Metallic Patents (Class 204/292)
  • Patent number: 11626524
    Abstract: A photoexcitable material includes: a solid solution of MN (where M is at least one of gallium, aluminum and indium) and ZnO, wherein the photoexcitable material includes 30 to 70 mol % ZnO and has a band gap energy of 2.20 eV or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideyuki Amada, Fumiaki Kumasaka, Toshio Manabe, Toshihisa Anazawa, Yoshihiko Imanaka
  • Patent number: 11566332
    Abstract: A process and related electrode composition are disclosed for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation and/or hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived bio-oil components by the production of hydrogen atoms on a catalyst surface followed by the reaction of the hydrogen atoms with the organic compounds in bio-oil. The catalyst is a metal supported on a monolithic high surface area material such as activated carbon cloth. Electrocatalytic hydrogenation and/or hydrodeoxygenation stabilizes the bio-oil under mild conditions to reduce coke formation and catalyst deactivation. The process converts oxygen-containing functionalities and unsaturated bonds into chemically reduced forms with an increased hydrogen content. The process is operated at mild conditions, which enables it to be a good means for stabilizing bio-oil to a form that can be stored and transported using metal containers and pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Christopher M. Saffron, Zhenglong Li, Dennis J. Miller, James E. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10861649
    Abstract: A ceramic electronic component includes: a ceramic body that includes internal electrodes; and an external electrode that includes a plurality of crystal particles containing Ba, Zn, Si, and O, the external electrode being formed on a surface of the ceramic body and connected to the internal electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Nakamura, Mikio Tahara
  • Patent number: 10811195
    Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a capacitor body including a sintered body of tantalum powders; an anode wire having a first region in a width direction embedded in the capacitor body and a second region in the width direction led through one surface of the capacitor body; an encapsulant part enclosing the capacitor body and the anode wire; an anode terminal disposed on an outer surface of the encapsulant part and connected to the anode wire; a cathode terminal spaced apart from the anode terminal and disposed on the outer surface of the encapsulant part; and a cathode lead portion electrically connecting the capacitor body and the cathode terminal to each other, wherein at least one of the anode wire and the cathode lead portion is provided in plural.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Kyu Shin, Jae Bum Cho, Jae Hyuk Choi
  • Patent number: 10633749
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrolyzer reactor suitable for the reduction of organic compounds. The reactor includes a membrane electrode assembly with freestanding metallic meshes which serve both as metallic electrode structures for electron transport as well as catalytic surfaces for electron generation and organic compound reduction. Suitable organic compounds for reduction include oxygenated and/or unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, in particular those characteristic of bio-oil (e.g., alone or a multicomponent mixtures). The reactor and related methods provide a resource- and energy-efficient approach to organic compound reduction, in particular for bio-oil mixtures which can be conveniently upgraded at or near their point of production with minimal or no transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James E. Jackson, Chun Ho Lam, Christopher M. Saffron, Dennis J. Miller
  • Patent number: 10392715
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells for the reductive amination of furfural-based molecules are provided. Also provided are methods of using the electrochemical cells to carry out the electrochemical reductive amination reactions. Using the cells and methods, furfural-based molecules can be converted into amines via the conversion of their formyl groups to amine groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kyoung-Shin Choi, John James Roylance
  • Patent number: 10358727
