Abstract: A cathode assembly for an electrolytic cell including a cathode block having a second surface and a first surface. The cathode block also including at least one sealing groove opening onto its first surface and a plurality of electrical contact plugs mounted in electrical contact with the first surface of the cathode block. The cathode assembly includes at least one current supply plate in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact plug, and is connected to at least one unit for connection to an electric current source. The cathode assembly includes at least one current supply bar having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially identical to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the current supply plate and is sealed within the at least one sealing groove while being fastened to at least one current supply plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor element having: a solid electrolyte body containing oxygen-ion conductive ZrO2; a detection electrode disposed on the solid electrolyte body to be exposed to a gas under measurement; and a reference electrode disposed on the solid electrolyte body to be exposed to a reference gas. In the gas sensor element, the detection electrode contains Pt and ZrO2; the detection electrode has a thickness of 3 to 10 ?m; the amount of ZrO2 contained relative to Pt in the detection electrode is 12 to 18 wt %; the detection electrode has a porosity of 5% or lower; and, in a particle size distribution graph of ZrO2 particles in the detection electrode, a cumulative value of peaks appearing in a range of 0.025 ?m to 0.200 ?m is 60 to 75%, and a cumulative value of peaks appearing in a range of 1.000 ?m to 3.162 ?m is 2 to 7%.

Abstract: A lithium-air battery is provided, which includes a cathode having a gas diffusion layer containing a solid electronically conductive material coated with carbon black, the gas diffusion layer being at least partially filled with gaseous air, a separator having an electronically nonconducting filter material arranged between the anode and the cathode, the filter material being at least partially impregnated with a liquid electrolyte, and an anode containing a material selected from lithium metal, material alloyable with lithium, metal oxide, and mixtures thereof. Methods for making such battery and the use of such battery in a motor vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a negative electrode, the method including immersing a preliminary negative electrode in a pre-lithiation solution, the pre-lithiation solution including a lithium organic compound and a pre-lithiation solvent, taking the preliminary negative electrode out of the pre-lithiation solution and then removing pre-lithiation solvent present in the preliminary negative electrode, wherein the preliminary negative electrode includes a current collector and a preliminary negative electrode active material layer on the current collector, the preliminary negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material, and a standard reduction potential of the lithium organic compound is lower than a standard reduction potential of the negative electrode active material.

Abstract: A solar reactive mulch film comprising one or more layers of heat shrink material pre-strained at a predetermined temperature and tension. Immediately cooling the pre-strained layers retains molecular deformation stresses in the material which facilitate shrinkage but not expansion on exposure to solar radiation. The mulch film adapted to be laid over longitudinal growing beds and held tautly by burying its side edges in soil. Exposure of uncovered portions of film to solar radiation causes shrinkage in one or more directions whereby in combination with the weight of the soil holding it down, maintains tautness of the mulch over a growing period. Methods of manufacture and use of the same.

Abstract: A catalyst layer including: (i) a platinum-containing electrocatalyst; (ii) an oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst; (iii) one or more carbonaceous materials selected from the group consisting of graphite, nanofibres, nanotubes, nanographene platelets and low surface area, heat-treated carbon blacks wherein the one or more carbonaceous materials do not support the platinum-containing electrocatalyst; and (iv) a proton-conducting polymer and its use in an electrochemical device are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic cell (1) for the production of aluminium (2) including collector bars structure modifications (13,14,15,16) under the cathode (4), namely a copper collector bar held in a U-shaped profile or directly embedded into the cathode. This leads to an optimized current distribution in the liquid aluminium metal (2) and/or inside the carbon cathode allowing for operating the cell at lower voltage. The lower voltage results from either a lower anode to cathode distance (ACD), and/or to lower voltage drop inside the carbon cathode from liquid metal to the end of the collector bar.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer for a fuel battery is used, which is configured by a porous member containing conductive particles, conductive fibers and a polymer resin as main components. An aggregate of the conductive fibers is formed inside the porous member, and an area ratio of the aggregate in any cross-section of the porous member is 0.5% or more and 8% or less. Further, a membrane electrode assembly including the gas diffusion layer for the fuel battery is used. Further, a fuel battery including the gas diffusion layer for the fuel battery is used.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and devices comprising rigid macrocyclic and nanoporous compositions of electronically coupled naphthalenediimide redox-active units and methods of preparation and use thereof, for example, in the field of energy generation and storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a diamond electrode, which comprises the following steps: a) providing a main body (2) composed of silicon, the dimensions of which are greater than the dimensions of the diamond electrode (22) to be produced, b) etching at least one recess (10) into the surface of the main body (2), c) introducing predetermined breaking points (18) into the main body (2), d) coating the main body (2) with diamond, e) breaking the diamond electrode (22) out of the main body (2) along the predetermined breaking points (18).

