Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to porous materials that may be employed in various filtration, purification, and/or separation applications. In some cases, the porous materials may be thin, flexible, and fabricated with control over average pore size and/or the spatial distribution of pores. Such porous materials may be useful in, for example, desalination.

Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane including the step of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method is characterized by: i) conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of an aromatic anhydride monomer include at least one sulfonyl halide functional group, or ii) applying the aromatic anhydride monomer to the thin film polyamide layer.

Abstract: Reverse osmosis membranes made by interfacial polymerization of a monomer in a nonpolar (e.g. organic) phase together with a monomer in a polar (e.g. aqueous) phase on a porous support membrane. Interfacial polymerization process is disclosed for preparing a highly permeable RO membrane, comprising: contacting on a porous support membrane, a) a first solution containing 1,3-diaminobenzene, and b) a second solution containing trimesoyl chloride, wherein at least one of solutions a) and b) contains nanoparticles when said solutions are first contacted, and recovering a highly permeable RO membrane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating a hydrocarbon stream via a filtration process to produce an upgraded permeate stream with decreased Conradson Carbon Residue (“CCR”) content. The invention involves the modification of a porous ceramic filter by functionalizing the surface of the ceramic filter with an multi-ring aromatic-diimide polymer. Preferably, the multi-ring aromatic-diimide polymer is comprised of a multi-ring aromatic monomer component. The functionalized filters of the present invention can be used in a process to selectively separate components of a hydrocarbon stream to produce an improved permeate (or “filtrate”) product stream with a lower CCR content and improved processing capabilities.

Abstract: Membranes of the invention comprise a hybrid silica film on a organic polymer support. The silica comprises organic bridging groups bound to two or more silicon atoms, in particular at least 1 of said organic bridging groups per 10 silicon atoms. The membranes can be produced by dry chemistry processes, in particular plasma-enhanced vapour deposition of bridged silane precursors, or by wet chemistry involving hydrolysis of the bridged silane precursors. The membranes are inexpensive and efficient for separation of small molecules and filtration processes.

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 for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising the step of applying polyfunctional amine and acid halide monomers to a surface of a porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer. The method further includes the step of conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of: a carboxylic acid monomer comprising an aliphatic or aromatic moiety substituted with single carboxylic acid functional group and at least one acyl halide functional group, and a tri-hydrocarbyl compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for producing large scale nanostructured material comprising carbon nanotubes. Therefore, there is disclosed a method for making nanostructured materials comprising depositing carbon nanotubes onto at least one substrate via a deposition station, wherein depositing comprises transporting molecules to the substrate from a deposition fluid, such as liquid or gas. By using a substrate that is permeable to the carrier fluid, and allowing the carrier fluid to flow through the substrate by differential pressure filtration, a nanostructured material can be formed on the substrate, which may be removed, or may act as a part of the final component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanofilter formed by using a porous ultrafiltration membrane as a precursor, and carefully controlling reaction conditions so as to maintain sufficient hydrophilic nature of the membrane while causing the pore structure to close to a nanofilter range (less than 400 Daltons). This produces a solvent stable cellulose nanofiltration membrane capable of operating at satisfactory flux in aqueous solutions, and being low binding to organic biomaterials.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and systems for improving oil quality of a contaminated oil mixture by removing contaminants from a contaminated oil comprising the steps of: pretreating a membrane contactor system having a first and a second surface with an hydrophobic liquid, wherein the hydrophobic liquid is contacted to at least one of the first and second surfaces; obtaining a contaminated oil that comprises oil and lipophobic contaminants; contacting the contaminated oil onto a first surface of one or more membrane contactors to coalesce the oil on the first surface; and collecting the coalesced oil from the contaminated oil on the second surface of the membrane contactor.

Abstract: Methods for forming an ultrathin GO membrane are provided. The method can include: dispersing a single-layered graphene oxide powder in deionized water to form a single-layered graphene oxide dispersion; centrifuging the graphene oxide dispersion to remove aggregated graphene oxide material from the single-layered graphene oxide dispersion; thereafter, diluting the single-layered graphene oxide dispersion by about ten times or more through addition of deionized water to the graphene oxide dispersion; and thereafter, passing the single-layered graphene oxide dispersion through a substrate such that a graphene oxide membrane is formed on the substrate. Filtration membranes are also provided and can include: a graphene oxide membrane having a thickness of about 1.8 nm to about 180 nm, with the graphene oxide membrane comprises about 3 to about 30 layers of graphene oxide flakes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for producing composite elements comprising at least one outer layer and at least one isocyanate-based rigid foam layer by means of a fixed applicator apparatus and in which the flowable starting material comprises the following components: A) at least one polyisocyanate, B) at least one compound which reacts with isocyanate groups to form urethane, C) at least one blowing agent, D) catalysts comprising at least one compound D1) which catalyzes isocyanurate formation and at least one compound D2) which catalyzes polyurethane formation, comprising at least one amino group, and E) optionally auxiliaries and additives, where the manner of use of component A) and of component B) is such that the isocyanate index is at least 180, and where the ratio by weight of the compound D2) to the compound D1) is from 0.75 to 8.

