Having Three Or More Layers Patents (Class 204/290.03)
  • Patent number: 8083921
    Abstract: An electrode for high overvoltage oxygen anodic evolution is described comprising a substrate of titanium or other valve metal, a first protective interlayer containing valve metal oxides, a second interlayer containing platinum or other noble metal, and an outer layer comprising tin, copper and antimony oxides. The electrode of the invention may be employed as anode in waste water treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Rossi
  • Publication number: 20110300471
    Abstract: An electrode comprising a primary and secondary metal nanoparticle coating on a metallic substrate is prepared by dispersing nanoparticles in a solvent and layering them onto the substrate, followed by heating. The enhanced surface area of the electrode due to the catalytic nanoparticles is dramatically enhanced, allowing for increased reaction efficiency. The electrode can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen, or a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Robert Dopp, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7985327
    Abstract: An electrode for effective ozone production in an electrochemical cell uses a modified electrode design which adopts a novel catalytic component. The catalytic component has a number of elements selected from various metals and metalloids, and is applied to a substrate in multiple coatings or layers. The catalytic component forms a catalytic surface which is at least partially disrupted by the presence of an element which is relatively inactive with respect to oxygen evolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Clarizon Limited
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Christensen, Wen Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20110157772
    Abstract: A surface-modified nano graphene platelet (NGP), comprising: (a) a nano graphene platelet having a thickness smaller than 10 nm; and (b) discrete, non-continuous, and non-metallic bumps or nodules bonded to a surface of the graphene platelet to serve as a spacer. When multiple surface-modified NGP sheets are stacked together to form an electrode, large numbers of electrolyte-accessible pores are formed, enabling the formation of large amounts of double layer charges in a supercapacitor, which exhibits an exceptionally high specific capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Zenning Yu, Chen-guang Liu, Bor z. Jang
  • Publication number: 20110073470
    Abstract: A multi-layer cathode block (30) for an electrolytic cell (10) has at least a surface layer (32) with a surface expansion index and a second layer (34) with a second expansion index. The surface layer (32) includes a surface wetting agent in a first total amount. The second layer (34) includes a wetting agent in a second total amount. The surface layer (32) is directly superposed to the second layer (34). The second wetting agent in the second layer (34) includes metal boride precursors that react together to generate a metal boride component in situ when the cathode block (30) is exposed to start-up and operation conditions of the electrolytic cell (10). The second total amount is lower than the first total amount and is selected so as to minimize the difference between the expansion indexes of the surface layer (32) and the second layer (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: RIO TINTO ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Jean Camiré, Jules Bergeronère, Pierre-Yves Brisson, Simon Leclerc
  • Patent number: 7914653
    Abstract: Disclosed is an anode for electrochemical reactions, such as electrolysis and electrodeposition, comprising a titanium substrate covered with metal oxide, in which the amount of platinum group element(s) is decreased in comparison with the ordinary anode of platinum group element oxides so as to decrease the cost and to mitigate the problem of natural resources, and further, durability of the anode is improved. The electrocatalyst of the anode is multiple oxide of platinum group element(s), and Sn and Sb. The cationic ratio of Sn to Sb is 1-40 and the sum of Sn and Sb is 1-90 cationic %. The electrocatalyst is prepared by coating mixed solutions of the soluble salts on the substrate and baking, so as to convert the metal salts to metal oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignees: Koji Hashimoto, Daiki Ataka Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hashimoto, Ahmed Abd El-Moneim, Naokazu Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20110068001
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells, and more specifically, release systems for the fabrication of electrochemical cells are described. In particular, release layer arrangements, assemblies, methods and compositions that facilitate the fabrication of electrochemical cell components, such as electrodes, are presented. In some embodiments, methods of fabricating an electrode involve the use of a release layer to separate portions of the electrode from a carrier substrate on which the electrode was fabricated. For example, an intermediate electrode assembly may include, in sequence, an electroactive material layer, a current collector layer, a release layer, and a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate can facilitate handling of the electrode during fabrication and/or assembly, but may be released from the electrode prior to commercial use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Affinito, John A. Martens, Ang Xiao, Christopher T.S. Campbell, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Igor Kovalev, Ashley H. Bulldis, Zhesheng Xu
