Abstract: Electrochemical cell diagnostic systems and methods are described. Examples include systems having a signal generator configured to apply a stimulus having a stimulus frequency to at least one electrochemical cell. The stimulus may be configured to excite at least one non-linear mode of the at least one electrochemical cell. Systems may include measurement circuitry configured to detect a response of the at least one electrochemical cell to the stimulus. The response may include a second or greater harmonic component. Systems may include a display device configured to display an indication of an internal state of the at least one electrochemical cell based, at least in part of the second or greater harmonic component of the response.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell diagnostic systems and methods are described. Examples include systems having a signal generator configured to apply a stimulus having a stimulus frequency to at least one electrochemical cell. The stimulus may be configured to excite at least one non-linear mode of the at least one electrochemical cell. Systems may include measurement circuitry configured to detect a response of the at least one electrochemical cell to the stimulus. The response may include a second or greater harmonic component. Systems may include a display device configured to display an indication of an internal state of the at least one electrochemical cell based, at least in part of the second or greater harmonic component of the response.

Abstract: A bipolar electrochemistry printer and method are disclosed wherein electrolytic deposition onto a conductive substrate is accomplished by inducing ionic current in an electrolytic cell disposed above the substrate to undergo charge transfer at the conductive substrate, such that a portion of the substrate becomes a bipolar electrode. The ohmic current in the substrate undergoes a second charge transfer back to ionic current and returning to the cathode of the electrolytic cell. In an alternative embodiment the printing is similarly accomplished by electrolytic etching.

Abstract: A bipolar electrochemistry printer and method are disclosed wherein electrolytic deposition onto a conductive substrate is accomplished by inducing ionic current in an electrolytic cell disposed above the substrate to undergo charge transfer at the conductive substrate, such that a portion of the substrate becomes a bipolar electrode. The ohmic current in the substrate undergoes a second charge transfer back to ionic current and returning to the cathode of the electrolytic cell. In an alternative embodiment the printing is similarly accomplished by electrolytic etching.

Abstract: A method for conducting nonlinear electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The method includes quantifying the nonlinear response of an electrochemical system by measuring higher-order current or voltage harmonics generated by moderate-amplitude sinusoidal current or voltage perturbations. The method involves acquisition of the response signal followed by time apodization and fast Fourier transformation of the data into the frequency domain, where the magnitude and phase of each harmonic signal can be readily quantified. The method can be implemented on a computer as a software program.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are operable to produce biochar from a biomass or to dry a biomass through controlled heating. While prior art technologies are stationary enclosures, the embodiments provided herein are based on a portable, flexible laminated blanket that is draped over a biomass (e.g., a wood slash pile). In this way, the blanket functions as a portable and reusable kiln for pyrolyzing biomass into biochar or drying biomass.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid flow system (100) is disclosed having a fluid chamber or channel (150) with inlet and outlet ports (104, 106), allowing the fluid channel to be filled with a fluid. One or more flow obstructions or perturbances, such as cylinders (152), are provided in the channel. An oscillatory boundary condition is applied, for example, with a piezoelectric driver (130), that is selected to induce a conservative, low-intensity steady streaming flow in the channel. The low-intensity streaming flow produces distinct eddies that can be utilized, for example, for fluid-dynamically trapping or retaining particles (90) such as cells (92) at well defined locations in the channel. The system may be used to trap and study individual cells or for concentrating or filtering particles in a fluid.

Abstract: An electrochemical printing system (100, 200) and method are disclosed having a printer head (130, 230) that expels a small jet of electrolyte (112) towards a conductive substrate (92) to facilitate electrodeposition or removal of material from the substrate. In an embodiment of the invention the printer head includes a plurality of individually addressable electrodes (220), each electrode having a channel therethrough and wherein the electrodes are much larger than the electrolyte jet outlet. The printer head includes means for inhibiting cross talk between electrodes. For example, the printer head may include a plenum (241) and a nonconductive cross-talk inhibition layer (245) upstream of the electrodes. A resolution defining layer (270) having small apertures (271) is provided at the distal end of the printer head.

Abstract: Unsupported, electron transparent film useful in supporting a sample for imaging and analysis by transmission electron microscopy; methods for making and using the unsupported, electron transparent film; and an integrally formed combination of an unsupported, electron transparent film and substrate.