Abstract: Provided are cardo copolybenzimidazoles, a gas separation membrane using the same and a method for preparing the same. More particularly, provided are cardo copolybenzimidazoles obtained by introducing cardo groups and aromatic ether groups to a polybenzimidazole backbone, a gas separation membrane having significantly improved oxygen permeability by using the same, and a method for preparing the same. The cardo copolybenzimidazoles have improved solubility as compared to the polybenzimidazole polymers according to the related art, show excellent mechanical properties while maintaining thermal stability so as to be formed into a film shape, and provide a gas separation membrane having significantly improved gas permeability, particularly, oxygen permeability.

Abstract: A process for preparing a reverse osmosis membrane that includes: (A) providing a polyamine, a polyfunctional acid halide, and a flux increasing additive having the formula Z+B? where Z+ is an easily dissociable cation and B? is a beta-diketonate; (B) combining the polyamine, polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of a porous support membrane; and (C) interfacially polymerizing the polyamine and the polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of the porous support membrane to form a reverse osmosis membrane comprising (i) the porous support membrane and (ii) a discrimination layer comprising a polyamide. The reverse osmosis membrane is characterized by a flux that is greater than the flux of the same membrane prepared in the absence of the flux increasing additive.

Abstract: Provided is a support for effectively capturing glycated protein in a sample, and a device and method for measuring the glycated protein by using the support.

Abstract: The present invention is an integral multilayered composite membrane having at least one ultrafiltration layer made by cocasting or sequentially casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a multilayered composite membrane having at least one ultrafiltration layer.

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: A filter for the separation of oil and water from oil-water mixtures comprising a porous filter media, wherein the porous filter media has a zwitterionic polymer grafted or coated thereon.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane, containing: a support; and a separating layer formed on the support, the separating layer containing a resin; the separating layer containing, at the side thereof opposite to the support, a hydrophilic modification treatment surface, the hydrophilic modification treatment surface involved in a layer having a film thickness of 0.1 ?m or less, and the hydrophilic modification treatment surface provided with a surface contact angle measured by using water thereon in the range of 60 degrees or less.

Abstract: Cushioning elements include a porous foam comprising a series of interconnected cell walls and an elastomeric material formed over at least a portion of the interconnected cell walls. The porous foam is configured to allow gases to pass through at least a portion thereof. Methods of forming cushioning elements may include coating interconnected cell walls of a breathable porous foam with a liquid comprising an elastomeric material, solidifying at least a portion of the elastomeric material, and providing a gas path through the elastomeric material. Other methods include pressing sheets of foam together at a pinch point, disposing a liquid between the foam over the pinch point, coating the foam with the liquid, and separating the sheets beyond the pinch point. Some methods include consolidating a plurality of portions of porous foam into a continuous cushioning material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiber membrane layer having a basis weight of 0.01-50 g/m2 and a porosity of 60-95%, comprising a nanoweb made of polymeric nanofibers with a number average diameter in the range of 50-600 nm, consisting of a polymer composition comprising a semicrystalline polyamide having a C/N ratio of at most 5.5. The invention also relates to water and air filtration devices comprising such a nanofiber membrane layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a tactile air filter including a filter media composed primarily of glass fibers having a softening finish applied thereto.

Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising a porous support and a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method includes: i) applying a polar solution comprising a polyfunctional amine monomer and a non-polar solution comprising a polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of a porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, and wherein the non-polar solution further comprises a tri-hydrocarbyl phosphate compound represented by Formula (I): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen and hydrocarbyl groups comprising from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, with the proviso that no more than one of R1, R2 and R3 are hydrogen; and ii) applying an aqueous solution of nitrous acid to the thin film polyamide layer.

Abstract: A water-treatment separation membrane with good antifouling properties includes a support having pores, a polyamide layer formed on the support, and a passivation layer comprising specific materials formed on the polyamide layer.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane in which a polyamide separation functional layer is formed on a porous support membrane includes a substrate and a porous support, wherein a standard deviation of a membrane thickness of the separation functional layer is 2.00 nm or less.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite membrane module includes preparing a single membrane module to which a hollow fiber support layer is potted; and forming an active layer on a surface of the hollow fiber support layer through interfacial polymerization by bringing a surface of the hollow fiber support layer into contact with a first solution comprising an amine and a second solution comprising an acyl halide (in that order). The method can form an active layer having a uniform thickness and good processability. A composite hollow fiber membrane module prepared by the method exhibits a good salt rejection rate.

