Abstract: Electrochemically reacting a lanthanide or actinide in solvent at a working electrode; wherein the solvent comprises an organic solvent such as acetonitrile which have a dielectric constant of at least three; wherein the solvent system further comprises an electrolyte; wherein the working electrode comprises an ionically conducting or permeable film such as a fluorosulfonate film; wherein at least one ligand such as triflate distinct from the ionically conducting or permeable film is present; wherein the ligand is chemically similar to a structure in the ionically conducting or ionically permeable film; and optionally wherein the electrochemical oxidation or reduction is carried out under the influence of a magnetic field which favorably enhances the reaction. Improved electrochemical methods, identification, and separation can be achieved.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for monitoring the cathodic protection of underground or submerged structures may include a coupon assembly including a conductive test coupon and a reference electrode for determining the voltage potential difference of the protected structure without substantially interrupting surrounding current sources. The reference electrode may be at least partially covered with an electrolytic material in electrical contact with the surrounding environment via a plug including a porous material. A method of installation of the assembly may allow a single technician to install the coupon assembly using a probe rod without extensive on-site excavation. The coupon assembly may be configured to seat securely with the probe rod for stability during installation, and release from the probe rob when the probe rod is separated from the coupon assembly and withdrawn from the ground, leaving the coupon assembly at a preselected depth or preselected distance from the protected structure.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a glucose-sensing electrode including a nanoporous layer on an electrically conductive surface. The nanoporous layer includes a three-dimensional interconnected network of irregularly shaped bodies that are formed of numerous nanoparticles having a generally oval or spherical shape with a length ranging between about 2 nm and about 5 nm. Inside the three-dimensional interconnected network of irregularly shaped bodies, at least part of the nanoparticles are adjacent to each other without an intervening nanoparticle therebetween and apart from each other to define interparticular nanopores therebetween, wherein at least part of the interparticular nanopores inside the three-dimensional interconnected network of irregularly shaped bodies are in a size ranging between about 0.5 nm and about 3 nm.

Abstract: A system configured for detection of corrosion of a metal substrate is disclosed. The article includes a first layer disposed over the metal substrate comprising a first electrically conductive polymer, and a first electrical conductivity sensor in sensing contact with the first layer.

Abstract: To realize a compact device that detects phase or controls phase or an amplitude with high sensitivity, a signal controller includes: a linear conductor having a first end fixed to a negative electrode and a second end serving as a free end; a positive electrode facing the free end with a small gap therebetween; a first signal source that applies a voltage between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, the voltage applied being variable; a driving electrode that applies an electric field to a space around the conductor, the electric field having a component perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the conductor; and a second signal source that applies an AC signal to the driving electrode. The signal processor can be a device for controlling or modulating phase or amplitude.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer includes dielectric regions of different thicknesses, some of the dielectric regions being thinner and other ones of the dielectric regions being thicker. The semiconductor wafer further includes a stress circuit operable to stress at least one of the dielectric regions internally within the semiconductor wafer for assessing dielectric reliability. A corresponding method of internally assessing dielectric reliability of a semiconductor technology is also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method of modifying the electrical properties of carbon nanotubes. The method may include providing a substrate having carbon nanotubes deposited on a surface of the substrate, and depositing on the carbon nanotubes a coating layer comprising a mixture of nanoparticles, a matrix in which the nanoparticles are dissolved or stabilized, and an ionic liquid. A field-effect transistor including the modified carbon nanotubes is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation of nanostructures, including carbon-based nanostructures, are generally described. In certain embodiments, substrate configurations and associated methods are described.

Abstract: An organic thin film transistor comprising a first gate, a second gate, a semiconducting layer located between the first gate and second gate and configured to operate as a channel and a source electrode and a drain electrode connected to opposing sides of the semiconductor layer. The organic thin film transistor also comprises a first dielectric layer located between the first gate and the semiconducting layer in a direction of current flow through the semiconductor layer, the first dielectric layer comprising a polar elastomeric dielectric material that exhibits a double layer charging effect when a set voltage is applied to the first gate and a second dielectric layer located between the second gate and the semiconducting layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical sensing chip, which has various applications and may be used repetitively. The optical sensing chip can qualitatively identify different types of molecules and quantitatively analyze small molecules in minute amounts. Regarding a conventional optical sensing chip, an additional sample of known concentration is required as a reference in signal comparison for quantitative determination. In the disclosure, it is unnecessary to add the additional sample of known concentration, but the optical sensing chip itself provides a fixed optical signal that is not varied along with environmental changes to serve as a reference for quantitative determination. In addition, the optical sensing chip also possesses the ability to concentrate or filter sample in real-time.

