Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium secondary battery comprising: a current collector comprising a structure in a fabric form in which fiber bundles are cross-woven, wherein each of the fiber bundles is formed of sets of fiber yarns and each of the fiber yarns includes a polymer fiber and a metal layer surrounding the polymer fiber; and an electrode including an active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the current collector.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a copper nano-ink includes: a step of preparing a copper nanoparticle aqueous dispersion liquid including copper nanoparticles and anions; and a step of storing the copper nanoparticle aqueous dispersion liquid at 5° C. or less after the step of preparing, wherein in the step of storing, a copper ion concentration of the copper nanoparticle aqueous dispersion liquid is controlled to be greater than or equal to 0.1 g/L and less than or equal to 1.0 g/L and an anion concentration is controlled to be greater than or equal to 0.5 g/L and less than or equal to 8.0 g/L.

Abstract: A plated article is provided comprising a) a polymeric substrate bearing b) a tie/seed layer in direct contact with the polymeric substrate and c) a plated metal layer, wherein the tie/seed layer has a thickness of less than 0.95 ?m, and wherein the tie/seed layer comprises two or more layers of tin alternating with two or more layers of copper, and in some embodiments up to ten or more layers of tin alternating with ten or more layers of copper. In some embodiments, the tie/seed layer includes a layer of tin in direct contact with the polymeric substrate. Typically, the layers of tin and copper comprising the tie/seed layer are sputter coated layers. In some embodiments, the plated metal layer comprises an alloy of copper and tin. In some embodiments, the plated metal layer comprises layers comprised of tin alternating with layers comprised of copper.

Abstract: A solar cell module having: a plurality of solar cells; a first protective member provided on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cells; a second protective member provided on the reverse surface side of the solar cells; a sealing layer for sealing the solar cells, the sealing layer being provided between the protective members; and a wavelength conversion substance for absorbing light of a specific wavelength and converting the light into light of a longer wavelength. The wavelength conversion substance is contained in at least a gap region, corresponding to the gap between the solar cells, of a reverse-surface-side region located on the side of the sealing layer nearer to the second protective member than the solar cells. The concentration of the wavelength conversion substance is higher in the gap region than in the region sandwiched by the reverse surface of the solar cells and the second protective member.

Abstract: A heat conductive sheet having excellent adhesion between an acrylic resin layer and a supporting sheet is provided. The heat conductive sheet includes a heat conductive resin layer including a heat conductive acrylic resin composition; and a supporting resin layer (supporting sheet) containing a polyvinyl acetal resin and a styrene-vinyl isoprene block copolymer. Crosslinking of the supporting sheet with acrylic monomers of the acrylic heat conductive resin layer enables improvements in adhesion between the heat conductive resin layer and the supporting sheet.

Abstract: There is provided an interlayer film for laminated glass which is high in heat shielding properties. The intermediate film for laminated glass according to the present invention is provided with an infrared ray reflection layer which reflects infrared rays, a first resin layer which is arranged on a first surface side of the infrared ray reflection layer and contains a thermoplastic resin, and a second resin layer which is arranged on a second surface side of the infrared ray reflection layer and contains a thermoplastic resin; and the infrared ray transmittance in the wavelength of 780 to 2100 nm of the first resin layer is higher than the infrared ray transmittance in the wavelength of 780 to 2100 nm of the second resin layer.

Abstract: An electrode, process for preparing the electrode and devices thereof. An electrode comprising at least one metal deposited on a substrate; and at least one electrically conducting polymer. The devices comprising the electrode for energy storage and molecular separation.

