Abstract: An Sn alloy plating apparatus is disclosed which can relatively easily perform control of an Sn alloy plating solution, including control of the Sn ion concentration and the acid concentration of the plating solution.

Abstract: An electro-catalytic honeycomb for controlling exhaust emissions, which adopts to purify a lean-burn exhaust, comprises a honeycomb structural body, a solid-oxide layer and a cathode layer. The honeycomb structural body includes an anode, a plurality of gas channels, and a shell. The anode is formed as a backbone, the gas channels are formed inside the backbone for passing the exhaust, and the shell covers an outer surface of the anode. The solid-oxide layer is adhered to an inner surface of the anode and connects the shell so as to encapsulate the anode. The cathode layer is adhered to a tube wall of the solid-oxide layer and has an oxidizing environment. The anode has a reducing environment. The reducing and the oxidizing environment facilitate an electromotive force to occur between the anode and the cathode layer to promote a decomposition of nitrogen oxides of the exhaust into nitrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for producing hydrogen gas and cupric chloride. The cell comprises: an anode compartment comprising an anode for disposition in an anolyte, wherein the anolyte is cuprous chloride in hydrochloric acid; a cathode compartment comprising a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises an electrocatalyst; a plurality of ion exchange membranes disposed between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment; and at least one center compartment defined by a pair of said ion exchange membranes and comprising at least one element for removal or sequestering of copper ions that cross at least one of said membranes from the anode compartment. Also described is a method for CuCl/HCl electrolysis in the production of hydrogen using the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A domestic apparatus, such as a cooking appliance, uses hydrogen and, optionally electrical heating, to cook food. The cooking appliance may have a cooking surface (e.g. a grilling surface) so as to result in an indoor barbeque, which may be used with no venting or reduced venting requirements.

Abstract: An electrolyte, and particularly anolyte, may be circulated via an open loop having a pressure regulator, so that the pressure in the plating chamber is maintained at a constant (or substantially constant) value with respect to atmospheric pressure. In these embodiments, a pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the anode chamber.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling ionic strength and/or pH of a solution are provided.

Abstract: A humidifier including a storage chamber configured to store water, an electrolytic unit configured to electrolyze water, a first and second pipe to which the electrolyzed water is introduced, a first and second valve configured to open/close a fluid path of the first pipe and second pipe, a filter unit disposed at the first pipe and configured to filter the electrolyzed water, a humidification chamber configured to be supplied with water from one of the first or the second pipe, and a control unit configured to supply the filtered water to the humidification chamber at a humidification mode by controlling the first valve and supply the electrolyzed water to the humidification chamber at a sterilization mode by controlling the second valve, the humidifier further including a drainage hole and a drainage valve to open/close the drainage hole, and a tray to store the water being discharged through the drainage hole.

Abstract: An electrically-driven separation apparatus can be utilized to desalinate seawater and/or brackish water to provide irrigation water having a desired sodium adsorption ratio (SAR).

Abstract: A filtration apparatus and filtration method can be used to reduce at least one contaminant (e.g., organic molecules, ions and/or biological microorganisms) in an aqueous fluid. The filtration apparatuses and methods of the invention can separate at least one contaminant from an aqueous fluid and/or oxidize at least one contaminant. In operation, an aqueous fluid is flowed through a filtration apparatus comprising a porous carbon nanotube filter material at an applied voltage. In some embodiments, the filtration apparatus described herein can be used for dead-end filtration. In some embodiments, the filtration apparatus described herein can be used for cross-over filtration.

Abstract: An apparatus for recharging a fuel cell cartridge and methods for recharging a fuel cell cartridge are disclosed. An example recharging apparatus may include a housing having a fuel cell cartridge holder. A water reservoir may be disposed in the housing and may have water disposed therein. The recharging apparatus may also include an electrolysis chamber for converting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis chamber may be in fluid communication with the water reservoir. The electrolysis chamber may include a hydrogen passage for passing hydrogen from the electrolysis chamber to the fuel cell cartridge holder. The recharging apparatus may further include a vacuum pump at least selectively in fluid communication with the fuel cell cartridge holder. In some instances, the vacuum pump may be used to evacuate residual hydrogen and/or other gases or materials from the fuel cell cartridge and/or determine if the fuel cell cartridge is leaky and requires replacement.

