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: Composite-membrane monoliths include a cordierite monolith having a cordierite-ceramic composite membrane bonded to surfaces thereof with a surface median pore size. The cordierite-ceramic composite membrane has membrane surfaces with a membrane median pore size of 0.3 ?m or less. The cordierite-ceramic composite membrane may be a composite formed by firing the cordierite monolith subsequent to applying a cordierite-ceramic composite slip to surfaces thereof. The cordierite-ceramic slip may include cordierite particles and ceramic particles. The cordierite particles may have a cordierite median particle size smaller than the surface median pore size. The ceramic particles may have a ceramic median particle size smaller than the cordierite median particle size.

Abstract: A method of making an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane including the steps of: providing an unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; matting the unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; and immediately thereafter, sintering the matted ePTFE membrane. A method for making ePTFE tubes includes the steps of: providing an unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; wrapping the ePTFE membrane around a mandrel or form tool to form an ePTFE tube; matting the ePTFE tube; immediately thereafter, sintering the matted ePTFE tube; and removing the sintered ePTFE tube from the mandrel or form tool.

Abstract: A method for making a composite membrane including the formation of a porous discriminating layer upon a surface of a porous support, including the step of a) forming a polymer blend comprising: i) a “blending” polymer and ii) a block copolymer comprising durable segments that form a co-continuous phase with the blending polymer and fugitive segments that form self-assembled assembled micro-domains within the co-continuous phase, and b) removing at least a portion of the fugitive segments to yield pores having an average size of ?0.5 ?m.

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: A fabrication of a zeolite composite film includes mixing a composition of water, aluminum isopropoxide, TMAOH, and TEOS according to a set ratio, followed by stirring and heating to obtain a mixture; performing a centrifugation on the mixture to obtain an upper layer suspension; preparing a mesoporous particle suspension that includes a plurality of mesoporous particles, and each mesoporous particle includes a plurality of templating agents; vaporizing a mixture suspension formed from both the upper layer suspension and the mesoporous particle suspension to form a plurality of vaporized droplets; depositing the vaporized droplets on a heated substrate while removing the templating agents to form the zeolite composite film with a plurality of macroporous, mesoporous and microporous structures.

Abstract: A fuel deoxygenation system includes an oxygen permeable membrane having a porous membrane and an oleophobic layer. The porous membrane has pores that create a passage extending from a first side to an opposite second side of the porous membrane. The pores have an average pore diameter less than or equal to about 0.06 microns. The oleophobic layer and the porous membrane allow oxygen to cross the oxygen permeable membrane but substantially prevent fuel from crossing the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for removing dissolved oxygen from a fuel includes delivering fuel to an oxygen permeable membrane and removing oxygen from the fuel using the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for modifying a surface of a porous membrane includes depositing an oleophobic treatment agent on the porous membrane, removing solvent and heating the porous membrane to form an oleophobic layer on the porous membrane.

Abstract: A method of making a supported gas separation molecular sieve membrane. In this method a porous support, which is preferably pretreated, is contacted with a molecular sieve synthesis mixture under hydrothermal synthesis conditions. The contacting step is conducted for a shortened crystallization time period. The resulting coated porous support is calcined to yield the supported gas separation molecular sieve membrane having particularly good gas separation characteristics.

Abstract: Forward osmosis membranes include an active layer and a thin support layer. A bilayer substrate including a removable backing layer may allow forward osmosis membranes with reduced supporting layer thickness to be processed on existing manufacturing lines.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous device with restrictive layer comprises the steps of providing a porous structure having a micro pore structure, flattening the porous carrier to form a surface, and forming a restrictive layer on the surface of the porous carrier, a method for manufacturing said restrictive layer includes forming a nickel-chromium alloy layer on the surface of the porous carrier, forming a copper metal layer on the nickel-chromium alloy layer, forming a nickel metal layer having a top surface on the copper metal layer, and processing said nickel-chromium alloy layer, said copper metal layer and said nickel metal layer to form a plurality of channels communicating with the micro pore structure and the top surface. The restrictive effect and damping effect can raise anti-vibration ability of the porous device itself by formation of dual restrictive structure composed of the micro pore structure and the channels.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane comprising a porous support membrane on which a separating functional polyamide layer resulting from the polycondensation reaction of polyfunctional aromatic amines with polyfunctional acid halides is formed, wherein the separating functional polyamide layer has carboxy groups, amino groups, phenolic hydroxyl groups, and azo groups, wherein XA, the ratio of the amino groups (molar equivalent of the amino groups/(molar equivalent of the azo groups+molar equivalent of the phenolic hydroxyl groups+molar equivalent of the amino groups)) on a feed water contact surface of the separating functional polyamide layer (an A surface), is in the range 0.5 or less, and XB, the ratio of the amino groups (molar equivalent of the amino groups/(molar equivalent of the azo groups+molar equivalent of the phenolic hydroxyl groups+molar equivalent of the amino groups)) on a permeate-side surface of the separating functional polyamide layer (a B surface), i.e.