Abstract: A wire structure, which may be configured for a semiconductor device, is disclosed. The wire may include an elongate flexible core formed of a conductor material and a cladding layer covering an outer surface of the core. The cladding layer may be a conductor. In various aspects the cladding layer and core have different grain sizes. An average grain size of the core material may be several orders of magnitude greater than an average grain size of the cladding layer material. The cladding layer may be an alloy having a varying concentration of a minor component across its thickness. Methods of forming a wire structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, baths, and methods for composite plating including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and more particularly, to compositions, baths, and methods of composite plating with PTFE in a metal or alloy matrix where the materials used in the process contain no or essentially no PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and/or no PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

Abstract: A process used during manufacture of printed circuit boards comprises protecting metal pads and/or through-holes to provide a tarnish-resistant and solderable coating. In the method, the pads and/or through-holes are bright-etched, metal plated, preferably by an immersion process, and treated with a tarnish inhibitor. The tarnish inhibitor may be incorporated into the immersion plating bath. The metal plating is usually with silver or bismuth and the pads and/or through-holes comprise copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyte for the electroless deposition of a metal layer on a substrate, wherein the electrolyte is free of heavy metal stabilizers, cyanides, selenium compounds and sulfur compounds comprising sulfur in an oxidation state between ?2 and +5, and in which instead a ?-amino acid is used as stabilizer. In particular, the inventive electrolyte can comprise 3-aminopropionic acid, 3-aminobutyric acid, 3-amino-4-methylvaleric acid, and 2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for the electroless deposition of metal layers utilizing an inventive electrolyte as well as the use of ?-amino acids as stabilizer in electrolytes for the electroless deposition of metal layers in general.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow body is disclosed, the body provided with a glass inside surface defining a cavity, said method being characterized in that it includes a step of covering at least a fraction of said inside surface with a lining of composition that is mostly metal, said covering step including sub-steps of activating and of grafting said inside surface respectively with an activation agent and with a grafting agent, and in that said hollow body comprises a single piece of glass inside which said cavity is formed.

Abstract: Stable zero-valent metal compositions and methods of making and using these compositions are provided. Such compositions are useful as catalysts for subsequent metallization of non-conductive substrates, and are particularly useful in the manufacture of electronic devices.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a closable chamber that can be sealed and is capable of withstanding an increased pressure and high temperature. The chamber has several inlet ports for the supply of various process liquids, such as deposition solutions, DI water for rinsing, etc., and a port for the supply of a gas under pressure. The apparatus also includes a solution heater and a control system for controlling temperature and pressure in the chamber. Uniform deposition is achieved by carrying out the deposition process under pressure and under temperature slightly below the boiling point of the solution. The solution can be supplied from above via a shower head formed in the cover, or through the bottom of the chamber. Rinsing or other auxiliary solutions are supplied via a radially moveable chemical dispensing arm that can be arranged above the substrate parallel thereto.

Abstract: A method of applying a nanocrystalline coating to a gas turbine engine component is described. The method comprises the steps of applying an intermediate bond coat to at least a portion of the component, and then applying the nanocrystalline coating to at least the portion of the component overtop of the intermediate bond coat. The component may include, for example, a blade of which a dovetail portion of the blade root is protected by applying the intermediate bond coat and the nanocrystalline coating thereto.

Abstract: A process of electroless plating a tin or tin-alloy active material onto a metal substrate for the negative electrode of a rechargeable lithium battery comprising steps of (1) immersing the metal substrate in an aqueous plating solution containing metal ions to be plated, (2) plating tin or tin-alloy active material onto the metal substrate by contacting the metal substrate with a reducing metal by swiping one on the other, and (3) removing the plated metal substrate from the plating bath and rinsing with deionized water. A rechargeable lithium battery using tin or tin-alloy as the anode active material.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electrode wire for electro-discharge machining and a method for manufacturing the same. The electrode wire includes a core wire including a first metal including copper, a first alloy layer formed at a boundary region between the core wire and a second metal plated on an outer surface of the core wire due to mutual diffusion between the core wire and the second metal, and a second alloy layer formed due to diffusion of the first metal to the second metal. A core wire material is erupted onto a surface of the electrode wire for electro-discharge machining, which includes the core wire, the first alloy layer, and the second alloy layer, along cracks appearing on the second alloy layer, so that a plurality of grains are formed on the surface of the electrode wire.