  • Publication number: 20110017592
    Abstract: An electrode assembly that may be used, for example, for electrochemically analysing a sample to determine the presence (or otherwise) of a species having biomembrane activity comprises at least one working electrode comprised of a conductive carrier substrate having a surface coated with mercury immobilised on the surface of the substrate. The surface of the mercury remote from said substrate is coated with a phospholipid layer. The preferred carrier substrate is platinum. The electrode assembly may be incorporated in a flow cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Nelson, Zachary Coldrick
  • Publication number: 20110011749
    Abstract: A process for separation of a target ion from a fluid mixture containing the ion as well as a fluid non-ionic component includes flowing a mixture of the fluid and the ion through a separation zone containing positive and negative plates. The positive plate has a surface layer of negative polarity and the negative plate has a surface layer of positive polarity. An electrical potential is applied across the plates using a selected voltage. The mixture flows along at least one of the positive and negative plates such that target ions are attracted to the plate of opposite charge caused by the electrical potential. At the selected voltage, the surface layers of the positive plate and negative plates having the same polarity as an attracted positive or negative ion has surface groups that repel the attracted ions as they flow past the plate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Christian Gollmann
  • Patent number: 7846308
    Abstract: An anode for electrowinning of aluminium from alumina comprises a cobalt-containing metallic outer part that is covered with an integral oxide layer containing predominantly cobalt oxide CoO. The integral oxide layer can be formed by surface oxidation of cobalt from the metallic outer part before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Riotinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Vittorio De Nora, Thinh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7833395
    Abstract: An electrode system for an electrochemical cell is provided, including a substrate, a measuring electrode connected to the substrate and formed from a number of electrically conducting and mutually connected microdisks, and a generating electrode formed from an electrically conducting sheet and having a diameter that is greater than that of the microdisks. In one implementation, the microdisks are provided in cavities in the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Adamant Technologies SA
    Inventors: Jean Gobet, Philippe Niedermann, Philippe Rychen
  • Patent number: 7811425
    Abstract: An anode for electrowinning aluminium comprises an electrically conductive substrate that is covered with an applied electrochemically active coating comprising a layer that contains predominantly cobalt oxide CoO. The CoO layer can be connected to the substrate through an oxygen barrier layer, in particular containing copper, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum and/or niobium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Vittorio De Nora, Thinh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7811426
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oxygen evolution anode for evolving oxygen without chlorine evolution in electrolysis of aqueous solutions of sodium chloride having high performance and durability with decreased amount of the precious metal(s) in the intermediate layer to decrease manufacturing cost and to ease problem of the resources. The oxygen evolution anode comprises an electroconductive substrate, an intermediate layer and an electrocatalyst. The intermediate layer prepared by calcination consists of multiple oxide of the platinum group element(s), Sn and Sb, with the Sn/Sb ratio of 1-40 and with the sum of Sn and Sb of 90 cationic % or less. The electrocatalyst is prepared by anodic deposition and consists of 0.1-3 cationic % of Sn, 0.2-20 cationic % of Mo and/or W and the balance of Mn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignees: Daiki Ataka Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hashimoto, Ahmed Abd El-Moneim, Naokazu Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20100252441
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an anode, devices and systems including the anode (e.g., electrochemical devices and photo-electrochemical devices), methods of using the anode, methods of producing H2 and O2 from H2O, Cl2, oxidixed organic feedstocks, oxidation for the detection and quantification of chemical species, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher Elisha Dunn Chidsey, Paul C. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7803260
