Abstract: Composite materials of the invention, which include a gas-tight ceramic, a porous metallic support, and an interfacial zone therebetween eliminate the need for mechanical seals between two such dissimilar materials. Oxygen ion-conducting dense ceramic membranes are formed on a porous metallic alloy to provide an interfacial zone identifiable by a gradient of composition in at least one metallic element across the interfacial zone between the dense ceramic membrane and the porous support. Processes using composite materials in accordance with the invention are, for example, used for production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen, whereby the synthesis gas is, advantageously, free of deleterious and/or inert gaseous diluents such as nitrogen.

Abstract: A lean-NOx catalyst having a sol-gel processed membrane. The sol-gel processed membrane is loaded with a transition metal. Methods are also disclosed for loading a transition metal on the membrane and reducing emissions in an exhaust stream to provide a NOx reduction system which can operate in a broad range of operating conditions.

Abstract: A process for production of synthesis gas employing a catalytic membrane reactor wherein the membrane comprises a mixed metal oxide material.

Abstract: Composite materials of the invention, which include a gas-tight ceramic, a porous metallic support, and an interfacial zone therebetween eliminate the need for mechanical seals between two such dissimilar materials. Oxygen ion-conducting dense ceramic membranes are formed on a porous metallic alloy to provide an interfacial zone identifiable by a gradient of composition in at least one metallic element across the interfacial zone between the dense ceramic membrane and the porous support. Processes using composite materials in accordance with the invention are, for example, used for production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen, whereby the synthesis gas is, advantageously, free of deleterious and/or inert gaseous diluents such as nitrogen.

Abstract: Membrane gas adsorption is conducted wherein the gas phase contains mercury in the gaseous state and the liquid phase containing at least one oxidizing agent for mercury such that the mercury in the gaseous state is absorbed into the liquid phase, and an oxidation/reduction reaction between the mercury and the oxidizing agent takes place in one step.

Abstract: Mixtures of synthesis mixtures of different alkalinity's produce small MFI crystals that are not spherical.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an electrode and membrane assembly (MEA) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The MEA comprises a polymer electrolyte membrane on each side of which an electrocatalyst layer is provided in a melted state. A perfluorosulfonyl fluoride copolymer powder ranging, in particle size distribution, from 20 to 200 &mgr;m is hot-pressed at 200-250° C. to give a pre-formed sheet whose opposite sides are then coated with a catalyst ink consisting of Pt/C powder, glycerol and water. This catalyst ink-coated preformed sheet is again subjected to hot pressing at 200-250° C. to embed the catalyst ink into the pre-formed sheet. Hydrolysis in NaOH/methanol or H2SO4 solution converts the membrane of the sheet from a non-ionized form to an ionized form.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of a procedure for applying molecular sieve films to the surface of different substrates. This procedure is characterized in that microcrystals of the molecular sieves in question bind to the substrate surface in a first step as a monolayer, and are then, in a second step, allowed to grow into a thin, continuous and dense film. Molecular sieve films are of interest in application areas such as preparing membranes, catalysts, sensor devices and polymer reinforcing fillers.

Abstract: This invention provides mixed conducting metal oxides particularly useful for the manufacture of catalytic membranes for gas-phase oxygen separation processes. The materials of this invention have the general formula:A.sub.x A'.sub.x A".sub.2-(x+x') B.sub.y B'.sub.y B".sub.2-(y+y') O.sub.5+z ;wherex and x' are greater than 0;y and y' are greater than 0;x+x' is less than or equal to 2;y+y' is less than or equal to 2;z is a number that makes the metal oxide charge neutral;A is an element selected from the f block lanthanide elements; A' is an element selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra;A" is an element selected from the f block lanthanides or Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra; B is an element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In or mixtures thereof; andB' and B" are different elements and are independently selected from the group of elements Mg or the d-block transition elements.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing an acid-resistant membrane for separating a mixture, which is used for separation of a liquid and/or gas mixture by pervaporation, vapor permeation etc. The process for producing a membrane for separating a mixture comprises a step of carrying seed crystals of T-type zeolite on a porous support; a step of stirring an aqueous mixture containing a silica source, an alumina source, sodium ions, and potassium ions as the starting materials and then aging the mixture for a predetermined time and a step of immersing the porous support carrying the seed crystals in the aged mixture and then subjecting it to hydrothermal reaction to deposit T-type zeolite on the porous support. There can be provided the separation membrane on which chemical resistance such as acid resistance and alkali resistance as well as durability besides the molecular sieve ability of zeolite itself have been conferred.

