This invention relates to a dual-layer, multifunctional hollow fiber membrane having at least two layers that perform two respective functions: 1) a layer that performs a separative function separating a solvent such as a liquid or gas from its solute species; and 2) a layer that performs the function of generating a magnetic field. The layer generating the magnetic field preferably has magnetic nano or micro particles embedded therein to attract, capture and/or position paramagnetic draw solute particles to maximize their osmotic effect.

The present invention relates to a polymeric hollow fiber membrane and a carbon molecular sieve hollow fiber membrane, both of which have excellent gas separation performance, and processes for preparing the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a hybrid polymeric hollow fiber membrane that comprises a glassy polymer containing fluorine and a ladder-structured polysilsesquioxane, a hybrid carbon molecular sieve hollow fiber membrane prepared by pyrolysis thereof, and processes for preparing the same. The hybrid polymeric hollow fiber membrane and the hybrid carbon molecular sieve hollow fiber membrane according to the embodiments of the present invention are excellent in gas flux and selectivity and can have a large surface area per unit volume. Thus, they can be advantageously used for separating gases with a high energy efficiency on a large scale.

Systems, devices and methods for molecular separation including a molecular separation device comprising at least a polycrystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) and a nanocrystalline, zeolite MFI, wherein the MOF forms a polycrystalline membrane with zeolite MFI nanoparticles dispersed therein, and the MOF membrane matrix contacting and surrounding the zeolite MFI nanoparticles form a permselective nanoporous structure.

In the present invention, a water-based wetting dispersant having an acid value of 5 mg KOH/g or more and an amine value of 10 mg KOH/g or less is used to dilute and disperse black carbon and a hydrophobic fluorine resin in an organic solvent to manufacture a slurry for microporous layer formation. In this regard, the added amount of the water-based wetting dispersant is adjusted to 5 to 30 parts by weight on the basis of 100 parts by weight of black carbon. In the present invention, the slurry is applied to at least one surface of carbon fiber paper and dried to form a microporous layer in which two independent peaks appear as analyzed on a particle size graph, followed by compression and deposition thereof to fabricate a gas diffusion layer including the microporous layer in which two independent peaks appear as analyzed on a particle size graph. With the appearance of two independent peaks on a particle size analysis graph, the gas diffusion layer of the present invention has an excellent drainage function, thereby increasing in the current value of the concentration polarization curve at the equivalent voltage value.

A perfluoropolymer hollow fiber composite membrane preparation method includes the steps of (A) preparing a supporting layer of the perfluoropolymer hollow fiber composite membrane, (B) preparing a membrane casting solution, which includes obtaining a mixed solution by mixing a perfluoropolymer water dispersion emulsion, a spinning carrier and solvent, and defoaming the mixed solution at vacuum and a constant temperature, (C) preparing a nascent hollow fiber composite membrane, which includes compositing by uniformly coating the membrane casting solution on an outer surface of the supporting layer through an annular spinneret using chemical fiber concentric circle composite spinning technology, putting the supporting layer after compositing into a coagulant, solidifying and forming, and (D) drying after putting the nascent hollow fiber composite membrane to a hot air box, cleaning, sintering, and performing heat preservation. The prepared membrane has a thin wall, thermal and chemical resistance and good mechanical performance.

Described herein is a crosslinked graphene based composite membrane that provides selective resistance to fluids solutes while providing water permeability, such as a selectively permeable membrane comprising a crosslinked graphene with a polyvinyl alcohol and silica-nanoparticle layer that can provide enhanced water separation. Also described herein are methods for making such membranes and methods of using the membranes for dehydrating or removing solutes from water.

A 3D nanopore device for characterizing biopolymer molecules includes a first selecting layer having a first axis of selection. The device also includes a second selecting layer disposed adjacent the first selecting layer and having a second axis of selection orthogonal to the first axis of selection. The device further includes an third electrode layer disposed adjacent the second selecting layer, such that the first selecting layer, the second selecting layer, and the third electrode layer form a stack of layers along a Z axis and define a plurality of nanopore pillars.

An article having a nanoporous membrane and a nanoporous graphene sheet layered on the nanoporous membrane. A method of: depositing a layer of a diblock copolymer onto a graphene sheet, and etching a minor phase of the diblock copolymer and a portion of the graphene in contact with the minor phase to form a nanoporous article having a nanoporous graphene sheet and a nanoporous layer of a polymer. A method of: depositing a hexaiodo-substituted macrocycle onto a substrate having a Ag(111) surface; coupling the macrocycle to form a nanoporous graphene sheet; layering the graphene sheet and substrate onto a nanoporous membrane with the graphene sheet in contact with the nanoporous membrane; and etching away the substrate.

An article having a nanoporous membrane and a nanoporous graphene sheet layered on the nanoporous membrane with the nanoporous membrane and the nanoporous graphene sheet in direct contact. A method of: depositing a layer of a diblock copolymer onto a graphene sheet, etching a minor phase of the diblock copolymer and a portion of the graphene in contact with the minor phase to form a nanoporous article having a nanoporous graphene sheet and a nanoporous layer of a polymer, and removing the nanoporous layer of a polymer.

A carbon dioxide separation membrane according to the present invention includes: an ionic liquid affinitive porous layer (C) having an ionic liquid-containing liquid (A) retained in voids; and an ionic liquid non-affinitive porous layer (B). The ionic liquid affinitive porous layer (C) may contain inorganic materials (for example, metal oxide particles having an average particle size of about 0.001 to 5 μm on a number basis). An average thickness of the ionic liquid affinitive porous layer (C) may be about from 0.01 to 10 μm. The ionic liquid affinitive porous layer (C) may include the ionic liquid-containing liquid (A) at a ratio from 0.1 to 99 parts by volume with respect to 100 parts by volume of voids. It may be a carbon dioxide separation membrane for fertilizing plants with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide separation membrane can reduce a size of the carbon dioxide concentrating device and enables smooth operation of the device.