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oxygen evolution electrode for formation of only oxygen without formation of chlorine at anode in the performance and the durability of the anode is so high that they are, even in strong acid, at the same level as that in neutral solution. The electrode is prepared by anodic deposition of multiple oxide consisting of Mn—Mo—Sn, Mo—W—Sn or Mn—Mo—W—Sn on an IrO2-coated titanium substrate. The multiple oxide are composed of Mn as the main component, 0.1-3 cationic % of Sn and 0.2-20 cationic % of Mo and/or W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignees: Daiki Ataka Engineering Co., Ltd., Koji Hashimoto
    Inventors: Koji Hashimoto, Ahmed Abd El-Moneim, Naokazu Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20100170783
    Abstract: A method for producing a diamond electrode comprising synthetically produced and electrically conductive (doped) diamond particles, which are embedded into a support layer of electrically non-conductive material. The doped diamond particles are introduced as a single layer between two films that form the support layer, the films then being permanently connected to each other and the diamond particles being exposed on both sides of the support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wesner, Robert Hermann, Michael Schelch, Wolfgang Staber
  • Publication number: 20100143811
    Abstract: A catalyst for the photo-electrolysis of water molecules, the catalyst including catalytic groups comprising tetra-manganese-oxo clusters. A plurality of the catalytic groups are supported on a conductive support substrate capable of incorporating water molecules. At least some of the catalytic groups, supported by the support substrate, are able to catalytically interact with water molecules incorporated into the support substrate. The catalyst can be used as part of photo-electrochemical cell for the generation of electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Robin Brimblecombe, Leone Spiccia, Charles Gerard Dismukes, Gerry F. Swiegers
  • Publication number: 20100089746
    Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen electrolyzing device for generating hydrogen and oxygen with electrolytic solution comprises a first container providing a receiving trough for containing the electrolyte, and at least an electrolyzing structure; the electrolyzing structure further comprises: at least a serial cell being disposed in the receiving trough and further comprising a plurality of electrodes with a gap between every two neighboring electrodes, a first conductor and a second conductor; the first and second conductors electrically connect with the two outermost electrodes; characterized in that each of the electrodes is a carbon paper electrode with both outer surfaces thereof being changed in material; the carbon paper electrode further comprises: a carbon paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface, a first metal layer being joined to the first surface, and a second metal layer being joined to the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicants: TROIKA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHAO CHANG
  • Publication number: 20100065420
    Abstract: An electrode for effective ozone production in an electrochemical cell uses a modified electrode design which adopts a novel catalytic component. The catalytic component has a number of elements selected from various metals and metalloids, and is applied to a substrate in multiple coatings or layers. The catalytic component forms a catalytic surface which is at least partially disrupted by the presence of an element which is relatively inactive with respect to oxygen evolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: CLARIZON LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Christensen, Wen Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20100038235
    Abstract: The present invention provides a diamond electrode that, in waste water treatment or production of functional water by using electrolysis, does not cause contamination of a solution or release of toxic substances, achieves enhancement of the energy efficiency, has excellent durability, and can endure prolonged use without damage. The present invention further provides a treatment device where the above electrode is used, and a method for manufacturing the above electrode. In a diamond electrode according to the present invention, the electrode includes a conductive diamond film covering one surface of a substrate. Assuming that the thickness of the substrate is T (?m) and the thickness of the conductive diamond film is t1 (?m), the ratio between them is 0.0010?t1/T?0.022 and 10?t1?70.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC HARDMETAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shigeru Yoshida, Toshiya Takahashi, Yuichiro Seki, Katsuhito Yoshida, Fuminori Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20100038261
    Abstract: The galvanic cathodic protection of steel embedded in concrete structures is enhanced by the utilization of a flexible composite anode assembly containing a sacrificial anode member. The anode member is at least partially covered by a matrix comprising an ionically-conductive material. The conductive material includes at least one electrochemical activating agent such as a mixture of lithium bromide and lithium nitrate and a compressible water-retaining mineral such as a phyllosilicate mineral. The presence of this mineral in the matrix increases the current delivered by the anode, thereby resulting in a greater level of cathodic protection, and a longer effective service life of the anode. Exfoliated vermiculite is a preferred phyllosilicate mineral and is present in an amount of between about 2% and about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: John E. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20090314653