Abstract: An aqueous electrodeposition coating composition comprising (a) an organometallic compound and (b) a cathodically electrodepositable binder, the binder comprising an amine-functional phosphorylated resin, provides corrosion protection equivalent to that obtained by the conventional phosphate pretreatment-electrodeposition coating process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ULSI wiring in which wiring layers are separately formed via a diffusion prevention layer and an insulating interlayer portion made of SiO2. The method comprises the steps of treating, with a silane compound, a SiO2 surface of the insulating interlayer portion on which the diffusion layer is to be formed, performing catalyzation with an aqueous solution containing a palladium compound, forming the diffusion prevention layer by electroless plating, and then forming the wiring layer on this diffusion prevention layer. A capping layer may be formed on the wiring layer by electroless plating. Consequently, a diffusion prevention layer having good adhesive properties can be formed through a simple wet process, and, the wiring layer can directly be formed on this diffusion prevention layer by a wet process. The capping layer can also be directly formed on the wiring layer by electroless plating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for embedding at least one layer of at least one metal trace in a silicone-containing polymer, comprising: a) applying a polymer layer on a substrate; b) thermally treating the polymer; c) irradiating at least one surface area of the polymer with a light beam emitted by an excimer laser; d) immersing the irradiated polymer in at least one autocatalytic bath containing ions of at least one metal, and metallizing the polymer; e) thermally treating the metallized polymer; f) applying a polymer layer covering the thermally treated metallized polymer; and g) thermally treating the metallized covered polymer. The present invention further provides a polymer layer comprising silicone containing oxide particles of SiO2, TiO2, Sb2O3, SnO2, Al2O3, ZnO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, talc, hydroxyapatite or mixtures thereof and at least one metal trace embedded in said polymer layer.

Abstract: A method of reducing magnetite formation in the bore of a pipe including the steps of selecting a pipe with a pre-existing oxide layer on its inner bore surface and coating the pre-existing oxide layer with an oxidation resistant metal to thereby reduce magnetite formation in the bore of the pipe.

Abstract: An electroless plating Ru bath for the deposition of Ru on the surface of a substrate comprises a Ru stock solution and hydrazine as a reducing reagent. Ru layers may be applied, for example, for use in membranes for the separation of hydrogen gas from mixtures of gases or to protect materials from corrosion. An example Ru stock solution comprises Ru chloride, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, nitrite salt, alkali hydroxide, and deionized water. The electroless plating bath may be applied to deposit ruthenium layers onto palladium layers to prepare Pd—Ru composite or alloy membranes or multilayer Pd—Ru composite or alloy membranes. Such membranes have example application to the separation of hydrogen from mixtures of gases.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an article and a method of forming a microstructure. The method includes providing a substrate having a structured surface region comprising one or more recessed features with recessed surfaces. The structured surface region is substantially free of plateaus. The method includes disposing a fluid composition comprising a functional material and a liquid onto the structured surface region. The method includes evaporating liquid from the fluid composition. The functional material collects on the recessed surfaces such that a remainder of the structured surface region is substantially free of the functional material.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for stirring liquid inside a flow cell. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a rotatable disc configured to receive liquid at a top side of the disc and distribute the liquid substantially evenly around a periphery of the flow cell. The disc has a triangular cross sectional area. The apparatus may further include a set of fins attached to a bottom side of the disc, wherein the set of fins is configured to draw the liquid from the periphery of the flow cell into the center of the flow cell.

Abstract: An electroless plating system is provided. The system includes a first vacuum chuck supporting a first wafer and a second vacuum chuck supporting a second wafer such that a top surface of the second wafer is opposing a top surface of the first wafer. The system also includes a fluid delivery system configured to deliver a plating solution to the top surface of the first wafer, wherein in response to delivery of the plating solution, the top surface of the second wafer is brought proximate to the top surface of the first wafer so that the plating solution contacts both top surfaces. A method for applying an electroless plating solution to a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are an electroless copper plating bath and an electroless copper plating method using the electroless copper plating bath, the electroless copper plating bath not containing formaldehyde; being usable under approximately neutral pH conditions; improving plating bath stability; and capable of forming a plating film with a good thickness while controlling deposition outside a pattern. The electroless copper plating bath according to the present invention contains a water-soluble copper salt, and amine borane or a substituted derivative thereof as a reducing agent; does not contain formaldehyde; and has a pH of 4 to 9, wherein polyaminopolyphosphonic acid as a complexing agent, an anionic surface-active agent, an antimony compound, and a nitrogen-containing aromatic compound are contained.

