Abstract: There is provided a method for preparation of a transition metal electroplated porous carbon nanofiber composite for hydrogen storage. Specifically, the preparation method of a transition metal electroplated porous carbon nanofiber composite for hydrogen storage according to the present invention comprises electroplating a transition metal with a controlled particle diameter and a surface dispersion ratio on a porous carbon nanofiber with specific surface area from 500 to 3000 m2/g, pore volume from 0.1 to 2.0 cc/g and diameter from 10 to 500 nm. With increased hydrogen storage capacity, the transition metal electroplated porous carbon nanofiber composite provided by the present invention can be utilized as hydrogen storage medium of active material for electrodes of electrochemical devices, such as fuel cell, secondary cell and supercapcitor.

Abstract: A disposable electrochemical sensor strip is provided. The sensor strip includes an isolating sheet having at least a through hole, at least a conductive raw material mounted in the through hole, a metal film covered on the conductive raw material to form an electrode which comprises an electrode working surface for processing an electrode action, and an electrode connecting surface, at least a printed conductive film mounted on the isolating sheet and having a connecting terminal for being electrically connected to the electrode connecting surface, and a signal output terminal for outputting a measured signal produced by the electrode action.

Abstract: Described is a new process for applying a metal coating to a non-conductive substrate comprising the steps of (a) contacting the substrate with an activator comprising a noble metal/group IVA metal sol to obtain a treated substrate, (b) contacting said treated substrate with a composition comprising a solution of: (i) a Cu(II), Ag, Au or Ni soluble metal salt or mixtures thereof, (ii) 0.05 to 5 mol/l of a group IA metal hydroxide and (iii) a complexing agent for an ion of the metal of said metal salt, wherein an iminosuccinic acid or a derivative thereof is used as said complexing agent.

Abstract: A method of co-functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes for gas sensors, which includes the steps of: fabricating single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects; synthesizing tin oxide onto the single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects; and synthesizing metal nanoparticles onto the tin oxide coated single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects.

Abstract: A wire capable of conducting electrical current has a polymer core and a coating layer surrounding the core. The coating layer, which may be, for example, gold or copper, conducts electrical current and the core provides strength so that the wire is able to withstand bending and breakage. Among other things, the polymer core wire is useful for connecting an integrated circuit to a lead frame or substrate.

Abstract: A method of making colloidal sphere templates and the sphere-templated porous materials made from the templates. The templated porous materials or thin films comprise micron and submicron-scaled spheres in ordered, disordered, or partially ordered arrays. The invention is useful in the synthesis of submicron porous, metallic tin-based and other high capacity anode materials with controlled pore structures for application in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The expected benefits of the resulting nanostructured metal films include a large increase in lithium storage capacity, rate capability, and improved stability with electrochemical cycling.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for plating a metal onto a work piece with a plating solution having a low oxygen concentration are described. In one aspect, a method includes reducing an oxygen concentration of a plating solution. The plating solution includes about 10 parts per million or less of an accelerator and about 300 parts per million or less of a suppressor. After reducing the oxygen concentration of the plating solution, a wafer substrate is contacted with the plating solution in a plating cell. The oxygen concentration of the plating solution in the plating cell is about 1 part per million or less. A metal is then electroplated onto the wafer substrate in the plating cell.

Abstract: An implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having an implant body (2, 4) containing an aluminum compound, preferably an aluminum alloy and/or aluminum oxide. Improved biocompatibility of the implant is achieved in that at least the part of the surface of the implant body (2, 4) which is formed by the aluminum compound has a first layer (6) which contains an aluminum phosphate. Furthermore, a cost-effective method for producing such an implant is described.