Abstract: A method of producing a HIPE foam using Ultraviolet (UV) light to polymerize a High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) having two or more layers. The method uses UV light to polymerize HIPEs having two or more layers wherein each of the layers comprises a continuous oil phase containing monomers, photoinitiator, and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique to fabricate thin-film composite perm-selective membranes by a transfer method. The composite membranes are useful in separating liquid, vapor or gaseous mixtures by selective permeation and reduce mass transfer resistance of the support layer. Selectivity and flux are improved by reduction of the mass transfer resistance of the support layer.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing a thin film composite membrane comprising multi-walled carbon nanotubes include contacting under interfacial polymerization conditions an organic solution comprising a polyacid halide with an aqueous solution comprising a polyamine to form a thin film composite membrane on a surface of a porous base membrane; at least one of the organic solution and the aqueous solution further including multi-walled carbon nanotubes having an outside diameter of less than about 30 nm.

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 present invention relates to a method of preparing RAFT, ATRP or NMRP functionalized thin film composite (TFC) polyamide membranes on a microporous substrate. A further aspect of the invention is the subsequent modification of the thin film composite polyamide membrane by controlled free radical polymerization (CFRP) to yield membranes having new chemical and physical properties, e.g. antifouling and/or antibacterial properties. Further aspects of the invention are the functionalized thin film composite (TFC) polyamide membranes on the microporous substrate itself and the membranes modified by controlled free radical polymerization.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a sheet-shaped separation membrane that allows a sheet-shaped separation membrane having uniform separating ability to be manufactured at a high speed, the method comprising manufacturing a sheet-shaped separation membrane by forming a microporous layer on a porous substrate, wherein the method is characterized in having: a membrane-forming solution application step of coating a porous substrate with a membrane-forming solution in which a polymer is dissolved in a solvent, a congealing liquid application step of applying a congealing liquid by a liquid membrane drop method to the porous substrate coated with the membrane-forming solution, and a solvent removal step of removing the solvent from the congealed microporous layer.

Abstract: Articles having porous or foam-like elements are provided. The design, fabrication and structures of the articles exploit properties of reactive composite materials (RCM) and their reaction products. In particular, fluids generated by reacting RCM are utilized to create or fill voids in the porous or foam-like elements.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a leather-like sheet having a fine image drawn by an inkjet printing method, etc., on its surface and having practically sufficient physical properties. This invention includes a leather-like sheet including (i) a fibrous substrate and (ii) a porous layer thereon, the porous layer having a surface having open pores with a diameter of 1 ?m or more and the porous layer having the surface having an image whose definition is 5 dots/mm or more, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: Forward osmosis membranes include an active layer and a thin support layer. A bilayer substrate including a removable backing layer may allow forward osmosis membranes with reduced supporting layer thickness to be processed on existing manufacturing lines.

Abstract: Composite-membrane monoliths include a cordierite monolith having a cordierite-ceramic composite membrane bonded to surfaces thereof with a surface median pore size. The cordierite-ceramic composite membrane has membrane surfaces with a membrane median pore size of 0.3 ?m or less. The cordierite-ceramic composite membrane may be a composite formed by firing the cordierite monolith subsequent to applying a cordierite-ceramic composite slip to surfaces thereof. The cordierite-ceramic slip may include cordierite particles and ceramic particles. The cordierite particles may have a cordierite median particle size smaller than the surface median pore size. The ceramic particles may have a ceramic median particle size smaller than the cordierite median particle size.