Abstract: Ceramics of the composition:Ln.sub.x Sr.sub.2-x-y Ca.sub.y B.sub.z M.sub.2-z O.sub.5+.delta.where Ln is an element selected from the fblock lanthanide elements and yttrium or mixtures thereof; B is an element selected from Al, Ga, In or mixtures thereof; M is a d-block transition element of mixtures thereof; 0.01.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.0; 0.01.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.7; 0.01.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.0 and .delta. is a number that varies to maintain charge neutrality are provided. These ceramics are useful in ceramic membranes and exhibit high ionic conductivity, high chemical stability under catalytic membrane reactor conditions and low coefficients of expansion. The materials of the invention are particularly useful in producing synthesis gas.

Abstract: A stable substantially cubic perovskite crystalline structure of at least one strontium-doped lanthanum cobalt oxide (LSC) having a stabilizing amount of at least one cerium gadolinium oxide (CGO) therein.

Abstract: A process for the production of a controlled supported zeolite membrane comprises: (a) forming a gel which is principally localised at the surface of a porous support by bringing it into contact, in succession, with two immiscible liquids which contain the agents necessary for formation of said gel, then (b) crystallising the zeolite from said gel and finally (c) eliminating the residual agents. The supported zeolite membranes obtained are advantageously used in continuous gas separation processes.

Abstract: An improved highly oxygen permeable substrate is provided comprising Sr--Fe--Co-oxide and a metal combined with said material. Also provided is a method for producing an improved membrane to facilitate oxidation of compounds comprising combining metal or metal alloys with Sr--Fe--Co-oxide to create a mixture, and sintering the mixture so as to allow the metal to melt within the mixture. The membrane is also utilized in a method for converting methane to syngas whereby a fluid containing oxygen is contacted to a first surface of the membrane for a sufficient period of time so as to cause some of the oxygen to be transported to a second surface of the membrane; and contacting methane to the second surface for a sufficient period of time to cause oxidation of the methane.

Abstract: A material for use in sorption air-conditioning refrigeration or space conditioning units which comprise a metal mesh such as a foam on which are bound micro or mesoporous material such as zeolite crystals which is capable of adsorbing a working fluid such as water and in which void spaces are left between the material to allow for the adsorption of the working fluid. The material has improved heat transfer properties compared with existing materials.

Abstract: A gas separator includes a porous substrate having fine pores opened on its surface and a metal for separating a gas, the porous substrate having fine pores having an average diameter of 0.1-3.0 .mu.m and a porosity of 25-45%, and the metal for separating a gas being filled into the pores in the porous substrate to close them. A gas separation film seldom exfoliates from the porous substrate, and the gas separator is excellent in durability in comparison with a conventional gas separator.

Abstract: A method for forming a reactive medium for removing homogenous and heterogeneous impurities from a fluid is provided which includes forming a uniform oxide layer on all exposed surfaces of a porous metal substrate, depositing at least one layer of carbon on substantially all of the oxide layer formed on the porous metal substrate, depositing a precursor metal species on the carbon layer, and heating the porous metal substrate containing the carbon layer to form active sites on the carbon layer, wherein the active sites include at least partially deoxygenated metal species chemically bonded to the carbon layer. Also provided is a reactive medium for purifying a fluid, the reactive medium comprising a porous inorganic substrate, a layer including carbon and an oxide layer between the porous inorganic substrate and the layer including carbon. The reactive medium further comprises active sites including at least partially deoxygenated metal species, the active sites being bonded to the layer including carbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular sieve composite membrane, which includes an anodic alumina membrane as a support and the uni-directionally oriented molecular sieve membrane grown in situ on the anodic alumina membrane. The close packing transitional metal containing aluminophosphate AFI molecular sieve crystals have successfully been grown on the anodic alumina. The molecular sieve phase bounded strongly and anchored into the anodic alumina membrane. Besides, the specific cylindrical channels of the anodic alumina membrane provides the template function to orient the growth of molecular sieves.