Abstract: Example methods of fabricating a circuit board are disclosed. An example method includes providing a substrate, forming at least one or more channels having linear nanostructures on the substrate, and forming a first electrode and a second electrode on the substrate, where the at least one or more channels electrically couple the first electrode to the second electrode.

Abstract: A continuous reactor vessel for a rotary reactor having a first disk and a second disk separating three zones wherein the first disk includes a material feed opening spaced from its peripheral edge by an inlet peripheral spacing and configured to receive a material inlet tube, the second disk including an axial extension spaced from the second peripheral edge having at least one axially extending side wall and an end cap with at least one reaction zone discharge opening in the extension. The at least one opening allowing for a continuous and controlled reactor discharge rate of the associated granular product from the reaction zone into the discharge zone, the discharge opening being spaced from the second peripheral edge by an outlet peripheral spacing such that the peripheral spacings define a controlled depth of a dead bed accumulation of the associated granular product in the reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for determining the weight of small particles, typically being nano-sized particles by use of resonating fibers in the form of elongate members being driven into resonance by an actuator or e.g. thermal noise/fluctuation. The frequency shift in resonance frequency due to depositing of nano-sized particles is correlated with the mass deposited on the elongate member and the vibration frequency of the elongate member is determined by a detector. The read-out from the detector is transformed into a mass deposited on the elongate member. Particles are deposited by letting a fluid with the particles flow past the elongate member.

Abstract: An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a quantity of contaminated liquid in a treatment reservoir (2,28) containing a carbon based adsorbent material capable of electrochemical regeneration. The adsorbent material is in the form of a bed supported on a plate (6) at the base of the reservoir. The bed is agitated for a period to distribute the adsorbent material in the liquid and adsorb contaminant therefrom. At the end of the period the agitation ceases, and the bed of adsorbent material is allowed to settle. The adsorbent is then regenerated, during or after settlement, by passing an electric current through the bed to release from the adsorbent gaseous products derived from the contaminant, in bubbles rising through the decontaminated liquid in the reservoir. Various methods of regenerating the adsorbent material are disclosed, as are apparatus in which the method can be applied.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning chlorobenzenes-contaminated soil and groundwater are provided related to environment protection. The apparatus includes a direct current power supply, permeable reactive barrier (PRB) reaction walls and electrodes, wherein the electrodes are arranged in a polluted area according the concentric circles, and are installed into electrode chambers; the PRB reaction walls are installed at ½ between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode and at ¼ from the anode electrode. Chlorobenzenes in the soil and groundwater can be gathered in the PRB reaction walls through the arrangement of the electrode area; and then the chlorobenzenes can be further removed by oxidation-reduction reactions in the PRB reaction walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising an electrochemical cell, to a process for electrochemical cleaning of fibers, to laundry detergents for electrochemical cleaning of fibers and to the fibers thus cleaned.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems comprising hydrodynamic cavitation, microwave irradiation, and at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis, providing feedstock purification of at least one of water, fluid and mineral. Contaminants, broken down and chemically degraded into smaller and more volatile substances by hydrodynamic cavitation are ultimately destroyed in the course of one or more sonoelectrolysis steps. In various embodiments, at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis is irradiated with microwaves in order to heat the sonoplasma present within acoustic cavitation bubbles to temperatures sufficient to destroy contaminants therein.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a solid oxide and a device therefor, capable of manufacturing a solid oxide used as an optical material without introducing damaged layers caused by machining, which does not use any polishing agent or abrasive grains including rare earth elements, or does not use any solution, such as hydrogen fluoride, for which handling is difficult and which imposes a heavy environmental burden.