Abstract: Provided is a method for mass manufacturing, at low cost, of a fiber positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery, which has excellent charge/discharge cycle characteristics, and which is capable of charging/discharging with high current density, and a main active material of which is a lithium-doped transition metal oxide. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a tubular coating of either a transition metal oxide or a transition metal hydroxide on a carbon fiber current collector; and (b) performing, in a lithium ion containing solution in a sealed system under presence of an oxidant or a reductant, heat treatment at 100 to 250° C. on the carbon fiber current collector, on which the tubular coating of either the transition metal oxide or the transition metal hydroxide is formed, to obtain a coating of a lithium-doped transition metal oxide on the carbon fiber current collector.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present application provides electrically conductive metal-plated fibers and continuous processes of preparing metal-plated fibers. Additionally, provided are polymeric articles comprising the provided metal-plated fibers or other fibers prepared by the provided process, said articles having electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness.

Abstract: A process for fabricating oleophobic surface coatings to be deposited on a metal surface, such as the front-face or aperture plate of piezoelectric print heads and transfix rolls. The surface coatings are applied to the surface by electrochemical polymerization.

Abstract: A releasing device for administering a bio-active agent to a human, animal, or plant is described herein. The device comprises a core of a solid organic matrix, in which a bio-active agent is contained. A metallic layer surrounds the core to form an outer shell, and at least one aperture is present in the metallic layer for controlled release of the bio-active agent to the patient. Optionally, a third, polymeric, ceramic or organo-ceramic layer is provided, and may be loaded by bioactive agent as well.

Abstract: A method of improving the material properties of a composite by electrodepositing particular polymers, organic compounds or inorganic compounds onto electrically conductive fibrous substrates, whether individual fibers or as a fabric, to form composites of improved structural properties and having particular physical properties such as being ice phobic, fire resistant, or electrically conductive.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of fabricating non-metal substrate having steps of (a) providing a non-metal board having two opposite first and second surfaces; (b) drilling at least one second through hole through the non-metal board; (c) electroplating copper on outsides of non-metal board and an inside of each of at least one second through hole to form copper films outside of the non-metal board and at least one solid copper pole in corresponding to the at lest one second through hole; and (d) patterning the copper films to form line pattern. The non-metal substrate has high thermal conductivity and the solid copper poles therein are integrated with the line pattern formed outside thereof, so the connection strength among the die pad, solid copper poles and heat conduction pad is good.

Abstract: A control element for a household appliance is provided. The control element has a base member made of plastic. The base member has a nickel coating, and a noble metal coating is applied to the nickel coating.

Abstract: Electrically conductive fibers made of carbon nanotubes that are assembled and covered by at least one deposit that includes a biopolymer, the manufacturing of these electrodes and the use of these electrodes in bioelectrochemical systems such as, for example, enzymatic or immunological biosensors, DNA, RNA, and biobatteries.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices. This invention provides a range of compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds, precursor materials and methods for preparing photovoltaic layers.

Abstract: A method of preparing hydrotalcite for a PVC stabilizer, which comprises: forming crystals of hydrotalcite represented by a formula of M(II)XM(III)Y(OH)N(Am—)Z?nH2O, wherein M(II) is a divalent metal selected from Mg2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+; M(III) is a trivalent metal selected from Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+ and Co3+; and Am— is an anion selected from CO32-, OH—, NO3-, SO42- and halides; and depositing zinc (Zn) onto the hydrotalcite by using any one method of electrode-position, chloride ion deposition, and plasma deposition to provide zinc-deposited hydrotalcite.

Abstract: A method for electrochemically depositing discrete regions of calcium phosphate onto a medical implant. The method includes providing an implant including at least one area having a metallic surface. At least a portion of the metallic surface is contacted with an electrolyte solution comprising calcium ions and phosphate ions. The metallic surface is used as a cathode, and an electrical potential is applied between the cathode and the electrolyte solution. The electrical potential is applied with a constant current density of from about 10 to about 50 mA/cm2 for a period of time of from about 1 to about 20 minutes. A plurality of discrete regions of needle-shaped hydroxyapatite crystals are electrochemically deposited onto the metallic surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for applying a tribological coating to a carbon composite substrate. The method includes providing the carbon composite substrate, depositing a layer of carbon on the substrate, applying a layer of aluminum on the layer of carbon, annealing the substrate at a temperature greater than a melting temperature of aluminum, and applying a layer of silver. A layer of mixed aluminum and silver may be substituted for the layer of silver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the direct metallization of non-conductive substrate surfaces, in particular polyimide surfaces, that is characterized by the process steps of etching the substrate surface with an acidic etching solution that contains peroxide; contacting the etched substrate surface with an acidic treatment solution that contains permanganate; activating the treated substrate surface in an acidic activation solution that contains peroxide; contacting the activated substrate surface with an acidic catalytic solution that contains at least a thiophene derivate and at least a sulfonic acid derivate; metallization of the thus treated substrate surface in an acidic galvanic metallization bath.