Abstract: Provided is a metal covered polyimide composite comprising a tie-coat layer and a metal seed layer formed on a surface of a polyimide film by electroless plating or a drying method, and a copper layer or a copper alloy layer formed thereon by electroplating, wherein the copper plated layer or copper alloy plated layer comprises three layers to one layer of the copper layer or copper alloy layer, and there is a concentrated portion of impurities at the boundary of the copper layer or copper alloy layer when the copper layer or copper alloy layer is three layers to two layers, and there is no concentrated portion of impurities when the copper layer or copper alloy layer is a single layer. Additionally provided are a method of producing the composite and a method of producing an electronic circuit board.

Abstract: Methods for improving selective deposition of a capping layer on a patterned substrate are presented, the method including: receiving the patterned substrate, the patterned substrate including a conductive region and a dielectric region; forming a molecular masking layer (MML) on the dielectric region; preparing an electroless (ELESS) plating bath, where the ELESS plating bath includes: a cobalt (Co) ion source: a complexing agent: a buffer: a tungsten (W) ion source: and a reducing agent; and reacting the patterned substrate with the ELESS plating bath for an ELESS period at an ELESS temperature and an ELESS pH so that the capping layer is selectively formed on the conductive region. In some embodiments, methods further include a pH adjuster for adjusting the ELESS pH to a range of approximately 9.0 pH to 9.2 pH. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster is tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). In some embodiments, the MML is hydrophilic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming on the surface of a substrate a first solid layer which is suitable for activating a chemical reaction to form a second layer thereon, the method comprising the steps of: applying to the surface of the substrate a first liquid comprising a curable composition and an activator for the second layer-forming chemical reaction; and curing the curable composition, thereby forming a first solid layer adhered to the surface of the substrate, capable of activating the second layer-forming chemical reaction. A second layer can then be formed on the substrate by bringing into contact with the first solid layer a second fluid comprising components of a second layer-forming chemical reaction, activated by the activator, thereby causing a second layer to be formed on the first solid layer.

Abstract: A self-replicating monolayer system employing polymerization of monomers or nanoparticle ensembles on a defined template provides synthesis of two-dimensional single molecule polymers. Systems of self-replicating monolayers are used as templates for growth of inorganic colloids. A preferred embodiment employs SAM-based replication, wherein an initial monolayer is patterned and used as a template for self-assembly of a second monolayer by molecular recognition. The second monolayer is polymerized in place and the monolayers are separated to form a replicate. Both may then function as templates for monolayer assemblies. A generic self-replicating monomer unit comprises a polymerizable moiety attached by methylene repeats to a recognition element and an ending unit that will not interfere with the chosen recognition chemistry. The recognition element is self-complementary, unless two replicating monomers with compatible cross-linking chemistry are employed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming on the surface of a substrate a first solid layer which is suitable for activating a chemical reaction to form a second layer thereon, the method comprising the steps of: applying to the surface of the substrate a first liquid comprising a curable composition and an activator for the second layer-forming chemical reaction; and curing the curable composition, thereby forming a first solid layer adhered to the surface of the substrate, capable of activating the second layer-forming chemical reaction. A second layer can then be formed on the substrate by bringing into contact with the first solid layer a second fluid comprising components of a second layer-forming chemical reaction, activated by the activator, thereby causing a second layer to be formed on the first solid layer.

Abstract: An electroless copper plating solution that is favorable to improve the adhesion of a plating film and realizes uniform plating at a low temperature is characterized by containing a water-soluble nitrogen-containing polymer in an electroless copper plating solution, and preferably the above-mentioned electroless copper plating solution contains glyoxylic acid and phosphinic acid as reducing agents. The water-soluble nitrogen-containing polymer is preferably a polyacrylamide or a polyethyleneimine and, preferably, its weight average molecular weight (Mw) is at least 100,000 and Mw/Mn is 10.0 or less.

