Abstract: A self-decontaminating system for decontaminating a surface on demand is disclosed herein. The system contains an electrochemical cell and at least one portion of the surface forms a functional component of the cell. The system may include an electrocatalytic fabric which is flexible and resistant to tears and breaks, such that the fabric can be rolled up or pleated in order to provide a high surface area structure that can serve as an active filter. The fabric can function as a stand-alone system or a protective coating. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating, decontaminating, and regenerating the self-decontaminating fabric.

Abstract: The galvanic cathodic protection of steel embedded in concrete structures is enhanced by the utilization of a flexible composite anode assembly containing a sacrificial anode member. The anode member is at least partially covered by a matrix comprising an ionically-conductive material. The conductive material includes at least one electrochemical activating agent such as a mixture of lithium bromide and lithium nitrate and a compressible water-retaining mineral such as a phyllosilicate mineral. The presence of this mineral in the matrix increases the current delivered by the anode, thereby resulting in a greater level of cathodic protection, and a longer effective service life of the anode. Exfoliated vermiculite is a preferred phyllosilicate mineral and is present in an amount of between about 2% and about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an electrical lead (10) having one or more electrodes (11) includes providing an elongate member (14) having at least one polymeric region and further having at least one electrical conductor (13) that extends along at least a part of a length of the elongate member (14) and that is contained in a wall of the elongate member. A length of the at least one electrical conductor (13) is accessed at the at least one polymeric region (34). An electrically conductive adhesive (15) is applied to the length of the at least one electrical conductor (13) that has been accessed.

Abstract: Process for the electrochemical treatment of a construction comprising a porous medium, a corrodible substance disposed in the porous medium, the construction having electrically conductive properties, comprising the application of an external electrode (3) to a surface (2) of the construction, the external electrode (3) being connected to a terminal of a generator (6), the porous medium being connected to another terminal of the generator (6), and the application of the following four phases at least once: during a first phase lasting between 12 and 360 hours, passing a negative electric current which causes anions to migrate from the porous medium to the external electrode (3) and cations to migrate from the external electrode (3) towards the porous medium, then during a second phase lasting between 2 minutes and 100 hours, interrupting the circulation of the electric current, then during a third phase lasting between 2 minutes and 24 hours, passing a positive electric current, then during a fourth phase la

Abstract: An electrochemically disbondable composition is provided having a matrix functionality and an electrolyte functionality. The matrix functionality provides an adhesive bond to a substrate, and the electrolyte functionality provides sufficient ionic conductivity to the composition to support a faradaic reaction at an interface with an electrically conductive surface in contact with the composition, whereby the adhesive bond is weakened at the interface. The composition may be a phase-separated composition having first regions of substantially matrix functionality and second regions of substantially electrolyte functionality. Adhesive and coating compositions and methods of disbonding also are described.

Abstract: A method for treating or preparing a fuel rod cladding tube in such a way that an influence of iron oxide deposits on its surface can be studied and assessed precisely under virtually operational conditions with as little risk as possible, includes at least partially coating the fuel rod cladding tube with an iron oxide layer by immersing it in an aqueous electrolyte medium which contains iron oxide particles. The iron oxide particles are produced by anodic oxidation of an iron-containing working electrode. A test body and a device for pretreating a fuel rod cladding tube with an electrochemical three-electrode configuration, are also provided.

Abstract: Micro-neuroelectrodes for use in stimulation of neurons can be formed having decreased impedance, increased charge storage capacity, and good durability. A method of coating a micro-neuroelectrode includes sputtering a film of iridium oxide on a surface of the micro-neuroelectrode. The sputtering can occur using pulse-DC conditions under reactive conditions that are sufficient to form a polycrystalline iridium oxide film that adheres to the surface of the micro-neuroelectrode. The deposited iridium oxide film can also be optionally activated to increase its charge storage capacity.

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: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor substrate including on a surface of the substrate at least one structure comprising a first conducting or semiconducting material, surrounded by a layer of a second conducting or semiconducting material, said layer essentially extending over the totality of said surface, the first and second material being in physical contact, the method comprising the steps of: providing the substrate, positioning a counter-electrode facing the substrate surface, and supplying an electrolytic fluid to the space between the surface and the electrode, the counter-electrode acting as an anode in the galvanic cell defined by the substrate surface, the cleaning fluid and the counter-electrode.