    Abstract: Disclosed are cathodes comprising a conductive support substrate having a catalyst coating including Ni5P4 nanocrystals. The conductive support substrate is capable of incorporating a material to be reduced, such as water or hydrogen cations. Also disclosed are methods for generating hydrogen gas from water via an electrolysis reaction or from the reduction of hydrogen cations, wherein the catalyst is part of a conductive support within a cathode, including (a) placing an anode and the inventive cathode in an electrolyte, (b) placing the anode and cathode in conductive contact with an external source of electricity, (c) providing a source of water to the cathode, and (d) using the external source of electricity to drive an electrolysis reaction at the cathode, whereby the hydrogen gas is generated from water. In certain embodiments, the reaction uses a free catalyst, wherein the catalyst is placed in proximity to the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
    Inventors: G. Charles Dismukes, Anders Laursen, Martha Greenblatt
  • Patent number: 10153075
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a polyimide-based polymer thick film paste composition for forming a polyimide-based polymer thick film resistor, a process for forming the resistor and an electrical device containing a resistor formed using the paste composition The paste composition comprise a functional component, a polyimide, and an organic solvent and can be cured by heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Seigi Suh
  • Patent number: 10121575
    Abstract: A thin film resistor includes 38-60 at.% of nickel, 10-25 at.% of chromium, 3-10 at.% of manganese, 4-18 at.% of yttrium, and 1-36 at.% of dysprosium. The thin film resistor can greatly increase the resistivity with a low temperature coefficient of resistance to broaden the applications of the thin film resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL PINGTUNG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Ying-Chieh Lee
  • Patent number: 10012886
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical modulator. An optical modulator comprises a substrate, an upper transparent electrode on the substrate, a partition wall providing a chamber between the substrate and the upper transparent electrode, an optical modulation member provided in the chamber and disposed on the substrate, and an electrolyte filling the chamber and including a first metal in an ionic state. The optical modulation member comprises a reflection layer on the substrate, and a lower transparent electrode on the reflection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Seong-Mok Cho, Tae-Youb Kim, Seung Youl Lee, Yong Hae Kim, Hojun Ryu, Juhee Song, Chil Seong Ah, Jeong Ik Lee, Chi-Sun Hwang
  • Patent number: 9997775
    Abstract: A device includes an electrolyte disposed between a layer of graphene and liquid metal. A system based upon the device includes a substrate having first and second layers of graphene and an enclosure disposed thereon. The enclosure encases the first and second layers of graphene and has a channel formed therein. A first end of the channel is disposed over at least a portion of the first layer of graphene and a second end of the channel is disposed over at least a portion of the second layer of graphene. An electrolyte disposed within the channel. Liquid metal is disposed within the electrolyte such that the liquid metal is separated from the first layer of graphene and the second layer of graphene by the electrolyte. The liquid metal is movable within the electrolyte to reconfigure power delivery to different connected loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
    Inventors: Richard C. Ordonez, Nackieb M. Kamin, David Garmire, Cody K. Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9689079
    Abstract: The present invention provides a permanent and cost-effective composite electrode for electrolytically producing alkaline water, comprising an electrode core made of steel, a filler densely packed around the electrode core, said filler capable of creating a mildly aqueous and alkaline environment to motivate formation of a layer of magnetite over a surface of the electrode core, and a housing enclosing the filler, said housing having a pore size selected such that very low permeation of gas and liquid takes place. The invention also provides an apparatus comprising the composite electrode, and the use of the alkaline water produced by the apparatus of the invention. According to the invention, no additional undesired side products, such as toxic chlorine gas and other pollutants, are produced and discharged to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ECOSPEC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PTE LTD.
