Publications

Abstract not provided.

Abstract not provided.

We have investigated a novel emulsion interfacial filter that is applicable for a wide range of materials, from nano-particles to cells and bacteria. This technology uses the interface between the two immiscible phases as the active surface area for adsorption of targeted materials. We showed that emulsion interfaces can effectively collect and trap materials from aqueous solution. We tested two aqueous systems, a bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution and coal bed methane produced water (CBMPW). Using a pendant drop technique to monitor the interfacial tension, we demonstrated that materials in both samples were adsorbed to the liquid-liquid interface, and did not readily desorb. A prototype system was built to test the emulsion interfacial filter concept. For the BSA system, a protein assay showed a progressive decrease in the residual BSA concentration as the sample was processed. Based on the initial prototype operation, we propose an improved system design.

We have synthesized defect-free aluminosilicate and silicalite zeolite thin films supported on commercially available alpha and gamma alumina disk substrates. We have also built a permeation unit that can test both pure and mixed gases from room temperature to 250 C. Results indicate fluxes on the order of 10{sup -6} to 10{sup -7} mole/(m{sup 2}Pa sec) and excellent separation values for H{sub 2} or CO{sub 2}. For the Al/Si membrane: H{sub 2}/N{sub 2} {ge} 61, H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} {ge} 80, H{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} = 7, CH{sub 4}/CO{sub 2} {ge} 11; for the TPA/Si membrane: H{sub 2}/N{sub 2} {ge} 61, H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} {ge} 80, H{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} = 7, CH{sub 4}/CO{sub 2} {ge} 11. Our data show that we can use the adsorption ability plus the effective pore diameter of the zeolite to 'tune' the selectivity of the membrane. Another avenue of research is into bulk novel molecular sieve materials, with the goal of 'tuning' pore sizes to molecular sieving needs. A novel crystalline 12-ring microporous gallophosphate material is described.

Abstract not provided.