Abstract: A method for making nanoparticles or fine particles includes (1) in an electrolysis cell, supplying a power (potentiostat) to an element that acts as a counter electrode, and another element that is working electrode; and rubbing the working electrode to make nanoparticles or fine particles. Another method for making nanoparticles or fine particles includes (1) in an electrolysis cell, supplying a power (potentiostat) to an element that acts as a counter electrode, and another element that is working electrode; and (2) mechanically vibrating the working electrode to make nanoparticles or fine particles.

Abstract: A method for regenerating an amperometric sensor involves bringing the electrodes of the sensor into contact with an active, complex-forming regenerating solution and connecting the electrodes into an adjustable electric circuit. This forms an electrochemical cell. Then, at least one negative and/or positive voltage pulse is applied to the electrochemical cell to either oxidize or reduce deposits on at least one of the electrodes into a deposit product, which is dissolved into the regenerating solution. The electrodes are removed from the regenerating solution and from the electric circuit, rinsed with a rinsing solution, and dried. After this, the electrodes are brought into contact with the sensor electrolyte and their functionality is verified. A device for performing this method is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor array integrated electrochemical chip is provided wherein the chip has an array of electrodes. The array may be formed on a base plate bonded to a cover plate having an opening. The opening can be a window or a depression. The plates are bounded such that they define a cavity, with the array being within the cavity. Conducting lines for connecting the electrodes to electrochemical instruments may be formed on the same surface of the base plate on which the electrodes are formed. At least one of the electrodes may be covered by a coating doped with a ferrocene compound. The coating may be a supported bilayer lipid membrane doped with benzoylferrocene. The doped ferrocene compound may be oxidized.

Abstract: A pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern and a connecting electrode connected to the pattern electrode are formed on one surface of a single-polarized ferroelectric substance crystal. An electric field is applied across the ferroelectric substance crystal with corona charging or electron beam irradiation from the side of the other surface of the ferroelectric substance crystal. A polarization inversion region having a shape corresponding to the predetermined pattern is thus formed in the ferroelectric substance crystal. The electric field is applied in a state, in which an electrical insulating material is located on the other surface of the ferroelectric substance crystal and at a position corresponding to at least a position of a certain area of the connecting electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing inorganic compounds from a section of soil. By regulating an electric voltage applied between two or more electrodes (1, 2) disposed in the section of soil (3) to values equal or below the electrokinetic point (61), inorganic compounds are electrochemically modified in situ in such a manner that they are electrokinetically mobilized and can be directly deposited on the electrodes (1, 2). According to the invention, the electrokinetic point (61) is adjusted and reached by applying a voltage to the electrodes (1, 2) and controlling it, once, after passing a first current/voltage zone (62) of a first gradient, a second current/voltage zone (63) of a second gradient that is smaller than the first gradient is reached.

Abstract: For electrolytic treatment of electrically mutually insulated, electrically conductive structures 4 on surfaces of electrically insulating foil material (Fo), is unloaded from a store 15?, 15?, transported on a conveying line through a treatment unit 1 and brought in contact with treatment fluid F1. During transportation, the material Fo is guided past at least one electrode arrangement, having at least one cathodically polarised electrode 6 and at least one anodically polarised electrode 7, both being brought in contact with the treatment fluid F1 and being connected to a current/voltage source 8. Current flows through the electrodes 6, 7 and the electrically conductive structures 4. The electrodes 6, 7 are screened from each other so that substantially no electric current is able to flow directly between oppositely polarised electrodes 6, 7. The material Fo is finally loaded back onto a store 15?, 15?.

Abstract: A method to demolish concrete that comprises electrically connecting rebar disposed within the concrete to a power supply, electrically connecting a counter electrode within electro-osmotic communication of the concrete to a power supply, and externally providing electrolyte as supplemental moisture for the concrete. An electric field is created within the concrete and causes water moisture to migrate toward the rebar thereby expediting the corrosion thereof. The corrosion of the rebar generates iron oxides, which because of their greater volume, cause areas of localized pressure within the concrete. As the corrosion process proceeds, an accumulation of oxides increases the localized pressure to cause cracking within the concrete.

Abstract: Various kinds of wastewater and water such as methane fermentation digestion liquids, domestic wastewater, sewage, service water, culture pond water, wastewater defined by an active sludge law and wastewater from food industries are decomposed, cleaned and treated with a high efficiency with oxygen radicals, hydroxyl radicals and diphenyl para picrihydoral radicals, and injurious materials are decomposed, cleaned and treated by oxidizing and reducing functions. An apparatus for cleaning dissolved organic matters and a trace amount of injurious materials consisting of a anode which is formed or welded by coating clay or glass with a material prepared by mixing 2 to 15% by weight of a transition metal with 1 to 10% of an oxidized transition metal and sintering the glass within a range from 800 to 1500° C.