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery excellent in cycle characteristics, comprising a high capacity negative electrode comprising a metal and/or a metal oxide as an active material is provided. The present invention relates to a lithium ion secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte solution, wherein the negative electrode comprises (a) a carbon material that can absorb and desorb lithium ions; at least one selected from the group consisting of (b) lithium metal and metals that can be alloyed with lithium and (c) metal oxides that can absorb and desorb lithium ions; and a polyacrylic acid, and the electrolyte solution comprises at least one disulfonic acid ester.

Abstract: The present invention is a negative electrode material for a secondary battery with a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising at least a silicon-silicon oxide composite and a carbon coating formed on a surface of the silicon-silicon oxide composite, wherein at least the silicon-silicon oxide composite is doped with lithium, and a ratio I(SiC)/I(Si) of a peak intensity I(SiC) attributable to SiC of 2?=35.8±0.2° to a peak intensity I(Si) attributable to Si of 2?=28.4±0.2° satisfies a relation of I(SiC)/I(Si)?0.03, when x-ray diffraction using Cu-K? ray. As a result, there is provided a negative electrode material for a secondary battery with a non-aqueous electrolyte that is superior in first efficiency and cycle durability to a conventional negative electrode material.

Abstract: A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a carbon-based active material including highly crystalline natural graphite and artificial graphite. The carbon-based active material has a peak intensity ratio (P2/P4) of about 0.3 to about 0.4, wherein P2 refers to the 101 peak of a rhombohedral crystal grain and P4 refers to the 101 peak of a hexagonal crystal grain, as measured by X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: A method of treating a carbon electrode includes heat treating a carbon-based electrode in an environment that is above approximately 325° C. and that includes an oxidizing gas, and prior to use of the carbon-based electrode in an electro-chemical battery device, soaking the carbon-based electrode in an oxidizer solution.

Abstract: The concentration of glucose in a blood sample is determined by methods utilizing test strips having a sample receiving cavity having a volume from about 0.3 ?l to less than 1 ?l and determining the glucose concentration within a time period from about 3.5 seconds to about 8 seconds.

Abstract: Analytes in a liquid sample are determined by methods utilizing sample volumes from about 0.3 ?l to less than 1 ?l and test times from about 3.5 to about 6 seconds after detection of the sample. The methods are preferably performed using small test strips including a sample receiving chamber filled with the sample by capillary action.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for the detection and analysis of an analyte in a solution is disclosed. The electrochemical sensor has an electrically non-conductive support; a plurality of electrodes on the support, each electrode formed from an electrode material and having a first surface and an opposite second surface, said first surface facing towards the support and the second surface facing away from the support. The plurality of electrodes includes a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a working electrode. The working electrode has a reagent composition containing a reagent for detecting an analyte applied directly to the second surface of the working electrode or dispersed throughout the electrode material of the working electrode.

Abstract: Methods for the photoreduction of molecules are provided, the methods comprising illuminating an amino-terminated diamond surface comprising amino groups covalently bound to the surface of diamond with light comprising a wavelength sufficient to excite an electronic transition defined by the energy band structure of the amino-terminated diamond, thereby inducing the emission of electrons from the amino-terminated diamond surface into a sample comprising molecules to be reduced, wherein the emitted electrons induce the reduction of the molecules to form a reduction product; and collecting the reduction product.

