Platinum Group Metal Patents (Class 205/264)
  • Patent number: 10378119
    Abstract: An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; a surface coating of platinum having a rough configuration and an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape of the electrode. A method for electroplating an electrode surface with platinum coating having a rough surface, comprising electroplating the surface of a conductive substrate at a rate such that the metal particles form on the conductive substrate faster than necessary to form shiny platinum and slower than necessary to form platinum black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dao Min Zhou
  • Patent number: 9034165
    Abstract: A method of depositing contiguous, conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin films with atomic-level control is described. The process involves the use of underpotential deposition of a first element to mediate the growth of a second material by overpotential deposition. Deposition occurs between a potential positive to the bulk deposition potential for the mediating element where a full monolayer of mediating element forms, and a potential which is less than, or only slightly greater than, the bulk deposition potential of the material to be deposited. By cycling the applied voltage between the bulk deposition potential for the mediating element and the material to be deposited, repeated desorption/adsorption of the mediating element during each potential cycle can be used to precisely control film growth on a layer-by-layer basis. This process is especially suitable for the formation of a catalytically active layer on core-shell particles for use in energy conversion devices such as fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Jia Xu Wang, Radoslav R. Adzic
  • Publication number: 20150047984
    Abstract: An aqueous platinum electroplating bath includes: a) a source of platinum ions; and b) a source of borate ions. The aqueous platinum electroplating bath may optionally include one or more levellers. A method of using the platinum electroplating bath for electroplating platinum or a platinum alloy onto a substrate is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Allan Berzins, Alan Boardman
  • Publication number: 20150027899
    Abstract: Provided is an anode for electroplating which uses an aqueous solution as an electrolytic solution, and the anode which is low in potential when compared with a conventional anode, able to decrease an electrolytic voltage and an electric energy consumption rate and may also be used as an anode for electroplating various types of metals, and which is low in cost. Also provided is a method for electroplating which uses an aqueous solution as an electrolytic solution, in which the anode is low in potential and electrolytic voltage, thereby making it possible to decrease the electric energy consumption rate. The anode for electroplating of the present invention is an anode for electroplating which uses an aqueous solution as an electrolytic solution, in which a catalytic layer containing amorphous ruthenium oxide and amorphous tantalum oxide is formed on a conductive substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: THE DOSHISHA
    Inventor: Masatsugu Morimitsu
  • Publication number: 20140131209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ruthenium electrolyte which is suitable for the deposition of decorative and industrial layers having a particular blackness. The invention further relates to the use of the electrolyte of the invention in a process for the deposition of decorative and industrial layers of ruthenium having a particular blackness (“black ruthenium) on jewelry, decorative goods, consumer goods and industrial articles. The invention therefore likewise relates to corresponding layers and the articles coated in this way. The electrolyte is characterized in that it operates in the weakly acidic to alkaline pH range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: UMICORE GALVANOTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Philip Schramek, Martin Stegmaier, Mario Tomazzoni, Frank Oberst
  • Publication number: 20140100112
    Abstract: Methods of producing one or more biaxially textured layer on a substrate, and articles produced by the methods, are disclosed. As exemplary method may comprise electrodepositing on the substrate a precursor material selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinides, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. An exemplary article may comprise a biaxially textured base material, and at least one biaxially textured layer selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinides, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. The at least one biaxially textured layer is formed by electrodeposition on the biaxially textured base material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Raghu N. BHATTACHARYA, Sovannary PHOK, Priscila SPAGNOL, Tapas CHAUDHURI
  • Publication number: 20130334056
    Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous platinum electroplating bath including: a) a source of platinum ions; and b) a source of polyphosphate anions, and wherein the bath has a pH in the range from about 2 to about 9 when it is in use or ready for use. The aqueous platinum electroplating bath may optionally include one or more levellers. The invention also provides the use of the platinum electroplating bath and platinum salts suitable for use in the bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON NATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Laura Ashfield, Allan Rein Berzins, Alan Boardman, Stephen Geoffrey Warren
  • Publication number: 20130264215
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode system for conventional electrolysis cells, a process for the production thereof and its use for the deposition of electrolytic coatings. The anode system is characterized in that the anode (2) is in direct contact with a membrane (3) which completely separates the anode space from the cathode space. This anode system is therefore a direct-contact membrane anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: UMICORE GALVANOTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Weyhmueller, Franz Kohl, Uwe Manz, Klaus Bronder, Frank Oberst, Mario Tomazzoni
  • Patent number: 8524629
    Abstract: Presented are one or more aspects and/or one or more embodiments of catalysts, methods of preparation of catalyst, methods of deoxygenation, and methods of fuel production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Energia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thien Duyen Thi Nguyen, Krishniah Parimi
  • Patent number: 8507400
    Abstract: Presented are one or more aspects and/or one or more embodiments of catalysts, methods of preparation of catalyst, methods of deoxygenation, and methods of fuel production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Energia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thien Duyen Thi Nguyen, Krishniah Parimi
  • Publication number: 20130199936
    Abstract: Electrodeposition involving an electrolyte having a surface-smoothing additive can result in self-healing, instead of self-amplification, of initial protuberant tips that give rise to roughness and/or dendrite formation on the substrate and/or film surface. For electrodeposition of a first conductive material (C1) on a substrate from one or more reactants in an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution is characterized by a surface-smoothing additive containing cations of a second conductive material (C2), wherein cations of C2 have an effective electrochemical reduction potential in the solution lower than that of the reactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jiguang Zhang, Wu Xu, Gordon L. Graff, Xilin Chen, Fei Ding, Yuyan Shao
  • Patent number: 8372744
    Abstract: A contact rhodium structure is fabricated by a process that comprises obtaining a substrate having a dielectric layer thereon, wherein the dielectric layer has cavities therein into which the contact rhodium is to be deposited; depositing a seed layer in the cavities and on the dielectric layer; and depositing the rhodium by electroplating from a bath comprising a rhodium salt; an acid and a stress reducer; and then optionally annealing the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hariklia Deligianni, Xiaoyan Shao
  • Publication number: 20130011270
    Abstract: A gas turbine component for use in a gas turbine engine includes a substrate and a non-aluminide protective coating with a platinum-group metal. The platinum-group metal resides in a gamma-prime phase of the underlying material. The platinum-group metal can impart the protective coating with superior corrosion-resistance, while the absence of aluminide in the protective coating facilitates use of the protective coating at high-stress and/or high-fatigue portions of the component. The protective coating optionally includes chromide and can also be combined with aluminide at select portions of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: BARSON COMPOSITES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles Clifford Berger, David John Wortman
  • Patent number: 8337688
    Abstract: Disclosed are metal plating compositions for plating a metal on a substrate. The metal plating compositions include compounds which influence the leveling and throwing performance of the metal plating compositions. Also disclosed are methods of depositing metals on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC
    Inventors: Erik Reddington, Gonzalo U. Desmaison, Zukra I. Niazimbetova, Donald E. Cleary, Mark Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 8329018
    Abstract: Disclosed are metal plating compositions and methods. The metal plating compositions provide good leveling performance and throwing power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC
    Inventors: Erik Reddington, Gonzalo U. Desmaison, Zukra I. Niazimbetova, Donald E. Cleary, Mark Lefebvre
  • Publication number: 20120298519
