This invention serves to repurpose existing ethylene oxide sterilization chambers utilizing a novel chemical means of sterilization. Ethylene oxide is a longstanding gaseous sterilant for medical devices but has increasing problems associated with its hazards. Ethylene oxide is a carcinogenic and explosive chemical, and its emissions can be very harmful and cause serious health risks. Due to this, the FDA and many medical device manufacturers are trying to reduce or eliminate the use of the gas. Chlorine dioxide gas is a nearly identical alternative mode of sterilization that is non-carcinogenic and non-explosive. If firms choose to eliminate the use of ethylene oxide but do not want to waste the capital expenditure on existing sterilizers, they can instead utilize the ethylene oxide-to-chlorine dioxide conversion system of the present invention and use an effective and environmentally friendly form of sterilization in a system they already possess.

This invention serves to repurpose existing ethylene oxide sterilization chambers utilizing a novel chemical means of sterilization. Ethylene oxide is a longstanding gaseous sterilant for medical devices but has increasing problems associated with its hazards. Ethylene oxide is a carcinogenic and explosive chemical, and its emissions can be very harmful and cause serious health risks. Due to this, the FDA and many medical device manufacturers are trying to reduce or eliminate the use of the gas. Chlorine dioxide gas is a nearly identical alternative mode of sterilization that is non-carcinogenic and non-explosive. If firms choose to eliminate the use of ethylene oxide but do not want to waste the capital expenditure on existing sterilizers, they can instead utilize the ethylene oxide-to-chlorine dioxide conversion system of the present invention and use an effective and environmentally friendly form of sterilization in a system they already possess.

The present invention relates to the CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 remover. The CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 remover comprises 65 to 85 weight percent (wt. %) of a nickel oxide (NiO), 5 to 20 wt. % of a magnesium oxide (MgO), wherein the weight ratio of the nickel oxide and the magnesium oxide (NiO/MgO) is 4 to 11, and wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 remover.

The present disclosure concerns systems and sorbents for the removal of carbon dioxide from ambient air. In some aspects, the system includes a wind collector, a body and an outlet. The body has a monolith or platforms dispersed therein, surfaces of which are at least partially coated in a sorbent, such that passing ambient air that contacts the sorbent, thereby allowing for the removal of carbon dioxide therefrom. Sorbents of the present disclosure include substrates that are hybrids of a silica, optionally with a carbonaceous material, and an epoxy-modified aminopolymer.

A carbon dioxide containing fluid is flowed through a membrane in an open position. The membrane encapsulates an adsorbent bed operating at a first temperature. The adsorbent bed adsorbs at least a portion of the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide containing fluid. The membrane is adjusted to a closed position, thereby isolating the adsorbent bed and preventing fluid flow into and out of the membrane. The adsorbent bed is heated to a second temperature, thereby desorbing the carbon dioxide captured from the carbon dioxide containing fluid. The membrane is adjusted to the open position. The adsorbent bed is cooled to the first temperature.

A packaging film is described comprising at least one polymer film layer in which particles of a small-pore or a medium-pore palladium-doped zeolite are dispersed. Such films are of particular utility for the adsorption of volatile organic compounds, such as those originating from organic matter.

The present invention provides a method for purifying carbon dioxide gas characterized in that carbon dioxide gas containing at least one of 3-methylmercaptopropionaldehyde and acrolein is contacted with activated carbon to remove at least one of the 3-methylmercaptopropionaldehyde and acrolein. The present invention provides also a method for producing methionine comprising the purification step of the recovered carbon dioxide.

The present invention provides a method for purifying carbon dioxide gas characterized in that carbon dioxide gas containing at least one of 3-methylmercaptopropionaldehyde and acrolein is contacted with activated carbon to remove at least one of the 3-methylmercaptopropionaldehyde and acrolein. The present invention provides also a method for producing methionine comprising the purification step of the recovered carbon dioxide.

An environmental control system employs an electrolysis cell utilizing an anion conducting membrane. A power supply is coupled across the anode and cathode of the electrolysis cell to drive reactions to reduce oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in an output gas flow. A cathode enclosure may be coupled with the electrolysis cell and provide an input gas flow and receive the output gas flow. A first electrolysis cell may be utilized to reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in an output flow that is directed to a second electrolysis cell, that reduces the concentration of oxygen. The oxygen and/or carbon dioxide may be vented from the system and used for an auxiliary purpose. An electrolyte solution may be configured in a loop from a reservoir to the anode, to provide a flow of electrolyte solution to the anode. Moisture from the cathode may be collected and provided to the anode.

A quaternary ammonium-functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer for moisture-swing CO2 capture, and a method for producing the same, is disclosed. The copolymer includes a polysulfone copolymer having a copolymerization unit based on diallyl bisphenal A (DABA) and has quaternary ammonium functionalities. The method for preparation of a quaternary ammonium-functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer includes reacting diallyl bisphenol A (DABA) with bisphenol A (BPA) and 4,4'-difluorodiphenyl sulfone (DFDPS) to form an allyl-modified poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES-co-APAES) copolymer, then modifying the PAES-co-APAES copolymer to convert the allyl functionalities to tertiary amines, forming tertiary amine-modified PAES (PAES-co-TAPAES) copolymer. The method also includes converting the tertiary amine of the PAES-co-TAPAES copolymer to quaternary ammonium, forming quaternary ammonium-modified PAES. These quaternary ammonium-modified PAES may be processed into membranes, films, and hollow fibers.