Abstract: A tunable nanomechanical oscillator device and system is provided. The nanomechanical oscillator device comprising at least one nanoresonator, such as a suspended nanotube, designed such that injecting charge density into the tube (e.g. by applying a capacitively-cuopled voltage bias) changes the resonant frequency of the nanotube, and where exposing the resonator to an RF bias induces oscillitory movement in the suspended portion of the nanotube, forming a nanoscale resonator, as well as a force sensor when operated in an inverse mode. A method of producing an oriented nanoscale resonator structure with integrated electrodes is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a permeable base transistor (PBT) is disclosed. According to the method, a semiconductor substrate is provided, a base layer is provided on the substrate, and a semiconductor layer is grown over the base layer. The base layer includes metallic nanotubes, which may be grown or deposited on the semiconductor substrate. The nanotube base layer separates emitter and collector layers of semiconductor material.

Abstract: A method for forming and aligning an optical structure includes depositing a polymer-based droplet upon a substrate and creating a gradient of surface tension at a droplet/substrate interface between the droplet and the substrate, so as to cause the droplet to move to a desired position on the substrate. The wettability of the substrate is adjusted so as to configure the shape of the droplet to have desired optical properties. The droplet is cured, thereby affixing the droplet at the desired position and with the desired optical properties.

Abstract: An anode assembly for insertion in a gap between a section of reinforced concrete and another solid structure, which may be another section of concrete, comprises an anode attached to a body of deformable material which is preferably resiliently deformable, whereby, when the assembly is inserted into the gap, the anode is pressed into electrical contact with the concrete surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the decontamination of heterogeneous soil with an unbroken structure contaminated with various organic and non-organic pollution agents (heavy metals, petroleum products etc.). The inventive method consists in introducing anode and cathode electrodes into the soil, dividing the region with the contaminated heterogeneous soil into zones in accordance with the soil characteristics and feeding each zone with a corresponding direct-current voltage. Said method decreases the energy cost for decontaminating the soil by taking into account the nature of the pollution agent, the concentration and distribution thereof in the region to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A method to demolish concrete that comprises electrically connecting rebar disposed within the concrete to a power supply, electrically connecting a counter electrode within electro-osmotic communication of the concrete to a power supply, and externally providing electrolyte as supplemental moisture for the concrete. An electric field is created within the concrete and causes water moisture to migrate toward the rebar thereby expediting the corrosion thereof. The corrosion of the rebar generates iron oxides, which because of their greater volume, cause areas of localized pressure within the concrete. As the corrosion process proceeds, an accumulation of oxides increases the localized pressure to cause cracking within the concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing inorganic compounds from a section of soil. By regulating an electric voltage applied between two or more electrodes (1, 2) disposed in the section of soil (3) to values equal or below the electrokinetic point (61), inorganic compounds are electrochemically modified in situ in such a manner that they are electrokinetically mobilized and can be directly deposited on the electrodes (1, 2). According to the invention, the electrokinetic point (61) is adjusted and reached by applying a voltage to the electrodes (1, 2) and controlling it, once, after passing a first current/voltage zone (62) of a first gradient, a second current/voltage zone (63) of a second gradient that is smaller than the first gradient is reached.

Abstract: Joule (ohmic) heating and electro-osmosis are combined in a hybrid process for removal of both water-soluble contaminants and non-aqueous phase liquids from contaminated, low-permeability soil formations that are saturated. Central to this hybrid process is the partial desaturation of the formation or layer using electro-osmosis to remove a portion of the pore fluids by induction of a ground water flow to extraction wells. Joule heating is then performed on a partially desaturated formation. The joule heating and electro-osmosis operations can be carried out simultaneously or sequentially if the desaturation by electro-osmosis occurs initially. Joule heating of the desaturated formation results in a very effective transfer or partitioning of liquid state contaminants to the vapor phase. The heating also substantially increases the vapor phase pressure in the porous formation.