    Abstract: An electrolytic composition for the deposition of a matt metal layer onto a substrate and deposition process where the composition comprises a source of metal from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In, Sn, Sb, Re, Pt, Au, Bi, and combinations thereof; a substituted or unsubstituted polyalkylene oxide or its derivative as an emulsion and/or dispersion former; and a compound comprising fluorated or perfluorated hydrophobic chains or which is a polyalkylene oxide substituted quaternary ammonium compound as wetting agent; wherein the electrolytic composition forms a microemulsion and/or dispersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ENTHONE INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Königshofen, Danica Elbick, Christoph Werner, Wolfgang Clauberg, Peter Pies, Andreas Möbius
  • Patent number: 8187446
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Chun-Mu Huang
  • Publication number: 20120040202
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of materials science and material physics and relates to a coated magnetic alloy material, which can be used, for example, as a magnetic cooling material for cooling purposes. The object of the present invention is to disclose a coated magnetic alloy material, which has improved mechanical and/or chemical properties. The object is attained with a magnetic alloy material with a NaZn13 type crystal structure and a composition according to the formula RaFe100-a-x-y-zTxMyLz and the surface of which is coated with a material composed of at least one element from the group Al, Si, C, Sn, Ti, V, Cd, Cr, Mn, W, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd, Ag, Pt, Au or combinations thereof The object is furthermore attained by a method in which the magnetic alloy material is coated by means of a method from the liquid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Julia Lyubina, Mihaela Buschbeck, Oliver Gutfleisch
  • Patent number: 8048284
    Abstract: Disclosed are metal plating compositions for plating a metal on a substrate. The metal plating compositions include compounds which influence the leveling and throwing performance of the metal plating compositions. Also disclosed are methods of depositing metals on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC
    Inventors: Erik Reddington, Gonzalo Urrutia Desmaison, Zukhra I. Niazimbetova, Donald E. Cleary, Mark Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 8012334
    Abstract: Disclosed are metal plating compositions and methods. The metal plating compositions provide good leveling performance and throwing power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC
    Inventors: Erik Reddington, Gonzalo Urrutia Desmaison, Zukhra I. Niazimbetova, Donald E. Cleary, Mark Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 8007859
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing the electrolyte-filled cathode of a molten carbonate fuel cell. The method includes the steps of a) manufacturing an air electrode through a sintering process; b) dispersing electrolyte powder throughout one surface of the air electrode according to a composition of eutectics; c) attaching the electrolyte powder, uniformly dispersed throughout the one surface of the air electrode, to the air electrode using pressure by pressing the electrolyte powder on the air electrode at a predetermined pressure; and d) filling the air electrode with the electrolyte powder, attached to the air electrode, through heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Boditechmed Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Hyun Ryu, Yun Sung Kim, Chang-Sung Jun, Mi Young Shin
  • Patent number: 7955488
    Abstract: An electrodeposition process of platinum and platinum-based alloy nano-particles with addition of ethylene glycol is disclosed. An acidic solution which contains metal chloride includes at least one platinum-based chloride and the alloy thereof, and ethylene glycol are introduced into a reactor as an electrodeposition solution. By applying an external negative potential, platinum particles or platinum-based alloy particles are deposited on the substrate. The above acidic solution is able to provide ionic conductivity during electrodeposition. The added ethylene glycol effectively enhances the removal of chlorine from metal chlorides. Meanwhile, ethylene glycol is used as stabilizer to prevent the particles from aggregation onto the substrate, thereby increasing the dispersion of deposited particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Ming-Chi Tsai, Chuen-Horng Tsai, Tsung-Kuang Yeh
  • Patent number: 7943020
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode for electrolytic processes, particularly suitable for hydrogen evolution in chlor-alkali electrolysis, consisting of a nickel substrate provided with a coating comprising a protective zone containing palladium and a physically distinct catalytic activation containing platinum or ruthenium optionally mixed with a highly oxidizing metal oxide, preferably chromium or praseodymium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Industries de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi, Claudia Jennifer Bargioni, Alice Calderara, Luciano Iacopetti, Gian Nicola Martelli, Christian Urgeghe
  • Publication number: 20110026187
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved electrostatic chuck for a substrate processing system. The electrostatic chuck comprising a main body having a top surface configured to support the substrate, a power supply to apply a voltage to the main body and a sealing ring disposed between the main body and the substrate wherein the sealing ring has a conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Glyn J. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20100294669