Abstract: A method of pre-doping an anode of an energy storage device can include immersing the anode and a dopant source in an electrolyte, and coupling a substantially constant current between the anode and the dopant source. A method of pre-doping an anode of an energy storage device can include immersing the anode and a dopant source in an electrolyte, and coupling a substantially constant voltage across the anode and the dopant source. An energy storage device can include an anode having a lithium ion pre-doping level of about 60% to about 90%.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for producing highly crystallized particles having a specific surface area of 5 m2/g or more. The raw material composition contains a resin and at least partially amorphous precursor particles. The composition is heat-treated to carbonize the resin and improve the crystallinity of the precursor particles. A mixture of highly crystallized particles and carbon is prepared. Then, a solution containing an acid is contacted with the mixture to react the acid with the carbon. The carbon is removed and a slurry containing reaction product is prepared. The highly crystallized particles include a first portion having a smaller diameter and a second portion having a larger diameter.

Abstract: An article having a continuous network of zinc and a continuous network of void space interpenetrating the zinc network. The zinc network is a fused, monolithic structure. A method of: providing an emulsion having a zinc powder and a liquid phase; drying the emulsion to form a sponge; sintering the sponge to form a sintered sponge; heating the sintered sponge in an oxidizing atmosphere to form an oxidized sponge having zinc oxide on the surface of the oxidized sponge; and electrochemically reducing the zinc oxide to form a zinc metal sponge.

Abstract: An electrolyte for removing metal-carbide/nitride coatings or metal-carbide-nitride coatings from substrates, the electrolyte includes an acid, an inhibiter and a complexant. The acid is a mixture of a sulfuric acid and a weak acid. The inhibiter is an organic compound containing hydrophilic group, lipophilic group, and at least one polar group selected from nitrogen-containing group, sulfur-containing group, and hydroxyl group. The complexant is capable of complexing with Fe3+. A method for removing the metal-carbide/nitride coatings or metal-carbide-nitride coatings using the electrolyte is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Nanotube Detangler capable of aligning and ordering the constituent nanotubes, nanowires and/or nanoparticles of a filament leading to greater tensile strength of the filament and subsequent threads or structures made from it. The technique exploits ion infusion as a mechanism to force the tangle of the nanotubes, nanowires and/or nanoparticles apart. Included in the invention are alignment enhancement technologies such as heating, vibration, electromagnetic, particle bombardment and chemical means. The present invention recognizes that aligned and ordered nanotubes, nanowires and nanoparticles in a filament will increase the conductivity of the filament and enable the fabrication of electric conductors, wires and circuit components. Such breakthroughs in strength and conductivity of filaments of nanotubes, nanowires and/or nanoparticles will revolutionize life on Earth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biochemical actuator heads instrumented with a receptor conductive polymer for reversibly controlling ligand-receptor interactions. Also disclosed are systems and methods for utilizing and fabricating the biochemical actuator head. The biochemical actuator head and related systems and methods may be used in a wide array of applications including, without limitation, micro/nano assembly, examination of cellular signaling mechanisms, image-guided cell nanosurgery or particle processing. Particle processing systems and methods are also provided utilizing a receptor conductive polymer for reversibly controlling ligand-receptor interactions.

Abstract: Described herein are a method and an apparatus for removing metal oxides from a substrate surface within a target area. In one particular embodiment, the method and apparatus has an energizing electrode which has an array of protruding conductive tips that are electrically connected by a conductive wire and separated into a first electrically connected group and a second electrically connected group wherein at least a portion of the conductive tips are activated by a DC voltage source that is negatively biased to generate electrons within the target area that attach to at least a portion of a reducing gas that is present in the target area to form a negatively charged reducing gas that contacts the treating surface to reduce the metal oxides on the treating surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A catalyst removal apparatus and method for removing catalyst from a polycrystalline cutter. The cutter includes a substrate and a cutting table. The apparatus includes a tank forming a cavity therein, an electrolyte fluid occupying the cavity, the cutter, a covering surrounding at least a portion of the cutter's sidewall and extending from at least the substrate's top surface towards the bottom surface, a cathode submersed within the fluid, and a power source. The cutting table is submersed within the fluid and positioned near the cathode, thereby forming a gap therebetween. The power source is coupled to the cutter and the cathode and electrolyzes the fluid to react with the catalyst in the cutting table to produce a salt. The salt dissolves in the fluid and is removed from the cutter. Optionally, a transducer is sonically coupled to the cutter and emits vibrations to remove salt from the cutting table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of an electrochemically activated liquid. The ORP is reduced by emitting ions from an ion generator into the electrochemically activated liquid, wherein the ions have a charge polarity that is opposite to the ORP of the liquid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for initializing a deposition chamber, a method for removing contaminants in a deposition chamber, and a method of manufacturing a deposition chamber. In the method for initializing a deposition chamber, light is irradiated in the chamber, and then minute contaminants remaining in the chamber are removed. The newly manufactured chamber is thereby initialized so that it can be used for deposition.