Abstract: A carbon fiber strand which is produced by obtaining a solidified-yarn strand by spinning with a spinneret having 20,000-30,000 spinning holes, passing the strand through an interlacing nozzle having an air blowing pressure of 20-60 kPa to obtain precursor fibers, oxidizing them in heated air having a temperature of 200-280° C. to obtain oxidized fibers, subjecting these oxidized fibers to a first carbonization treatment in an inert-gas atmosphere at a temperature of 300-900° C. in which the fibers are firstly stretched in a stretch ratio of 1.03-1.06 and then secondarily stretched in a stretch ratio of 0.9-1.01, subsequently conducting a second carbonization treatment in an inert-gas atmosphere at 1,360-2,100° C., and then conducting a surface oxidization treatment in an aqueous solution of an inorganic acid salt in a quantity of electricity of 20-100 C per g of the carbon fibers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ceramic electronic component having excellent solderability is provided. In this method, the elution of barium from the ceramic electronic component and the adhesion of ceramic electronic components in tin plating are reduced. The method for manufacturing a ceramic electronic component includes the steps of providing an electronic component of barium-containing ceramic and forming an electrode on the outer surface of the electronic component, the electrode being electroplated with tin. In this method, a plating bath used in the tin plating has a tin ion concentration A in the range of 0.03 to 0.51 mol/L, a sulfate ion concentration B in the range of 0.005 to 0.31 mol/L, a molar ratio B/A of less than one, and a pH in the range of 6.1 to 10.5.

Abstract: Provided are a carbon fiber including a carbon fiber core coated with a metal oxide film, and a light-emitting device including the carbon fiber. A method of manufacturing the carbon fiber is disclosed.

Abstract: High-surface-area carbon nanostructures coated with a smooth and conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin metal films and their method of manufacture are described. The preferred manufacturing process involves the initial oxidation of the carbon nanostructures followed by immersion in a solution with the desired pH to create negative surface dipoles. The nanostructures are subsequently immersed in an alkaline solution containing non-noble metal ions which adsorb at surface reaction sites. The metal ions are then reduced via chemical or electrical means and the nanostructures are exposed to a solution containing a salt of one or more noble metals which replace adsorbed non-noble surface metal atoms by galvanic displacement. Subsequent film growth may be performed via the initial quasi-underpotential deposition of a non-noble metal followed by immersion in a solution comprising a more noble metal.

Abstract: An actuator capable of flagellar motion is disclosed. The actuator comprises a carbon nanotube (CNT) rope and at least one metal/CNT composite part formed on the CNT rope.

Abstract: A method for surface treating plastic products is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a plastic substrate, the plastic substrate being made of electroplatable material; forming at least one electroconductive coating on the plastic substrate surface by electro-less plating; forming a copper layer on the electroconductive coating by electroplating; partially etching the surface of the copper layer using a laser to form a rough area; and forming a top coating on the copper layer by electroplating. Both shiny appearance and dusky appearance of the plastic substrate can be present by this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the electrochemical deposition of tantalum and/or copper on a substrate in an ionic liquid comprising at least one tetraalkylammonium, tetraalkylphosphonium, 1,1-dialkylpyrrolidinium, 1-hydroxyalkyl-1-alkylpyrrolidinium, 1-hydroxyalkyl-3-alkylimidazolium or 1,3-bis(hydroxyalkyl)imidazolium cation, where the alkyl groups or the alkylene chain of the hydroxyalkyl group may each, independently of one another, have 1 to 10 C atoms.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for electrolytic coating of a mould, the internal surfaces of which demarcate a mould cavity, with a coating material for the purpose of achieving or re-achieving intended mould cavity dimensions. The mould, as the cathode, and an anode positioned in the mould cavity and an electrolyte containing the coating material are used. The electrolyte serving as the carrier of the coating material flows through the mould cavity in a controlled manner. During the electrolytic coating, only the internal surfaces of the mould cavity come into contact with the electrolyte and the external surfaces of the s mould therefore do not have to be covered. The mechanical properties can be kept largely uniform over the entire region. The coating can be achieved more rapidly than with the conventional processes.

