Abstract: An electrochemical synapse adapted for use in a neural network which includes an input terminal and an output terminal located at a distance of less than 100 microns from the input terminal. A permanent interconnect having controllable conductivity is located between the two inputs. The conductivity of the permanent interconnect is controlled by either growing or eliminating metallic whiskers between the inputs. The growth and elimination of whiskers provides a rapid and controllable electrochemical synapse. Partial neural network systems are disclosed utilizing the electrochemical synapse.

Abstract: A rechargeable membrane flow cell battery useful for providing electrical power to electric loads. The rechargeable membrane flow cell battery includes a bipolar stack of at least two membrane flow cells and a single fuel cell electrode pair for converting membrane potentials generated by acidic and basic electrolyte ions to electrical potential. The ability to stack numerous membrane flow cells provides for increases in the energy density of the battery. The presence of a single electrode pair reduces activation polarization and decreases the cost and weight of the battery. Rapid recharging is accomplished by draining spent fluid and providing fresh electrolyte fluids. Conventional recharging is accomplished by reversing the fluid flows and applying electrical power, to regenerate the electrolytes.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for use in thermoelectrochemical systems. The electrode assembly includes a radiation grafted cation exchange membrane which is plasma etched to provide an etched anode surface and etched cathode surface. A catalytic cathode layer is thermally bonded to the etched cathode surface and a catalytic anode layer is thermally bonded to the etched anode membrane surface. The resulting membrane-electrode assembly is resistant to delamination and provides electrochemical performance which is equal to or better than that obtained with more expensive conventional electrodialysis membranes.

Abstract: A thermoelectrochemical converter useful for generating electrical potential by converting heat into electricity. A liquid metal cathode is placed in contact with a liquid Lewis acid catholyte, and a liquid metal anode is placed in contact with a liquid Lewis base anolyte. Anolyte and catholyte reactants consumed at the anode and cathode during the electrochemical reaction are directly regenerated thermally and recycled to the anode and cathode to replenish the consumed anolyte and catholyte.

Abstract: A thermally regenerated fuel cell for converting thermal energy into electrical energy. A hydrogen reactive cathode reacts with a solvent-free catholyte and a hydrogen reactive anode reacts with a solvent-free anolyte. Reactants consumed at the electrodes during the electrochemical reaction are regenerated thermally below about 250.degree. C. to replenish the reactants consumed during the generation of electrical energy.

Abstract: An electrode apparatus adapted for use in electrochemical systems having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment in which gas and ions are produced and consumed in the compartments during generation of electrical current. The electrode apparatus includes a membrane for separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment wherein the membrane is permeable to both ions and gas. The cathode and anode for the assembly are provided on opposite sides of the membrane. During use of the membrane-electrode apparatus in electrochemical cells, the gas and ions generated at the cathode or anode migrate through the membrane to provide efficient transfer of gas and ions between the anode and cathode compartments.

Abstract: An electrochemical capacitor (battery-capacitor) which provides high power density and rapid charging and discharging times ranging from a few milliseconds to a few seconds. The capacitor device includes at least one electrochemical cell having two electrodes and an electrolyte therebetween. The electrodes and electrolyte are capable of rapid redox kinetics with the electrodes being spaced apart by no more than 0.002 inch (5.08.times.10.sup.-3 cm) to thereby provide rapid charging and discharging times.

Abstract: A thermoelectrochemical system in which a continuous electrical current is generated from a heat input below about 250.degree. C. A hydrogen ion reacting cathode is immersed in a chosen Bronsted acid and a hydrogen ion reacting anode is immersed in a chosen Bronsted base. Reactants consumed at the electrodes during the electrochemical reaction are directly regenerated thermally below about 250.degree. C. and recycled to the electrodes to provide continuous operation of the system.