Abstract: A magnesium-air battery is described. The battery comprises: an anode compartment; a cathode compartment; and a membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment. The anode compartment comprises an anode having magnesium, a magnesium alloy or a material capable of insertion and extraction of magnesium, while the cathode compartment comprises an air electrode, a glyme ether or an ionic liquid capable of supporting the reduction of oxygen and a soluble magnesium salt.

Abstract: A method of repairing a steel reinforced concrete structure (100) affected by chloride induced corrosion, comprising: subjecting the reinforced concrete structure (100) to an electrochemical treatment so as to enrich material (102, 120, 140) embedding the steel reinforcement (110) with chlorides originating from corrosion pits (112) in the steel reinforcement; and replacing the material (102, 120, 140) embedding the steel reinforcement (110), which has been enriched with chlorides during the electrochemical treatment, with a repair material (124) that is relatively poor in chlorides.

Abstract: A method of producing titanium metal with titanium-containing material which includes mixing, pressing and drying the titanium-containing material with a carbonaceous reducing agent to obtain a resultant as a first anode. Using a metal or an alloy as a first cathode, and using an alkali metal chloride molten salt and/or an alkaline earth metal chloride molten salt as a first electrolyte to constitute a first electrolysis system, to perform pre-electrolysis in an inert atmosphere to obtain a residual anode. After the residual anode is washed, molded and dried, using the residual anode as a second anode, using a metal or an alloy as a second cathode, using an alkali metal chloride molten salt and/or an alkaline earth metal chloride molten salt as a second electrolyte to constitute a second electrolysis system, to perform electrolysis in an inert atmosphere to obtain titanium metal powder.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell having such assembly. The membrane electrode assembly has a polymer electrolyte membrane, two catalytic electrodes in contact with the polymer electrolyte membrane on both sides, namely an anode and a cathode, and two gas diffusion layers directly or indirectly adjoining the electrodes, namely an anode-side gas diffusion layer and a cathode-side gas diffusion layer. At least one of the gas diffusion layers may optionally feature a microporous layer facing the polymer electrolyte membrane. The sequence of layers is anode-side gas diffusion layer, anode-side microporous layer, anode, polymer electrolyte membrane, cathode, cathode-side microporous layer, cathode-side gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: Electrodes, components, apparatuses, and methods for electrochemical machining (ECM) are disclosed. ECM may be employed to provide burr-free or substantially burr-free ECM of electrically-conductive workpieces (e.g. shrouds). As one non-limiting example, the electrically-conductive workpiece may be a shroud that is used as an electrical component in electronics boards. While the ECM components, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein reduce burrs, ECM can provide imprecise machining and cause stray erosions to occur in the machined electrically-conductive workpiece. In this regard, the electrodes, components, apparatuses, and methods for ECM disclosed herein provide features that allow for precise machining of the machined electrically-conductive workpiece and also allow avoidance of stray erosions in the machined electrically-conductive workpiece.

Abstract: An energy storage device such as an electric double layer capacitor has positive and negative electrodes, each including a blend of respective first and second activated carbon materials having distinct pore size distributions. The blend (mixture) of first and second activated carbon materials may be equal in each electrode.

Abstract: A positive electrode for an energy storage device includes a first activated carbon material comprising pores having a size of ?1 nm, which provide a combined pore volume of >0.3 cm3/g, pores having a size of >1 nm to ?2 nm, which provide a combined pore volume of ?0.05 cm3/g, and <0.15 cm3/g combined pore volume of any pores having a size of >2 nm. A negative electrode for the energy storage device includes a second activated carbon material comprising pores having a size of ?1 nm, which provide a combined pore volume of ?0.3 cm3/g, pores having a size of >1 nm to ?2 nm, which provide a combined pore volume of ?0.05 cm3/g, and <0.15 cm3/g combined pore volume of any pores having a size of >2 nm. The total oxygen content in at least the first activated carbon material is at most 1.5 wt. %.

