A process for removing Sr.sup.2+ toxins from bodily fluids is disclosed. The process involves contacting the bodily fluid with an ion exchanger to remove the metal toxins in the bodily fluid, including blood and gastrointestinal fluid. Alternatively, blood can be contacted with a dialysis solution which is then contacted with the ion exchanger. The ion exchangers are represented by the following empirical formula:
A.sub.mZr.sub.aTi.sub.bSn.sub.cM.sub.dSi.sub.xO.sub.y. A composition comprising the above ion exchange compositions in combination with bodily fluids or dialysis solution is also disclosed. The ion exchange compositions may be supported by porous networks of biocompatible polymers such as carbohydrates or proteins.

A process for removing Sr.sup.2+ toxins from bodily fluids is disclosed. The process involves contacting the bodily fluid with an ion exchanger to remove the metal toxins in the bodily fluid, including blood and gastrointestinal fluid. Alternatively, blood can be contacted with a dialysis solution which is then contacted with the ion exchanger. The ion exchangers are represented by the following empirical formula:
A.sub.mZr.sub.aTi.sub.bSn.sub.cM.sub.dSi.sub.xO.sub.y. A composition comprising the above ion exchange compositions in combination with bodily fluids or dialysis solution is also disclosed. The ion exchange compositions may be supported by porous networks of biocompatible polymers such as carbohydrates or proteins.

A quaternary ammonium-functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer for moisture-swing CO2 capture, and a method for producing the same, is disclosed. The copolymer includes a polysulfone copolymer having a copolymerization unit based on diallyl bisphenal A (DABA) and has quaternary ammonium functionalities. The method for preparation of a quaternary ammonium-functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer includes reacting diallyl bisphenol A (DABA) with bisphenol A (BPA) and 4,4'-difluorodiphenyl sulfone (DFDPS) to form an allyl-modified poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES-co-APAES) copolymer, then modifying the PAES-co-APAES copolymer to convert the allyl functionalities to tertiary amines, forming tertiary amine-modified PAES (PAES-co-TAPAES) copolymer. The method also includes converting the tertiary amine of the PAES-co-TAPAES copolymer to quaternary ammonium, forming quaternary ammonium-modified PAES. These quaternary ammonium-modified PAES may be processed into membranes, films, and hollow fibers.

Described are composite materials and methods of using them for mixed-mode chromatography. In certain embodiments, the composite material comprises a support member, comprising a plurality of pores extending through the support member; and a multi-functional cross-linked gel. The multi-functional cross-linked gel possesses at least two of the following functions or characteristics: cationic, anionic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, thiophilic, hydrogen bond donating, hydrogen bond accepting, pi-pi bond donating, pi-pi bond accepting, or metal chelating. The composite materials may be used in the separation or purification of a biological molecule or biological ion.

Described are composite materials and methods of using them for mixed-mode chromatography. In certain embodiments, the composite material comprises a support member, comprising a plurality of pores extending through the support member; and a multi-functional cross-linked gel. The multi-functional cross-linked gel possesses at least two of the following functions or characteristics: cationic, anionic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, thiophilic, hydrogen bond donating, hydrogen bond accepting, pi-pi bond donating, pi-pi bond accepting, or metal chelating. The composite materials may be used in the separation or purification of a biological molecule or biological ion.

The present specification relates to a compound comprising an aromatic ring, a polymer comprising the same, a polyelectrolyte membrane comprising the same, a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the polyelectrolyte membrane, a fuel cell comprising the membrane-electrode assembly, and a redox flow battery comprising the polyelectrolyte membrane.

The present specification relates to a compound comprising an aromatic ring, a polymer comprising the same, a polyelectrolyte membrane comprising the same, a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the polyelectrolyte membrane, a fuel cell comprising the membrane-electrode assembly, and a redox flow battery comprising the polyelectrolyte membrane.

An ion exchange membrane has multiple layers of ionic polymers which each contain substantially different chemical compositions. i.e. varying side chain lengths, varying backbone chemistries or varying ionic functionality. Utilizing completely different chemistries has utility in many applications such as fuel cells where for example, one layer can help reduce fuel crossover through the membrane. Or one layer can impart substantial hydrophobicity to the electrode formulation. Or one layer can selectively diffuse a reactant while excluding others. Also, one chemistry may allow for impartation of significant mechanical properties or chemical resistance to another more ionically conductive ionomer. The ion exchange membrane may include at least two layers with substantially different chemical properties.

An ion exchange membrane has multiple layers of ionic polymers which each contain substantially different chemical compositions. i.e. varying side chain lengths, varying backbone chemistries or varying ionic functionality. Utilizing completely different chemistries has utility in many applications such as fuel cells where for example, one layer can help reduce fuel crossover through the membrane. Or one layer can impart substantial hydrophobicity to the electrode formulation. Or one layer can selectively diffuse a reactant while excluding others. Also, one chemistry may allow for impartation of significant mechanical properties or chemical resistance to another more ionically conductive ionomer. The ion exchange membrane may include at least two layers with substantially different chemical properties.

The present disclosure provides a polymer, including a first repeating unit represented by formula (I), a second repeating unit represented by formula (II), and a third repeating unit represented by formula (III). The first repeating unit, the second repeating unit, and the third repeating unit are arranged in an alternating fashion, in a random fashion, or in discrete blocks. The molar ratio of the first repeating unit, the second repeating unit and the third repeating unit is m:n:o, and m:(n+o) is from 60:40 to 85:15. The definitions of a, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, A.sup.−, and R.sup.+ are as defined in the specification.