Abstract: Illustrations are provided on applications and usage of electrically activated catalysts. Methods are disclosed for preparing catalysts from nanomaterials. Processes and devices are described that utilize catalysts. The invention can also be applied to improve the performance of existing catalysts, to enhance the performance of substances by inducing or applying charge in nanostructured forms of substances, and to prepare novel devices. Example processes for hydrogen production are discussed. Finally, the invention can be utilized to engineer the thermal, structural, electrical, magnetic, electrochemical, optical, photonic, and other properties of nanoscale substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the removal of harmful substances from various objects or materials. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for removing the harmful substances (i.e., toxins), from a variety of materials or objects by utilizing high-voltage electricity in conjunction with large surface charcoal, an electrical wire and water. The device of the present invention comprises a first conductive container which has large surface charcoal placed within it. This first container is then placed into a larger second conductive container which is filled with ordinary water (i.e., tap or faucet water). The electrical wire is immersed in the water filling the second container. Then the second container is sealed with a cover and insulated from the floor with insulating material. Finally, an electric source device generates 10,000 Volts at 1 Pico Ampere (10 micro watts) which is transferred to the purification device of the present invention.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for forming a deposit on the surface of a metallic or conductive surface. The process employs an energy enhanced process to deposit a silicate containing coating or film upon a metallic or conductive surface.

Abstract: A high energy density electrochemical capacitors with electrodes is formed from proton inserted ruthenium oxides (e.g. HRuO2.xH2O or HRuO2). The electrode material is formed by reducing ruthenium oxides (e.g. RuO2.xH2O or RuO2) using electrochemical method or chemical reaction between ruthenium oxides with acetone or methanol. Electrochemical capacitors with electrodes formed of proton inserted ruthenium oxides possess higher energy density, lower resistance, broader operating temperature range, and longer lifetime than that with electrodes comprised ruthenium oxides.

Abstract: The present invention includes several nanotube structures which can be made using catalyst islands disposed on a substrate (e.g. silicon, alumina, or quartz) or on the free end of an atomic force microscope cantilever. The catalyst islands are capable of catalyzing the growth of carbon nanotubes from carbon containing gases (e.g. methane). The present invention includes an island of catalyst material (such as Fe2O3) disposed on the substrate with a carbon nanotube extending from the island. Also included in the present invention is a pair of islands with a nanotube extending between the islands, electrically connecting them. Conductive metal lines connected to the islands (which may be a few microns on a side) allows for external circuitry to connect to the nanotube. Such a structure can be used in many different electronic and microelectromechanical devices. For example, a nanotube connected between two islands can function as a resonator if the substrate beneath the nanotube is etched away.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sterilizing microorganisms and/or decomposing organic and inorganic pollutants in a region of ground soil by passing a specified direct current through the contaminated soil region with a controlled voltage applied between at least one pair of electrodes incorporated into the ground soil. For decomposition of the organic and inorganic pollutants, it is postulated that the applied electric field increases the natural capacitance of the individual soil particles to over capacitance sufficient to cause the soil particles to discharge electrons. This electric discharge, in turn, provides the reaction energy to promote the redox reactions which effects decomposition of the pollutants. The voltage is preferable controlled to optimize the amplitude and frequency of the electric discharges emitted by the soil particles which have become subject to over capacitance.

Abstract: A process for the electrochemical realkalization of reinforced concrete comprises passing a direct electric current between an anode associated with a layer of alkaline electrolyte applied to an external surface of the concrete and a cathode which is located internally in the concrete. The process causes the internal pH of the concrete to increase and a surface layer of the concrete to be impregnated with the electrolyte solution and which comprises a solution of potassium carbonate of concentration at least 0.3 Molar. The process may be applied to concrete a zone of which has a pH of less than 10.0 and the process continued until the pH reaches a level of at least 10.5, preferably at least 11.0.

Abstract: A process treats contaminated media and comprises detecting a non-uniform contaminated media property selected from electrical conductivity or electroosmotic permeability; and selectively applying an electric field to the contaminated media to effect the process in a selected area of the contaminated media.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for the removal of chloride ions from reinforced concrete includes passing a direct current between (i) an anode in electrical contact with the adherent coating containing a water retaining adhesive material, and an aqueous electrolyte applied to an external surface of the concrete and (ii) a cathode which is located internally in the concrete. According to the process, chloride ions are caused to migrate to the anode. In order to reduce the production of chlorine gas, the coating contains, as a chlorine scavenger, solid calcium hydroxide or barium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The chlorine scavenger is most preferably present in an amount of at least 8%, and more preferably 20 to 50%, by weight based on the dry weight of the water retaining material.