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a highly-durable electrode tool for electrochemical machining, which can prevent the corrosion and abrasion of a conductive pattern at the time of electrochemical machining for forming dynamic pressure-generating grooves of a fluid dynamic bearing, and a method of manufacturing the same. The electrode tool for electrochemical machining includes: an electrode substrate on which a conductive pattern is formed to have protrusions corresponding to the fine grooves and to which negative current is applied; a nonconductive insulating layer, covering an entire top surface of the electrode substrate excluding the conductive pattern; and a conductive layer, which is formed on the conductive pattern to protect the conductive pattern, and a top surface of which is the same height as a top surface of the nonconductive insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Tae Kim, Young Hwan Lim, Il Oung Park, Won Seok Choi, Jong Yun Kim
  • Publication number: 20090301866
    Abstract: A multilayer material includes a solid substrate and at least two superimposed solid layers containing particles of an electrochemically active material, the first solid layer adhering to the solid substrate and the second solid layer adhering to the first solid layer. The multilayer material has a constant thickness of upper layer not less than 95% and a depth of penetration of the second layer into the first layer which is less than 10% of the thickness of the first layer, and enables as electrode constituent, generators having a low risk of overload degradation to be prepared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Karim Zaghib, Michel Petitclerc, Patrick Charest, Abdelbast Guerfi, Martin Dontigny
  • Publication number: 20090045074
    Abstract: An electrode for use in a deionization apparatus includes a conductive material that is in a granular form and is arranged in a layer that is defined by a first face and a second face. The electrode includes a substrate that is disposed against the first face, and a first member that is disposed against the second face and is formed to permit a fluid to pass through the first member and into contact with the granular conductive material to permit absorption of ions by the granular conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: The Water Company LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Hoover, Brian B. Elson, Brian C. Large, Peter Norman
  • Publication number: 20080116064
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oxygen evolution anode for evolving oxygen without chlorine evolution in electrolysis of aqueous solutions of sodium chloride having high performance and durability with decreased amount of the precious metal(s) in the intermediate layer to decrease manufacturing cost and to ease problem of the resources. The oxygen evolution anode comprises an electroconductive substrate, an intermediate layer and an electrocatalyst. The intermediate layer prepared by calcination consists of multiple oxide of the platinum group element(s), Sn and Sb, with the Sn/Sb ratio of 1-40 and with the sum of Sn and Sb of 90 cationic % or less. The electrocatalyst is prepared by anodic deposition and consists of 0.1-3 cationic % of Sn, 0.2-20 cationic % of Mo and/or W and the balance of Mn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicants: Daiki Ataka Engineering Co., Ltd., Koji Hashimoto
    Inventors: Koji Hashimoto, Ahmed Abd El-Moneim, Naokazu Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7374647
    Abstract: A device of an electrode is disclosed, comprising a core and a surface coating of electrically-conductive material, and it is characterized by that the surface coating comprises one or several layers with a pore-free surface, each with a thickness of 0.005 mm to 0.050 mm, and formed by spraying, especially with a vacuum plasma spray technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: ORO AS
    Inventors: Atle Mundheim, Lasse Kroknes
  • Publication number: 20080067061
    Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: UMICORE AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Zuber, Sandra Wittpahl, Klaus Schaack, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Pia Braun, Lutz Rohland
  • Patent number: 7244887
    Abstract: Preferred electrode devices (10) including a substrate (11) and cathode (13) and anode material (12) coated thereon in discreet locations are described. The cathode materials desirably include multiple layers of thin metal films (14). Preferred cell devices including conductive elements and a solid state source of charged ions for migration into and through the conductive elements are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lattice Energy LLC
    Inventor: George H. Miley
  • Patent number: 7070878
    Abstract: A layered oxygen electrode incorporating a peroxide decomposition catalyst. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash Dhar
  • Patent number: 7052587