Abstract: A permselective material has a polymer having an organosiloxane skeleton and containing a dispersed solid additive. When oxygen and nitrogen are passed through a membrane having the permselective material, the relation between the permeability coefficients [cm3·cm·sec?1·cm?2·cmHg?1] of oxygen and nitrogen at a temperature of 23±2° C. under a pressure difference of 1.05 atm to 1.20 atm through the membrane is expressed by Formula (1): 0.94 ? P ? ( O 2 ) P ? ( N 2 ) < 1 ( 1 ) where P(O2) denotes the permeability coefficient of oxygen, while P(N2) denotes the permeability coefficient of nitrogen.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a zeolite membrane composite satisfying both the treating amount and the separation performance at a practically sufficient level, which can be applied even in the presence of an organic material and can separate/concentrate an organic material-containing gas or liquid mixture and which is economic without requiring a high energy cost and is not limited in its application range; a production method thereof; and a separation or concentration method using the same. The present invention is an inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite, wherein the inorganic porous support contains a ceramic sintered body and the inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite has, as a zeolite membrane, a CHA-type zeolite crystal layer on the inorganic porous support surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a crosslinked polymeric film bearing ionic groupings. The process consists in extruding a material comprising at least one prepolymer, in polymerizing said material after extrusion, and in subjecting the extruded material to a chemical reaction for grafting ionic groupings. The prepolymer comprises repeating units each comprising at least one aromatic group GA and at least one functional group GF; it bears at least one group GP which is polymerizable thermally at a temperature greater than the extrusion temperature, or photochemically, and also at least one reactive group GR which allows the grafting of ionic groupings. The films are useful as a membrane for fuel cells or electrodialysis, as an electrolyte of a lithium battery, of a supercapacitor or of an electrochromic device, or as an ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: The nanocomposite membrane includes a composite of carbon nanotubes coated or chemically bonded with metal oxide nanoparticles. This composite is embedded within a polymeric matrix via interfacial polymerization on a polysulfone support. The metal oxide particles are selected to exhibit catalytic activity when filtering pollutants from water in a water treatment system, or for separating a gas from a liquid, or for selectively separating particles or ions from solution for reverse osmosis (e.g., for desalination systems), or other filtration requirements. A method of fabricating the nanocomposite membrane is also included herein.

Abstract: A structure of a porous low-k layer is described, comprising a bottom portion and a body portion of the same atomic composition, wherein the body portion is located on the bottom portion, and the bottom portion has a density higher than the density of the body portion. An interconnect structure is also described, including the above porous low-k layer, and a conductive layer filling up a damascene opening in the porous low-k layer.

Abstract: A fuel deoxygenation system includes an oxygen permeable membrane having a porous membrane and an oleophobic layer. The porous membrane has pores that create a passage extending from a first side to an opposite second side of the porous membrane. The pores have an average pore diameter less than or equal to about 0.06 microns. The oleophobic layer and the porous membrane allow oxygen to cross the oxygen permeable membrane but substantially prevent fuel from crossing the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for removing dissolved oxygen from a fuel includes delivering fuel to an oxygen permeable membrane and removing oxygen from the fuel using the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for modifying a surface of a porous membrane includes depositing an oleophobic treatment agent on the porous membrane, removing solvent and heating the porous membrane to form an oleophobic layer on the porous membrane.

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: Process for making a device comprising at least the following steps: produce a getter structure comprising at least one portion of getter material permeable to gas covered by at least one protective layer hermetic to gas; hermetic encapsulation of the getter structure in a cavity; production of at least one local opening passing through the protective layer and forming an access to the portion of getter material permeable to gas.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to processes for fabrication of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) membranes. These ZIF membranes can be used in separating C2-hydrocarbons from C3+ hydrocarbons and propylene/propane mixtures.