Abstract: There is provided a composite plated product which has a large content of carbon and a large quantity of carbon particles on the surface thereof and which has an excellent wear resistance, by sufficiently dispersing carbon particles in a silver plating solution without using any additives such as dispersing agents and without coating the surface of carbon particles. A wet oxidation treatment for carbon particles is carried out by adding an oxidizing agent to water in which the carbon particles are suspended, and the carbon particles treated by the wet oxidation treatment are added to a cyanide containing silver plating solution for electroplating a substrate to form a coating of a composite material, which contains the carbon particles in a silver layer, on the substrate.

Abstract: Polycrystalline monolithic magnesium aluminate spinels are disclosed. The polycrystalline monolithic magnesium aluminate spinels have small grain sizes and may be deposited on substrates as thick one-piece deposits. The polycrystalline monolithic magnesium aluminate spinels may be prepared and deposited by chemical vapor deposition. Articles made with the polycrystalline monolithic magnesium aluminate spinels also are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure a method for forming a PEM fuel cell electrode is provided. The method includes applying a hydrophilic wetting agent on an electrode surface. A catalyst layer is deposited on the wetted electrode surface by pulse electrodeposition, at least a portion of the catalyst penetrating the electrode surface. The electrode surface is heat treated.

Abstract: A layered electrocatalyst for oxidizing ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: a carbon support integrated with a conductive metal; at least one first metal plating layer at least partially deposited on the carbon support, wherein the at least one first metal plating layer is active to OH adsorption and inactive to a target species, and wherein the at least one first metal plating layer has a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 microns; and at least one second metal plating layer at least partially deposited on the at least one first metal plating layer, wherein the at least one second metal plating layer is active to the target species, and wherein the at least one second metal plating layer has a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 microns, forming a layered electrocatalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode materials comprising aligned CNT substrates coated with an electrically conducting polymer, and the fabrication of electrodes for use in high performance electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the present invention provides conductive CNTs electrode material whose electrical properties render them especially suitable for use in high efficiency rechargeable batteries. The present invention also provides methods for obtaining surface modified conductive CNT electrode materials comprising an array of individual linear, aligned CNTs having a uniform surface coating of an electrically conductive polymer such as polypyrrole, and their use in electrical energy storage devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispersion for application of a metal layer on a substrate that is not electrically conductive, comprising an organic binder component, a metal component with different metals and/or metal particle shapes, and with a solvent component. The invention moreover relates to a process for preparation of the dispersion, to a process using the dispersion for production of a metal layer, if appropriate structured, and to the resultant substrate surfaces and their use.

Abstract: A relatively thick electrode is positioned opposite the surface of a substrate/second electrode. The electrode and the substrate surface are both contacted by a solution including silicon nanoparticles. The substrate surface is completely immersed in the solution in a manner such that there is not an air/solution interface and there is no meniscus at the substrate surface. Application of electrical potential between the electrode and the substrate creates a film of silicon nanoparticles on the substrate. Drying of the film induces the film to roll up and form a silicon nanoparticle nanotube material. A film may be subdivided into an array of identical portions, and the identical portions will roll into identical tubes having same length and diameter. A silicon nanoparticle nanotube material of the invention includes nanotubes formed of silicon nanoparticles.