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a photoelectrochemical (PEC) electrode or photoelectrode for use in splitting water by electrolysis. The photoelectrode has an electrically conductive surface in contact with an electrolyte solution. This surface is a doped tin oxide layer, which is in electrical contact with the semiconductor solar cell material of the PEC photoelectrode. In a variation of the present invention, another layer of metal oxide having transparent, anti-reflective, and conductive properties is disposed between the doped tin oxide layer and the semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L Gibson, Nelson A Kelly
  • Patent number: 7022287
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrochemical device for detecting single particles, and methods for using such a device to achieve high sensitivity for detecting particles such as bacteria, viruses, aggregates, immuno-complexes, molecules, or ionic species. The device provides for affinity-based electrochemical detection of particles with single-particle sensitivity. The disclosed device and methods are based on microelectrodes with surface-attached, affinity ligands (e.g., antibodies, combinatorial peptides, glycolipids) that bind selectively to some target particle species. The electrodes electrolyze chemical species present in the particle-containing solution, and particle interaction with a sensor element modulates its electrolytic activity. The devices may be used individually, employed as sensors, used in arrays for a single specific type of particle or for a range of particle types, or configured into arrays of sensors having both these attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Joseph Schoeniger, Albert W. Flounders, Robert C. Hughes, Antonio J. Ricco, Karl Wally, Stanley H. Kravitz, Richard P. Janek
  • Patent number: 6921469
    Abstract: Described are preferred electrode structures which desirably include multiple thin conductive layers stably bonded to an electrode substrate through a bonding layer. Also described are preferred electrode structures which include reinforcing carbon layers, which include an embrittlement-sensitive material and a protective oxygen-free copper layer, and which include at least one thin metal layer including a bamboo grain pattern. Additional embodiments of the invention include electric cells incorporating such electrode structures, and methods for their operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Lattice Energy LLC
    Inventor: Lewis G. Larsen
  • Patent number: 6835489
    Abstract: A double layered oxygen electrode impregnated with an active catalyst material and method of making. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash Dhar, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Publication number: 20040256224
    Abstract: The present application discloses process comprising providing a wafer, the wafer comprising an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) having a feature therein, an under-layer deposited on the ILD, and a barrier layer deposited on the under-layer, and a conductive layer deposited in the feature, placing the wafer in an electrolyte, such that at least the barrier layer is immersed in the electrolyte, and applying an electrical potential between the electrode and the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Tatyana N. Andryushchenko, Anne E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040108205
    Abstract: Described are preferred electrode structures which desirably include multiple thin conductive layers stably bonded to an electrode substrate through a bonding layer. Also described are preferred electrode structures which include reinforcing carbon layers, which include an embrittlement-sensitive material and a protective oxygen-free copper layer, and which include at least one thin metal layer including a bamboo grain pattern. Additional embodiments of the invention include electric cells incorporating such electrode structures, and methods for their operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Lewis G. Larsen
  • Patent number: 6733639
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas diffusion electrode (1) comprising a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer (3b), a reaction layer (3a), and a hydrophilic layer (5) arranged in the mentioned order wherein the reaction layer (3a) is arranged to a barrier layer (4), which barrier layer (4), on its opposite side, is arranged to the hydrophilic layer (5). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a gas diffusion electrode (1), and to an electrolytic cell, and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Busse, Lars-Erik Bergman
  • Publication number: 20040069622
    Abstract: An oxygen-depolarised cathode for aqueous hydrchloric acid electrolysis membrane cells is described, the cathode being in contact with the membrane and capable of preventing the release of hydrogen into oxygen even at the highest current densities. Hydrochloric acid may also be of technical grade with a concentration limited to 15%, whereas the operating temperature must not exceed 60° C. The cathode contains a mixture of rhodium sulphide and a metal of the platinum group applied in a single layer or alternatively applied separately in two distinct layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gian Nicola Martelli, Fulvio Federico
  • Publication number: 20030159922