    Abstract: A method is provided for imparting corrosion resistance onto a surface of a substrate. The method comprises contacting the surface of the substrate with an electrolytic plating solution comprising (a) a source of deposition metal ions of a deposition metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, palladium, silver, nickel, copper, gold, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, chrome, and alloys thereof, (b) a pre-mixed dispersion of non-metallic nano-particles, wherein the non-metallic particles have a pre-mix coating of surfactant molecules thereon; and applying an external source of electrons to the electrolytic plating solution to thereby electrolytically deposit a metal-based composite coating comprising the deposition metal and non-metallic nano-particles onto the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ENTHONE INC.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Abys, Edward J. Kudrak, JR., Jingye Li, Chen Xu, Chonglun Fan
  • Patent number: 7776197
    Abstract: An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; and one or more surface coatings comprising one or more of the following metals titanium, niobium, tantalum, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, palladium, or gold, or an alloy of two or more metals, or a combination of two or more alloys or metal layers thereof having an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dao Min Zhou
  • Patent number: 7771578
    Abstract: In a method for production of a corrosion resistant and/or oxidation resistant coating, at least one metal of the platinum group or an alloy thereof is galvanically deposited onto a surface of a substrate, and thereafter the thusly galvanically coated substrate is aluminized. In a first stage of the galvanic deposition process a current magnitude applied for the galvanizing is increased continuously or step-wise beginning from an initial value up to a maximum value, and in a second stage of the galvanic deposition process the current magnitude applied for the galvanizing is maintained constant at the maximum value. The galvanic deposition of the or each metal of the platinum group or the corresponding alloy may be carried out using an open-celled or open-mesh or porous anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Albrecht, Thomas Dautl, Oemer-Refik Oezcan, Horst Pillhoefer
  • Publication number: 20100167084
    Abstract: Methods of producing one or more biaxially textured layer on a substrate, and articles produced by the methods, are disclosed. An exemplary method may comprise electrodepositing on the substrate a precursor material selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinide, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. An exemplary article (150) may comprise a biaxially textured base material (130), and at least one biaxially textured layer (110) selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinides, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. The at least one biaxially textured layer (110) is formed by electrodeposition on the biaxially textured base material (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Raghu N. Bhattacharya, Sovannary Phok, Priscila Spagnol, Tapas Chaudhuri
  • Publication number: 20100135466
    Abstract: A bonded assembly includes a member, and a substrate comprising beryllium, the substrate configured to be bonded to the member. The bonded assembly includes a first barrier applied to a surface of the substrate, a second barrier applied to a surface of the first barrier, a bonding material disposed between the second barrier and the member, and wherein the second barrier is configured to prevent dissolution of the first barrier into the bonding material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Steinlage, Thomas C. Tiearney, Donald Robert Allen
  • Publication number: 20100051468
    Abstract: The production of oxidation-stable and mechanically strong metal layers having a black color presents a particular challenge in the area of electrochemical finishing, especially since there are only a few metals which are suitable for this purpose. A possibility which is not hazardous to health, in contrast to nickel, and is economical compared with rhodium is the electrochemical production of black ruthenium layers. The invention provides an electrolyte and a method using this electrolyte for producing black ruthenium layers on pieces of jewelry, decorative goods, consumer goods and technical articles. The electrolyte is distinguished in that one or more phosphonic acid derivatives are used as a blackening additive. These maintain brightness. The degree of blackness of the resulting black ruthenium layer can be adjusted by the choice of the type and amount of the phosphonic acid derivatives used, while maintaining the desired brightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Schramek
  • Publication number: 20090308756
