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US 11,027,217 B2Granted
Electrically controlled nucleation and crystallization
AssigneeGeorgia State University Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsGangli Wang, Yan Li, Maksim M. Kvetny
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for the controlled crystallization of a compound. The controlled crystallization is achieved by applying an electric field across solutions of target compound and precipitant, whereby the electric field controls the rate of mixing.
Claims25
A crystallization system, comprising:
- at least one receiving member comprising a first electrically conductive member;
- at least one dispensing member comprising a second electrically conductive member, wherein the second electrical member is affixed to the receiving member;
- wherein the first and second electrical members are coupled in electrical communication;
- wherein the dispensing member comprises:
- an electrically insulating material proximal to the receiving member, a portion of the electrically insulating material defining at least one aperture, said portion in fluid communication with a receiving chamber;
- and
- whereby a complete electric circuit is obtained when electrolytes are present in the receiving and dispensing members.
4 more elements
A system for crystallization, comprising:
- at least one receiving member comprising a first electrically conductive member;
- at least one dispensing member comprising a second electrically conductive member;
- wherein the first and second electrical members are coupled in electrical communication;
- wherein the dispensing chamber and receiving chamber are separated by a porous membrane;
- whereby a complete electric circuit is obtained when electrolytes are present in the receiving and dispensing members.
2 more elements
A method for crystallizing a compound, the method comprising:
- providing a solution of a compound in at least one receiving member comprising a first electrically conductive member;
- providing a solution of a precipitate in at least one dispensing member comprising a second electrically conductive member;
- wherein the receiving and dispensing electrical members are coupled in electrical communication;
- and
- applying an electric field sufficient to controllably introduce the solution of precipitant into the solution of compound, wherein the applying an electric field comprises
- applying a first electric field sufficient to induce a nucleation of the compound at the one or more openings of the second receptacle, and applying a second electric field following nucleation, wherein the second electric field controls growth of the crystal.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.