Abstract: A protective coating is applied to a bell body composed of bronze by simply dip-coating the bell with an outer layer of zinc. The process is carried out by immersing the bell body in a hot aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and powdered free zinc. After the bell is removed from the coating solution it is rinsed and then polished. The coating protects the bell from environmental contaminants without changing the frequency or musical quality of the bell and therefore may be used equally with newly manufactured or refurbished bells.

Abstract: A pearlescent effect pigment having an opaque, dark or black color is disclosed. The black pearlescent pigment includes a platelet-shaped non-metal substrate, optionally an oxide layer, a template layer, and a metal layer. The pearlescent luster of the disclosed effect pigment is comparable to those of pure pearlescent effects. The disclosed method provides a cost-effective approach for the manufacturing of the disclosed effect pigment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroless deposition of metallic silver on various plates. More particularly, in the present invention, by spraying a silver solution including ionic silver to be reduced into metallic silver and a reducing solution a reducing agent for reducing the silver solution at the same time to a predetermined region above a substrate, metallic silver particles having a diameter less than 30 ? are formed, and a silver layer is formed by a deposition of the nano-sized metallic silver. Since the silver layer includes nano-sized silver particles having a diameter less than 3 nm, a reflector having a high density, that is, surface roughness, can be manufactured. The reflector has a considerably excellent reflectance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of controlling properties of a thin film applied to a substrate whereby the properties of the thin film may be controlled by the surface morphology of the substrate. Methods of increasing a deposition rate of an electroless plating process applied to a substrate, controlling the grain size distribution and/or grain size of a thin film applied to a substrate and maintaining a uniform overpotential of an electroless plating process on a substrate are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for stirring liquid inside a flow cell. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a rotatable disc configured to receive liquid at a top side of the disc and distribute the liquid substantially evenly around a periphery of the flow cell. The disc has a triangular cross sectional area. The apparatus may further include a set of fins attached to a bottom side of the disc, wherein the set of fins is configured to draw the liquid from the periphery of the flow cell into the center of the flow cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for a preliminary metallizing treatment of galvanized or zinc alloy-coated steel surfaces or joined metallic parts that at least partly have zinc surfaces, in a surface treatment encompassing several process steps. In the disclosed method, metallic coats of especially a maximum of 100 mg/m2 of molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, nickel, lead, tin, and/or preferably iron are produced on the treated zinc surfaces. Another embodiment of the invention relates to an uncoated or subsequently coated metallic part which has been subjected to the disclosed preliminary metallizing treatment as well as the use of such a part for making bodies during the production of automobiles, building ships, in the construction industry, and for manufacturing white products.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a solid film onto a substrate from a reagent solution includes reservoirs of reagent solutions maintained at a sufficiently low temperature to inhibit homogeneous reactions within the reagent solutions. The chilled solutions are dispensed through showerheads, one at a time, onto a substrate. One of the showerheads includes a nebulizer so that the reagent solution is delivered as a fine mist, whereas the other showerhead delivers reagent as a flowing stream. A heater disposed beneath the substrate maintains the substrate at an elevated temperature at which the deposition of a desired solid phase from the reagent solutions may be initiated. Each reagent solution contains at least one metal and either S or Se, or both. At least one of the reagent solutions contains Cu. The apparatus and its associated method of use are particularly suited to forming films of Cu-containing compound semiconductors.

Abstract: Impurities are removed from electroless tin and tin alloy plating solutions by generating precipitates through the addition of sufficient amounts of benzenesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid hydrate or salts thereof to the electroless tin and tin alloy plating solutions. The precipitates may then be removed from the electroless plating solutions using conventional apparatus.

