Abstract: A holding apparatus for applying an electrolytic plating treatment to a planar workpiece, and the holding apparatus can reduce an amount of plating that is deposited on an edge part of the planar workpiece. The holding apparatus for applying the electrolytic plating treatment to the planar workpiece has a rear member and a front member facing the rear member and having an opening part. The planar workpiece is disposed between the rear member and the front member. The front member has a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of first insulating parts. The plurality of electrodes and the plurality of first insulating parts cover the edge part of the planar workpiece in a width direction of the planar workpiece.

Abstract: Provided are a conductive plating apparatus, a plating system and a plating method for a conductive film. The conductive plating apparatus is configured to electrically connect the conductive film with a power supply. A first conductive structure includes a first conductive roller and a first press roller. A second conductive structure includes a second conductive roller and a second press roller. The first and second conductive structures are configured to allow the conductive film to sequentially pass between the first conductive roller and the first press roller and between the second the conductive roller and the second press roller. The first and second press rollers are configured to be brought into contact with and apply pressures to two opposite surfaces of the conductive film, respectively, and to be equipotential. The second press roller and the first conductive roller are configured to be equipotential.

Abstract: Die-substrate assemblies having sinter-bonded backside via structures, and methods for fabricating such die-substrate assemblies, are disclosed. In embodiments, the method includes obtaining an integrated circuit (IC) die having a backside over which a backmetal layer is formed and into which a plated backside via extends. The IC die is attached to an electrically-conductive substrate by: (i) applying sinter precursor material over the backmetal layer and into the plated backside via; (ii) positioning a frontside of the electrically-conductive substrate adjacent the plated backmetal layer and in contact with the sinter precursor material; and (iii) sintering the sinter precursor material to yield a sintered bond layer attaching and electrically coupling the IC die to the frontside of the electrically-conductive substrate through the backmetal layer and through the plated backside via. The sintered bond layer contacts and is metallurgically bonded to the backside via lining.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus including an anode and a cathode, a power supply, and a regulating plate is provided. The power supply is electrically connected to the anode and the cathode. The regulating plate is arranged between the anode and the cathode. The regulating plate includes an insulating grid plate and a plurality of magnetic components. The plurality of magnetic components are uniformly and randomly arranged on the insulating grid plate. An electroplating method is also provided.

Abstract: A high resistance virtual anode for an electroplating cell includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of first holes through the first layer. The second layer is over the first layer and includes a plurality of second holes through the second layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to use calcium cobalt zirconium perovskites as oxygen-selective sorbents for the separation of oxygen from a gas mixture such as air. Systems and high temperature oxygen detectors are also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the perovskite is configured as a membrane.

Abstract: An embodiment a pressure compensated pH sensor apparatus, including: a pH sensing component comprising a sensing portion that is exposed to a fluid source when in use; a pressure chamber located in a position under the sensing portion and that surrounds all of the sensing portion not exposed to the fluid source when in use; and a pressure compensation mechanism located within the pressure chamber, wherein the pressure compensation mechanism reacts to pressure from an environment outside the apparatus, thereby support the sensing portion.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell, a fuel gas supply pipe connected to a fuel gas inlet of the fuel cell, a circulation pipe connecting a fuel off gas outlet of the fuel cell and the fuel gas supply pipe, a hydrogen pump disposed on the circulation pipe, a water pump configured to deliver coolant discharged from the fuel cell to the hydrogen pump, an acquisition unit configured to obtain at least one parameter corresponding to temperature of fuel gas exhausted from the hydrogen pump, and a controller configured to switch between ON and OFF states of the water pump according to the parameter obtained by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an exemplary electrolytic cell includes: a cathode structure disposed within an electrolysis cell, wherein the electrolysis cell is configured to produce metal on a surface of the cathode structure, wherein the cathode structure is configured to fit along a floor of the electrolysis cell, wherein the cathode structure has a sloped surface when compared to a generally horizontal plane, and wherein via the sloped surface, the cathode structure is configured to drain a metal product from the sloped surface towards a lower end of the cathode structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to planar electrochemical sensors with membrane coatings used to perform chemical analyses. The object of this invention is to provide unit-use disposable sensors of very simple and inexpensive construction, preferably with only a single membrane coating on an electrode. The invented devices are potentiometric salt-bridge reference electrodes and dissolved gas sensors constructed with a heterogeneous membrane coating of a conductor. The heterogeneous membrane, which is an intimate admixture of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic compartment, concurrently supports constrained transport of non-volatile species through its hydrophilic compartment and rapid gas and water vapor transport through its hydrophobic compartment.