Abstract: Apparatus for seawater acidification including an ion exchange, cathode and anode electrode compartments and cation-permeable membranes that separate the electrode compartments from the ion exchange compartment. Means is provided for feeding seawater through the ion exchange compartment and for feeding a dissociable liquid media through the anode and cathode electrode compartments. A cathode is located in the cathode electrode compartment and an anode is located in the anode electrode compartment and a means for application of current to the cathode and anode is provided. A method for the acidification of seawater by subjecting the seawater to an ion exchange reaction to exchange H+ ions for Na+ ions. Carbon dioxide may be extracted from the acidified seawater. Optionally, the ion exchange reaction can be conducted under conditions which produce hydrogen as well as carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen may be used to produce hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A device (100) for breaking down pollutants in a liquid (F) by oxidative OH radicals has an arrangement of positively and negatively charged electrodes (104a . . . 104n, 105a . . . 105n), wherein at least one of the positively or negatively charged electrodes (104a . . . 104n, 105a . . . 105n) is surrounded by a separator (107) at least in the contact zone between the liquid (F) and the electrode (104a . . . 104n, 105a . . . 105n).

Abstract: The present invention provides a plating apparatus with multiple anode zones and cathode zones. The electrolyte flow field within each zone is controlled individually with independent flow control devices. A gas bubble collector whose surface is made into pleated channels is implemented for gas removal by collecting small bubbles, coalescing them, and releasing the residual gas. A buffer zone built within the gas bubble collector further allows unstable microscopic bubbles to dissolve.

Abstract: A hydrogen reclamation system comprises a first hydrogen separator having an inlet and an outlet and a second hydrogen separator having an inlet and an outlet wherein an inlet gas stream having a first concentration of hydrogen gas enters said first hydrogen separator inlet and is processed into an outlet gas stream having a second concentration of hydrogen gas which exits said first hydrogen separator outlet and subsequent to exiting said first hydrogen separator outlet, said outlet gas stream enters said second hydrogen separator inlet and is processed into a second outlet gas stream having a third concentration of hydrogen gas which exits said second hydrogen separator outlet.

Abstract: A large amount of a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen can be effectively generated over a long time. A positive electrode and a negative electrode are immersed in an electrolytic cell filled with an electrolytic solution, and a DC or AC voltage is applied across the two electrodes. A plurality of intermediate electrodes are arranged between the two electrodes. The electrolytic cell is sealed by a sealing cover. The gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis is taken out through a discharge opening provided in the sealing cover.

Abstract: A harmful gas treatment apparatus and a water treatment apparatus uses an electrochemical device provided with a solid electrolyte membrane having ion conductivity. A first electrochemical device provided with an anode on one surface of a hydrogen ion conductive electrolyte membrane and a cathode on the other surface thereof is combined with a second electrochemical device provided with an anode on one surface of a hydroxyl ion conductive electrolyte membrane and a cathode on the other surface thereof. Both cathodes are disposed so as to face each other within an electrochemical reaction tank. Each of the cathodes is provided with TiO2 as a metal oxide and Pt as a platinum group supported on a porous body having functions to occlude, concentrate and reduce harmful substances as a reducing catalyst. Thus, a water vapor partial pressure and an oxygen partial pressure on the both cathodes is reduced, making it possible to enhance hydrogen generation efficiency at the normal temperature and constant current.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising: a containment vessel configured for pressurization; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a first gas, wherein the first gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; a second gas, wherein the second gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the second electrode; a separator; a first gas collection vessel; and a second gas collection vessel, wherein the separator includes a first inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the first gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and combined density of the electrolyte and the first gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal the second electrode and towards the first gas collection vessel, and wherein the separa

Abstract: The present invention provides for carbon dioxide removal and fixation using a cell incorporating a carbon dioxide selective film for active/passive transport while simultaneously producing oxygen and an air bladder for use in battlefield applications and the like where oxygen requirements are often extreme.