Abstract: Composite membranes including a coating of polyalkylene oxide and oxy-substituted phenyl compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and an oxy-substituted phenyl compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more oxy-substituted phenyl functional groups.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of a wall flow particulate filter catalysed at its inlet side with a first catalyst having activity in the removal of residual hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and catalysing at rich burn engine operation conditions the reaction of nitrogen oxides with hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide to ammonia and catalysed at its outlet side with a second catalyst having activity in the selective reduction of NOx by reaction with ammonia being formed in the inlet side. The method involves the provision of a first catalyst having a particle size smaller than the filter wall mean pore size, and a second catalyst having a particle size larger than the filter wall mean pore size, and mixing the first and second catalyst into one suspension, which is used for wash-coating from the outlet end. The first catalyst thereby diffuses into the partition wall.

Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising the steps of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method is includes at least one of the following steps: i) conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of a monomer comprising at least one phosphorous-containing functional group or salt thereof and an at least one amine-reactive functional group; and/or ii) applying such a monomer to the thin film polyamide layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to formulations and methods for coating a fibrous web, comprising an emulsion capable of deposition on the fibrous web, the emulsion comprising an aqueous continuous phase and a discontinuous internal phase comprising a surface-modifying agent. The fibrous web may comprise a population of fibers that are pretreated with a pretreatment polymer, such as a polycationic polymer. The fibrous web may contain cellulose fibers, or two populations of dissimilar fibers. The surface-modifying agent may contain a polymeric system that forms a coating polymer on fibers of the fibrous web following evaporation of the aqueous continuous phase of the emulsion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing composites comprising the steps of foaming an aqueous mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer bearing acid groups, at least one crosslinker, at least one initiator and at least one surfactant, contacting the foam obtained with at least one web of synthetic fibers and polymerizing, to the composites themselves and to their use for absorbing aqueous fluids.

Abstract: An adsorption web for adsorption of petrochemical substances from liquid phases or for adsorption of odorous substances has at least one face coated with a polymer. At least one adsorption substance present is in the polymer as a filler and has micropores or mesopores or macropores.

Abstract: A method including preparing a molecular sieve material in a first chamber; transferring the molecular sieve material from the first chamber to a second chamber comprising at least one support; in the second chamber, contacting the at least one support with the molecular sieve material under conditions that promote the crystallization of molecular sieve material on the at least one support; and synthesizing crystals of molecular sieve material on the at least one support. A system including a first chamber defining a volume sufficient to accommodate a volume of molecular sieve material, an inlet and an outlet; a heating element coupled to the first chamber; and a second chamber comprising a pair of inlets and defining a volume sufficient to accommodate a support.

Abstract: A separation membrane includes a separation membrane main body having at least a substrate and a separation function layer; and a channel material having a composition different from that of the separation membrane main body and affixed to a substrate-side surface of the separation membrane main body, wherein the channel material is discontinuous in a first direction and continuous in a second direction from one end to another end of the separation membrane main body.

Abstract: A crystalline polymer microporous membrane containing a crystalline polymer microporous film containing a crystalline polymer, and having an asymmetric pore structure; fluorine alcohol covering at least part of an exposed surface of the crystalline polymer microporous film; and a crosslinking agent, wherein the fluorine alcohol is crosslinked with assistance of the crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A filter media that inhibits the formation of static charge in a liquid flowing through the filter media comprises a filtration layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and comprising a non-conductive fibrous material having a plurality of fibers, the fibrous material comprising a metal layer deposited on at least a portion of the fibers through at least a portion of the thickness of the filtration layer. The filter media or a filter apparatus incorporating the filter media does not require means for dissipating static charge from the fluid and, therefore, does not require grounding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting a hydrogen separation membrane from particulate contaminants in the process of producing or purifying hydrogen by using the separation membrane. The protection layer, wherein a cermet is formed by coating a ceramic and a metal able to cause surface movement of hydrogen molecules and hydrogen atoms to the surface of the separation membrane, plays the role of blocking contact between the separation membrane and particles (contaminant or catalyst) contained in the gas. In this way, it is possible to improve the durability of the hydrogen separation membrane and to minimize effects on the hydrogen permeability of the separation membrane.

Abstract: Composite membranes including a coating of polyalkylene oxide and biguanide compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and a biguanide-type compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more biguanide functional groups.