Abstract: A modified zeolite or molecular sieve membrane for separation of materials on a molecular scale. The modified membrane is fabricated to wholly or partially block regions between zeolite crystals to inhibit transfer of larger molecules through the membrane, but without blocking or substantially inhibiting transfer of small molecules through pores in the crystalline structure. The modified membrane has a monomolecular layer deposited on the zeolite surface which has coordinated groups of atoms that include (i) a metal atom bonded to oxygen atoms that are bonded to the zeolite substrate atoms (e.g., silicon atoms) and (ii) either hydroxyl groups bonded to the metal atoms or additional oxygen atoms bonded to the metal atoms.

Abstract: A process for modifying surfaces of zeolites and molecular sieve membranes to decrease effective pore size for separation of materials includes atomic layer controlled vapor or liquid deposition. The atomic layer controlled deposition process steps include (i) exposing the surface to a metal atom coordinated with ligand groups having bonds that are hydrolyzable to form molecular bonded structures on the surface, which structures comprise the metal atoms coordinated with the ligand group or a modified ligand group and then (ii) hydrolyzing the bonds and possibly, but not necessarily, cross-linking the bonds in the ligand or modified ligand group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards compositions of two or more zeolite layers. The compositions of the invention include zeolite compositions that are themselves catalytic as well as zeolite compositions used in combination with non-zeolite catalytic materials. The compositions may include a porous support.

Abstract: This invention relates to gas-impermeable, solid state materials fabricated into membranes for use in catalytic membrane reactors. This invention particularly relates to solid state oxygen anion- and electron-mediating membranes for use in catalytic membrane reactors for promoting partial or full oxidation of different chemical species, for decomposition of oxygen-containing species, and for separation of oxygen from other gases. Solid state materials for use in the membranes of this invention include mixed metal oxide compounds having the brownmillerite crystal structure.

Abstract: A substantially complete coating of a zeolite onto a material such as catalyst particles can be achieved by treating the material prior to or simultaneously with zeolite formation, with a polyelectrolye. Copper catalyst systems show good hydrogen storage while blocking access of hydrocarbons to the catalyst.

Abstract: A photocatalyst compound comprising: (i) a photocatalyst selected from the group consisting of TiO.sub.2, WO.sub.3 and mixtures thereof, the photocatalyst being substantially free of sharp, narrow band X-ray reflections at angles corresponding those of crystalline TiO.sub.2, WO.sub.3 and mixtures thereof, and (ii) a porous, crystalline, adsorbent support material. A process for producing the photocatalyst compound is also disclosed. The process comprises: (i) hydrolysing a non-ionic titanium compound to produce a colloidal suspension having an average particle size of less than about 250 .ANG.; (ii) contacting a porous, crystalline, adsorbent support material with the colloidal suspension to produce an impregnated support; and (iii) calcining the impregnated support to produce the photocatalyst compound. The photocatalyst compound is useful, in the treatment of a fluid containing an organic pollutant.