    Abstract: Preferred electrode devices (10) including a substrate (11) and cathode (13) and anode material (12) coated thereon in discreet locations are described. The cathode materials desirably include multiple layers of thin metal films (14). Preferred cell devices including conductive elements and a solid state source of charged ions for migration into and through the conductive elements are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: George H. Miley
  • Publication number: 20020110726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas diffusion electrode (1) comprising a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer (3b), a reaction layer (3a), and a hydrophilic layer (5) arranged in the mentioned order wherein the reaction layer (3a) is arranged to a barrier layer (4), which barrier layer (4), on its opposite side, is arranged to the hydrophilic layer (5). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a gas diffusion electrode (1), and to an electrolytic cell, and use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Bernd Busse, Lars-Erik Bergman
  • Patent number: 6379526
    Abstract: A non-carbon metal-based anode of a cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprising an electrically conductive metal substrate resistant to high temperature, the surface of which becomes passive and substantially inert to the electrolyte, and a coating adherent to the metal substrate making the surface of the anode electrochemically active for the oxidation of oxygen ions present at the electrolyte interface. The substrate metal may be selected from nickel, cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, tantalum and the Lanthanide series. The active constituents of the coating are for example oxides such as spinels or perovskites, oxyfluorides, phosphides or carbides, in particular ferrites. The active constituents may be coated onto the substrate from a slurry or suspension containing colloidal material and the electrochemically active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Moltech Invent SA
    Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jean-Jacques Duruz
  • Patent number: 6372099
    Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprising one or more anodes, each having a metal-based anode substrate, comprising a metal core covered with an metal layer, an oxygen barrier layer, one or more intermediate layers and an iron layer. The anode substrate is covered with an electrochemically active iron oxide-based outside layer, particularly a hematite-based layer, which remains dimensionally stable during operation in a cell by maintaining in the electrolyte a sufficient concentration of iron species. The cell operating temperature is sufficiently low so the required concentration of iron species in the electrolyte is limited by the reduced solubility of iron species in the electrolyte at the operating temperature, limiting the contamination of the product aluminium by iron to an acceptable level. The iron oxide-based layer is an applied coating or an oxidised surface of a substrate, the surface of which contains iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Duruz, Vittorio de Nora
  • Patent number: 6365018
    Abstract: A non-carbon, metal-based, high temperature resistant, electrically conductive and electrochemically active anode of an aluminum production cell has a metal-based substrate having an adherent coating applied prior to its immersion into the electrolyte and start up of the electrolysis. The coating is obtainable from one or more layers applied from: a liquid solution, a dispersion or suspension in a liquid or a paste, a pasty or non-pasty slurry, and combinations thereof with or without one or more further applied layers, with or without heat treatment between two consecutively applied layers when at least two layers are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventor: Vittorio de Nora
  • Publication number: 20010042682
    Abstract: An electrode with large active surface area is made by winding a Ti-fiber tow around a rectangular Ti-plate, and an electrocatalytic coating of three layers is applied. A precoat comprising a mixture of iridium dioxide and tantalum pentoxide is applied first, using a solution of the corresponding chloride salts in hydrochloric acid with some nitric acid added to inhibit corrosion of the metal. A sealing coat is then applied, comprising tin dioxide doped with antimony, in order to improve adhesion of the final oxide coat to the precoat. The third and final coat comprises particles of titanium dioxide doped with niobium in the +4 oxidation cemented with titanium dioxide that is doped with antimony. Anodes of this description are preferably assembled together with corrosion resistant cathodes in an alternating sequence, with a plastic coated fiber glass mesh placed between the anodes and cathodes to prevent short circuiting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Oleh Weres, Henry Edward O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6315879
    Abstract: A flexible, modular thin film deposition machine comprises a number of batch process stations which define a batch process path. At least one of the batch process stations is a thin film deposition station including a serial deposition chamber and an inter-chamber disk transfer mechanism. The disks move in batches along the process path, being individually processed only at the deposition station. Within the serial sputtering chambers of at least one deposition station there is at most partial environmental separation, whereas between different deposition stations the separation is complete. The resulting simplification of the transport mechanism provides for a high throughput rate while simultaneously minimizing contamination of individual thin film layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: United Module Corporation
