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(11)

EP 1 791 631 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 06.06.2007 Bulletin 2007/23 (21) Application number: 05798472.6 (22) Date of filing: 19.09.2005

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B01J 8/02(2006.01) B01D 53/22(2006.01) C01B 3/50(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2005/033295 (87) International publication number: WO 2006/034103 (30.03.2006 Gazette 2006/13)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 21.09.2004 US 611682 P (71) Applicant: WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE Worcester, MA 01609 (US)

(72) Inventors: WELLINGTON, Scott, Lee Bellaire, TX 77401 (US) MATZAKOS, Andreas, Nicholas Missouri City, TX 77459 (US) MARDILOVICH, Ivan, Pietrovich Worcester, MA 01609 (US) MA, Yi Hua Worcester, Massachusetts 01609 (US) ENGWALL, Erik, Edwin Worcester, MA 01609 (US) (74) Representative: Kirkham, Nicholas Andrew et al Graham Watt & Co LLP St Botolph's House 7-9 St Botolph's Road Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3AJ Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3AJ (GB)