Abstract: A method of preparing a membrane is disclosed, which includes the step of impregnating an inorganic proton-conductive material into matrices of porous ceramic membranes. The inorganic proton-conductive material may include an inorganic poly-acid, such as polyphosphates or poly-antimonic acids. The inorganic proton conducting material may include Zr (zirconium).The invention further provides a porous ceramic membrane, which includes an inorganic proton-conductive material impregnated into a porous ceramic membrane matrix.The ceramic membrane may be a tubular ceramic membrane, which includes pores with a diameter of at least 0.3 .mu.m, and depositions of electroconductive coatings onto its surface on which externally applied potential can be applied as a driving force for hydrogen separation.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered a new zeolite containing composition and a process for preparing the same. The composition is unique in that the zeolite crystals making up one layer of the composition pack in a manner such that the composition is essentially continuous with no large scale voids even when the zeolite layer is <10 .mu.m thick. Thus, the present invention is directed toward a composition comprised of a porous substrate and a layer of zeolite crystals wherein said layer of zeolite crystals is a polycrystalline layer with at least 99% of said zeolite crystals having at least one point between adjacent crystals that is .ltoreq.20 .ANG. and wherein at least 90% of said crystals have widths of from about 0.2 to about 100 microns (preferably about 2 to about 50 microns) and wherein at least 75% of said crystals have a thickness of within 20% of the average crystal thickness. Preferably the composition has at most 1 Volume % voids in the zeolite layer. Use of the composition is also described.

Abstract: A porous gas diffusion electrode for membrane fuel cells on an ion-conducting polymer. The electrode contains a finely divided electrocatalyst which is dispersed in a proton-conducting ionomer and has a total porosity of more than 40 to less than 75%. It supplies considerably improved performance data in comparison to known electrodes. The electrode can be produced by using pore-forming materials which are dissolved during the re-protonation of the ion-conducting polymers with sulfuric acid or are decomposed by the action of temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mixed ionic electronic conductor membrane comprising a dense layer sandwiched between two porous layers. Furthermore the invention discloses the application of this membrane to the use of partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. One porous layer, which is in contact with air, promotes the generation of oxygen ions. The oxygen ions diffuse through the dense layer to the second porous layer which is in contact with a hydrocarbon and result in partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered a new zeolite membrane and a process for preparing the same. The membrane is unique in that the zeolite crystals making up the membrane pack in a manner such that the membrane is essentially continuous with no large scale voids even when the membrane is <10 .mu.m thick. Thus, the present invention is directed toward a zeolite membrane wherein said membrane is comprised of a porous substrate and a layer of zeolite crystals wherein said layer of zeolite crystals is a polycrystalline layer with at least 99% of said zeolite crystals having at least one point between adjacent crystals that is .ltoreq.20 .ANG. and wherein at least 90% of said crystals have widths of from about 2 to about 50 microns and wherein at least 75% of said crystals have a thickness of within 20% of the average crystal thickness and wherein said membrane has at most 1 V % voids in said zeolite layer.

Abstract: This invention provides catalytic proton and electron mediating membranes useful in catalytic reactors. The membranes have an oxidation and a reduction surface and comprise a single-phase mixed metal oxide material of the formula:AB.sub.1-x B'.sub.x O.sub.3-ywherein A is selected from Ca, Sr or Ba ions; B is selected from Ce, Tb, Pr, or Th ions; B' is selected from Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Ga, or In ions, or combinations thereof; and x is greater than or equal to 0.02 and less than or equal to 0.5. The membranes can further comprise a catalyst on either the oxidation or reduction surface, or both. Membranes include those which are fabricated-by combining powders of metal oxides or metal carbonates of metal A ion, metal B ion and metal B' ion such that the stoichiometric ratio A:B:B' is 1:1-x:x where 0.2.ltoreq..times.0.5, repeatedly calcining and milling the combined powders until a single-phase material is obtained and pressing and sintering the singlephase material to obtain a membrane.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered a new zeolite containing composition and a process for preparing the same. The composition is unique in that the zeolite crystals making up one layer of the composition pack in a manner such that the composition is essentially continuous with no large scale voids even when the zeolite layer is <10 .mu.m thick. Thus, the present invention is directed toward a composition comprised of a porous substrate and a layer of zeolite crystals wherein said layer of zeolite crystals is a polycrystalline layer with at least 99% of said zeolite crystals having at least one point between adjacent crystals that is .ltoreq.20 .ANG. and wherein at least 90% of said crystals have widths of from about 0.2 to about 100 microns (preferably about 2 to about 50 microns) and wherein at least 75% of said crystals have a thickness of within 20% of the average crystal thickness. Preferably the composition has at most 1 Volume % voids in the zeolite layer. Use of the composition is also described.

