Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of antimicrobial solutions formed by ozonating a liquid containing organic precursor molecules. The preferred organic precursor molecules include carboxylic acids, most particularly octanoic acid with or without acetic acid, and alcohols, most particularly greater than 80 weight percent ethanol. The ozonating step is preferably performed with minimal or no water present in the liquid containing the organic precursors. After ozonation is complete, the ozonated liquid may be diluted with water or other solvent to form a use solution for contacting and cleaning a microbially contaminated surface or other medium.

Abstract: Thin, light weight bipolar plates for use in electrochemical cells are rapidly, and inexpensively manufactured in mass production by die casting, stamping or other well known methods for fabricating magnesium or aluminum parts. The use of a light metal, such as magnesium or aluminum minimizes weight and simultaneously improves both electrical and thermal conductivity compared to conventional carbon parts. For service in electrochemical cells these components must be protected from corrosion. This is accomplished by plating the surface of the light weight metal parts with a layer of denser, but more noble metal. The protective metal layer is deposited in one of several ways. One of these is deposition from an aqueous solution by either electroless means, electrolytic means, or a combination of the two. Another is deposition by electrolytic means from a non-aqueous solution, such as a molten salt.