Abstract: A process for grinding workpieces is obtained which includes attaching honing stones to a tool, each of the honing stones including grinding particles and an electroconductive connection for fixing the grinding particles to each other; grinding the workpieces with the honing stones by applying a honing liquid having substantially no electroconductive property to a region between the workpiece and the honing stones, the workpieces being successively ground during a series of processing periods, while interposing non-processing periods between the processing periods, each of the workpieces being ground in one of the processing periods; and performing an electrolytic dressing with respect to the honing stones by using an electrode provided to face the honing stones with a space therebetween, a voltage being applied between the honing stones and an electrode in the presence of an electroconductive liquid in the space between the honing stones and the electrode, the electrolytic dressing being carried out during t

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a membrane treatment method and a membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module, which are capable of inhibiting the formation of scale on the membrane surface to reduce fouling, using a simple installation. [Means for Solving the Problem] The membrane treatment method and the membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module according to the invention, having a membrane treatment tank 2 and a membrane module 1 provided in the tank for continuously performing filtration while ballast water is being passed thereto as raw water; wherein a positive electrode and a negative electrode are provided in the membrane treatment tank 2 so as to come into contact with raw water in the tank, and a current passing means is provided in the tank for applying a voltage between the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for cleaning anode media, the method comprising removing the anode media from an electroplating system, and removing scale coatings from substrates of the anode media by vibrational polishing the anode media with abrasive particles.

Abstract: A method of treating electrically conductive nanoparticles using a dynamic processing electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A device which is suitable for electrochemically processing an object comprises at least an electrolyte-containing chamber, means for supporting the object to be processed in the chamber, a counter electrode disposed in the chamber as well as means for applying an electrical potential difference between the object to be processed and the counter electrode. The device furthermore comprises at least one holder and at least one rod-shaped coelectrode supported by the holder, which rod-shaped coelectrode extends towards the object and which in use has a polarity opposite that of the counter electrode.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a substrate patterning process, where at least two electrodes are used to apply a voltage to the substrate to cause a reaction in a portion of the substrate, that includes recording a current driven by said voltage as a function of time and/or as a function of a position of the substrate or a patterning mask. Also disclosed are a device and a computer program product for monitoring the substrate patterning process.

Abstract: A method is provided for activating a zirconia oxygen sensor which detects the oxygen concentration of an ambient atmosphere by means of a zirconia element that has a porous electrode formed on both sides of an impervious oxygen ion conductor. An electrical current is applied as a pulsed, square wave, direct current during heat up, heat soak, and cool down of the ionic conductor that is applied to ceramic substrate, thereby causing oxygen ions to flowing through the sensor body and pumping oxygen gas through the sensor electrodes, thus improving electrode porosity distribution.

Abstract: A method for dispersing nanomaterial comprising an electrochemical process, a solution of dispersed nanomaterial, comprising individual charged nanomaterial at a concentration of about O.1 mgm?1 or more and a solvent and an electrochemical cell are described.

Abstract: A method for treating a substance using an apparatus having: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.

Abstract: Dried nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), in particular films of NCC, of controlled water dispersibility and a method to control the dispersibility of dried NCC by controlling electrolyte solution ionic strength and ion valency is described. Neutral M-NCC suspensions containing monovalent counterions (e.g., M=Na+, K+, NH4+, Et4N+) produced by neutralization of acid-form NCC (H-NCC) with the appropriate hydroxide, are readily dispersible in water when fully dried; this is in contrast to H-NCC. The dispersion of dried M-NCC in aqueous media is effectively prevented by a combination of (1) increased electrolyte concentration and ionic strength, and (2) higher valency of the cation component of the dissolved salt. Additionally, pre-treatment of dried M-NCC films with an electrolyte solution having a polyvalent cation, for example a divalent or trivalent cation is sufficient to prevent the subsequent dispersion of the M-NCC film in pure water.