Abstract: Inorganic composite membrane containing molecular sieve crystals, comprising a macroporous support to which molecular sieve crystals and modifications thereof have been applied substantially as a monolayer, said crystals and modifications thereof having been oriented so that, toa substantial extent, the pores of the sieve crystals form a significant included angle with the support surface, there being present between the crystals a gastight matrix, at least gastight to a degree sufficient under practical conditions.

Abstract: Molecular sieve layers on a support are deposited from a synthesis solution while increasing the solution temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the partial oxidation of C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, using novel membranes formed from perovskitic or multi-phase structures, with a chemically active coating which demonstrate exceptionally high rates of fluid flux. The process uses membranes that are conductors of oxygen ions and electrons, which are substantially stable in air over the temperature range of 25.degree. C. to the operating temperature of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a metallic catalyst layer or coating which serves for effectuating the removal of hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen and oxygen. The catalyst layer itself which is porous, comprises a metal, such as palladium (Pd) or platinum (Pt), or alloys of these metals, which catalytically influence the oxidation of hydrogen. The metal or the metal alloy is applied as a catalyst layer or coating onto a carrier material or substrate by either plasma spraying or flame spraying together with a jet of an inert gas. The present invention also provides a catalyst through the intermediary of a catalyst layer which is produced in accordance with the process of the instant invention.

Abstract: A reactive membrane for removing impurities, such as water, oxygen and organic compounds, from a gas is provided. The reactive membrane includes a porous inorganic substrate having exposed surfaces and at least one carbon layer, which is modified to present active sites, deposited on the exposed surfaces. The active sites include metal species which are at least partially deoxygenated and are chemically bonded to the carbon layer. Methods of forming the reactive membrane and of removing impurities from a gas with the membrane are also provided.

Abstract: Novel membranes comprise crystals of a zeo-type material carried by a porous support. The crystal growth of the zeo-type material is essentially continuous over the pores of the support and the zeo-type material is crystallized directly from and bonds directly to the support. Membranes may be prepared by immersing the support in a synthesis gel, crystallizing the gel, removing the support, and repeating these steps at least once.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface catalyzed ion transport membranes which demonstrate superior oxygen flux. The membranes comprise a dense multicomponent metallic oxide layer having a first surface and a second surface wherein the first surface is coated with a catalyst such as a metal or an oxide of a metal selected from Groups II, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XV and the F Block lanthanides of the Periodic Table of the Elements. One or more porous layers formed from a mixed conducting multicomponent metallic oxide or a material which is not mixed conducting under process operating conditions may be formed contiguous to the second surface of the dense layer. The claimed membranes are capable of separating oxygen from oxygen-containing gaseous mixtures.

Abstract: Novel membranes comprise crystals of a zeo-type material carried by a porous support. The crystal growth of the zeo-type material is essentially continuous over the pores of the support and the zeo-type material is crystallized directly from and bonds directly to the support. Membranes may be prepared by immersing the support in a synthesis gel, crystallizing the gel, removing the support, and repeating these steps at least once.

Abstract: A process for producing a catalytically active gas diffusion electrode, in which process a gas-permeable membrane is first covered by a structuring mask which has recesses in accordance with the planned electrode surfaces. Next, through vapor deposition or cathodic sputtering of a conductive substance in a vacuum, a conductive electrode pattern structured in accordance with the recesses is produced on the membrane. After this, the conductive electrode pattern located on the membrane is galvanically coated with the catalyst by electrolytic deposition and then made hydrophobic.