Abstract: An organic/inorganic composite compound for fouling resistance may include a core and at least an arm. The core may be formed of a polyhedron of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. At least one arm may be connected to a Si atom of the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. The arm may include a vinyl-based first structural unit including at least one ethylene oxide group at the side chain, and a hydrophobic vinyl-based second structural unit.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material formed of graphene and a mesoporous metal oxide having a demonstrated specific capacity of more than 200 F/g with particular utility when employed in supercapacitor applications. A method for making these nanocomposite materials by first forming a mixture of graphene, a surfactant, and a metal oxide precursor, precipitating the metal oxide precursor with the surfactant from the mixture to form a mesoporous metal oxide. The mesoporous metal oxide is then deposited onto a surface of the graphene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a breathable multi-microlayer film material that includes a plurality of alternating coextruded first and second microlayers, wherein the first microlayers comprise an unfilled first polymer composition, and further wherein the second microlayers comprise a second polymer composition and filler particles. The multi-microlayer films may be used in disposable absorbent products, have increased breathability, and generally retain their integrity and strength during processing and use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) a mesoporous silica film having a mesoporous structure including meso pores having an average pore period of from 1.5 to 6 nm, wherein the meso pores are oriented in the direction of an angle of from 75 to 90° relative to a surface of the film; (2) a structure including a substrate and the mesoporous silica film formed on the substrate; and (3) a process for producing a mesoporous silica film structure which includes the steps of preparing an aqueous solution containing a specific amount of a specific cationic surfactant; immersing a substrate in the aqueous solution and then adding a specific amount of a silica source capable of forming a silanol compound when hydrolyzed, to the aqueous solution, followed by stirring the resulting mixture at a temperature of from 10 to 100° C., to form a mesoporous silica film on a surface of the substrate; and removing the cationic surfactant from the resulting mesoporous silica film structure.

Abstract: A separating material formed by a solid substrate having a substrate surface, primary or secondary amines coupled to the substrate surface, and a graft polymer formed on the substrate by covalently coupling the primary or secondary amines with a thermally labile radical initiator and subsequently contacting the substrate surface with a solution of one or more polymerizable monomers. Methods for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, blood plasma or blood serum employing the separating material, for affinity adsorption, ion-exchange adsorption, hydrophobic adsorption, or hydrophilic adsorption employing the separating material, and a separating column employing the separating material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention pertain to porous membranes that comprise: (1) a plurality of pores with pore sizes of more than about 0.1 ?m in diameter; and (2) a plurality of hydrophilic molecules. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of separating organic compounds from a liquid sample by: (1) providing the porous membrane; and (2) flowing the liquid sample through the porous membrane in order to retain organic compounds on the porous membrane. Further aspects of the present invention pertain to systems for separating organic compounds from a liquid sample. Such systems comprises: (1) the porous membrane; and (2) a flowing unit that enables the liquid sample to flow through the porous membrane. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of making the above-described porous membranes by: (1) coating a surface of a porous membrane containing 0.

Abstract: Provided is a mesoporous silica film, including a structure represented by SiO(2-n/2)Xn (where X represents a group formed of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, a fluorinated alkyl group, and fluorine, n represents an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less) in a surface layer of the mesoporous silica film, in which: an element component ratio (A1/S1) of sum of number of carbon atoms and number of fluorine atoms (A1) to number of silicon atoms (S1) in the surface layer is 0.1 or more; and an element component ratio (A2/S2) of sum of number of carbon atoms and number of fluorine atoms (A2) to number of silicon atoms (S2) in an inner layer of the mesoporous silica film is smaller than the element component ratio (A1/S1).

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making membranes, and methods of separating gases using membranes are provided. The membranes can include at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one base, and at least one amino compound. The methods of separating gases using membranes can include contacting a gas stream containing at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl with one side of a nonporous and at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl selectively permeable membrane such that at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl is selectively transported through the membrane.

Abstract: A hydrothermally stable, microporous organic-inorganic hybrid membrane based on silica, having an mean pore diameter of between 0.2 and 1.5 nm, is characterised in that between 5 and 40 mole % of the Si—O—Si bonds have been replaced by moieties having the one of the formulas: Si—{[CmH(n-1)X]—Si—}q, Si—[CmH(n-2)X2]—Si or Si—CmHn—Si{(CmHn)—Si—}y in which m=1-8, n=2m, 2m?2, 2m?4, 2m?6 or 2m?8; provided that n?2, X=H or (CH2)pSi, p=0 or 1, and q=1, 2, 3 or 4. The membrane can be produced by acid-catalysed hydrolysis of suitable bis-silane precursors such as bis(trialkoxysily)alkanes, preferably in the presence of monoorganyl-silane precursors such as trialkoxy-alkylsilanes.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanoporous film pattern on a substrate comprising imparting differential surface energy to a surface of a substrate to define first areas having a first surface energy conducive to maintenance of a nanoporous film thereon and second areas having a second surface energy non-conducive to maintenance of a nanoporous film thereon, said first and second areas defining a differential surface energy pattern on the substrate; depositing a nanoporous film precursor onto the differential surface energy pattern; and curing the nanoporous film precursor to form the nanoporous film pattern.

