Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the quantitative sensing of molecular gases. The apparatus comprises a gas-sensitive measurement electrode (4,6), a series of solid ion-conductors including at least a salt ion-conductor (10) and a ceramic or glass ion-conductor (12), and a reference electrode (14, 16). The cell potential generated is a direct function of the pressure or concentration of the molecular gas to be sensed.

Abstract: A method of producing diamonds comprises the steps of providing a nano-structured carbonaceous material, and thermally treating the nano-structured carbonaceous material in an oxygen-containing environment so as to produce diamonds. The nano-structured carbonaceous material may be materials such as carbon nano-particles, carbon nano-tubes and carbon nano-scrolls. It is preferred that the nano-structured carbonaceous material is created by electrochemical erosion of graphite. Thermal treatment to form the diamonds may occur in a temperature window within which the nano-structured carbonaceous material oxidises but diamond crystals are relatively more stable.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for the accurate determination of hydrogen content in fluid media at elevated temperatures. The apparatus consists of a proton conducting solid electrolyte in contact with an internal metal/hydrogen reference standard, in which the electrolyte and the reference material are in a chemically stable contact. The electrical signal generated is a function of the hydrogen concentration on the measuring side.

Abstract: A powder comprises a plurality of carbon nanostructures, with at least a portion of the carbon nanostructures defining an internal cavity that contains metallic lithium, a lithium compound, or a lithium alloy comprising lithium. A method of forming the powder involves the electrolytic disintegration of a graphite electrode in a lithium-bearing molten salt to form the carbon nanostructures, and a step of removing salt from the nanoparticles without removing lithium. A lithium battery anode comprising an anode comprising the powder as a layer on an electrically conductive substrate.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an electro-decomposition process wherein a cathode comprising a metal compound is contacted with a fused salt electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. The metal compound is a compound between a metal and another substance, and a voltage is applied between the cathode and an anode such that the substance is removed from the metal compound. In the improved method, the applied voltage increases with time, either continuously or stepwise, up to a predetermined maximum voltage. In addition, or in the alternative, the fused salt composition is selected so as to maintain a predetermined concentration of the substance in the fused salt during electro-decomposition.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for the accurate determination of hydrogen content in fluid media at elevated temperatures. The apparatus consists of a proton conducting solid electrolyte in contact with an internal metal/hydrogen reference standard, in which the electrolyte and the reference material are in a chemically stable contact. The electrical signal generated is a function of the hydrogen concentration on the measuring side.

Abstract: In an electrolytic method for producing nano-scale carbon products, such as carbon nanotubes, first and second graphite electrodes contact a fused-salt electrolyte. A power supply is coupled to the electrodes and first and second voltages are alternately applied to the electrodes. The first voltage is applied such that the first electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the second electrode, and the second voltage is applied such that the second electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the first electrode. The method thus advantageously converts the carbon of both electrodes to nano-scale carbon products.

Abstract: A cathode comprising an oxygen-containing compound, or a metal containing dissolved oxygen, is arranged in contact with a melt comprising a hydroxide of an alkali metal. An inert anode, advantageously comprising nickel, is also arranged in contact with the melt and a potential is applied between the anode and the cathode such that oxygen is removed from the compound or the metal.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an electro-decomposition process wherein a cathode comprising a metal compound is contacted with a fused salt electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. The metal compound is a compound between a metal and another substance, and a voltage is applied between the cathode and an anode such that the substance is removed from the metal compound. In the improved method, the applied voltage increases with time, either continuously or stepwise, up to a predetermined maximum voltage. In addition, or in the alternative, the fused salt composition is selected so as to maintain a predetermined concentration of the substance in the fused salt during electro-decomposition.

Abstract: In an electrolytic method for producing nano-scale carbon products, such as carbon nanotubes, first and second graphite electrodes contact a fused-salt electrolyte. A power supply is coupled to the electrodes and first and second voltages are alternately applied to the electrodes. The first voltage is applied such that the first electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the second electrode, and the second voltage is applied such that the second electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the first electrode. The method thus advantageously converts the carbon of both electrodes to nano-scale carbon products.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for the accurate determination of hydrogen content in fluid media at elevated temperatures. The apparatus consists of a proton conducting solid electrolyte in contact with an internal metal/hydrogen reference standard, in which the electrolyte and the reference material are in a chemically stable contact. The electrical signal generated is a function of the hydrogen concentration on the measuring side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reference electrode for electrolytic cells having an ion-conducting solid electrolyte, to sensors comprising the reference electrode of the invention and to their use of the reference electrode for analyzing gases.