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 carbon dioxide separation member is disclosed, which includes: a hydrophobic porous membrane that has heat resistance to a temperature of 100° C. or higher; and a polymer compound layer that is formed on a surface of the porous membrane, the polymer compound layer including moisture, and at least one carbon dioxide carrier selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates, and alkali metal hydroxides, and having a cross-linked structure that is formed with a specific single crosslinkable group and includes a specific hydrolysis-resistant bond, wherein the carbon dioxide separation member selectively allows a carbon dioxide gas in a mixture of the carbon dioxide gas and a hydrogen gas to permeate therethrough under temperature conditions of from 100° C. to 250° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering having an embossed polyurethane foam backing layer and methods of making and using same. A bottom surface of the backing layer can be thermo-embossed with a predetermined pattern, and the bottom surface of the backing layer can define at least one fluid pathway in communication with a side edge of the floor covering. The floor covering can also have a layer of skid-resistant material connected to the bottom surface of the backing layer.

Abstract: A composition comprises a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylate comprising two or more poly(meth)acrylate backbones covalently linked to a bridging group, the backbones comprising i) respective first repeat units, each of which comprises a first side chain ester moiety comprising a hydrophilic poly(alkylene oxide) chain segment, ii) respective second repeat units, each of which comprises a second side chain ester moiety directly linked to the bridging group through a linking group selected from the group consisting of carbamate groups, urea groups, and thiocarbamate groups, and iii) respective third repeat units, each of which comprises a hydrophobic side chain moiety not directly linked to any bridging group. Composite filtration membranes having a selective layer that comprises the composition exhibit useful anti-fouling and/or salt rejection characteristics.

Abstract: A gas separation composite membrane, containing a gas-permeable supporting layer and a gas separating layer containing a crosslinked polyimide resin over the gas-permeable supporting layer, in which the crosslinked polyimide resin is formed by a polyimide compound being crosslinked by a radically crosslinkable functional group thereof, and a ratio [?] of a crosslinked site to an imide group of the polyimide compound (the number of crosslinked sites/the number of imide groups) in the crosslinked polyimide resin is 0.0001 or more and 0.45 or less; a method of producing the same; and a gas separating module, a gas separation apparatus and a gas separation method using the same.

Abstract: Composite membranes including a coating of polyalkylene oxide and acetophenone compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and an acetophenone compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more acetophenone functional groups.

Abstract: The present application relates to a hydrogen ion transport membrane, which is formed by using a porous thin film having a plurality of holes which are regularly aligned, a membrane for generating hydrogen, and a method for manufacturing the hydrogen ion transport membrane and the membrane for generating hydrogen.

Abstract: A method comprises disposing, on a porous support membrane, an aqueous mixture comprising a crosslinkable polymer comprising a poly(meth)acrylate and/or poly(meth)acrylamide backbone, thereby forming an initial film layer, wherein the crosslinkable polymer comprises a side chain nucleophilic amine group capable of interfacially reacting with a multi-functional acid halide crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked polymer; contacting the initial film layer with a mixture comprising i) the multi-functional acid halide crosslinking agent, ii) an optional accelerator, and iii) an organic solvent, the organic solvent being a non-solvent for the crosslinkable polymer; and allowing the crosslinkable polymer to interfacially react with the crosslinking agent, thereby forming a composite filtration membrane comprising an anti-fouling selective layer comprising the crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: A polyamide membrane including reaction product of an anhydrous solution comprising an anhydrous solvent, at least one polyfunctional secondary amine and a pre-polymer deposition catalyst, and an anhydrous, organic solvent solution comprising a polyfunctional aromatic amine-reactive reactant having one ring. A composite semipermeable membrane including the polyamide membrane on a porous support.

Abstract: A fiber-based filter includes a filter-based porous body having a most frequent pore size from 0.1 ?m to 2 ?m in a pore size distribution, in which a ultra-fine fiber is continuously and randomly disposed, and a filtration layer having a nanonet layer having a most frequent pore size from 1 nm to 100 nm in the pore size distribution, in which an anisotropic nanomaterial is disposed. The fiber-based filter may have excellent filtration efficiency capable of removing even super-fine particles such as virus and heavy metal, and may show high permeation flow rate due to low loss of pressure during the filtration, and may be usefully used as an air and water-treatment filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite semipermeable membrane, which comprises a separation functional layer on a microporous support, and in which the separation functional layer is made of a condensation product of a polymer that has acidic groups and a trialkoxysilane groups having an imidazolium structure in side chains. The composite semipermeable membrane has excellent selective separation performance for divalent ions over monovalent ions, while exhibiting excellent long-term durability. Also disclosed is a method for producing the composite semipermeable membrane. The composite semipermeable membrane is suitable for uses in various water treatment fields such as the desalination of seawater and the production of drinking water. In addition, the composite semipermeable membrane does not deteriorate as much as conventional composite semipermeable membrane even in cases where the membrane is sterilized by having chlorine-containing raw water permeate therethrough continuously or intermittently.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane including a porous support; and a gas separating active layer which is disposed on the porous support and includes a functionalized graphene.