Abstract: The invention is a process useful for providing a treated support comprising a porous nanoweb coating wherein the treated support is characterized by a biofilm cell count of less than 50% that of an untreated porous support control. The process is useful for modifying porous materials, such as filter media and barrier fabrics to provide resistance to biofouling. The porous nanoweb coating is comprised of fibrous structures derived from gelation and drying of supramolecular assemblies of non-covalently bonded organogelators. Typical organogelators useful in the invention include those that assemble via hydrogen bonding and ?-stacking.

Abstract: A process for producing a zeolite separation membrane having a porous support containing alumina as a main component and, provided on a surface and within pores of the porous support, a zeolite layer, comprising the seed crystal adhering step of adhering USY zeolite crystal as a seed crystal on a surface and within pores of the porous support; the basis material forming step of bringing a reactant liquid containing silicon and aluminum into contact with the porous support and heating the reactant liquid to thereby obtain a zeolite separation membrane basis material; and the basis material separating step of separating the zeolite separation membrane basis material from the reactant liquid to thereby obtain a zeolite separation membrane. By this process for producing a zeolite separation membrane, there can be produced an FAU zeolite separation membrane capable of satisfactory separation of a mixture of organic solvent and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) (HALAR®), PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.

Abstract: Nanostructured layers with 10 nm to 50 nm pores spaced 10-50 nm apart, a method for making such nanostructured layers, optoelectronic devices having such nanostructured layers and uses for such nanostructured layers are disclosed. The nanostructured layer can be formed using precursor sol, which generally includes one or more covalent metal complexes, one or more surfactants, a solvent, one or more optional condensation inhibitors, and (optionally) water. Evaporating the solvent from the precursor sol forms a surfactant-templated film. Covalently crosslinking the surfactant-templated film forms a nanostructured porous layer. Pore size is controlled, e.g., by appropriate solvent concentration, choice of surfactant, use of chelating agents, use of swelling agents or combinations of these.

Abstract: A porously coated, densely sintered ceramic membrane, which can be produced from a green membrane and subsequent sintering. The membrane is coated with ceramic material, which contains noble metals, which can be produced by application and subsequent thermal treatment. The noble metals are contained at a concentration of 2.5 to 5 mass percent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of patterning, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a porous film; and (b) adding at least one structure to the porous film. The present invention also provides a patterned film prepared according to the method of the invention. The present invention also provides a method of preparing a porous film, and a porous film prepared according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a gradient nanovoided article, a gradient nanovoided coating, and a gradient low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent, and providing a first environment proximate a first region of the coating and a different second environment proximate an adjacent region of the coating. The process further includes at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution. The insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution, and a major portion of the solvent from the second solution is removed. A first volume fraction of the plurality of nanovoids proximate the first region of the coating is less than a second volume fraction of the plurality of nanovoids proximate an adjacent of the coating.

Abstract: A method of oxygen enrichment in which a gaseous mixture containing O2 molecules and N2 molecules is provided to a feed side of a SAPO molecular sieve, oxygen enrichment membrane having pore sizes suitable for discriminating between O2 molecules and N2 molecules, resulting in selective transport of the O2 molecules through the membrane to a permeate side of the membrane. Also disclosed is a method for producing the membrane.

Abstract: A method of forming a gas separation membrane including: depositing a first hydrophilic polymer solution; depositing on top of the first hydrophilic polymer solution a second, different hydrophilic polymer solution, thereby forming a two-layer polymer solution; forming the two-layer polymer solution into one of a forward osmosis membrane and a pressure retarded osmosis membrane by bringing the second, different hydrophilic polymer solution into contact with water to form the dense layer; coating one of the forward osmosis membrane and the pressure retarded osmosis membrane with a thin layer of a third, different, hydrophilic polymer more pH tolerant than the first and second hydrophilic polymer solutions to form a dense rejection layer thereon; and exposing one of the coated forward osmosis membrane and the coated pressure retarded osmosis membrane to a high pH solution. A gas separation membrane formed from the foregoing process.

Abstract: The invention includes a nanoporous LLC polymer membrane wherein ultra-thin films or clusters of inorganic material are deposited inside the porous structure of the LLC polymer membrane. The membranes of the invention have high levels of pore size uniformity, allowing for size discrimination separation, and may be used for separation processes such as gas-phase and liquid-phase separations.