Abstract: In a water treatment method, a first embodiment of the treatment method comprises the steps of producing electrolyzed acid water by electrolysis of raw water in an anode chamber of an electrolytic cell with an ion permeable partition membrane; removing volatile component in an acid property of the electrolyzed water; and producing electrolyzed neutral water without the volatile component by electrolysis of the electrolyzed acid water in a cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. In one system for producing hydrogen is provided which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for generating sterilized water in which lead wires having cathode and anode are alternately wound on a body in the horizontal direction, the cell is disposed in plural in the vertical direction to the flow of water by a given distance so that a plasma reaction is generated between both lead wires wound on the cell in the linear direction along the lead wires thereby increasing reaction efficiency per surface area of the cell.

Abstract: A motor exhaust ozonator adapter is connected with the end of a motor vehicle exhaust pipe for receiving and passing exhaust gas. One arm of the adapter is connected with the end of the exhaust pipe and another arm of the adapter houses a powerful ozone light for ozonating intake air. The ozonated air thereby converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and oxidizes other noxious chemicals therein.

Abstract: A cooking appliance comprising an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel, a burner downstream from the electrolyzer, and, an electrically heatable cooking surface on which food is receivable for cooking, the electrically heatable cooking surface being operable simultaneously with the electrolyzer.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. One system for producing hydrogen includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber. An anode is provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber and a cathode is also provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a fluid delivery system for an electrochemical plating platform. The fluid delivery system is configured to supply multiple chemistries to multiple plating cells with minimal bubble formation in the fluid delivery system. The system includes a solution mixing system, a fluid distribution manifold in communication with the solution mixing system, a plurality of fluid conduits in fluid communication with the fluid distribution manifold, and a plurality of fluid tanks, each of the plurality of fluid tanks being in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of fluid conduits.

Abstract: Chambers, systems, and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electrochemical deposition chamber includes a processing unit having a first flow system configured to convey a flow of a first processing fluid to a microfeature workpiece. The chamber further includes an electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes and a second flow system configured to convey a flow of a second processing fluid at least proximate to the electrodes. The chamber further includes a barrier between the processing unit and the electrode unit to separate the first and second processing fluids. The barrier can be a porous, permeable barrier or a nonporous, semipermeable barrier.

Abstract: Chambers, systems, and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electrochemical deposition chamber includes a processing unit having a first flow system configured to convey a flow of a first processing fluid to a microfeature workpiece. The chamber further includes an electrode unit having an electrode and a second flow system configured to convey a flow of a second processing fluid at least proximate to the electrode. The chamber further includes a nonporous barrier between the processing unit and the electrode unit to separate the first and second processing fluids. The nonporous barrier is configured to allow cations or anions to flow through the barrier between the first and second processing fluids.

Abstract: A device and method for increasing the mass transport rate of a chemical or electrochemical process at the solid and fluid interface in a fluid cell. The device includes a membrane in close contact with surface of the work piece, to separate the process cell into two chambers, so that fluid velocity at the work piece is controlled separately from the main cell flow. Thus the diffusion boundary layer is controlled and minimized by the rate that fluid is withdrawn from the work piece chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system, apparatus, and method to deposit conductive films on a workpiece. A system for electroplating a surface of a workpiece using a process solution is disclosed. The system comprises a solution housing configured to house an electrode and to contain the process solution, a filter element disposed in the solution housing configured to partition the solution housing into a lower chamber and an upper chamber, and an upper inlet port coupled to the solution housing configured to deliver the process solution to the upper chamber of the solution housing to fill the upper chamber and the lower chamber immersing the electrode in the lower chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for plating copper into features formed on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes positioning the substrate in a plating cell, wherein the plating cell includes a catholyte volume containing a catholyte solution, an anolyte volume containing an anolyte solution, an ionic membrane positioned to separate the anolyte volume from the catholyte volume, and an anode positioned in the anolyte volume. The method further includes applying a plating bias between the anode and the substrate, plating copper ions onto the substrate from the catholyte solution, and replenishing the copper ions plated onto the substrate from the catholyte solution with copper ions transported from the anolyte solution via the ionic membrane, wherein the catholyte solution has a copper concentration of greater than about 51 g/L.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell with an anode and cathode for the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid and brine is provided. The anodes and cathodes of the present invention are made of a bulk ceramic or intermetallic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling flow dynamics of a plating fluid during a plating process. The invention achieves this fluid control through use of a diffuser membrane. Plating fluid is pumped through the membrane; the design and characteristics of the membrane provide a uniform flow pattern to the plating fluid exiting the membrane. Thus a work piece, upon which a metal or other conductive material is to be deposited, is exposed to a uniform flow of plating fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating cell having a cell body configured to contain a plating solution therein. An anode assembly is immersed in a fluid solution contained in the cell body, the anode being positioned in an anode compartment of the cell body. A cathode assembly is positioned in a cathode compartment of the cell body, and a multilevel diffusion differentiated permeable membrane is positioned between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment. The multilevel diffusion differentiated permeable membrane is generally configured to separate the anode compartment from the cathode compartment, while allowing a fluid solution to flow therethrough in a direction from the anode compartment towards the cathode compartment.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an electrochemical process for decreasing high levels of organic contaminants in metal plating baths. The process involves breaking down the organic contaminants in an electrochemical cell by electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising an active material which is stable at low (acid) pH and at the high electrical potential required to break down the organic contaminants by oxidation. Typical examples of such anodes include a valve metal substrate coated with doped tin dioxide, lead dioxide, or platinum-based materials, the latter in some instances being coated on a high surface area valve metal substrate.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus for generating fluorine gas of high purity by electrolysis of a mixed molten-salt comprising hydrogen fluoride, the fluorine gas generating apparatus comprising an electrolytic cell which is separated into an anode chamber 5 and a cathode chamber 7 by a partition wall 28, and pressure keeping means 50 for supplying gas to the anode chamber 5 and the cathode chamber 7, respectively, to keep an interior of the anode chamber 5 and an interior of the cathode chamber 7 at a certain pressure.

Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a system pressure and a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.

Abstract: An anode assembly by which a solution can be supplied to a surface of a semiconductor substrate includes a housing defining an internal housing volume into which the solution can flow. A closure is provided for the internal housing volume, and the solution can be discharged from the internal housing volume through the closure towards the surface of the semiconductor substrate. A filter divides the internal housing volume into a first chamber and a second chamber located between the first chamber and the closure. During supply of the solution to the surface, a flow of the solution into the second chamber occurs at a higher rate than a flow of the solution into the first chamber, and the flows are blended in the second chamber.

Abstract: A waste water treatment device is provided in which removal of phosphorus and removal of nitrogen can efficiently be carried out and a decrease in size of the device and a decrease in cost can be achieved. The waste water treatment device includes a waste water treatment chamber; at least one set of electrodes disposed so that at least a part of the electrodes are immersed in waste water in the waste water treatment chamber, at least one of said electrodes dissolving out, by electrolysis, iron ions or aluminum ions for precipitating and removing phosphoric acid ions in waste water; a power source for supplying an electrolytic current to the set of electrodes; a control section for controlling the power source; and a metallic catalyst which is disposed in the vicinity of at least one of the sets of electrodes and which effects a denitrifying reaction with hydrogen in waste water.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an integrated onboard hydrogen (H2) production and utilization system for all watercraft, which yields environmentally benign vessel power production without new infrastructure requirements. Water (H2O) is supplied to a vessel, whether ashore, docked or underway, and is systematically converted into hydrogen and oxygen. The energy required for this process may be provided by any renewable or non-renewable source. The H2 produced is either utilized at once or stored. Energy is released from the H2 by one or more power plants.

Abstract: A reactant source for an electrolysis cell includes a vessel configured to contain water, a funnel disposed in integrated communication with the vessel, and a door disposed over the funnel. The door may be slidably or pivotally mounted over the funnel and is configured to prevent the introduction of an object into the funnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying aqueous effluent streams to reduce chemical oxygen demand thereof, where the method comprises direct oxidation of water-soluble organic material in an electrochemical cell that incorporates stainless steel electrodes, whose stability and lifetime are enhanced by inclusion of circulating metal chips.

Abstract: A substrate container includes a container housing having an opening for storing a substrate therethrough and a cover sealingly covering the opening, a fan motor mounted in the container housing for producing a circulating path of air in contact with the substrate in the container housing, and a particle removing filter and a gaseous impurity trapping filter which are disposed in the a portion of the circulating path which extends toward the substrate. A dehumidifying unit for dehumidifying a space in the container housing comprises a solid polymer electrolyte film disposed in the circulating path and voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the solid polymer electrolyte film to decompose water in air flowing in the circulating path thereby to dehumidify a space in the container housing.

