

Abstract: The heat exchangerless membrane system optimizes heat transfer between a set of two immiscible fluids such that the second of the two immiscible fluids having an additive, notably an additive that makes the second fluid corrosive, is infrequently in contact any heat exchangers that would make the heat exchanger subject to corrosion. This membrane system is capable of separating the two immiscible fluids downstream of the heat transfer process, such that heat transfer can repeat the cycle again in an energy efficient manner.

Abstract: A porous polymer battery separator is provided that includes variable porosity along its length. Such battery separators can increase the uniformity of the current density within electrochemical battery cells that may normally experience higher current density and higher temperatures near their terminal ends than they do near their opposite ends. By disposing a variable porosity separator between the electrodes of an electrochemical cell such that its terminal end has a lower porosity than its opposite end, the transport of ions, such as lithium ions, through the separator can be more restricted in normally high current regions and less restricted in normally low current regions, thereby increasing the overall uniformity of current density within the battery cell. Variable porosity battery separators may be produced by a modified solvent exchange process.

Abstract: The application describes a method of preparing a polymer that includes: mixing in an aqueous solution comprising water and a water-soluble alcohol: a vinyl-based monomer having a sulfonic acid functional group, a bifunctional vinyl-based cross-linking agent, and a polymerization initiator, to form a reaction solution, where the monomer and the cross-linking agent are soluble in the reaction solution; and polymerizing the monomer and cross-linking agent to form the polymer. The application further describes a polymer that includes a polymer backbone comprising sulfonic acid functional groups; and crosslinks comprising alcohol functional groups.

Abstract: Described herein are mixed matrix filtration membranes and related, compositions, methods and systems and in particular mixed matrix filtration membranes with an embedded polymer network and/or embedded polymeric micro/nanoparticles functionalized with a functionalization polymer covalently and/or non covalently linked to the micro/nanoparticles and related compositions, methods, and systems.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane on a support, wherein the polymeric membrane includes a crosslinked polymer covalently bound to a molecular cage compound. An interfacial polymerization method for making the polymeric membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preparation for polyimine self-supported dynamic polymeric membranes (called “dynameric” membranes) is provided along with their use in separation processes, especially for separating gaseous species.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a filtration material and a method for fabricating the same. The filtration material includes a supporting layer, and a composite layer, wherein the composite layer includes an ionic polymer and an interfacial polymer. Particularly, the ionic polymer and the interfacial polymer are intertwined with each other, resulting from ionic bonds formed between the ionic polymer and the interfacial polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing antifouling and chlorine-resistant coatings on reverse osmosis membranes with initiated chemical vapor deposition. The coatings enhance the stability and lifetime of membranes without sacrificing performance characteristics, such as permeability or salt retention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous ABPBI (phosphoric acid doped poly (2, 5-benzimidazole)) membrane and process of preparing the same. A stable porous ABPBI (Phosphoric Acid Doped Poly (2, 5-benzimidazole)) membrane stable to acids, bases, solvents and autoclaving is disclosed. The membrane finds use for separation of solutes in solution in acids, bases and solvents.

Abstract: Synthetic RNA molecules having a pore, compositions including RNA molecules having a pore, where the compositions are capable of filtering metal ions, filtering molecular ions, performing size exclusion chromatography, performing ion specific chromatography, reversible metal ion and molecular ion binding, ion selective membranes, ion selective channels, ion selective/specific sensors, electrical conduits, battery components, etc., and devices and methods for making and using same. The RNAs used may be modified to improve stability. For example, by for example, a methyl group may be attached to the 2? OH of the ribose.