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to structures having a plurality of discrete insulated elongated electrical conductors projecting from a support surface which are useful as probes for testing of electrical interconnections to electronic devices, such as integrated circuit devices and other electronic components and particularly for testing of integrated circuit devices with rigid interconnection pads and multi-chip module packages with high density interconnection pads and the apparatus for use thereof and to methods of fabrication thereof. Coaxial probe structures are fabricated by the methods described providing a high density coaxial probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Samuel Beaman, Keith Edward Fogel, Paul Alfred Lauro, Yun-Hsin Liao, Daniel Peter Morris, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 7604726
    Abstract: Platinum containing coatings for corrosion and oxidation protection of a substrate, and platinum electrodeposition methods for coating a substrate. The coating may comprise platinum and at least one supplementary constituent, and the method may involve co-electrodeposition of platinum and the supplementary constituent from a single electrolyte composition. The supplementary constituent may comprise chromium, an oxidation protective reactive element, or an alloy of chromium with a reactive element. Components protected by such coatings are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander S. Kozlov, Svetlana Kozlova, legal representative, Derek Raybould, Siu-Ching D. Lui, Thomas E. Strangman
  • Publication number: 20090242416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanowire sensor and method for forming the same. More specifically, the nanowire sensor comprises at least one nanowire formed on a substrate, with a sensor receptor disposed on a surface of the nanowire, thereby forming a receptor-coated nanowire. The nanowire sensor can be arranged as a sensor sub-unit comprising a plurality of homogeneously receptor-coated nanowires. A plurality of sensor subunits can be formed to collectively comprise a nanowire sensor array. Each sensor subunit in the nanowire sensor array can be formed to sense a different stimulus, allowing a user to sense a plurality of stimuli. Additionally, each sensor subunit can be formed to sense the same stimuli through different aspects of the stimulus. The sensor array is fabricated through a variety of techniques, such as by creating nanopores on a substrate and electrodepositing nanowires within the nanopores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Minhee Yun, Nosang Myung, Richard Vasquez, Margie L. Homer, Margaret A. Ryan, Shiao-Pin Yen, Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Ratnakumar Bugga, Daniel Choi, William Goddard, Abhijit Shevade, Mario Blanco, Tahir Cagin, Wely Floriano
  • Publication number: 20090224422
    Abstract: Embodiments of a composite carbon nanotube structure comprising a number of carbon nanotubes disposed in a matrix comprised of a metal or a metal oxide. The composite carbon nanotube structures may be used as a thermal interface device in a packaged integrated circuit device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Valery M. Dubin
  • Publication number: 20090223830
    Abstract: A surface treatment method of cladding a Sn or Sn alloy coating with one or more metals selected from among Mn, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Ga, In, Ti, Ge, Pb, Sb and Bi continuously or discontinuously in such a way as to make the Sn or Sn alloy coating partially exposed, which method makes it possible to inhibit the generation of whiskers in an Sn or Sn alloy coating formed on the surface of a substrate to which other member is pressure-welded or the joint surface to be soldered. Cladding an Sn or Sn alloy coating with a prescribed metal continuously or discontinuously in such a way as to make the coating partially exposed inhibits the generation of whiskers by contact pressure in pressure welding, and further inhibits the generation of whiskers without impairing the solder wettability of the coating even when the cladding is not followed by heat treatment or reflowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicants: C. UYEMURA & CO., LTD., OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Masanobu Tsujimoto, Isamu Yanada, Katsuaki Suganuma, Keunsoo Kim
  • Publication number: 20090202871
    Abstract: A method of coating a carbon article with a metal by reductively electropolymerizing the metal via cyclic voltammetry on the carbon article, thereby forming a metal coating on the carbon article and the polymerized metal-coated carbon article made by the method. A polymerized metal-coated carbon article having a carbon article and a metal coating disposed on an exterior surface of the carbon article, the coating being present in an amount less than about 0.1 mg/cm2. A method of using a fuel cell by forming a fuel cell with a polymerized metal-coated carbon article as a working electrode and reducing oxygen, thereby providing power to a vehicle. A fuel cell including a polymerized metal-coated carbon article as a working electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Rathindra N. Bose, Anima B. Bose