Abstract: Provided is a graphite-based carbon material useful as a graphene precursor, from which graphene is easily exfoliated when the graphite-based carbon material is useful as a precursor and from which a highly-concentrated graphene dispersion can easily be obtained. The graphite-based carbon material is a graphite-based carbon material useful as a graphene precursor wherein a Rate (3R) based on an X-ray diffraction method, which is defined by following Equation 1 is 31% or more: Rate (3R)=P3/(P3+P4)×100??Equation 1 wherein P3 is a peak intensity of a (101) plane of the rhombohedral graphite layer (3R) based on the X-ray diffraction method, and P4 is a peak intensity of a (101) plane of the hexagonal graphite layer (2H) based on the X-ray diffraction method.

Abstract: Provided is a graphite-based carbon material useful as a graphene precursor, from which graphene is easily exfoliated when the graphite-based carbon material is useful as a precursor and from which a highly-concentrated graphene dispersion can easily be obtained. The graphite-based carbon material is a graphite-based carbon material useful as a graphene precursor wherein a Rate (3R) based on an X-ray diffraction method, which is defined by following Equation 1 is 31% or more: Rate(3R)=P3/(P3+P4)×100??Equation 1 wherein P3 is a peak intensity of a (101) plane of the rhombohedral graphite layer (3R) based on the X-ray diffraction method, and P4 is a peak intensity of a (101) plane of the hexagonal graphite layer (2H) based on the X-ray diffraction method.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electrochemical polishing solution, a process for electrochemically polishing a graphite gate electrode and a graphite gate electrode, which are used for providing an electrochemical polishing solution and a polishing process to efficiently remove the contaminant on the surface of a gate electrode and improve the quality of the gate electrode. Said electrochemical polishing solution comprises 900-1000 parts by weight of water; 195-205 parts by weight of an alkaline metal hydroxide; 49-51 parts by weight of a weak acid salt; and 294-306 parts by weight of an additive.

Abstract: An electrode active material for an all solid state secondary battery, which is able to have the controlled orientation of a crystal face at the interface between an electrode layer and an electrolyte layer in order to enhance the battery performance, and an all solid state secondary battery including the electrode active material. The electrode active material includes a carbon material having an intensity ratio (P002/P100) of 600 or less between the X-ray diffraction peak intensity P002 in the (002) plane and the X-ray diffraction peak intensity P100 in the (100) plane, which are obtained when a surface of a compact prepared by compression molding of a powder of the carbon material at a pressure of 110 MPa is irradiated with X-ray. The all solid state secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a solid electrolyte, and the negative electrode contains the electrode active material.

Abstract: Provided is a graphite-based carbon material useful as a graphene precursor, from which graphene is easily exfoliated when the graphite-based carbon material is useful as a precursor and from which a highly-concentrated graphene dispersion can easily be obtained. The graphite-based carbon material is a graphite-based carbon material useful as a graphene precursor wherein a Rate (3R) based on an X-ray diffraction method, which is defined by following Equation 1 is 31% or more: Rate (3R)=P3/(P3+P4)×100??Equation 1 wherein P3 is a peak intensity of a (101) plane of the rhombohedral graphite layer (3R) based on the X-ray diffraction method, and P4 is a peak intensity of a (101) plane of the hexagonal graphite layer (2H) based on the X-ray diffraction method.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a carbon material dispersion, including: a fluorinated carbon material having a fluorinated surface formed by bringing a treatment gas with a fluorine concentration of 0.01 to 100 vol % into contact with a carbon material under conditions at 150 to 600° C.; and a dispersion medium in which the fluorinated carbon material is dispersed.

Abstract: A magnesium electrochemical cell having a positive electrode containing a carbon cluster compound as an active material is provided. In a preferred embodiment the carbon cluster material is a comminuted fullerene.

