The present invention relates to an anti-fouling, semi-permeable membrane comprising a porous support layer, a thin film composite (TFC) layer formed on a surface of the support layer, and a cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer formed on top of the TFC layer, wherein the cross-linked PVA layer is the reaction product of PVA and a cross-linking agent, said cross-linking agent being a polybasic acid comprising three or more acid groups or precursors thereof. The obtained membrane shows a high water flux and a low roughness suitable for an effective membrane notable for feed solution having a tendency of fouling the membrane.

The disclosure relates to processes, related polyacid polymers, and related articles for functionalizing a porous membrane by contacting the membrane with a polyacid polymer at low pH to stably adsorb a polyacid layer on the membrane pore surface, in particular polyacid polymers including repeating units with a pendent metal-binding ligand or star polyacid polymers. The resulting functionalized membrane is characterized by a high density of free acid groups, resulting in a higher specific capacity for its intended application. The process allows functionalization of porous membranes in a very simple, one-step process, for example without a need to derivatize an adsorbed polyacid layer to impart metal-binding ligand functionality thereto. Such functional membranes may find multiple uses, including rapid, selective binding of proteins for their purification or immobilization.

The disclosure relates to processes, related polyacid polymers, and related articles for functionalizing a porous membrane by contacting the membrane with a polyacid polymer at low pH to stably adsorb a polyacid layer on the membrane pore surface, in particular polyacid polymers including repeating units with a pendent metal-binding ligand or star polyacid polymers. The resulting functionalized membrane is characterized by a high density of free acid groups, resulting in a higher specific capacity for its intended application. The process allows functionalization of porous membranes in a very simple, one-step process, for example without a need to derivatize an adsorbed polyacid layer to impart metal-binding ligand functionality thereto. Such functional membranes may find multiple uses, including rapid, selective binding of proteins for their purification or immobilization.

The present invention relates to apparatuses for use in electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells, and in which circulating buffer streams are not required for the electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells. In certain embodiments, the electrophoretic apparatus disclosed herein comprise a sample chamber and a harvest chamber separated by a size-exclusion membrane; non-circulating buffer chambers flanking each respective sample chamber and harvest chamber, wherein each buffer chamber is separated from each respective sample chamber and harvest chamber by an ion-permeable membrane (restriction membrane), and wherein the buffer chambers are sealed and contain a buffer solution; and an electrode positioned in each buffer chamber. Also disclosed are related methods of using the electrophoretic apparatus disclosed herein.

The present invention relates to apparatuses for use in electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells, and in which circulating buffer streams are not required for the electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells. In certain embodiments, the electrophoretic apparatus disclosed herein comprise a sample chamber and a harvest chamber separated by a size-exclusion membrane; non-circulating buffer chambers flanking each respective sample chamber and harvest chamber, wherein each buffer chamber is separated from each respective sample chamber and harvest chamber by an ion-permeable membrane (restriction membrane), and wherein the buffer chambers are sealed and contain a buffer solution; and an electrode positioned in each buffer chamber. Also disclosed are related methods of using the electrophoretic apparatus disclosed herein.

Described are filter materials including a polyol ligand, such as n-methylglucamine, and/or a polyphosphonic acid ligand, which are highly effective for filtering metals or metal ions from fluids. The filter materials can be particularly useful to filter basic and acidic fluid compositions, such as those used for wet etching, removing photoresist, and cleaning steps in microelectronic device manufacturing.

A composite semipermeable membrane 12 of the present invention includes a porous support membrane 12a and a skin layer 12b supported by the porous support membrane 12a. The membrane surface of the composite semipermeable membrane 12 has an elastic modulus of 250 MPa or more and 500 MPa or less as calculated by force curve measurement using AFM in water. A spiral membrane element 20 of the present invention includes the composite semipermeable membrane 12 of the present invention. A water treatment system 100 of the present invention includes the spiral membrane element 20 of the present invention.

The disclosure provides a porous polymeric membrane having ionizable nitrogen functional groups at least at its surface, wherein such groups are associated with a hydroxide anion. The membranes are useful in the purification of polar solvents such as water and alcohols and are capable of removing trace amounts of anionic contaminants such as halides, phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, sulfites, and sulfates.

A composite membrane and moisture adjustment module using the same is disclosed. The composite membrane includes a moisture-permeable resin layer interposed between porous membranes that constitute a pair; and the mean thickness of the moisture-permeable resin layer is 5 μm or less.

A composite membrane and moisture adjustment module using the same is disclosed. The composite membrane includes a moisture-permeable resin layer interposed between porous membranes that constitute a pair; and the mean thickness of the moisture-permeable resin layer is 5 μm or less.