Abstract: A membrane and electrode structure is formed by surface hydrolyzing an ion exchange membrane and then applying electrode ink of catalytically active particles on the surface of the membrane. The membrane and electrode structure of the present invention is particularly useful in fuel cells and batteries. The inventive process prevents the membrane from swelling or distorting following application of the electrode ink and also improves adhesion between the electrode ink layer and the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface catalyzed ion transport membranes which demonstrate superior oxygen flux. The membranes comprise a porous mixed conducting multicomponent metallic oxide layer having a first surface onto which a catalyst is deposited and a second surface which is contiguous with a dense mixed conducting multicomponent metallic oxide layer. Suitable catalysts to be deposited onto the porous mixed conducting layer include one or more metals or oxides of metals selected from Groups II, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XV and the F Block lanthanides of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The claimed membranes are capable of separating oxygen from oxygen-containing gaseous mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a metallic catalyst layer or coating which serves for effectuating the removal of hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen and oxygen. The catalyst layer itself which is porous, comprises a metal, such as palladium (Pd) or platinum (Pt), or alloys of these metals, which catalytically influence the oxidation of hydrogen. The metal or the metal alloy is applied as a catalyst layer or coating onto a carrier material or substrate by either plasma spraying or flame spraying. The present invention also provides a catalyst through the intermediary of a catalyst layer which is produced in accordance with the process of the instant invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a poison-resistant catalytically active microporous membrane to be used for heterogeneously catalyzed reactions, which membrane is characterized in that it is permeable to one of the reactants separated by said membrane, and that it is impermeable to the other reactants and the contaminants contained therein, the molecules of all of which are larger in size than the pore size of the membrane, and to a process for carrying out a heterogeneously catalyzed reaction under conditions preventing the catalyst from being poisoned. This membrane allows to conduct three-phase reactions in a new manner, whereby the reaction gas is directly transported to the active sites.

Abstract: Methods for forming membranes of semiconductive material incorporating molecular sieve material therein can involve sol gel techniques and suction techniques. The semiconductors, such as metal oxides, sulfides or carbides have photoactivity and are useful in photocatalytic reactions. An example of such a membrane is titanium oxide including zeolite molecular sieve incorporated therein. The membranes can be used to perform useful chemical reactions such as the mineralization of organic chemicals in the presence of light. For example, many toxic organic chemicals can be converted to useful or benign products by contacting those chemicals with active metal oxide-molecular sieve membranes in accordance with the invention and illuminating the membranes with light of a suitable wavelength.

Abstract: A zeolite composite membrane apparatus and method for preparing a novel continuous zeolite composite membrane. The method described results in formation of a thin polycrystalline continuous zeolite layer on the inner wall of a substrate container. The container may be a cylinder. After calcination, the zeolite composite membrane shows high permeability and high selectivity for single gas and for vapor/gas mixtures. The zeolite composite membrane formed has improved separation characteristics of shape selectivity and selective adsorption. The geometry of the membrane provides a high permeation area to volume ratio. The membrane is useful for high temperature gas separations and for membrane reactor applications.

Abstract: Inorganic composite membrane containing molecular sieve crystals, the membrane having a macroporous support to which molecular sieve crystals and modifications thereof have been applied substantially as monolayer, the crystals have been oriented to a substantial extent, such that the pores of the sieve crystals form a significant included angle with the support surface, the membrane has a gastight matrix present between the crystals.

Abstract: Large zeolite and zeolite-like molecular sieve crystals of from 3 to 500 .mu.m are fixed on moldings by a process in which an adhesion promoter is used or the moldings are softened.

Abstract: A catalyst for the adsorption of hydrocarbons is used in an apparatus for the purification of exhaust gas from an internal engine and comprises a honeycomb monolith carrier, a first layer of at least one zeolite having a different crystalline structure, a second layer containing at least one of Pt and Pd as a catalytic component, and a third layer containing Rh as a catalytic component.

Abstract: A method for separating a noble metal catalyst from a crude reaction product of a noble metal-catalyzed hydroformylation reaction which comprises: (a) contacting the crude reaction product under perstraction conditions with a membrane capable of allowing a substantial portion of unreacted olefin feed and hydroformylation reaction product to pass therethrough as permeate while retaining a substantial portion of the catalyst as retentate; (b) removing the permeate by sweeping it away from the membrane by means of a sweep stream which is the same as the olefin feed used in the hydroformylation reaction; and (c) retaining the catalyst as retentate.