A polysulfone-urethane copolymer is disclosed, which can be used as a membrane polymer, e.g., a matrix polymer, a pore forming agent, or both, while enhancing a membrane's blood compatibility. Methods are disclosed for forming the copolymer and incorporating the copolymer in membranes (e.g., spun hollow fibers, flat membranes) and other products.

A filter unit includes an inlet for receiving unfiltered water. A first fluid path directs water through a membrane and a filter element to a first outlet. Additionally, a second fluid path directs water across the membrane and to a second outlet.

A process for the efficient transfer of molecules between phases employing mesoporous poly (aryl ether ketone) hollow fiber membranes is provided. The method addresses the controlled transfer of reactants into and removal of reaction products from a reaction media and the removal and separation of target molecules from process streams by membrane-assisted liquid-liquid extraction. A number of possible modes of liquid-liquid extraction are possible according to the invention by utilizing porous poly (aryl ether ketone) hollow fiber membranes of Janus-like structure that exhibit a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface characteristics. The method of the present invention can address the continuous manufacture of chemicals in membrane reactors and is useful for a broad range of separation applications, including separation and recovery of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

A process for the efficient transfer of molecules between phases employing mesoporous poly (aryl ether ketone) hollow fiber membranes is provided. The method addresses the controlled transfer of reactants into and removal of reaction products from a reaction media and the removal and separation of target molecules from process streams by membrane-assisted liquid-liquid extraction. A number of possible modes of liquid-liquid extraction are possible according to the invention by utilizing porous poly (aryl ether ketone) hollow fiber membranes of Janus-like structure that exhibit a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface characteristics. The method of the present invention can address the continuous manufacture of chemicals in membrane reactors and is useful for a broad range of separation applications, including separation and recovery of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

A method of producing a hollow fiber membrane is provided. The method includes: extruding from a molding nozzle a membrane-forming stock solution, the membrane-forming stock solution containing a vinylidene fluoride-based resin, polyethylene glycol, and a common solvent, and having a slope (B) of 1.15 or more and less than 3.00 where the slope (B) is calculated by I=A×q.sup.−B from a scattering intensity of a small-angle X-ray; and solidifying the extruded membrane-forming stock solution in a solution containing water as a main component.

A method of producing a hollow fiber membrane is provided. The method includes: extruding from a molding nozzle a membrane-forming stock solution, the membrane-forming stock solution containing a vinylidene fluoride-based resin, polyethylene glycol, and a common solvent, and having a slope (B) of 1.15 or more and less than 3.00 where the slope (B) is calculated by I=A×q.sup.−B from a scattering intensity of a small-angle X-ray; and solidifying the extruded membrane-forming stock solution in a solution containing water as a main component.

Various examples related to resin wafer technologies including ionomers and resin wafers with solution processable ionomers and their production are provided. In one example, a wafer includes an ion conducting layer having ion-exchange resin particles and an ionomer binder coating the ion-exchange resin particles. The ionomer binder can bind the ion-exchange resin particles together in the ion conducting layer. In another example, the wafer can contain water dissociation catalysts for promoting water-splitting in the wafers.

Various examples related to resin wafer technologies including ionomers and resin wafers with solution processable ionomers and their production are provided. In one example, a wafer includes an ion conducting layer having ion-exchange resin particles and an ionomer binder coating the ion-exchange resin particles. The ionomer binder can bind the ion-exchange resin particles together in the ion conducting layer. In another example, the wafer can contain water dissociation catalysts for promoting water-splitting in the wafers.

The present invention provides a separation membrane that allows a separation functional layer to have less defects and that inhibits a flux of a permeation fluid from decreasing. A separation membrane of the present invention includes a separation functional layer, an interlayer, and a porous support member in this order in a stacking direction. The interlayer has a thickness of 0.1 μm to 2.5 μm. A total value of the thickness of the interlayer and a thickness of the separation functional layer is less than 4.0 μm. The interlayer contains a polymer compound, for example. A distance Ra between a Hansen solubility parameter of the polymer compound and a Hansen solubility parameter of H.sub.2O is less than 19 MPa.sup.1/2, for example.

The present invention provides a separation membrane that allows a separation functional layer to have less defects and that inhibits a flux of a permeation fluid from decreasing. A separation membrane of the present invention includes a separation functional layer, an interlayer, and a porous support member in this order in a stacking direction. The interlayer has a thickness of 0.1 μm to 2.5 μm. A total value of the thickness of the interlayer and a thickness of the separation functional layer is less than 4.0 μm. The interlayer contains a polymer compound, for example. A distance Ra between a Hansen solubility parameter of the polymer compound and a Hansen solubility parameter of H.sub.2O is less than 19 MPa.sup.1/2, for example.