Abstract: A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications, using wicking to control the contact between a mixture of NaBH4, NaOH and H2O and a hydrolyzing catalyst to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure production supply of hydrogen. A small compact device packaged for storage, the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. The system is a small portable packaged hydrogen generator for small fuel cells to power applications that are currently powered by batteries. These packaged devices have higher energy per unit mass, higher energy per unit volume, are more convenient for energy users, environmentally less harmful, and less expensive than conventional power sources.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus prevents anode-mediated degradation of electrolyte additives by creating a mechanism for maintaining separate anolyte and catholyte and preventing mixing thereof within a plating chamber. The separation is accomplished by interposing a porous chemical transport barrier between the anode and cathode. The transport barrier limits the chemical transport (via diffusion and/or convection) of all species but allows migration of ionic species (and hence passage of current) during application of sufficiently large electric fields within electrolyte.

Abstract: This invention is an improved fuel cell design for use at low pressure. The invention has a reduced number of component parts to reduce fabrication costs, as well as a simpler design that permits the size of the system to be reduced at the same time as performance is being improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the electrochemical generation of ozone for use in “point-of-use” applications. The electrochemical ozone generators or systems of the present invention may be used to provide disinfected water, ozone-containing water, and/or ozone gas. Disinfected water may be produced by introducing ozone gas into a potable or purified water source for the purpose of disinfecting or controlling the microorganisms in the water source. Ozonated water or ozone gas may be produced and provided for various anti-microbial and cleansing applications of the consumer, such as washing food, clothing, dishes, countertops, toys, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and the like. Furthermore, the ozone generator may be used to deliver a stream of ozone-containing water for the purpose of commercial or residential point-of-use washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments and medical equipment.

Abstract: A device for treating water that circulates in a closed conduit system, said device comprising a combination of a degasifier, on the one hand, and a corrosion inhibitor, on the other hand. The degasifier includes a tubular member (10) which is horizontal in its use position and which is intended to be connected in series with a conduit (13, 14) forming part of the conduit system. The tubular member is surrounded between its upstream and downstream ends (11, 12) by a housing (17) which includes an openable upper gas outlet (16). The tubular member communicates with the surrounding housing space through the medium of at least one aperture (15) provided therein. The corrosion inhibitor includes a sacrificial anode (20) which is positioned in the housing space outside the tubular member (10). The housing (17) also includes an openable bottom drain or outlet (28).

Abstract: A fluid management system for use in water electrolysis systems for filtering the system water and recombining hydrogen and oxygen. The fluid management system includes a phase separation tank having a filter containing a catalyzed ion exchange resin. Hydrogen/water mixture and an oxygen/water mixture are introduced into the resin where hydrogen is recombined with oxygen to produce recovered water. Trace contaminant ions and particles are removed from the water by the ion exchange resin and the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate plating apparatus for plating a substrate in a plating bath containing plating solution. An insoluble anode is disposed in the plating bath opposite the substrate. The substrate plating apparatus comprises a circulating vessel or dummy vessel provided separate from the plating bath, with a soluble anode and a cathode disposed in the circulating vessel or dummy vessel. An anion exchange film or selective cation exchange film is disposed between the anode and cathode and isolates the same, wherein metal ions are generated in the circulating vessel or dummy vessel by flowing current between the soluble anode and the cathode therein, and the generated metal ions are supplied to the plating bath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical deposition system that is designed with a flexible architecture that is expandable to accommodate future designs and gap fill requirements and provides satisfactory throughput to meet the demands of other processing systems. The electrochemical deposition system generally comprises a mainframe having a mainframe wafer transfer robot, a loading station disposed in connection with the mainframe, one or more processing cells disposed in connection with the mainframe, and an electrolyte supply fluidly connected to the one or more electrical processing cells. Preferably, the electrochemical deposition system includes a spin-rinse-dry (SRD) station disposed between the loading station and the mainframe, a rapid thermal anneal chamber attached to the loading station, and a system controller for controlling the electrochemical deposition process and the components of the electrochemical deposition system.