Abstract: Techniques for installing contact bar segments in an electrolytic cell can include positioning a series of contact bar segments on a capping board to provide enhanced current density distribution in the series of contact bar segments positioned along the capping board, the contact bar segments including at least three contact regions for anodes and cathodes. In some scenarios, sub-sets of contact bar segments may be provided, such that one sub-set is configured to contact N number of anodes and N number of cathodes; another sub-set is configured to contact N number of anodes and N+1 number of cathodes including one center segment; and a further sub-set configured to contact N+1 number of anodes and N number of cathodes including two end segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator and comprises an electrolytic cell and a water-blocking device. The electrolytic cell is used for electrolyzing electrolyzed water to generate a gas with hydrogen. The electrolytic cell has an outlet for outputting the gas with hydrogen. The water-blocking device is set on the outlet for preventing the electrolyzed water from flowing out when the electrolytic cell is tilted by a tilt angle. The gas pathway of the invention will be closed by the water-blocking device when the gas generator is toppled, thereby preventing the electrolyte-rich electrolyzed water from flowing out.

Abstract: A high resistance virtual anode for an electroplating cell includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of first holes through the first layer. The second layer is over the first layer and includes a plurality of second holes through the second layer.

Abstract: Provided is an energy storage device which includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode respectively including a non-coated region having a metal foil; current collectors each having a support portion which is made to overlap with the non-coated region; and opposedly facing supports each configured to clamp the non-coated region cooperatively with the support portion, wherein at least one of the non-coated region, the support portion and the opposedly facing support includes a conductive layer having non-oxidizing property or hardly-oxidizable property, the conductive layer covering at least one surface out of a surface of the non-coated region facing the support portion, a surface of the non-coated region facing the opposedly facing support, a surface of the support portion facing the non-coated region, and a surface of the opposedly facing support facing the non-coated region.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

Abstract: It is provided a magnetron-sputtering coating system including a sputtering chamber. The sputtering chamber therein includes: a set of target, formed by concatenating a plurality pieces of target; a substrate carrier, arranged to be opposite to the target set, and support a substrate to be coated with a film; and a driving device, arranged to drive the substrate carrier to reciprocate in a direction of the arrangement of the target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a busbar arrangement for heavy-duty aluminum electrolyzers when said electrolyzers have a longitudinal position. The busbar arrangement comprises anode busbars, risers and cathode rods, which are divided into groups, each of which is connected to separate cathode busbars, wherein the cathode busbars for the groups of rods closest to the input end of the preceding electrolyzer are connected to the risers positioned at the input end of the following electrolyzer, and the remaining groups of cathode rods are connected to the risers at the output end of the following electrolyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructured materials for use in rechargeable energy storage devices such as lithium batteries, particularly rechargeable secondary lithium batteries, or lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The present invention includes materials, components, and devices, including nanostructured materials for use as battery active materials, and lithium ion battery (LIB) electrodes comprising such nanostructured materials, as well as manufacturing methods related thereto. Exemplary nanostructured materials include silicon-based nanostructures such as silicon nanowires and coated silicon nanowires, nanostructures disposed on substrates comprising active materials or current collectors such as silicon nanowires disposed on graphite particles or copper electrode plates, and LIB anode composites comprising high-capacity active material nanostructures formed on a porous copper and/or graphite powder substrate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of retrofitting of a membrane electrolysis cell, wherein a rigid cathode is shaped by plastic deformation of the regions in correspondence of cathodic supports; a pre-shaped conductive elastic element having compressed regions in correspondence of said cathodic supports is overlaid onto said rigid cathode; a flexible planar cathode provided with a catalytic coating is overlaid onto said conductive elastic element. The invention also concerns a correspondingly retrofitted electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEA's) are provided which have nanostructured thin film (NSTF) catalyst electrodes and additionally a sublayer of dispersed catalyst situated between the NSTF catalyst and the PEM of the MEA.

Abstract: The present invention related to a contact bar or contact bar segment, a contact bar and insulating capping board assembly and a method for operating an electrolytic cell including electrodes for refining metal. Embodiments of the contact bar include support sections with multiple support surfaces for lying against the insulating capping board, thereby distributing weight of the electrodes hanging on the contact bar; and contact sections for receiving the electrodes while providing good electrical contact and precise positioning thereof. While following the steps of the method for operating the electrolytic cell, lifetime of the contact bar and insulating capping board may be increased.