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: A halogen resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine monomer and an acid chloride monomer wherein the amino group of the starting amine monomer is separated from the aromatic amine ring system by an alkyl group and (i) minimizes halogenation on the amine and (ii) minimizes N-halogenation at a pH range of approximately 7 to approximately 10.5. A membrane is made from the polyamide for use, for example, in a reverse osmosis desalination unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses antimicrobial water treatment membranes, comprising a water treatment membrane, covalently attached to one or more antimicrobial polymers or derivatives thereof, either directly or via one or more tether molecules. There are also provided a process for preparing these antimicrobial membranes, and uses thereof in water treatment applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a water treatment membrane having high chlorine resistance and high permeability, the method including: forming an aqueous amine solution layer on a porous support, using an aqueous amine solution including a fluorine compound having an epoxy group in a terminal thereof and an amine compound; and forming a polyamide layer containing the fluorine compound by bringing an organic solution containing acyl halide into contact with the aqueous amine solution layer, and a water treatment membrane manufactured using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of contacting a membrane having a highly cross-linked polydicyclopentadiene matrix with a feed solution having a) a first component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 g mol?1 to about 600 g mol?1 and a cross-sectional area of less than about 0.40 nm2 and b) a second component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 to about 600 grams g mol?1 and a cross-sectional area of greater than about 0.50 nm2 so that the feed solution is fractionated into a permeate comprising the first component and a retentate enriched in the second component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a composite semipermerable membrane and a method for producing the same. The composite semipermeable membrane comprises a microporous support membrane and a separation functional layer provided on the microporous support membrane, wherein the separation functional layer contains a condensation product produced by condensation of at least one selected from the group consisting of ions of trialkoxysilanes each having an imidazolium group and a conjugated base of a polymer having at least one acidic group. The composite semipermeable membrane achieves excellent selective separation of divalent ions over monovalent ions, and is suitable for use in various water treatment fields such as seawater desalination and drinking water production.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a membrane formed from a blend of high molecular weight polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) (>580,000 Mw) with low molecular weight PVDF (<580,000 Mw). Porous membranes of average pore size from 5 nm to 100 microns made from the blend show improved water permeability compared to membranes formed from a single Mw PVDF.

Abstract: The forward osmosis membrane flow system (1) includes a high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) to which a high osmotic pressure fluid is supplied, a low osmotic pressure fluid flow section (3) to which a low osmotic pressure fluid with a lower osmotic pressure than that of the high osmotic pressure fluid is supplied, and a semipermeable membrane (4) that separates the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section and the low osmotic pressure fluid flow section from each other. A flow rate in the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) is increased by an occurrence of fluid migration from the low osmotic pressure fluid flow section (3) into the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) through the semipermeable membrane (4). The semipermeable membrane (4) is a composite semipermeable membrane with a polyamide-based skin layer formed on a porous epoxy resin membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide forming polynorbornenes useful for forming pervaporation membranes, the membranes themselves and methods of making such membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes comprising a microporous material. The microporous material comprises: (a) a polyolefin matrix present in an amount of at least 2 percent by weight, (b) finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble silica filler distributed throughout said matrix, said filler constituting from about 10 percent to about 90 percent by weight of said coated microporous material substrate, (c) at least 20 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the coated microporous material, and (d) at least one coating composition applied to at least one surface of the membrane to adjust the surface energy of the membrane.

Abstract: A separation membrane includes a membrane comprising a polymer, characterized in that a functional layer is formed on the surface in one side of the membrane, the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface of the preceding functional layer is 0.1% (by atomic number) or more but not more than 10 (% by atomic number), and the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface opposite to the functional layer is not more than 10 (% by atomic number). A separation membrane module suffering from little sticking of organic matters, proteins, platelets and so on is provided with the separation membrane as a built-in membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sugar-immobilized polymer substrate for removing a virus, the polymer substrate allowing efficient removal of a hepatitis virus or the like in a fluid, and a method for removing a virus. In particular, the present invention provides a sugar-immobilized polymer substrate for removing a hepatitis virus or the like, the polymer substrate allowing, in the case of an application to blood of a living body, reduction in the amount of blood taken out of the body, reduction in the removal amount of blood useful components, low invasiveness, and shortening of the operation cycle; and a method for removing a virus. A hollow fiber membrane according to the present invention can be used as a module having a function of effectively removing a virus and a function of not removing useful plasma components.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane for separating oil from water has a pore size of 0.005 ?m to 5 ?m, a thickness of 50 ?m to 1,000 ?m, a water contact angle of 0° to 60°, an oil contact angle of 40° to 100°. The membrane contains a hydrophobic matrix polymer and a functional polymer that contains a hydrophobic backbone and side chains. The side chains each have an oleophobic terminal segment and a hydrophilic internal segment. The weight ratio of the matrix polymer to the functional polymer is 99:1 to 1:9. Also disclosed is a method of making the above described membrane.

