Ionic Compound Separation and Concentration With Selective Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating and concentrating ionic compounds, such as organic acids, face challenges including environmental pollution from toxic solvents, high energy consumption, and inefficient concentration processes, particularly when dealing with large sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flexible holder with slots, sample separation devices with a separation portion, storage portions, and electrodes, utilizing a conductive ink layer and selective ion permeable layers to apply a uniform electric field for simultaneous separation and concentration of ionic compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If liquid phase extraction using strong acid or basic solution is used to separate organic acids, then separation efficiency is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction system by using a membrane with specific ion permeability properties. The membrane selectively allows certain ions to pass through while blocking others, enabling separation based on ion permeability differences rather than chemical reactivity. This eliminates the need for toxic strong acids or bases while maintaining effective separation of organic acids from the sample matrix.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional concentration equipment such as distillation or membrane is used to concentrate separated organic acids, then concentration capability is improved, but equipment size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical concentration systems (distillation apparatus, large-scale membrane systems) with an electrochemical concentration mechanism. By applying an electric field across the membrane, ions are driven through the membrane at controlled rates, enabling concentration without the need for heating or large mechanical systems. This electrochemical approach significantly reduces energy consumption and equipment size while maintaining effective concentration capability.
3Temperature
If high temperature is applied to volatilize water solvent in nitrogen concentrator, then solvent removal is improved, but continuous nitrogen injection is required increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal volatilization process with an electrochemical ion transport process. Instead of heating the sample to evaporate water and using nitrogen gas to carry volatiles, the system applies an electric field to drive ions through a selective membrane. This eliminates the need for continuous nitrogen injection and high-temperature heating, simplifying operation while effectively removing solvent and concentrating analytes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ionic compounds need to be separated simultaneously, then analysis comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a segmented membrane structure with multiple active regions or zones, each potentially having different ion permeability characteristics. This segmentation allows simultaneous separation of multiple ionic compounds based on their different permeability properties through the same device. The modular segmented design achieves comprehensive multi-component analysis without requiring complex multi-device configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and uniform concentration of multiple ionic compounds in a large sample volume with improved electric field application, allowing for high-capacity processing and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a selective ion permeable layer positioned on the other side of the absorbent pad and configured to connect to the separation portion
Implementation Method 2
an electrode for applying a voltage to the device
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a conductive ink layer and selective ion permeable layers to apply a uniform electric field for simultaneous separation and concentration of ionic compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A system for separating and concentrating ionic compounds in a sample is provided herein. In some embodiments, a system includes at least one sample separation device, a flexible holder having a plurality of slots, wherein each slot is configured to have a sample separation device inserted therein, wherein the at least one sample separation device is inserted into a slot of the flexible holder; and an electrode for applying a voltage to the device, wherein the at least one sample separation device comprises a separation portion, a first storage portion, and a second storage portion, wherein the first and second storage portions are positioned on opposing sides of the separation portion, wherein the separation portion is folded at a predetermined interval to form two or more discrete base units.