Abstract: The invention provides a self supporting isobaric structure for electrolyte aeration in an electrodeposition cell for electrolytic refining or winning of non-ferrous metals, and a method of fabrication thereof. The structure is constructed using thermoplastic material pipes the external surface of which is wrapped in a thermosetting polymer composite material and one or more successive wrapped layers of fiber glass mats, thus forming a structural monoblock. The pipes are arranged in a reticular layout having a generally rectangular frame that follows the contour of the cell, transverse structural elements that connect the longer sides of the frame and tubular elements connecting the shorter sides of the rectangular frame. The tubular element provide a means for gas diffusion and aeration in the cell. Furthermore, the invention provides pipe couplings that allow shorter elements to be connected together in order to achieve the reticular configuration.

Abstract: A method of measuring the level of chlorine in a salt water solution and the pH of that solution comprises measuring the UV absorption of a first sample of the first solution to generate a first absorption value, subjecting the solution to electrolysis to generate a catholyte, measuring the UV absorption of the catholyte to generate a second absorption value, and then determining the level of chlorine in the solution and the pH of the solution using the first and second absorption values.

Abstract: A multi-layer coating for protection of metals and alloys against oxidation at high temperatures is provided. The invention utilizes a multi-layer ceramic coating on metals or alloys for increased oxidation-resistance, comprising at least two layers, wherein the first layer (3) and the second layer (4) both comprise an oxide, and wherein the first layer (3) has a tracer diffusion coefficient for cations Mm+, where M is the scale forming element of the alloy, and the second layer (4) has a tracer diffusion coefficient for oxygen ions O2? satisfying the following formula: ? ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) in ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) ex ? ( D O + m 2 ? D M ) ? ? ? ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) < 5 · 10 - 13 ? cm 2 ? / ? s wherein p(O2)in, p(O2)ex, DM, and DO are as defined herein.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and techniques for promoting metal plating profile uniformity are provided. A magnetic structure is positioned relative to a semiconductor wafer that is to be electroplated with metal during a metal plating process. In an embodiment, the magnetic structure applies a force that decreases an edge plating current by moving metal ions away from a wafer edge of the semiconductor wafer. In an embodiment, the magnetic structure applies a force that increases a center plating current by moving metal ions towards a center portion of the semiconductor wafer. In this way, the edge plating current has a current value that is similar to a current value of the center plating current. The similarity between the center plating current and the edge plating current promotes metal plating uniformity.

Abstract: An electroplating method is disclosed that selectively deposits a greater thickness of a metal or alloy layer on a region of wafer that has a higher thickness loss during a subsequent chemical mechanical polish process. A paddle assembly has three rectangular sides joined at their edges to form a triangle shape from an end view, and a notch in a bottom side that faces a wafer during the plating process. The notch extends along second and third paddle sides to a height up to about 50% of the paddle thickness. The thickness in a K-block region that has two sides formed parallel to the wafer flat is selectively increased by aligning a first side of the paddle notch side directly over one K-block side and aligning a second notch side directly over a second K-block side during a paddle movement cycle. The notch may be rectangular shaped or tapered.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an edge protector for a cathode plate includes inserting a first retention plate into a slit in a first edge strip, proximate an end of the first edge strip. The first retention plate is also inserted into a slit in a second edge strip, proximate a first end of the second edge strip. Additionally, the first retention plate is inserted into a gap of a first plug, such that the first plug abuts both the end of the first edge strip and the first end of the second edge strip. A corner cap is then overmolded on the end of the first edge strip, the first plug, and the first end of the second edge strip.

Abstract: An electrolyte plate for an electrochemical system including a first face and a second face, being opposite each other, of largest surface area, the first face including linear parallel ribs and the second face including linear parallel ribs. The plate thus exhibits an increased rigidity without substantially increasing the thickness thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides method and system for cooling over a large area, suitable for use for control of layer formation over an extended area in an aluminium electrolysis cell and exploitation of heat. The objective is achieved by a manifold from which a plurality of hot end heat tubes extend, representing the hot end or ends, wherein the cold end or condenser can be provided inside the manifold or can extend outside the manifold.

