The present disclosure relates to thermo-responsive hydrogel composite (TRHC) desiccants having high adsorption capacities, fast adsorption/desorption rates, and low regeneration temperatures (T.sub.reg) compared to traditional desiccants. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, TRHC desiccants may be synthesized by freeze drying. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the porous structures resulting from freeze drying copolymers of thermo-responsive polymers and/or hygroscopic agents may be combined with hygroscopic inorganic salts, resulting in TRHC desiccants having superior performance properties.

A method and apparatus for removing a volatile component from a mixture are disclosed. The method and apparatus employ a crosslinked elastomer with a glass transition temperature ≤+25° C. as the sorbent.

A tablet having a deliquescent desiccant and a fragrance encapsulated on or within a binding agent. The tablet is in a pressed form. A method of making a tablet involves providing a deliquescent desiccant, encapsulating a fragrance by spray drying the fragrance on a carbohydrate, combining the deliquescent desiccant and the carbohydrate encapsulated fragrance, and pressing the combination into the tablet.

Various embodiments disclosed relate to sorbents for the oxidation and removal of mercury. The present invention includes removing mercury from a mercury-containing gas using a halide-promoted and optionally ammonium-protected sorbent that can include carbon sorbent, non-carbon sorbent, or a combination thereof.

A process includes removing air bubbles from extracorporeal blood via chemical entrapment of nitrogen (N.sub.2) gas.

Composite particles contain a natural stone or aggregate core and a coating of two or more sorbent layers collectively containing at least two distinct kinds of sorbent materials effective for sorbing two distinct contaminants. One or both sorbent layers may be mixed with a water-absorbent, swellable clay that, upon contact with water, causes spalling or disintegration of the coating layer to release the sorptive material into a body of water such as a pond, ditch, stream, or riverbed. Additional swellable or protective layers may also be present. The composite particles are deployed into a pond, ditch, river, or streambed where the core of natural stone remains in the riverbed. The sorptive materials of the two different sorbent layers sorb and fix a wide range of contaminants, including both the heavy and light-weight hydrocarbons, from the water, and settle as a fine sediment. The sediment with sorbed contaminants is then removed by means such as hydraulic collectors or dredging.

A sparsely pillared organic-inorganic hybrid compound is provided. The sparsely pillared organic-inorganic hybrid compound includes: two inorganic material layers, each extending in one direction and facing each other; and an organic material layer disposed between the two inorganic material layers, wherein each of the inorganic material layers has a gibbsite structure in which a divalent metal cation is doped to an octahedral site, and the organic material layer includes a plurality of pillar portions, each of which is chemically bound to each of the two inorganic material layers such that the two inorganic material layers are connected to each other.

A promoted carbon and/or non-carbon base sorbent are described that are highly effective for the removal of mercury from flue gas streams. The promoted sorbent comprises a carbon and/or non-carbon base sorbent that has reacted with and contains forms of halogen and halides. Optional components may be added to increase and/or preserve reactivity and mercury capacity. These may be added directly with the base sorbent, or in-flight within a gas stream (air, flue gas, etc.), to enhance base sorbent performance and/or mercury capture. Mercury removal efficiencies obtained exceed conventional methods. The promoted sorbent can be regenerated and reused. Base sorbent treatment and preparation methods are also described. New methods for in-flight preparation, introduction, and control of the active base sorbent into the mercury contaminated gas stream are described.

Material compositions have multifunctionality in abatement of water pollution: They are capable of removing hydrocarbons along with various types of other pollutants, such as metals and metal oxides, and phosphates and other organic material, from water streams. In certain embodiments, the multifunctional compositions are comprised of biochar particles, activated carbon particles, or metal (or metal oxide) nanoparticles bound to a cellulosic or other organic matrix material, which are adhered to styrene-butadiene-styrene granules embedded in an M-Class rubber matrix. Methods of synthesis of the multifunctional compositions and products, including filter cartridges and filters, that use such compositions are also disclosed.

Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for capturing toxic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a pollutant-absorbing material that includes an absorbent compound, such as sodium copper chlorophyllin, capable of binding to and capturing a toxic pollutant, and methods of making and using the material for the capture of toxic pollutants. The pollutant-absorbing material can be incorporated into an article worn by a person, such as a shirt or a facemask.