Abstract: Provided are a method of forming a phase change layer, a method of manufacturing a storage node using the method of forming a phase change layer, and a method of manufacturing a phase change memory device using the method of manufacturing a storage node. The method of forming a phase change layer may use an electrochemical deposition (ECD) method. The method of forming the phase change layer may include forming an electrolyte by mixing a solvent and precursors, each precursor containing an element of the phase change layer, dipping an anode plate and a cathode plate in the electrolyte to be spaced apart from each other, wherein the cathode plate may be a substrate on which the phase change layer is to be deposited, setting deposition conditions of the phase change layer; and supplying a voltage between the anode plate and the cathode plate.

Abstract: A process that can be uniformly employed for electroplating a wide variety of different non-conductive substrates, including those that are non-platable or difficult-to-plate using conventional electroless and electrolytic plating techniques involves application of a platable coating composition to the substrate prior to plating. The platable coating composition is cured to render the substrate more receptive to conventional plating techniques. In one embodiment, the process utilizes an epoxy resin system that upon being cured is receptive to electroless plating and electrolytic plating techniques that are the same or similar to those conventionally employed for electroplating ABS and/or PC/ABS substrates.

Abstract: Provided is a gas molecule sensor, characterized in that the sensing element is a polycrystalline tin oxide film having a thickness less than 1 ?m. The sensing element is produced by electrolytic deposit of a tin film on an insulating support in an electromechanical cell, where the anode is comprised of tin and the cathode is a conductive film applied on the surface of the insulating support at one of its ends, the two electrodes being separated by an electrolyte comprised of a tin salt solution, and by passing a constant current through said cell. The deposit step is followed by an oxidizing step.

Abstract: A method of improving the material properties of a composite by electrodepositing various polymers, organic compounds or inorganic compounds onto each individual carbon (graphite) fiber strand, whether individual fiber or as a fabric to form an homogeneous chemically-bonded composite as opposed to the formation of a heterogeneous, non-chemically bonded composite. Thus, electrodeposition forms a unique discrete interface at the molecular layer (nanolayer) between the reinforcement (fiber) and the matrix (resin) over as opposed to any previous resin infusion process.

Abstract: A composition and process for electroplating a conductive metal layer onto the surface of a non-conductive material is disclosed. The composition and process utilizes an obvious dispersion traditional carbon black particles and highly conductive carbon black particles. The mixture of carbon blacks provides optimum dispersion and electroplating properties.

Abstract: The optical fiber manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized by having the steps of forming, on the peripheral surface of a bare fiber having been exposed by removing a resin cover and on which a metallic coating has not been provided, a subbing layer consisting of an electroless Ni plating layer and an electrolytic Au plating layer; subjecting the bare fiber on which the subbing layer has been formed, to end face treatment by means of an optical-fiber cleaver to expose an end face portion of the bare fiber; and subjecting the bare fiber on which the end face treatment has been carried out, to electrolytic plating to form a metallic coating as a surface layer, consisting of an electrolytic Ni plating layer and an electrolytic Au plating layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the direct electrolytic metallization of electrically non-conducting substrate surfaces comprising bringing the substrate surfaces into contact with a water-soluble polymer; treating the substrate surfaces with a permanganate solution; treating the substrate surfaces with an acidic aqueous solution or an acidic microemulsion of aqueous base containing at least one thiophene compound and at least one alkane sulfonic acid selected from the group comprising methane sulfonic acid, ethane sulfonic acid and ethane disulfonic acid; electrolytically metallizing the substrate surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for plating a surface of a semiconductor workpiece (wafer, flat panel, magnetic films, etc.) using a liquid conductor that makes contact with the outer surface of the workpiece. The liquid conductor is stored in a reservoir and pump through an inlet channel to the liquid chamber. The liquid conductor is injected into a liquid chamber such that the liquid conductor makes contact with the outer surface of the workpiece. An inflatable tube is also provided to prevent the liquid conductor from reaching the back face of the workpiece. A plating solution can be applied to the front face of the workpiece where a retaining ring/seal further prevents the plating solution and the liquid conductor from making contact with each other. In an alternative embodiment, electrical contacts may be formed using an inflatable tube that has either been coated with a conductive material or contains a conductive object.