Abstract: A negative electrode active material of lithium secondary battery includes: at least one of a petroleum-derived green coke and a coal-derived green coke, and at least one of a petroleum-derived calcined coke and a coal-derived calcined coke within a mass ratio range of 90:10 to 10:90, and a phosphorous compound within a range of 0.1 to 6.0 parts by mass in amount equivalent to phosphor relative to 100 parts by mass of the at least one of the green cokes and the at least one of the calcined cokes.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes at least one free-standing diamond electrode and a second electrode, which may also be a free-standing diamond, separated by a membrane. The electrolytic cell is capable of conducting sustained current flows at current densities of at least about 1 ampere per square centimeter. A method of operating an electrolytic cell having two diamond electrodes includes alternately reversing the polarity of the voltage across the electrodes.

Abstract: A bulk boron doped diamond electrode comprising a plurality of grooves disposed in a surface of the bulk boron doped diamond electrode. The bulk boron doped diamond electrode is formed by growing a bulk boron doped diamond electrode using a chemical vapour deposition technique and forming a plurality of grooves in a surface of the bulk boron doped diamond electrode. According to one arrangement, the plurality of grooves are formed by forming a pattern of carbon solvent metal over a surface of the bulk boron doped diamond electrode and heating whereby the carbon solvent metal dissolves underlying diamond to form grooves in the surface of the bulk boron doped electrode. The invention also relates to an electrochemical cell comprising one or more grooved bulk boron doped diamond electrodes. The or each bulk boron doped diamond electrode is oriented within the electrochemical device such that the grooves are aligned in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of electrolyte flow.

Abstract: An electrode for use in a electrochemical sensor comprises carbon modified with a chemically sensitive redox-active compound, excluding an electrode based on carbon having derivatized thereron two redox-active species wherein at least one of said species is selected from anthraquinone, phenanthrenequinone and N,N?-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD). The invention further provides a pH sensor comprising: a working electrode comprising carbon modified with a chemically sensitive redox active material; and a counter electrode, wherein the ratio of the surface area of the working electrode to the surface area of the counter electrode is from 1:10 to 10:1. Also provided is a pH sensor comprising: a working electrode comprising carbon modified with a chemically sensitive redox active material, and a counter electrode, wherein the area of the working electrode is from 500 ?m2 to 0.1 m2. The uses of these electrodes and sensors are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrolysis catalysts formed from cobalt, oxygen and buffering electrolytes (e.g. fluoride). They can be formed as a coating on an anode by conducting an electrolysis reaction using an electrolyte containing cobalt and an anionic buffering electrolyte. The catalysts will facilitate the conversion of water to oxygen and hydrogen gas at a range of mildly acidic conditions. Alternatively, these anodes can be used with cathodes that facilitate other desirable reactions such as converting carbon dioxide to methanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, inter alia, gyroidal mesoporous carbon materials and methods of use and manufacture thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a mesoporous carbon composition comprising a gyroidal mesoporous carbon having an ordered gyroidal structure and mesopores having a pore size of greater than 2 nanometers (nm) in diameter, and more particularly greater than 11 nm in diameter.

Abstract: In embodiments there are disclosed a substantially flat, flow through electrode, electrochemical cells comprising substantially flat flow through cathodes, and methods for electrochemically recovering a metal substantially liquid at room temperature.

Abstract: A noble metal-based electrocatalyst comprises a bimetallic particle comprising a noble metal and a non-noble metal and having a polyhedral shape. The bimetallic particle comprises a surface-segregated composition where an atomic ratio of the noble metal to the non-noble metal is higher in a surface region and in a core region than in a sub-surface region between the surface and core regions. A method of treating a noble metal-based electrocatalyst comprises annealing a bimetallic particle comprising a noble metal and a non-noble metal and having a polyhedral shape at a temperature in the range of from about 100° C. to about 1100° C.

Abstract: A carbon-based material in accordance with the present invention includes graphene doped with metal atoms and at least one type of non-metal atoms selected from a group consisting of nitrogen atoms, boron atoms, sulfur atoms, and phosphorus atoms. A diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray diffraction measurement of the carbon-based material by use of CuK? radiation showing that a proportion of the highest of intensities of peaks derived from an inactive metal compound and a metal crystal to an intensity of a (002) peak is 0.1 or less.

Abstract: The use, in corrosion protection systems, dewatering systems, and systems to reduce biofouling, of an anode which comprises a conductive polymer composition comprising a polymer and, mixed with the polymer, a conductive filler which comprises an exfoliated graphite.