    Inventor: Hwee Hong Chew
  • Patent number: 9506157
    Abstract: Provided is an electrolysis cell capable of suppressing the degradation of a cathode by the reverse current at the time of stopping electrolysis. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrolysis cell comprising an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, a partition wall separating the anode chamber from the cathode chamber, an anode installed in the anode chamber, a cathode installed in the cathode chamber, and a reverse current absorbing body having a substrate and a reverse current absorbing layer formed on the substrate and installed in the cathode chamber, in which the anode and the cathode are electrically connected and the cathode and the reverse current absorbing layer are electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akiyasu Funakawa, Toshinori Hachiya
  • Publication number: 20150122640
    Abstract: An electrochemical device comprises an anode and a cathode. An electrocatalyst mixture is placed between said anode and cathode. The electrocatalyst mixture comprises at least one Catalytically Active Element and, separately, at least one Helper Catalyst comprising an organic molecule, an organic ion, or a mixture of organic molecules and organic ions. The electrocatalyst mixture electrochemically converts carbon dioxide to one or more carbonaceous reaction products via the reaction: CO2+2e?+2H+?carbonaceous reaction products, at overpotentials of 0.9 V or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Richard I. Masel, Brian A. Rosen
  • Publication number: 20150105244
    Abstract: An electrode material for a direct fuel cell or an electrochemical hydrogenation electrolytic tank, includes component A, or component B, or the mixture of component A and component B. The component A is any one of or a mixture of two or more than two of HnNb2O5, HnV2O5, HnMoO3, HnTa2O5 or HnWO3 at any ratio, where 0<n?4. The component B is any one of or a mixture of two or more than two of Nb2O5, V2O5, MoO3, Ta2O5, WO3 at any ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Hansong Cheng, Chaoqun Han, Ming Yang, Gang Ni, Liang Huang, Libin Pei
  • Publication number: 20150096887
    Abstract: Electrodes employing as active material iridium nanoparticles synthesized by a novel route are provided. The nanoparticle synthesis is facile and reproducible, and provides iridium nanoparticles of very small dimension and high purity for a wide range of metals. The electrodes utilizing these nanoparticles have excellent efficiency catalyzing the electrolytic production of oxygen from water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth J. McDonald, Michael Paul Rowe
  • Patent number: 8993165
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at clathrate (Type I) allotropes of silicon, germanium and tin. In method form, the present disclosure is directed at methods for forming clathrate allotropes of silicon, germanium or tin which methods lead to the formation of empty cage structures suitable for use as electrodes in rechargeable type batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Miller, Kwai S. Chan, Wuwei Liang, Candace K. Chan
  • Patent number: 8951448
    Abstract: A cathode material for a lithium secondary battery capable of stably suppressing manganese dissolution even under high temperature and voltage conditions is provided. Further, by using the cathode material for a lithium secondary battery, a lithium secondary battery excellent in a charge/discharge cycle profile at a high temperature and a secondary battery module equipped with the battery are provided. The cathode material for a lithium secondary battery comprises a lithium manganese composite oxide and a coating layer formed on the surface of the lithium manganese composite oxide. The coating layer includes an oxide compound or a fluoride compound each containing M (wherein, M is at least one element selected from the group of Mg, Al and Cu), and a phosphorous compound. An atomic density of M at the side of the lithium manganese composite oxide in the coating layer is higher than an atomic density of M at the side of a surface layer of the coating layer facing to the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Toyama, Kazushige Kohno
  • Publication number: 20150034491
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anode for electrowinning process in an electrolytic cell, and the method of operation thereof, having cell walls and a cell bottom for holding an electrolyte and electrolyte feeding means, which anode comprises a hanger bar for supporting the anode, a conducting rod for distributing the current, an anode body having at least partly conductive structure. The anode body allows electrolyte penetration and is at least partly covered by electrocatalytic coating, when in connection with the anode there is arranged a non-conductive element, which is restricted to the conductive structure of the anode body, at least from its one side, and which non-conductive element is arranged at a distance A from the electrolyte surface level, when the non-conductive element provides a means for attaching the anode to the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) Oy
    Inventors: Ville Nieminen, Michael H. Barker, Henri Virtanen
  • Publication number: 20140311922
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel compositions and methods for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: OHMX Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Ahrens, Paul A. Bertin, Amanda Eckermann, Dimitra Georganopoulou, Harry B. Gray, Markus Franz Wunder
  • Publication number: 20140238847
    Abstract: A light absorbing layer for a photoelectrode structure, the light absorbing layer including copper oxide, wherein metallic copper (Cu) is present at a grain boundary of the copper oxide. Also, a photoelectrode structure including the light absorbing layer, a photoelectrochemical cell including the photoelectrode structure, and a solar cell including the light absorbing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-hee LEE, Tae-gon KIM, Tae-hyung KIM, Seoung-jae IM
