A microporous structure includes an array of nano wires and a coating about the nano wires of the array. The coating defines pores between the nano wires.

The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a laminated material (S) comprising a fibrillated cellulose layer, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) depositing a suspension (1) of fibrillated cellulose on a filtration membrane (2) and draining the suspension through that membrane so as to form a wet layer of fibrillated cellulose (A) having a dryness, that is to say a ratio between the mass of dry matter and the total mass of the fibrillated cellulose layer, of between 5% and 18%; (b) transferring the wet layer (A) under pressure to an at least partially hydrophilic surface of a substrate (B), so as to form the laminated material (S); (c) drying the laminated material. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the process.

The invention relates to a porous separation article having a fluoropolymer, polyamide, PEEK, or PEKK binder interconnecting one or more types of interactive powdery materials or fibers. The interconnectivity is such that the binder connects the powdery materials or fibers in discrete spots rather than as a complete coating, allowing the materials or fibers to be in direct contact with, and interact with a fluid. The resulting article is a formed multicomponent, interconnected web, with porosity. The separation article is useful in water purification, as well as in the separation of dissolved or suspended materials in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems in industrial uses. The separation article can function at ambient temperature, as well as at elevated temperatures.

The disclosure describes a porous membrane including the following: at least one polymeric feature on a surface of a porous membrane wherein the at least one polymeric features are bonded to the membrane using a nanoscale injecting molding device. Another aspect of the disclosure includes a porous membrane including the following: a first film layer; a second film layer; at least one polymeric feature between the first film layer and second film layer, wherein the at least one polymeric feature is bonded to at least the first film layer.

The disclosure describes a porous membrane including the following: at least one polymeric feature on a surface of a porous membrane wherein the at least one polymeric features are bonded to the membrane using a nanoscale injecting molding device. Another aspect of the disclosure includes a porous membrane including the following: a first film layer; a second film layer; at least one polymeric feature between the first film layer and second film layer, wherein the at least one polymeric feature is bonded to at least the first film layer.

Novel electrospun nanofibers and nanofibrous membranes, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of using the same are provided. The nanofibers include a cactus mucilage, such as mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica. An organic polymer can be added to the cactus mucilage before electrospinning. The nanofibrous membranes can be used in water filtration.

Novel electrospun nanofibers and nanofibrous membranes, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of using the same are provided. The nanofibers include a cactus mucilage, such as mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica. An organic polymer can be added to the cactus mucilage before electrospinning. The nanofibrous membranes can be used in water filtration.

A method for making a filter membrane includes: forming a polymer layer; applying a plurality of nanoparticles on the polymer layer, the nanoparticles being self-assembled to form a closed pack arrangement on the polymer layer; heating the nanoparticles such that a portion of the polymer layer contacting the nanoparticles is softened so that the nanoparticles are sunk into the polymer layer; and removing the nanoparticles from the polymer layer so that the polymer layer is formed with a plurality of pores penetrating the polymer layer and being arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

Stabilized surfactant-based membranes and methods of manufacture thereof. Membranes comprising a stabilized surfactant mesostructure on a porous support may be used for various separations, including reverse osmosis and forward osmosis. The membranes are stabilized after evaporation of solvents; in some embodiments no removal of the surfactant is required. The surfactant solution may or may not comprise a hydrophilic compound such as an acid or base. The surface of the porous support is preferably modified prior to formation of the stabilized surfactant mesostructure. The membrane is sufficiently stable to be utilized in commercial separations devices such as spiral wound modules. Also a stabilized surfactant mesostructure coating for a porous material and filters made therefrom. The coating can simultaneously improve both the permeability and the filtration characteristics of the porous material.