Abstract: A conductive polymer colloidal composition that selectively forms a coating on a non-conductive surface. The conductive polymer colloidal composition is composed of a polymer and a sulfonate dopant. The conductive polymer colloidal composition may also contain conductive colloidal particles such as conductive carbon or metal salt particles, oxidants, stabilizers, and preservatives. The conductive polymer colloidal composition may be employed to selectively coat the non-conductive parts of printed wiring boards such that a uniform metal layer can be deposited on the conductive polymer coat. In addition to a uniform metal layer being formed over the conductive polymer, adhesion between the metal layer and the printed wiring board is improved.

Abstract: A process for forming an interface (106) between a plated and a non-plated area (102, 104) on the surface of a plastic component (100) is disclosed. First, an anti-plating layer (110) is formed over the surface of the plastic component. Thereafter, a low-power laser beam (10) is used to remove a portion of the anti-plating layer and to form an interface between the plated area and the non-plated area. A seeding layer (120) is formed on the plated area so that the plated area is electrically conductive. Finally, a metallic layer (130) is electrically plated over the seeding layer. The metallic layer connects with the anti-plating layer via the interface. The cost of producing the anti-plating layer is low. Moreover, since the laser etching operation is able to produce a high-quality interface boundary between the plated and the non-plated area, yield of the process is improved.

Abstract: A combined adhesion promotion method of a metal to a non-conductive substrate and directly metallizing the non-conductive substrate with the metal. The method involves texturing a non-conductive substrate with a cobalt etch followed by applying a sulfide to the textured non-conductive substrate to provide an electrically conductive surface on the non-conductive substrate. After the surface of the non-conductive substrate has been made electrically conductive, the surface of the non-conductive substrate can be directly metallized. The method reduces the number of process steps for direct metallization of a non-conductive substrate. Thus, the method is more efficient in contrast to conventional methods of metallizing a non-conductive substrate.

Abstract: A composite flywheel rotor includes an annular rim mounted on a hub for high speed rotation in an evacuated flywheel enclosure. A smooth epoxy layer is applied to the rim and is cleaned or maintained clean in preparation for a metal coating on the rim. The rim may be baked in a vacuum furnace to drive off the volitiles and water vapor, and a thin metal coating is applied over the entire rim to retard outgassing from the resin in the flywheel composite rim. The metal coating on flywheel rim is preferably aluminum because aluminum adheres well to epoxy and is economical. The metal coating is deposited on the flywheel rim by physical vapor deposition and may be built up after an initial PVD coating by electroplating. A tough protective polymer is applied over the metal coating to protect metal coating from mechanical damage during handling.

Abstract: Provided is a process for metallizing an insulating substrate by depositing a uniform thin film of a metal on the insulating substrate. The process comprises placing the insulating substrate in an electrochemical cell which contains as the electrolyte a solution of a salt of the metal in a solvent, and which comprises an anode of the metal and a cathode in direct contact with the insulating substrate. A conducting film, which will constitute the cathode, is initially applied to one end of the substrate. The substrate is placed in the electrochemical cell in such a way that the surface to be metallized is vertical and the cathode is located in the upper part. A current is imposed on the electrochemical cell with an intensity such that it creates a current density of between 1 and 50 mA/cm2 in the horizontal section of the electrochemical cell level with the growth front of the film which is deposited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for producing catalyst-coated polymeric electrolyte membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells. The process of the invention uses an ionomer membrane having a polymeric backing film on the back side. After the first coating step, the membrane is dried, during which the residual solvent may be almost completely removed. After this, the polymeric backing film is removed and the back side of the membrane is coated in a second step. The front and back sides of the membrane can be coated by various methods, such as screen printing or stencil printing. Two gas distribution layers are applied to the two sides of the catalyst-coated membrane to produce a 5-layer membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assemblies are used in polymeric electrolyte membrane fuel cells and in direct methanol fuel cells.