Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: An electrolysis system for generating a metal and molecular oxygen includes a container for receiving a metal oxide containing a metallic species to be extracted, a cathode positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an oxygen-ion-conducting membrane positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an anode in contact with the oxygen-ion-conducting membrane and spaced apart from a metal oxide housed within the container, said anode selected from the group consisting of liquid metal silver, oxygen stable electronic oxides, oxygen stable crucible cermets, and stabilized zirconia composites with oxygen stable electronic oxides.

Abstract: A system for purification of high value metals comprises an electrolytic cell in which an anode formed of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest with carbon is electrochemically reduced in a molten salt electrolyte.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: Proposed is a zirconium crucible used for melting an analytical sample in the pretreatment of the analytical sample, wherein the purity of the zirconium crucible is 99.99 wt % or higher. In light of the recent analytical technology demanded of fast and accurate measurement of high purity materials, the present invention provides a zirconium crucible for melting an analytical sample, a method of preparing such analytical sample, and a method of analysis that enables the analysis of high purity materials by inhibiting the inclusion of impurities from the crucible regardless of difference in the analysts and their skill.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for electrochemical reduction of a metal oxide in a solid state is disclosed. The cell includes a molten electrolyte (14), an anode (10) formed from carbon in contact with the electrolyte, a cathode (20) formed at least in part from the metal oxide in contact with the electrolyte, and a membrane (28) that is permeable to oxygen anions and is impermeable to carbon in ionic and non-ionic forms positioned between the cathode and the anode to thereby prevent migration of carbon from the anode to the cathode. The membrane includes a body (32) and a lining (34) on the surface of the body on the cathode side of the membrane. The lining is formed from a material that is inert with respect to dissolved metal in the electrolyte and is impermeable to the dissolved metal. An electrochemical method based on the cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for electrowinning of titanium metal or titanium alloys from electrically conductive titanium mixed oxide compounds in the liquid state such as molten titania slag, molten ilmenite, molten leucoxene, molten perowskite, molten titanite, molten natural or synthetic rutile or molten titanium dioxide. The method involves providing the conductive titanium oxide compound at temperatures corresponding to the liquid state, pouring the molten material into an electrochemical reactor to form a pool of electrically conductive liquid acting as cathode material, covering the cathode material with a layer of electrolyte, such as molten salts or a solid state ionic conductor, deoxidizing electrochemically the molten cathode by direct current electrolysis. Preferably, the deoxidizing step is performed at high temperature using either a consumable carbon anode or an inert dimensionally stable anode or a gas diffusion anode.

Abstract: A process for electrochemically reducing a metal oxide, such as titania, in a solid state in an electrochemical cell that includes a bath of molten electrolyte, a cathode, and an anode, which process includes the steps of: a) applying a cell potential across the anode and the cathode that is capable of electrochemically reducing the metal oxide supplied to the molten electrolyte bath, b) continuously or semi-continuously feeding the metal oxide in powder and/or pellet form into the molten electrolyte bath, c) transporting the powders and/or pellets along a path within the molten electrolyte bath and reducing the metal oxide as the metal oxide powders and/or pellets move along the path, and d) continuously or semi-continuously removing metal from the molten electrolyte bath. Also disclosed and claims is an electrochemical cell for carrying out this process.

Abstract: A method of reducing a metal oxide in a solid state, in an electrolytic cell, is provided, as is an electrolytic cell suitable for performing the method. The cathode of the electrolytic cell is formed at least in part from the metal oxide to be reduced, and the electrolyte includes cations of a metal that is capable of chemically reducing the cathode metal oxide. The method includes operating the cell at a potential that is above the potential at which cations of the reducing metal will deposit as metal on the cathode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions of health and beauty care products which are produced by mimicking the human body's own defense mechanisms and the methods to produce and use such compositions. The products are water based, oil and surfactant free and can be antimicrobicidal, without causing drying or itching of the skin. Moreover, such products enhance hydration and moisturizing of the skin and prevent itching. The products are based on water solutions of mixed oxidants, mimicking those produced by the human immune system cells. The invention also describes the processes for producing such products. Such products can be used independently, or to prepare creams, gels, lotions, tooth and other pastes, powders, suppositories, body and hair shampoos and rinses, oral and body hygiene rinses, creams and other products which would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: An amperometric in situ apparatus and technique for measuring the concentrations and transport properties of easily dissociable oxides in slags is described. The technique consists of a combination of different measurements utilizing an electrolyte to separate a reference-gas compartment from the slag of interest. A method and apparatus for metals extraction is also described which includes a vessel for holding a molten electrolyte, the electrolyte comprising a mobile metallic species and an anionic species having a diffusivity greater than about 10−5 cm2/sec; a cathode and an anode, the cathode in electrical contact with the molten metal electrolyte, the cathode and molten electrolyte separated from the anode by an ionic membrane capable of transporting the anionic species of the electrolyte into the membrane; and a power source for generating a potential between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: An amperometric in situ apparatus and technique for measuring the concentrations and transport properties of easily dissociable oxides in slags is described. The technique consists of a combination of different measurements utilizing an electrolyte to separate a reference-gas compartment from the slag of interest. A potentiometric measurement (type I) provides information on the thermodynamic properties of the slag; an amperometric measurement (type II) yields information concerning the type and transport properties of dissociable oxides; an electrolysis measurement (type III) determines the concentration of dissociable oxides. A method and apparatus for metals extraction is also described which includes a vessel for holding a molten electrolyte, the electrolyte comprising a mobile metallic species and an anionic species having a diffusivity greater than about 10.sup.-5 cm.sup.