  • Publication number: 20140212947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioelectrode including a cross-linkable organometallic polymer, and to a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to an electrode in which a nanostructure of the organometallic polymer is controlled to be used in bio fuel cells, biosensors, and the like. The electrode according to the present invention includes an organometal and further includes a self-assembling block copolymer and enzyme, and provides usages in bio fuel cells and biosensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Moon Jeong Park, Joung Phil Lee
  • Patent number: 8696877
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode for hydrogen evolution in electrolysis cells, for instance chlor-alkali cells or cells for producing chlorate or hypochlorite, obtained starting from a substrate of nickel or other conductive material galvanically coated with nickel co-deposited with an amorphous molybdenum oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nedeljko Krstajic, Vladimir Jovic, Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi
  • Publication number: 20130277209
    Abstract: The present invention provides: an oxidation reaction electrode that generates oxygen by oxidizing water; and a reduction reaction electrode that synthesizes a carbon compound by reducing carbon dioxide. The two electrodes are electrically connected. Also, the reduction reaction electrode (1) synthesizes a carbon compound by reducing carbon dioxide in a water-containing liquid using radiated light energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Shunsuke Sato, Takeo Arai, Takeshi Morikawa, Keiko Uemura, Tsutomu Kajino, Tomiko Mori
  • Publication number: 20130280625
    Abstract: A method of preparing a gas diffusion electrode comprising a diffusion layer, and a reaction layer arranged to each other, wherein the diffusion layer is prepared by i) admixing a) sacrificial material, b) polymer and c) a metal-based material and d) optional further components, wherein the sacrificial material has a release temperature below about 275° C. and is added in an amount from about 1 to about 25 wt % based on the total weight of components a)-d) admixed; ii) forming a diffusion layer from the admixture of step i); iii) heating the forming diffusion layer to a temperature lower than about 275° C. so as to release at least a part of said sacrificial material from the diffusion layer. A gas diffusion electrode comprising a diffusion layer and a reaction layer arranged to one another, wherein the diffusion layer has a porosity ranging from about 60 to about 95%, and an electrolytic cell comprising the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: PERMASCAND AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Takayuki Shimamune, Yohannes Kiros
  • Publication number: 20130230794
    Abstract: A catalytic electrode may include a complex oxide deposited on a substrate. The complex oxide maybe an oxide of an alloy of ruthenium and another less expensive metal, including without limitation cobalt and manganese. The percentage of ruthenium in the complex oxide can be reduced to about 20 percent or less, while still allowing the electrode to maintain adequate electrocatalytic activity during redox reactions at the electrode. Electrodes can be synthesized using RuCo oxides with ruthenium content reduced to about 5%, or using RuMn oxides having ruthenium content reduced to about 10%, while maintaining good catalytic activity. These electrodes may be used in electrochemical cells including without limitation fuel cells, flow batteries and regenerative fuel cells such as halogen fuel cells or hydrogen-halogen fuel cells. These electrodes may also be used in electrolytic cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Sujit Kumar Mondal, Jason S. Rugolo, Brian Huskinson, Michael J. Aziz
  • Publication number: 20130228450
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for evolution of gaseous products in electrolysis cells comprising e metal substrate coated with at least two catalytic compositions, the outermost catalytic composition being deposited by means of chemical or physical phase vapour deposition technique and having a composition comprising noble metals selected from the group of platinum group metals or oxides thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIE DE NORA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Christian Urgeghe, Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi
  • Patent number: 8524903
    Abstract: The present invention provides ruthenium or osmium complexes and their uses as a catalyst for catalytic water oxidation. Another aspect of the invention provides an electrode and photo-electrochemical cells for electrolysis of water molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Javier Jesus Concepcion Corbea, Zuofeng Chen, Jonah Wesley Jurss, Joseph L. Templeton, Paul Hoertz, Thomas J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8506769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biosensor support comprising a cylinder (1) consisting of a non-electroconductive material and having: a through-hole (2) coaxial to the axis of the cylinder (1); a metal rod (3) arranged in said opening (2), with its upper end (31) level with the top base (11) of the cylinder (1); a layer/coating of noble metal (4) of between 1 and 1000 nanometers, arranged on the top base (11) of the cylinder, and a protector (5) consisting of a non-electroconductive material arranged on the layer/coating of noble metal (4) in the area where the layer (4) joins the metal rod (3), said protector covering a surface having a diameter (Ø2) larger than the diameter of the rod (3). The invention is applicable to the specific detection of substances in aqueous media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Biolan Microbiosensores, S.L.