Abstract: A photoactive article includes a substrate including a semiconductor to absorb light and to produce a plurality of charge carriers; a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate; a conductive member disposed on the dielectric layer and opposing the substrate such that the dielectric layer is exposed by the conductive member, the conductive member to receive a portion of the plurality of charge carriers from the substrate; and an electrolyte disposed on the dielectric layer and the conductive member. Making a photoactive article includes forming a dielectric layer on a substrate by rapid thermal oxidation, the dielectric layer comprising an oxide of a semiconductor; and forming a conductive member disposed on the dielectric layer.

Abstract: Carriers for biomaterials, for polyelectrolyte materials, for electrically polarizable atoms, ions, molecules are provided wherein the material of the carriers is compatible with materials that are used in microelectronics. The arrangement of the biomaterials or biomolecules and optionally of biomolecules, biomaterials, biological functional units or cells adsorbed thereon can be affected with the carrier in a specific manner. Complex molecular machines can be built and tested by the carriers.

Abstract: An end pressure plate is provided for an electrochemical cell stack or an electrolyser module. The end pressure plates comprise a load transfer plate for maintaining even pressure over the faces of the structural plates, and a backing plate for supporting load transferred from the load transfer plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular assembly for coupling electrochemical units, including at least one module including a support frame for receiving at least two electrochemical units, the support frame including main fluidic connection means for coupling between juxtaposed modules and secondary fluidic connection means with the electrochemical units borne by the support frame.

Abstract: A pot tending module for an aluminum production plant comprising a frame and a rotary part including a hopper mounted on said frame so as to pivot about a substantially vertical axis, said rotary part being equipped with at least one tool mounted on a telescopic arm, said pot tending module comprising a first bearing structure to carry all of said rotary part mounted on said frame so as to be pivotable about a substantially vertical axis, a fixed member of said telescopic arm being mounted on a second bearing structure of said rotary art through attachment means fixed to an attachment part of said fixed member placed between the ends of said fixed member. A pot tending machine, a port tending assembly comprising the pot tending module described above, and use of said pot tending assembly.

Abstract: The process involves pouring a smothering powder onto a spent anode placed on a support to cover it, with the aim of limiting fluorinated gas emission by the anode. The support may include a temporary tank, pre-filled with powder and provided with an opening for discharging the powder towards the anode on the support.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of particulate from water using ultrasonically generated acoustic standing waves.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping metal sheets from a cathode blank includes: a frame; a stripping assembly disposed on the frame; and a receiving mechanism including at least one receiving platform which is disposed on the frame for receiving the deposited metal sheets. The stripping assembly includes: first and second clipping mechanisms for clipping a conductive member on an upper end of the cathode blank; first and second stripping mechanisms for stripping the deposited metal sheets from two surfaces of the cathode blank; a bottom positioning mechanism for positioning a lower end of the cathode blank; and first and second loosening mechanisms each including a push rod which is movably disposed on the frame in the transversal direction for pushing the cathode blank.

Abstract: An electroplating device includes a plating solution, at least one anode basket located in the plating solution, and a workpiece to be plated. An electroplating aid board is arranged between the anode basket and the workpiece to be plated. The electroplating aid board has at least one side that has a length exceeding the workpiece to be plated. The electroplating aid board is made of a plastic material that is not electrically conductive and includes a plurality of holes formed therein. In an electroplating operation, the holes provide an effect of tunnel that guides positive ions (such as copper ions) of the plating solution to flow from the anode basket (namely anode) straightforward to the nearest surface portion of the workpiece to be plated.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for electroplating one or more materials onto a substrate. In many cases the material is a metal and the substrate is a semiconductor wafer, though the embodiments are no so limited. Typically, the embodiments herein utilize a channeled plate positioned near the substrate, creating a cross flow manifold defined on the bottom by the channeled plate, on the top by the substrate, and on the sides by a cross flow confinement ring. During plating, fluid enters the cross flow manifold both upward through the channels in the channeled plate, and laterally through a cross flow side inlet positioned on one side of the cross flow confinement ring. The flow paths combine in the cross flow manifold and exit at the cross flow exit, which is positioned opposite the cross flow inlet. These combined flow paths result in improved plating uniformity.

