Novel particles and materials for chromatographic separations, processes for preparation and separations devices containing the chromatographic particles and materials are provided by the instant invention. In particular, the invention provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 0 molar % to not more than about 49 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered. The invention also provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 25 molar % to not more than about 50 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered and wherein the particle has a chromatographically enhancing pore geometry (CEPG). Methods for producing the hybrid particles, separations devices comprising the hybrid particles and kits are also provided.

Novel particles and materials for chromatographic separations, processes for preparation and separations devices containing the chromatographic particles and materials are provided by the instant invention. In particular, the invention provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 0 molar % to not more than about 49 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered. The invention also provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 25 molar % to not more than about 50 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered and wherein the particle has a chromatographically enhancing pore geometry (CEPG). Methods for producing the hybrid particles, separations devices comprising the hybrid particles and kits are also provided.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a chromatographic stationary phase material for various different modes of chromatography represented by Formula 1: [X](W).sub.a(Q).sub.b(T).sub.c (Formula 1). X can be a high purity chromatographic core composition having a surface comprising a silica core material, metal oxide core material, an inorganic-organic hybrid material or a group of block copolymers thereof. W can be absent and/or can include hydrogen and/or can include a hydroxyl on the surface of X. Q can be a functional group that minimizes retention variation over time (drift) under chromatographic conditions utilizing low water concentrations. T can include one or more hydrophilic, polar, ionizable, and/or charged functional groups that chromatographically interact with the analyte. Additionally, b and c can be positive numbers, with the ratio 0.05≤(b/c)≤100, and a≥0.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a chromatographic stationary phase material for various different modes of chromatography represented by Formula 1: [X](W).sub.a(Q).sub.b(T).sub.c (Formula 1). X can be a high purity chromatographic core composition having a surface comprising a silica core material, metal oxide core material, an inorganic-organic hybrid material or a group of block copolymers thereof. W can be absent and/or can include hydrogen and/or can include a hydroxyl on the surface of X. Q can be a functional group that minimizes retention variation over time (drift) under chromatographic conditions utilizing low water concentrations. T can include one or more hydrophilic, polar, ionizable, and/or charged functional groups that chromatographically interact with the analyte. Additionally, b and c can be positive numbers, with the ratio 0.05≤(b/c)≤100, and a≥0.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and a method for producing a radiopharmaceutical, wherein the system is formed from and/or provides a microfluidic flow system. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a radioisotope isolation module, a radiopharmaceutical production module, a purification module and a quality control module.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and a method for producing a radiopharmaceutical, wherein the system is formed from and/or provides a microfluidic flow system. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a radioisotope isolation module, a radiopharmaceutical production module, a purification module and a quality control module.

The invention relates to a catalyst comprising a support based on alumina or silica or silica-alumina, at least one group VIII element, at least one group VIB element and at least one organic compound of formula (I)

##STR00001##

in which R.sub.1 is a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are chosen from a hydrogen atom and a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, X is chosen from an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom except when R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent a hydrogen atom, in which case X is an oxygen atom, Y is chosen from a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a unit —C(O)R.sub.4, R.sub.4 being chosen from a hydrogen atom and a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

The invention relates to a catalyst comprising a support based on alumina or silica or silica-alumina, at least one group VIII element, at least one group VIB element and at least one organic compound of formula (I)

##STR00001##

in which R.sub.1 is a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are chosen from a hydrogen atom and a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, X is chosen from an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom except when R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent a hydrogen atom, in which case X is an oxygen atom, Y is chosen from a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a unit —C(O)R.sub.4, R.sub.4 being chosen from a hydrogen atom and a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

A system for distilling water is disclosed. The system comprises a heat source, and a plurality of open-cycle adsorption stages, each stage comprising a plurality of beds and an evaporator and a condenser between a first bed and a second bed, wherein each bed comprises at least two vapor valves, a plurality of hollow tubes, a plurality of channels adapted for transferring water vapor to and from at least one of the condenser or the evaporator, a thermally conductive water vapor adsorbent, and wherein each vapor valve connects a bed to either the condenser or the evaporator.

A system for distilling water is disclosed. The system comprises a heat source, and a plurality of open-cycle adsorption stages, each stage comprising a plurality of beds and an evaporator and a condenser between a first bed and a second bed, wherein each bed comprises at least two vapor valves, a plurality of hollow tubes, a plurality of channels adapted for transferring water vapor to and from at least one of the condenser or the evaporator, a thermally conductive water vapor adsorbent, and wherein each vapor valve connects a bed to either the condenser or the evaporator.