  • Publication number: 20090173634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to gallium (Ga) electroplating methods and chemistries to deposit uniform, defect free and smooth Ga films with high plating efficiency and repeatability. Such layers may be used in fabrication of electronic devices such as thin film solar cells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a solution for application on a conductor that includes a Ga salt, a complexing agent, a solvent, and a Ga-film having submicron thickness is facilitated upon electrodeposition of the solution on the conductor. The solution may further include one or both of a Cu salt and an In salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: SoloPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Serdar Aksu, Jiaxiong Wang, Bulent M. Basol
  • Publication number: 20090134036
    Abstract: An electrolytic processing method makes it possible to preferentially process a diffusion barrier layer while suppressing processing of an interconnect metal, thereby enabling omission of CMP or a lowering of processing pressure in CMP. The electrolytic processing method comprises: bringing a surface of a substrate (W) into contact with an electrolytic solution (48) comprising an organic solvent, such as propylene carbonate, and an electrolyte, such as lithium hexafluorophosphate, dissolved into the organic solvent, and optionally an inhibitor composed of a heterocyclic compound; and applying an electric potential, for example, a positive electric potential which is controlled at a value less than the decomposition voltage of the organic solvent, to the surface of the substrate (W) to carry out electrolytic processing of the substrate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Kodera, Itsuki Kobata
  • Publication number: 20090120801
    Abstract: An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; and one or more surface coatings comprising one or more of the following metals titanium, niobium, tantalum, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, palladium, or gold, or an alloy of two or more metals, or a combination of two or more alloys or metal layers thereof having an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Dao Min Zhou
  • Publication number: 20090123789
    Abstract: There is disclosed articles for and methods of confining volatile materials in the void volume defined by crystalline void materials. In one embodiment, the hydrogen isotopes are confined inside carbon nanotubes for storage and the production of energy. There is also disclosed a method of generating various reactions by confining the volatile materials inside the crystalline void structure and releasing the confined volatile material. In this embodiment, the released volatile material may be combined with a different material to initiate or sustain a chemical, thermal, nuclear, electrical, mechanical, or biological reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: William K. Cooper, James F. Loan, Christopher H. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20090084682
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods include depositing an electropositive metal onto at least a portion of the substrate, and then contacting the substrate with a pretreatment composition that is substantially free of crystalline phosphates and chromates. The present invention also relates to coated substrates produced thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. McMillen, Edward F. Rakiewicz, Richard F. Karabin, Michelle S. Miles
  • Patent number: 7501050
    Abstract: A method of coating a carbon article with a metal by cyclic voltammetrically electrodepositing the metal on the carbon article, thereby forming a metal coating on the carbon article and the metal-coated carbon article made by the method. A metal-coated carbon article having a carbon article and a metal coating disposed on an exterior surface of the carbon article, the coating being present in an amount less than about 0.1 mg/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Northern Illinois University
    Inventors: Rathindra N. Bose, Anima B. Bose
  • Publication number: 20090042084
    Abstract: At first step S1, a passivation film is removed by performing pickling on a separator for fuel cell and then a new passivation film is formed b performing heating at 200-280° preferably. At second step S2, mechanical polishing is performed on the horizontal top surfaces in the waiving portion of the separator for fuel cell, and a chipped portion is provided by chipping off a part of the passivation film. At third step S3, the separator for fuel cell is plated to form a first plating film composed of gold, rhodium, platinum or an alloy of two or more kinds of them starting at the periphery of the chipped portion. A complex ion stabilizer for suppressing dissociation of complex ions is added to plating bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Koji Kobayashi, Masaharu Kitafuji, Nobuhiro Asai, Tetsuya Kondo, Yu Kawamata, Yasuhiro Nakao
  • Patent number: 7381477
    Abstract: This invention provides a rare earth-transition metal (RE-TM) alloy structure comprising a RE-TM alloy substrate and a noble metal diffusion barrier disposed thereon. The noble metal diffusion barrier may be provided on the surface of the alloy substrate by an electroplating technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventors: J. M. Shipton, legal representative, Mark H. Shipton