Abstract: And objective of the present invention is to provide an improved method and system for use for control of layer formation in an aluminium electrolysis cell and exploitation of the heat. The present invention attains the above-described objective by a reordering of the fundamental structure of a Hall-Héroult cell, providing two alternatives, eliminating the need for thermal insulation. In a first embodiment the ordering from the inside to the outside is: Electrolyte-sidelining-heat tubes-steel shell. In a second embodiment the ordering from the inside to the outside is: Electrolyte-sidelining-steel shell-heat tubes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating components of a multilayer stack of electronic components. The multilayer stack includes an electronic assembly, a substrate, and a sacrificial anode portion that is located between the electronic assembly and the substrate and that operatively attaches the electronic assembly to the substrate. The systems and methods may include locating the multilayer stack within an electrically conductive fluid to form an electrochemical cell. The systems and methods further may include generating a potential difference between a cathode portion of the electronic assembly and the sacrificial anode portion such that the cathode portion forms a cathode of the electrochemical cell and the sacrificial anode portion forms an anode of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An electroplating processor includes a thin lower membrane support for supporting a membrane. The lower membrane support may be provided as a flexible plastic sheet having a pattern of through-openings. The through-openings may be aligned with openings in a rigid upper membrane support. The perimeter of the lower membrane may be clamped in the same perimeter seal as used to clamp and seal the perimeter of the membrane. The lower membrane support supports the membrane without adding significantly to the overall height of the processor. The processor can be stacked in a two level processing system without requiring additional clean room space.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an edge protector for a cathode plate includes inserting a first retention plate into a slit in a first edge strip, proximate an end of the first edge strip. The first retention plate is also inserted into a slit in a second edge strip, proximate a first end of the second edge strip. Additionally, the first retention plate is inserted into a gap of a first plug, such that the first plug abuts both the end of the first edge strip and the first end of the second edge strip. A corner cap is then overmolded on the end of the first edge strip, the first plug, and the first end of the second edge strip.

Abstract: A structural plate with external reinforcing means is provided for an electrolyser module. The structural plate defines at least one degassing chamber and a half cell chamber opening. The external reinforcing means contact the structural plate for mitigating outward displacement of the structural plate in response to fluid pressure within the structural plate. The structural plate and the external reinforcing means define interlocking features for achieving contact and corresponding mechanical reinforcement.

Abstract: Solid-state separator for electrochemical systems, wherein the solid-state separator consists of a plurality of ion-conducting solid-state segments, and the individual solid-state segments are connected by means of a deformable, electrically insulating material.

Abstract: Pot tending machine for a series of electrolysis cells designed for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis including: a) an overhead traveling crane which can be relocated above said electrolysis cells, b) a tool carriage onto which is fixed a service module comprising tools; c) a tapping winch, interdependent of said overhead traveling crane, designed to grasp and position near cell a tapping assembly including a ladle, a tapping tube and a vacuum device; d) a freestanding device able to generate compressed air; characterized in that said compressed air generating device of includes a first compressor, able to provide a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum air flow necessary for operations other than tapping, and at least one second compressor mounted in such a way that, when operating simultaneously with said first compressor, the unit provides a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum output of air necessary during tapping.

Abstract: An electrochemical grinding tool and method capable of rounding sharp edges that may be prone to cracking, for example, edge regions of cooling slots within dovetail slots of turbine wheels. The electrochemical grinding tool includes a drilling assembly, a conductive bit, and a motor for rotating the conductive bit about an axis thereof. The conductive bit of the electrochemical grinding tool is inserted into a first slot, an electrolyte solution is applied between the conductive bit of the electrochemical grinding tool and a second slot that intersects the first slot, an electrical potential is applied to the conductive bit and the turbine wheel to create a potential gradient between the conductive bit and the edge of the second slot, and material is removed from the edge of the second slot by displacing the conductive bit about and along the edge.

Abstract: The seal comprises a centre layer (5) of electrically insulating material, two metal outer layers (6, 7) bearing patterns (8, 9) able to be deformed by flattening out on the bearing faces (2, 3) to be sealed, so as to hold the seal while providing a sealing barrier to the connections, and intermediate layers (10, 11) of glassy material to provide connection thereto while absorbing deformations due to differential expansions. Applicable to high temperature electrolysis or fuel cells.

Abstract: Various blends and blend membranes from low-molecular hydroxymethylene-oligo-phosphonic acids R—C(PO3H2)x(OH)y and polymers, the group R representing any organic group, the polymers containing cation exchanger groups or their nonionic precursors of the type SO2X, X being a halogen, OH, OMe, NR1R2, OR1 with Me being any metal cation or ammonium cation, R1, R2 being H or any aryl- or alkyl group, PDX2, COX and/or basic groups such as primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, imidazole groups, pyridine groups, pyrazole groups etc. and/or OH groups. Such membranes may also include polymers that are modified with the 1-hydroxymethylene-1,1-bisphosphonic acid group.