    Inventors: Hudson A. Washburn, Jarrett L. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6277510
    Abstract: The present invention provides a porous electrode used for a conductive material-filled polymer composite. At least one surface of the porous electrode is an open porous structure, which includes a plurality of macropores and micropores randomly distributed and interconnected with each other. The conductive material-filled polymer composite includes a polymer substrate and conductive particles filled therein. When the surface of the open porous structure of the porous electrode is bonded with the conductive material-filled polymer composite, the conductive particles in the conductive material-filled polymer composite can be trapped in the macropores of the porous structure, and the polymer substrate in the conductive material-filled polymer composite can be immersed into the micropores of the porous structure. This enables a better direct contact between the conductive particles and the porous electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kun-Huang Chang, Wei-Wen Yeh, Shu-Chin Chou, Chen-Ron Lin
  • Publication number: 20010013474
    Abstract: A non-carbon, metal based slow-consumable anode of a cell for the electrowinning of aluminum self-forms during normal electrolysis an electrochemically-active oxide-based surface layer (20). The rate of formation (35) of the layer (20) is substantially equal to its rate of dissolution (30) at the surface layer/electrolyte interface (25) thereby maintaining its thickness substantially constant, forming a limited barrier controlling the oxidation rate (35). The anode (10) usually comprises an alloy or iron at least one of nickel, copper, cobalt or zinc which during use forms an oxide surface layer (20) mainly containing ferrite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Vittorio De Nora, Jean-Jacques Duruz
  • Patent number: 6267868
    Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrochemical machining process comprising an outer metal skin of corrosion resistant material, an inner core of conductive material, and an insulating coating disposed on an external surface of the outer metal skin. The external surface is partially coated with the insulating coating so as to define a pattern of raised areas to be formed on an internal surface of a predrilled hole in a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bin Wei, Bruce Alan Knudsen, William Thomas Carter, Jr., Hsin-Pang Wang
  • Patent number: 6258224
    Abstract: A process of producing multi-layer cathode structures. In one aspect, the process comprises providing a carbonaceous cathode substrate, and forming at least one layer of a metal boride-containing composite refractory material over the substrate, wherein the surface of the carbonaceous substrate to be coated is roughened prior to the formation of the layer overlying the said surface. The roughening of the surfaces reduces the tendency of the layers to separate in high temperature operating conditions. In another aspect, the process comprises providing a carbonaceous cathode substrate, and forming at least two coating layers of a metal boride-containing composite refractory material successively over the substrate, wherein the content of metal boride in the coating layers increases progressively as the distance of the layer from the substrate increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventor: Amir A. Mirtchi
  • Patent number: 6251254
    Abstract: An electrode adapted for chromium plating from trivalent chromium baths which comprises a conductive base, an electrode material layer comprising iridium oxide formed thereon, and a porous layer formed on the surface of the electrode material layer. The porous can comprise an oxide containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, molybdenum, titanium, tantalum, zirconium, and tungsten. Use of this electrode for chromium plating reduces the oxidation of trivalent chromium into hexavalent chromium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Katoh, Miwako Nara, Yukiei Matsumoto, Setsuro Ogata
  • Patent number: 6231731
    Abstract: An electrolyzing electrode which is for electrolyzing a metal electrolytic solution, shows a long lifetime in use as an ordinary anode and has sufficient durability even when in a poor potential region, and a process for the production thereof. The electrolyzing electrode of the present invention has an undercoating layer which is formed of platinum metal and tantalum oxide and contains, as metals, 1 to 20 at % of platinum and 80 to 99 at % of tantalum, on an electrically conductive electrode substrate, has an intermediate layer which is formed of iridium oxide and tantalum oxide and contains, as metals, 70 to 99.9 at % of iridium and 0.1 to 30 at % of tantalum, on the undercoating layer, and further has an overcoating layer which is formed of platinum metal and iridium oxide and contains, as metals, 60 to 99.9 at % of platinum and 0.1 to 40 at % of iridium, on the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Kondo, Hiroyuki Nakada, Yukio Kawashima