(19)

(11)

EP 1 216 201 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.06.2002 Bulletin 2002/26 (21) Application number: 00962659.9 (22) Date of filing: 14.09.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C01B 3/50, B01D 53/26 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0003/529 (87) International publication number: WO 0119/728 (22.03.2001 Gazette 2001/12)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 16.09.1999 GB 9921785 (71) Applicant: The Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, AB10 1FR (GB)	(72) Inventor: GOBINA, Edward Aberdeen AB10 1FR (GB) (74) Representative: Allan, Jamie  Murgitroyd & Company165-169 Scotland Street Glasgow G5 8PL Glasgow G5 8PL (GB)