    Inventors: Daniel Arquero Cavia, Asier Albizu Lluvia
  • Patent number: 8492303
    Abstract: The invention describes an electrode and an electrode coating which are based on a catalyst containing finely divided carbon modifications and noble metal (oxide)s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Norbert Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8486240
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant ceramic electrode material includes ceramic particles and, present between them, a three-dimensional network electroconducting path composed of a reductively fired product of a carbon-containing polymeric compound. This material is manufactured by a method in which a polymerization reaction of a polymerizable monomer previously contained in a ceramic slurry is performed to gel the ceramic slurry to thereby give a green body; and after drying and degreasing, the green body is fired in a reducing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Nagoya Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Masayoshi Fuji, Minoru Takahashi, Jingjun Liu, Hideo Watanabe, Takashi Shirai
  • Publication number: 20130157174
    Abstract: Electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide conversion include at least one catalytically active element with a particle size above 0.6 nm. The electrocatalysts can also include a Helper Catalyst. The catalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes and devices using the catalysts also include processes to produce CO, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2, and a specific device, namely, a CO2 sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Richard I. Masel, Amin Salehi-Khojin
  • Patent number: 8425740
    Abstract: The present invention provides an excellent durable cathode for hydrogen generation, which has a low hydrogen overvoltage and reduced dropping-off of a catalyst layer against the reverse current generated when an electrolyzer is stopped, and a method for producing the same. The present invention provides a cathode for hydrogen generation having a conductive base material and a catalyst layer formed on the conductive base material, wherein the catalyst layer includes crystalline iridium oxide, platinum and iridium-platinum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Takeaki Sasaki, Akiyasu Funakawa, Tadashi Matsushita, Toshinori Hachiya
  • Patent number: 8366890
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode formulation comprising a catalytic layer containing tin, ruthenium, iridium, palladium and niobium oxides applied to a titanium or other valve metal substrate. A protective layer based on titanium oxide modified with oxides of other elements such as tantalum, niobium or bismuth may be interposed between the substrate and the catalytic layer. The thus obtained electrode is suitable for use as an anode in electrolysis cells for chlorine production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Christian Urgeghe, Alexander Morozov, Alice Calderara, Dino Floriano Di Franco, Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi
  • Patent number: 8366891
    Abstract: A metallic oxygen evolving anode for electrowinning aluminum by decomposition of alumina dissolved in a cryolite-based molten electrolyte, and operable at anode current densities of 1.1 to 1.3 A/cm2, comprises an alloy of nickel, iron, manganese, optionally copper, and silicon. Preferably, the alloy is composed of 64-66 w % Ni; Iron; 25-27 w % Fe; 7-9 w % Mn; 0-0.7 w % Cu; and 0.4-0.6 w % Si. The weight ratio Ni/Fe is in the range 2.1 to 2.89, preferably 2.3 to 2.6, the weight ratio Ni/(Ni+Cu) is greater than 0.98, the weight ratio Cu/Ni is less than 0.01, and the weight ratio Mn/Ni is from 0.09 to 0.15. The alloy surface can comprise nickel ferrite produced by pre-oxidation of the alloy. The alloy, optionally with a pre-oxidized surface, can be coated with an external coating comprising cobalt oxide CoO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventor: Thinh Trong Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120312682
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid diamond electrode, a reactor, in particular a reactor comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one bipolar electrode having first and second major working surfaces positioned therebetween wherein the at least one bipolar electrode consists essentially of diamond, and methods in which the reactors are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan James Wilman, Patrick Simon Bray, Timothy Peter Mollart
  • Patent number: 8313624
    Abstract: An inert anode material for use in electrolytic processes comprises calcium ruthenate. [Note that the nominal formula for this compound is CaRuO3, although different stoichiometries may apply in practice].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Green Metals Limited
