(57) Abstract: Bioartificial ultrafiltration devices comprising a scaffold comprising a population of cells enclosed in a matrix and disposed adjacent a plurality of channels are provided. The population of cells provides molecules such as therapeutic molecules to a subject in need thereof and is supported by the nutrients filtered in an ultrafiltrate from the blood of the subject. The plurality of channels in the scaffold facilitate the transportation of the ultrafiltrate and exchange of molecules between the ultrafiltrate and the population of cells.

Method for making a porous graphene layer of a thickness of less than 100 nm with pores having an average size in the range of 5-900 nm, includes the following steps: providing a catalytically active substrate catalyzing graphene formation under chemical vapor deposition conditions, the catalytically active substrate in or on its surface being provided with a plurality of catalytically inactive domains having a size essentially corresponding to the size of the pores in the resultant porous graphene layer; chemical vapor deposition using a carbon source in the gas phase and formation of the porous graphene layer on the surface of the catalytically active substrate. The pores in the graphene layer are in situ formed due to the presence of the catalytically inactive domains.

A nanocomposite including a mesoporous, macroporous, or a combination thereof oxide and a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) that is filling the pores of the oxide to form a ZIF phase embedded and at least substantially confined mostly within the oxide. Methods of making nanocomposites including the steps of depositing an oxide in the pores of a mesoporous oxide; and further treating the resulting material with vapor, liquid, or supercritical CO.sub.2 comprising an azole-based compound, a carboxylate based compound, or a combination thereof. Use of disclosed articles to separate propylene and propane in a mixture thereof.

Carbon nanotube membranes that are flexible, non-fragile, stable at high temperatures, superhydrophobic, have submicrometer openings, and are resistant to delamination and corrosive conditions are provided. The carbon nanotube membranes comprise carbon nanotubes grown on a microporous, metal substrate, e.g. silver, quartz fiber filter, and HAST. Methods of fabricating the carbon nanotubes are also provided.

Titanium dioxide/sulfonated graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle composite membrane and its preparation method and application are disclosed. Mixing graphene oxide, sodium chloroethanesulfonate, and sodium hydroxide uniformly in the water, and then adding concentrated nitric acid to obtain sulfonated graphene oxide; mixing the aqueous solution of said sulfonated graphene oxide with the aqueous solution of silver nitrate, stirring in the dark, then adding ascorbic acid, and continuing to stir to obtain a silver nanoparticle/sulfonated graphene oxide composite material; dispersing said silver nanoparticle/sulfonated graphene oxide composite material in water, and then deposited on said titanium dioxide nanorods arrays by vacuum deposition, and vacuum dried to obtain titanium dioxide/sulfonated graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle composite membrane. The membrane possessed photocatalytic effect under UV light and special wettability: super-hydrophobic oil under water/super-hydrophobic under oil, which could in situ separation and degradation of oil/water emulsion.

A hydrogen permeation membrane is provided that can include a carbon-based material (C) and a ceramic material (BZCYT) mixed together. The carbon-based material can include graphene, graphite, carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof. The ceramic material can have the formula BaZr.sub.1-x-y-zCe.sub.xY.sub.yT.sub.zO.sub.3-?, where 0?x?0.5, 0?y?0.5, 0?z?0.5, (x+y+z)>0; 0???0.5, and T is Yb, Sc, Ti, Nb, Ta, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, In, or a combination thereof. In addition, the BZYCT can be present in the C-BZCYT mixture in an amount ranging from about 40% by volume to about 80% by volume. Further, a method of forming such a membrane is also provided. A method is also provided for extracting hydrogen from a feed stream.

The invention relates to a method for a fabrication of a pore comprising membrane and a pore comprising membrane. The pore comprising membrane (1) comprises at least a porous metallic layer (3) on a porous substrate (6), wherein the porous metallic layer (3) is connected to the porous substrate (6) and the pores (4) of the metallic layer (3) overlap at least partially with the pores (7) of the porous substrate (6). The method comprises at least the following steps: i) deposition of the metallic layer (3) onto a support material (2), wherein the deposited metallic layer (3) forms a plurality of feedthroughs, in particular a percolation network on the support material (2), ii) removal of the support material (2), iii) connecting of the metallic layer (3) with the porous substrate (6) such that pores (4) of the metallic layer (3) overlap at least partially with the pores (7) of the porous substrate (6).

The invention relates to a catalytic activation layer for use in oxygen-permeable membranes, which can comprise at least one porous structure formed by interconnected ceramic oxide particles that conduct oxygen ions and electronic carriers, where the surface of said particles that is exposed to the pores is covered with nanoparticles made from a catalyst, the composition of which corresponds to the following formula: A.sub.1-x-yB.sub.xC.sub.yO.sub.R where: A can be selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, lanthanide metals and combinations thereof; B and C are metals selected from Al, Ga, Y, Se, B, Nb, Ta, V, Mo, W, Re, Mn, Sn, Pr, Sm, Tb, Yb, Lu and combinations of same; and A must always be different from B. 0.01<x<0.5; 0<y<0.3.

Modification of polymeric membranes via SIS to promote membrane resilience, prolong membrane lifetime, and mitigate fouling. Membranes include an inorganic material in the surface and a polymeric core. The polymer may be removed leaving an inorganic material patterned from an initial polymeric membrane.

Superhydrophobic membrane structures having a beneficial combination of throughput and a selectivity. The membrane structure can include a porous support substrate; and a membrane layer adherently disposed on and in contact with the porous support substrate. The membrane layer can include a nanoporous material having a superhydrophobic surface. The superhydrophobic surface can include a textured surface, and a modifying material disposed on the textured surface. Methods of making and using the membrane structures.