Abstract: A method of regenerating an electroless tin or tin alloy plating solution containing thiourea or thiourea compounds by reducing impurities by adding organosulfonic acid, organosulfonic acid compound, or salts thereof in certain amounts and then cooling the solution to form precipitates. The precipitates are then removed from the tin or tin alloy solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyte for the electroless deposition of a metal layer on a substrate, wherein the electrolyte is free of heavy metal stabilizers, cyanides, selenium compounds and sulfur compounds comprising sulfur in an oxidation state between ?2 and +5, and in which instead a ?-amino acid is used as stabilizer. In particular, the inventive electrolyte can comprise 3-aminopropionic acid, 3-aminobutyric acid, 3-amino-4-methylvaleric acid, and 2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for the electroless deposition of metal layers utilizing an inventive electrolyte as well as the use of ?-amino acids as stabilizer in electrolytes for the electroless deposition of metal layers in general.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal film, the method including: (a) forming a primer layer on a substrate by applying a first polymer including a unit having a cyano group in a side chain; (b) forming a polymer layer on the surface of the primer layer by applying a second polymer, the second polymer having a functional group that interacts with an electroless plating catalyst or a precursor thereof and a polymerizable group; (c) applying the electroless plating catalyst or the precursor thereof to the polymer layer; and (d) forming a metal film on the polymer layer by performing electroless plating.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an electroless gold plating solution capable of directly subjecting a plated coating film made of an underlying metal such as nickel or palladium to gold plate processing, of forming a thick gold plated coating film having a thickness of 0.1 ?m or more, of forming a uniform gold plated coating film, and of safely performing plating work. The present invention relates to an electroless gold plating solution comprising: a water-soluble gold compound; and hexahydro-2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triazine or hexamethylenetetramine. Preferably, the electroless gold plating solution comprises 0.1 to 100 g/L of hexahydro-2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triazine or hexamethylenetetramine.

Abstract: An electroless nickel plating liquid capable of forming an underbarrier metal for metal bumps or solder bumps by electroless nickel plating with a uniform film thickness on silicon wafers composed of multiple IC chips contains a water-soluble nickel salt, a reducing agent, a complexing agent, and a pH buffer, wherein_lead ion is contained at 0.01-1 ppm, cobalt ion is contained at 0.01-1 ppm, and a sulfur compound is contained at 0.01-1 ppm.

Abstract: In a method of producing a temperature sensor including at least one lead wire of a non-noble metal or of an alloy containing a non-noble metal, at first a lead wire is attached to the temperature sensor. An oxide layer is removed from at least one portion of the lead wire, and the at least one portion of the lead wire is chemically gilded immediately after removing the oxide layer.

Abstract: A method for electroless deposition from a deposition solution in a working chamber, where the process can include heating the deposition solution to its boiling point and subsequently reducing the temperature of the deposition solution to a working temperature range that is between approximately 1% and approximately 25% below the boiling point of said solution under a predetermined pressure; and the process also can include heating the deposition solution while filling an enclosed area of the chamber such that the deposition solution reaches its boiling point immediately after the enclosed area is filled.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solution and process for improving the solderability of a metal surface. In one embodiment, the invention is a silver deposit solution comprising an acid, a source of silver ions, and an additive selected from among pyrroles, triazoles, and tetrazoles, as well as derivatives and mixtures of those components. In another embodiment, the silver deposit solution also includes a 6-membered heterocyclic ring compound, wherein three members of the 6-membered heterocyclic ring are nitrogen atoms. Still another embodiment is a process for improving the solderability of a metal surface which involves applying a silver deposit solution as previously described to a metal surface.

Abstract: A method for electroless plating of a substrate is provided that comprises exposing an electroless plating reagent comprising a metal to be plated and at least one reducing agent to a solid phase Activation Material to form an activated electroless plating reagent prior to application of the electroless plating reagent to the substrate. The activated electroless plating reagent is applied to a substrate in the process chamber under conditions to cause the metal of the electroless plating reagent to deposit on the substrate. Systems and modules are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides thin, hydrogen-permeable, sulfur-resistant membranes formed from palladium or palladium-alloy coatings on porous, ceramic or metal supports. Also disclosed are methods of making these membranes via sequential electroless plating techniques, wherein the method of making the membrane includes decomposing any organic ligands present on the substrate, reducing the palladium crystallites on the substrate to reduced palladium crystallites, depositing a film of palladium metal on the substrate and then depositing a second, gold film on the palladium film. These two metal films are then annealed at a temperature between about 200° C. and about 1200° C. to form a sulfur-resistant, composite PdAu alloy membrane.