Abstract: A conformal coating that resists fouling by waterborne contamination in aquatic environments, a method for fabricating the coating, and a filter having such a coating are disclosed. The coating comprises a hydrophilic polymer and a surfactant wherein the surfactant undergoes a phase change upon exposure to a saline solution. Also disclosed are in situ methods for regenerating anti-fouling filters having the fouling resistant coating.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a novel hydrophilized separation membrane for use in the treatment of a liquid, which comprises an aromatic ether polymer, is less likely to be degraded by sterilization with a high energy ray and has a controlled pore size and a high water permeability. [Means for Solving Problems] A porous separation membrane for use in the treatment of a liquid which is produced by a wet film formation process using an aromatic ether polymer and a hydrophilizing agent. The separation membrane can be used for medical purposes or in a pharmaceutical of food.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis membrane includes a porous support, a polyamide active layer formed on the porous support, and a coating layer including a copolymer including an amphoteric ionic compound and glycidyl (meth)acrylate. The coating layer makes a chemical bond with the polyamide active layer. A method of manufacturing the reverse osmosis membrane also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of photo-grafting onto a separation membrane a copolymer includes at least one of: and; For example, in Structure 1A, x1?2 and y1?1; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of CH3 and H; R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of poly(oxyalkylene), quaternary ammonium salts, pyridinium salts, sulfonium salts, sulfobetaines, carboxybetaines, alcohols, phenols, tertiary amines, aryl groups; linear, branched and cyclic alkylenes; linear, branched and cyclic heteroalkylenes; linear, branched and cyclic fluoroalkylenes; and siloxyl; R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of linear, branched, and cyclic alkylenes; linear, branched and cyclic hetroalkylenes; linear, branched and cyclic fluoroalkylenes; phenyl; and siloxyl; and Z1 is 0 or 1.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides a filter that is modified by a polymer-carbon based nanomaterial nanocomposite intended to significantly enhance the performance of filtration, separation, and remediation of a broad variety of chemicals, heavy metal ions, organic matters, and living organisms. Polymeric materials, such as but not limited to poly-N-vinyl carbazole (PVK), are combined with (1) graphene (G) and/or graphene-like materials based nanomaterials and (2) graphene oxide (GO) chemically modified with a chelating agent such as but not limited to EDTA. The nanocomposite is homogenously deposited on the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation membrane for water treatment having high water flux and membrane contamination preventing characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof. The separation membrane for water treatment according to the present invention includes a nanofiber wherein the separation membrane has a surface electric charge. According to the present invention, a separation membrane for water treatment having high water flux and membrane contamination preventing characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof may be implemented.

Abstract: Described herein are filtration membranes and related, compositions, methods and systems and in particular filtration membranes with embedded polymeric micro/nanoparticles and related compositions, methods, and systems.

Abstract: A separation membrane is provided containing hydrophilic molecules and having, as formed on at least one surface of a feed side and a permeate side thereof, a height difference of from 80 ?m to 2000 ?m, in which a weight of the hydrophilic molecules in a bone-dry separation membrane is from 0.1% to 40% based on a weight of the bone-dry separation membrane from which the weight of the hydrophilic molecules has been subtracted.

Abstract: A porous membrane can include a polyazole.

Abstract: A method of removing water from fluid mixtures of the water with other compounds uses selective vapor permeation or pervaporation of the water, as the case may be, from the mixture through a membrane having an amorphous perfluoropolymer selectively permeable layer. The novel process can be applied in such exemplary embodiments as (a) removing water from mixtures of compounds that have relative volatility of about 1-1.1 or that form azeotropic mixtures with water, (b) the dehydration of hydrocarbon oil such as hydraulic fluid to concentrations of water less than about 50 ppm, (c) removing water byproduct of reversible chemical equilibrium reactions to favor high conversion of reactants to desirable products, (d) drying ethanol to less than 0.5 wt. % water as can be used in fuel for internal combustion engines, and (e) controlling the water content to optimum concentration in enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions carried out in organic media.