Abstract: A method of preparing an oxidized electrode for a capacitive deionization device, the method including electrochemically oxidizing an electrode including a hydrophobic active material to produce the oxidized electrode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cleaning method is disclosed. The method can produce an oxidizing solution including an oxidizing substance by electrolyzing a dilute sulfuric acid solution. In addition, the method can supply a highly concentrated inorganic acid solution individually, sequentially, or substantially simultaneously with the oxidizing solution to a surface of an object to be cleaned.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a cleaning liquid includes an oxidizing substance and hydrofluoric acid and exhibiting acidity. A cleaning method is disclosed. The method includes producing an oxidizing solution including an oxidizing substance by one selected from electrolyzing a sulfuric acid solution, electrolyzing hydrofluoric acid added to a sulfuric acid solution, and mixing a sulfuric acid solution with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The method includes supplying the oxidizing solution and hydrofluoric acid to a surface of an object to be cleaned.

Abstract: An electrolytic method for extracting components from subsurface strata including providing a carrier fluid; providing a pair of electrodes within a container, the container having a first outlet located proximal to a first electrode of the pair of electrodes and a second outlet located proximal to a second electrode of the pair of electrodes; flowing the carrier fluid through the container; applying a potential to the pair of electrodes to produce a first ionized carrier fluid and a second ionized carrier fluid in the container; removing the first ionized carrier fluid from the container through their respective outlets; injecting one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid into the subsurface strata to release the components; and recovering one of the first ionized carrier fluid and second ionized carrier fluid and components from the subsurface strata.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for electrolytic cleaning of a material. Compositions and methods include electrochemical modification of a carrier fluid tailored for the removal of a target contaminate from the material. Compositions and methods can include booster compounds and modified pH for enhanced cleaning capacity.

Abstract: In the electro-dissolution process for hard alloy recovery, the longitudinal acid flow is replaced by a transversal flow to progress the running quality of electrolyte; a supersonic wave device is set for increasing the reaction speed and preventing the oxidation bed from forming; a supersonic wave cleaner is used for cleaning the impurity ions; grinding process is improved for maintaining the original shape of hard particles (WC, VC, TiC, etc); magnetic separators are used for separating the residual metal binder (Co, Ni, Cr, etc) out of the powders.

Abstract: A drinking water filter system includes; a filter unit including; a first electrode and a second electrode disposed separate from and substantially opposite to the first electrode, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a filter layer, and a voltage applying device which alternately applies a forward voltage and a reverse voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to sterilize and regenerate the at least one filter layer.

Abstract: An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to processes for the combination of injecting charge in a material electrochemically via non-faradaic (double-layer) charging, and retaining this charge and associated desirable properties changes when the electrolyte is removed. The present invention is also directed to compositions and applications using material property changes that are induced electrochemically by double-layer charging and retained during subsequent electrolyte removal. In some embodiments, the present invention provides reversible processes for electrochemically injecting charge into material that is not in direct contact with an electrolyte. Additionally, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to devices and other material applications that use properties changes resulting from reversible electrochemical charge injection in the absence of an electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for concentrating particles or molecules and an apparatus thereof. The apparatus comprises a substrate, a conducting granule having nano-pores or nano-channels capable of permitting ion permeation, an electrolyte solution comprising counter-ions having an opposite electric property to the conducting granule, and an external field. Wherein, particles or molecules to be concentrated have an identical electric property as the conducting granule at a predefined pH value, and are added into the electrolyte solution with the predefined pH value. While the external electric field is applied across the reservoir where the conducting granule is sitting, the counter-ions exit from the nano-pores or nano-channels and such that a transient ion super-concentration phenomenon occurs at an ejecting pole on the conducting granule so as to concentrate the particles or molecules. Hence the present invention has potential application in bead-based molecular assays.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting coating for active corrosion protection of a metal substrate includes, deposited on the metal substrate, a sandwich-like complex including a first inner layer of organic species, a corrosion inhibitor layer and a second outer layer of organic species, which coating is sensitive to at least one specific stimulus and releases the corrosion inhibitor in response to the stimulus.