    Inventors: Derek John Fray, Gregory Russlan Doughty
  • Publication number: 20120255857
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for reducing hardened chemical salts in soil and also for improving water quality in irrigating water. The method comprises an electrolysis system in contact with soil to reduce hardened chemical salts. The system also can reduce pest's activity in water through electrolysis and the release of metal ions. The treated water is used further to loosen soil, inhibit pest and disease outbreak in crop field, and improve productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Arthur Cheng-Hsin Wu, Alex Yen-I Wu, Richard Forrest Wu, William Timothy Wu
  • Publication number: 20120222964
    Abstract: Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, JR., Lance M. Sworts, Brian J. Tielsch, Robert A. DiMilia
  • Publication number: 20120222970
    Abstract: Nanoscale probes for forming stable, non-destructive seals with cell membranes. The probes, systems including these probes, and methods of fabricating and using the probes described herein may be used to sense from, stimulate, modify, or otherwise effect individual cells or groups of cells. In particular, described herein are nanoscale cellular probes that may be used to span the lipid membrane of a cell to provide stable and long lasting access to the internal cellular structures. Thus, the probes described herein may be used as part of a system, method or device that would benefit from stable, non-destructive access across a cell membrane. In some variations the nanoscale probe devices or systems described herein may be used as part of a drug screening procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas Alexander Melosh, Piyush Verma, Benjamin David Almquist
  • Patent number: 8257463
    Abstract: A capacitor anode that is formed from flake powder is provided. The anodes are formed from low density flake powder (e.g., relatively large in size), which is believed to provide a short transmission line between the outer surface and interior of the anode. This may result in a low equivalent series resistance (“ESR”) and improved volumetric efficiency for capacitors made from such anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: AVX Corporation
    Inventors: James Allen Fife, Zebbie Lynn Sebald
  • Publication number: 20120217172
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for proportioning nitrate and/or nitrite ions in a solution using a copper electrode, said method being characterized in that it is carried out in constant potential mode and moreover in that it includes the steps of: i. applying a first potential to the copper electrode so as to reduce the copper oxides present on the surface of the metal copper electrode; ii. applying a second potential to the copper electrode so as to oxidize the metal copper formed in Step i into cupric ions; iii. applying a third potential to the copper electrode so as to reduce the copper oxides possibly formed in Step ii. Steps i through iii being carried out in a support electrolyte; and iv.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Catherine Debiemme, Hubert Cachet, Thi Tuyet Maï Trong Long, Nizar Aouina
  • Patent number: 8226805
    Abstract: An insoluble anode for metal wire electroplating capable of simultaneously electroplating a plurality of metal wires and uniformalizing the electroplating amounts of the metal wires stably for a long time. For realizing these, a plurality of insoluble electrode plates are disposed in a parallel alignment to be placed sandwiching a plurality of wire travel paths from both sides. A plurality of the insoluble electrode plates are tightened and fixed by through-bolts at a plurality of places along the travel path direction. A conductive spacer is interposed in each gap between the insoluble electrode plates at a tightening part by the through-bolt and also a conductive member is provided so as to contact all the electrode plates and the conductive spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignees: Daiso Co., Ltd., Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Kawaguchi, Ryuichi Otogawa, Kenichi Murakami, Yuji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8216438
    Abstract: Provided is a copper anode or a phosphorous-containing copper anode for use in performing electroplating copper on a semiconductor wafer, wherein purity of the copper anode or the phosphorous-containing copper anode excluding phosphorous is 99.99 wt % or higher, and silicon as an impurity is 10 wtppm or less. Additionally provided is an electroplating copper method capable of effectively preventing the adhesion of particles on a plating object, particularly onto a semiconductor wafer during electroplating copper, a phosphorous-containing copper anode for use in such electroplating copper, and a semiconductor wafer comprising a copper layer with low particle adhesion formed by the foregoing copper electroplating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Aiba, Hirofumi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20120156577