  • Patent number: 7351448
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for coating surfaces of metal or metallic components including providing at least one metal having a patterned outer surface exhibiting an optical reflection greater than about 40%, providing at least one anti-reflective coating material, the anti-reflective coating material(s) including effective amount of electrically conductive light scattering and/or wavelength absorbent properties, and depositing the anti-reflective coating material(s) onto the patterned outer surface(s) of each metal, wherein the anti-reflective coating material(s) conforms to the desired patterned outer surface(s) of each metal. In another embodiment, a coated metal component includes at least one metal having a patterned outer surface(s); and, a coating of at least one antireflective material deposited on the metal patterned outer surface by deposition, wherein the antireflective coating material(s) including effective amount of electrically conductive light scattering and/or wavelength absorbent properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David J. Irvin, Andrew Guenthner, Nicholas Prokopuk
  • Patent number: 7214409
    Abstract: A turbine engine component has a substrate formed from a nickel based superalloy and a Ni—Pt—Al—Hf bondcoat applied to a surface of the substrate. Two methods for forming the platinum modified Ni—Pt—Al—Hf bondcoat are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Asumini Kasule
  • Patent number: 7022210
    Abstract: A locally distributed electrode is made by placing a conducting metallic oxide layer and a counter electrode in contact with a noble metal electroplating solution and applying a negative potential to the metallic oxide layer relative to the counter electrode, such that the noble metal is electrodeposited from the solution preferentially at defect sites on a surface of the metallic oxide layer. The noble metal nuclei are selectively electrodeposited at the defect sites to form a locally distributed electrode made up of a dot matrix of metallic islands. For reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) devices, the presence of the noble metal renders mirror metal electrodeposition at the defect sites reversible so that the defects become part of the dot matrix electrode and extraneous deposition of the mirror metal on the conducting metallic oxide is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Scientific Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: D. Morgan Tench
  • Patent number: 7011738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for activation of a cathode comprising at least a cathode substrate wherein the cathode is cleaned by means of an acid, the cleaned cathode is coated with at least one electrocatalytic coating solution, drying the coated cathode until it is at least substantially dry, and thereafter contacting the cathode with a solvent redissolving precipitated electrocatalytic salts or acids formed on the cathode, originating from the electrocatalytic solution, to form dissolved electrocatalytic metal ions on the cathode surface, so that said electrocatalytic metal ions can precipitate as metals on the cathode. The invention also comprises a cathode obtainable by the method and the use of an activated cathode in an electrolytic cell for producing chlorine and alkali hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Lars-Erik Bergman, Erik Zimmerman, Tomas Widenfalk, Bernd Busse
  • Patent number: 6974533
    Abstract: An improved electrode and method for manufacturing the improved electrode wherein the electrode having a fractal surface coating of platinum [which the present inventor refers to as “platinum gray”] with a increase in surface area of at least 5 times when compared to shiny platinum of the same geometry and also having improved resistance to physical stress when compared to platinum black having the same surface area. The process of electroplating the surface coating of platinum gray comprising plating at a moderate rate, i.e., at a rate that is faster than the rate necessary to produce shiny platinum and that is less than the rate necessary to produce platinum black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dao Min Zhou
  • Patent number: 6974636
    Abstract: A turbine engine component comprising a substrate made of a nickel-base or cobalt-base superalloy and a protective coating overlying the substrate, the coating formed by electroplating at least two platinum group metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and iridium. The protective coating is typically heat treated to increase homogeneity of the coating and adherence with the substrate. The component typically further comprises a ceramic thermal barrier coating overlying the protective coating. Also disclosed are methods for forming the protective coating on the turbine engine component by electroplating the platinum group metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ramgopal Darolia, Mark Daniel Gorman, Melvin Robert Jackson, Ji-Cheng Zhao