Abstract: Method for collecting and concentrating charged species, specifically, contaminant species in a medium, preferably soil. The method utilizes electrokinesis to drive contaminant species into and through a bed adjacent to a drive electrode. The bed comprises a moderately electrically conductive adsorbent material which is porous and is infused with water or other solvent capable of conducting electrical current. The bed material, preferably activated carbon, is easily removed and disposed of. Preferably, where activated carbon is used, after contaminant species are collected and concentrated, the mixture of activated carbon and contaminant species is removed and burned to form a stable and easily disposable waste product.

Abstract: A system for treating dissolved halogenated organic compounds in groundwater that relies upon electrolytically-generated hydrogen to chemically reduce the halogenated compounds in the presence of a suitable catalyst. A direct current is placed across at least a pair, or an array, of electrodes which are housed within groundwater wells so that hydrogen is generated at the cathode and oxygen at the anode. A pump is located within the well housing in which the cathode(s) is(are) located and draws in groundwater where it is hydrogenated via electrolysis, passes through a well-bore treatment unit, and then transported to the anode well(s) for reinjection into the ground. The well-bore treatment involves a permeable cylinder located in the well bore and containing a packed bed of catalyst material that facilitates the reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated organic compounds by hydrogen into environmentally benign species such as ethane and methane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a contaminant in situ from soil containing the contaminant, by contacting the soil containing the contaminant with a reagent in situ to remove the contaminant from the soil and form a mixture; removing the mixture from the soil; and removing the contaminant from the mixture, wherein the reagent is not citric acid. The invention further relates to a method for removing a contaminant in situ from soil containing the contaminant, by contacting the soil containing the contaminant with a reagent in situ and mobilizing the contaminant by electroremediation to form a mixture containing the contaminant; and removing the contaminant from the mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for electrokinetic transport through soil, comprising an electrode and a containment surrounding the electrode, the containment comprising a layer of a porous material and a rigid porous member disposed between the electrode and the porous material to support or secure the first material. The porous material and rigid porous member allow passage of water, hydrogen ions, hydroxyl ions and one or more target ions. A preferred porous material is clay or ceramic and a preferred rigid porous member is a perforated plastic tube.

Abstract: A method for treating a contaminated media. The method comprises disposing electrodes at the contaminated media, injecting a salt-containing solution into contaminated media, applying an electric voltage between electrodes imposed peripherally to the region, forming ions from the salt-containing solution, and migrating the ions between the electrodes across the contaminated media. The ions of the salt-containing solution migrate into at least a portion of the contaminated media to treat the contaminated media.

Abstract: A process for the in situ remediation of soil comprising introducing at least one co-metabolite for treating contaminants in a contaminated soil region into the contaminated soil region wherein the source of the at least one co-metabolite is at least one root zone located within the contaminated soil region, wherein each root zone contains the root system of a plurality of plants capable of releasing the at least one co-metabolite, and transmitting direct electric current through the contaminated soil region between a first electrode and a second electrode having opposite charge, wherein the first electrode is located at a first end of the contaminated soil region and the second electrode is located at the opposite end of the contaminated soil region.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aqueous solution of biocompounds containing peptide as a major component and a hydroxyapatite containing minerals and being useful an inorganic or organic composite material from tissue in an electrolytic cell by performing the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of the tissue and by taking advantage of an electrode reaction using suitable electrodes. In this case, a DC current is passed between the electrodes in the aqueous solution, thereby dissolving and crystallizing the tissue components. After unreacted matters are removed, the resultant mixed solution is separated into solid matters and a liquid. The aqueous solution of biocompounds is obtained from the filtrate, and the hydroxyapatite is obtained from the recrystallized solid matters.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing bismuth compounds, in particular a process for preparing highly concentrated solutions of bismuth methanesulfonate, that are stable to hydrolysis.The preparation takes place from aqueous solutions of bismuth compounds of the formula (I)BiX.sub.3 (I)by subjecting acid of the formula (II)HX (II)whereX is the anion of a mineral acid, an organic acid radical, fluoroborate, hexafluorosilicate or cyanide, in an electrolytic cell, to electrolytic dissolution of the anode with metallic bismuth as the anode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the doping of rare earth elements into porous silicon, resulting in enhancement of luminescence. The doping is an electro-chemical process using constant voltage bias across the two electrodes in which the anode is porous silicon and the cathode is platinum. The doping process involves a well-defined solution of electrolytes that controls the conductivity of the solution, and set values of constant voltages that selectively allow the desired rare earth elements being doped into porous silicon.

