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US 7,452,728 B2Granted
Metal ion separation from aqueous solutions using photoswitchable ionophores
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorsBob E. Leet, Robert P. Meagley, Michael D. Goodner, Michael L. McSwiney
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Abstract
Methods and systems for the concentration and removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions are described, comprising treating the aqueous solutions with photoswitchable ionophores.
Claims30
A method comprising:
- providing a solution containing metal ions;
- providing a photoswitchable ionophore;
- exposing the solution to the photoswitchable ionophore;
- promoting the formation of complexes by exposing the photoswitchable ionophore to a first light source, wherein the first light source is primarily ultraviolet light;
- separating at least some complexes from the solutions;
- promoting the dissociation of separated complexes by exposing the complexes to full-spectrum light;
- and
- isolating metal from dissociated complexes using electrodeposition.
5 more elements
A system comprising:
- a source of a solution containing metal ions;
- a
- source of photoswitchable ionophore;
- a light source to promote the formation of complexes;
- a mixer;
- and
- a separator to separate complexes from the solution;
- wherein the source of photoswitchable ionophore is to provide a medium to which the photoswitchable ionophore is bound;
- and
- wherein the separator is to separate the solution from the medium.
7 more elements
A water treatment device comprising:
- a source of a solution containing metal ions;
- a
- source of a photoswitchable ionophore;
- a light source to promote the formation of complexes;
- a separator to separate complexes from the solution;
- a dissociator having a source of full spectrum light;
- and
- a cathode.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.