Abstract: Nanostructured microelectrodes and biosensing devices incorporating the same are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in some embodiments, hybrid materials having reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) and nanoparticles of a conductive, transparent metal oxide such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). The material can further include one or more transition metal catalysts, such as {Ru(Mebimpy)[4,4?-((HO)2OPCH2)2bpy](OH2)}2+. Oxidation of water, benzyl alcohol, and other useful reactants is possible when the material is employed as an electrode.

Abstract: An aluminum electrolytic tank anode carbon block characterized by edges of top surface carbon block are provided with chamfers, a row or two rows of carbon bowls are uniformly distributed on the top surface. Each row of carbon bowls are longitudinally arranged along the anode carbon block and consist of 3 to 5 carbon bowls. Grooves are formed among the carbon bowls, the bottom of the anode carbon block is provided with trenches, and the bottom of each groove is provided, with through holes which are in communication with the trenches. The preparation method includes: preparing the carbon block by using a vibration mold or compression mold with corresponding bumps by a vibration molding method or a compression molding method; and roasting and then cutting out the trenches. The anode carbon block has the characteristics of a simple and convenient preparation process, high working efficiency and the like.

Abstract: A process and an anode for the production of nitrogen trifluoride or fluorine where the anode in the electrolytic cell is made primarily from mesocarbon microbeads. The mesocarbon microbead anodes minimize the production of CF4 and improve the purity of the nitrogen trifluoride or fluorine gas produced. Additionally, the anodes may be molded, instead of extruded or machined, providing for improved dimensional and mechanical integrity of the anode.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an anode block (13, 13a-13e) made of carbon for a pre-baked anode (4) for use in a metal electrolysis cell (1) comprising a higher face (24), a lower face (23), designed to be laid out opposite a higher face of a cathode (9), and four side faces (21,22,34), and including at least one first groove (31a-31e) leading onto at least one of the side faces, in which the first groove has a maximum length Lmax in a plane parallel to the lower face, and characterized in that the first groove does not lead onto said lower or higher faces, or leads onto said lower or higher faces over a length L0 less than half the maximum length Lmax.

Abstract: A device for the concurrent oxygen generation and control of carbon dioxide for life support system involves two stages, where a first stage removes CO2 from an exhalent side of a ventilation loop and a second stage employs Ceramic Oxygen Generators (COGs) to convert CO2 into carbon and O2. The first stage includes a plurality of chambers and means to switch the ventilation loop through at least one of the chambers, where CO2 removal is carried out before discharge of the CO2 depleted gas to an inhalant side of the ventilation loop, and to exclude the ventilation loop from the remaining chambers of the first stage, where these chambers are placed in communication with the second stage. The second stage has two portions separated by the COGs such that CO2 and the formed carbon remain on an intake portion from the O2 rich atmosphere on the exhaust side, which is plumbed via a metering valve to introduce the O2 rich atmosphere to the inhalant side of the ventilation loop.

Abstract: A diamond based electrochemical band sensor comprising: a diamond body; and a plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes disposed within the diamond body, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes is doped with boron to a level suitable to achieve metallic conduction, the boron doped diamond electrodes being spaced apart by non-conductive intrinsic layers of diamond, wherein the diamond body comprises a front sensing surface with the plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes being exposed at said sensing surface and extending in an elongate manner across said surface, and wherein each boron doped diamond electrode has a length/width ratio of at least 10 at the front sensing surface.

Abstract: A cathode configuration for an aluminum electrolysis cell has at least one cathode block based on carbon and/or graphite. At least one groove is formed in the cathode block and the groove is lined with a graphite foil, at least in certain regions. At least one busbar is disposed in the groove and has an encasement of cast iron at least in certain regions. At least one recess is formed in the wall of the cathode block that delimits the at least one groove, and the encasement of cast iron engages into the at least one recess, at least in certain portions. A cathode block for such a cathode configuration is provided and also a process for producing a cathode configuration for an aluminum electrolysis cell.