Abstract: Halogenated organics contaminating soil formations are decomposed by an applied voltage-enhanced Grignard reaction with metallic magnesium, either pure or in alloy form, that has been lowered into the soil formation, in conjunction with hydrolysis of the resulting organomagnesium halide to release the halogen from the starting contaminant. Renewal of the magnesium surface to permit an enhanced decomposition is achieved by connection of the magnesium electrode to an electric potential generator and applying the potential either continuously or in pulse-wise manner, preferably repeatedly reversing the applied potential to electrochemically clean the magnesium-containing electrode surface. Dissolved Cr(VI) is likewise reduced to chromium of lower oxidation states and thus rendered less toxic.

Abstract: Soils are decontaminated in situ by transporting peroxysulfate ions through the soil under the influence of an electric field. The electric field is maintained between one or more anodes and one or more cathodes inserted directly into the contaminated soil and geometrically disposed relative one to the other to take full advantage of a positively biased DC voltage applied between said one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. An aqueous solution of a strong oxidant, either peroxymonosulfate or peroxydisulfate, is added to the contaminated soil. The electric field induces the movement of peroxysulfate ions principally by electromigration and to a lesser extent by electroosmosis. Organic contaminants in the soil are oxidized by the peroxysulfate ions. For very recalcitrant contaminants, electric field-induced heating of the soil produces sulfate radical anions. In most cases the peroxysulfate ions or sulfate radical anions oxidize the contaminants to carbon dioxide and mineral acids.

Abstract: To decontaminate soil, a generally thin porous medium is used. A cathode is applied to one face of the porous medium and an anode is spaced apart from the other face of that porous medium to define a generally thin spacing for receiving a generally thin layer of soil to be decontaminated. An electric potential is applied to the first and second electrodes in view of transferring the contaminants from the thin layer of soil to the porous medium. A porous membrane may be positioned between the thin layer of soil and the anode. The system may be of the conveyor type to enable displacement of the porous medium, the porous membrane, and the layer of soil between the anode and the cathode. Also, the system may comprises a series of at least two pairs of anode and cathode supplied with electric potentials of different amplitudes.

Abstract: A method is described for the in-situ cleaning by means of microorganisms of a polluted soil portion which contains ground water. In this method, the soil portion to be cleaned is enclosed, and one or several electrodes which are permeable to liquid are placed in or adjacent the soil portion. A negative or positive voltage is applied to these electrodes. The enclosure of the polluted soil portion takes place in such a manner that the ground water present in the soil portion flows mainly through the one or several electrodes.

Abstract: A method of producing components, which include a metal film on a carrier, comprises the following steps: applying a metal film to a first carrier; structuring the metal film; reducing an adherence between the first carrier and the metal film by electrically conductive contacting of the metal film; immersing the first carrier with the metal film in an aqueous electrolyte solution; immersing an electrode in the aqueous electrolyte solution; and applying a voltage between the metal film and the electrode; applying a second carrier to the metal film; and removing the second carrier with the metal film from the first carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for electrochemically remediating soil, clay or other media contaminated with organic pollutants using Fenton's Reagent. In the methods, anodes and cathodes are provided in wells formed in the contaminated medium. Anolyte and catholyte solutions are circulated to deliver iron ions to anodes and to deliver peroxide ions to cathodes in the medium. A potential difference is applied across the medium to cause the peroxide ions and iron ions to migrate toward each other and through the medium. The organic contaminants are destroyed in the medium in reactions with the peroxide ions and iron ions. The physicochemical condition of the electrolyte(s) is monitored and adjusted as necessary to control pH and to permit recycling of the electrolyte to the electrodes. Alternatively, peroxide ion can be generated in situ using an air depolarized cathode.

Abstract: A process for producing a photovoltaic element, said process comprising the steps of: providing a photovoltaic element comprising a lower electrode layer comprising a metallic layer comprising aluminum or an aluminum compound and a transparent and electrically conductive layer, a photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer, and a transparent electrode layer stacked in the named order on an electrically conductive surface of a substrate, and immersing said photovoltaic element in an electrolyte solution to passivate an short-circuited current path defect present in said photovoltaic element by the action of an electric field, wherein said electrolyte solution has a chlorine ion content of 0.03 mol/l or less.