    Abstract: Methods of forming electrodes for electrolysis of water and other electrochemical techniques are provided. In some embodiments, the electrode comprising a current collector and a catalytic material. The method of forming the electrode may comprising immersing a current collector comprising a metallic species in an oxidation state of zero in a solution comprising anionic species, and causing a catalytic material to form on the current collector by application of a voltage to the current collector, wherein the catalytic material comprises metallic species in an oxidation state greater than zero and the anionic species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Vladimir Bulovic, Daniel G. Nocera, Elizabeth R. Young, Ronny Costi, Sarah Paydavosi
  • Patent number: 8183174
    Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-doped ruthenium oxide material by heating a mixture of a doping metal and a source of ruthenium under an inert atmosphere. In some embodiments, the doping metal is in the form of iridium black or lead powder, and the source of ruthenium is a powdered ruthenium oxide. An iridium-doped or lead-doped ruthenium oxide material can perform as an oxygen evolution catalyst and can be fabricated into electrodes for electrolysis cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thomas I. Valdez, Sekharipuram R. Narayanan
  • Patent number: 8133366
    Abstract: There is provided a substantially permanent stainless steel cathode plate suitable for use in electrorefining of metal cathodes, the cathode being composed of a low-nickel duplex steel or a lower grade “304” steel, wherein operational adherence of an electrodeposition thereon is enabled by altering various qualities of the cathode surface. There is also provided a method of producing the above duplex or Grade 304 cathode plates, such that the desired operational adherence of the deposit upon the plate is not so strong as to prevent the deposit being removed during subsequent handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Xstrata Queensland Limited
    Inventor: Wayne Keith Webb
  • Patent number: 8129076
    Abstract: To accelerate a film formation rate in forming a negative electrode active material film by vapor deposition using an evaporation source containing Si as a principal component, and to provide an electrode for lithium batteries which is superior in productivity, and keeps the charge and discharge capacity at high level are contemplated. The method of manufacturing an electrode for lithium batteries of the present invention includes the steps of: providing an evaporation source containing Si and Fe to give a molar ratio of Fe/(Si+Fe) being no less than 0.0005 and no greater than 0.15; and vapor deposition by melting the evaporation source and permitting evaporation to allow for vapor deposition on a collector directly or through an underlying layer. The electrode for lithium batteries of the present invention includes a collector, and a negative electrode active material film which includes SiFeyOx (wherein, 0<x<2, and 0.0001?y/(1+y)?0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Shibutani, Yuko Ogawa, Kazuyoshi Honda
  • Publication number: 20120043216
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus is provided that includes a plating tank for containing a plating electrolyte. A counter electrode, e.g., anode, is present in a first portion of the plating tank. A cathode system is present in a second portion of the plating tank. The cathode system includes a working electrode and a thief electrode. The thief electrode is present between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The thief electrode includes an exterior face that is in contact with the plating electrolyte that is offset from the plating surface of the working electrode. In one embodiment, the thief electrode overlaps a portion of the working electrode about the perimeter of the working electrode. In one embodiment, a method is provided of using the aforementioned electroplating apparatus that provides increased uniformity in the plating thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Arvin, Raschid J. Bezama, Glen N. Biggs, Hariklia Deligianni, Tracy A. Tong
  • Publication number: 20120012472
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel compositions of disubstituted bipyridyl osmium complexes useful for the synthesis of labeled proteins, nucleic acids, and for the modification of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: OHMX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Ahrens, Paul A. Bertin, Harry B. Gray, Thomas J. Meade