Abstract: A separator for use in a battery or a fuel cell, wherein the separator has an increased surface energy relative to an untreated separator, the increased surface energy resulting from plasma treatment at atmospheric pressure and under an inert atmosphere that further comprises a reactant dopant gas, wherein the oxygen levels in the atmosphere are less than 50 ppm. Also disclosed is a battery or a fuel cell comprising the separator and a method of treating a separator.

Abstract: A separator for use in a battery or a fuel cell, wherein the separator has an increased surface energy relative to an untreated separator, the increased surface energy resulting from plasma treatment at atmospheric pressure and under an inert atmosphere that further comprises a reactant dopant gas, wherein the oxygen levels in the atmosphere are less than 50 ppm. Also disclosed is a battery or a fuel cell comprising the separator and a method of treating a separator.

Abstract: Methods of growing crystals by the Czochralski method are provided in which a member having a central vertical passageway extending through it is floated on the melt, and the crystallization is caused to take place within this passageway. The passageway may be parallel sided or tapering from top to bottom and is such that the melt does not wet the walls of the passageway. Excellent diameter control of the grown crystal is obtainable, and since the member floats on the melt during crystallization, its position follows changes in the level of the melt as the material is pulled from the melt. In one embodiment, the member is porous and fluid is forced through the porous wall of the passageway from a cavity within the member to form a barrier to keep the melt out of contact with the wall of the passageway. In another embodiment, a liquid encapsulant is used, which forms a coating over the whole surface of the floating member including the wall of the passageway.

Abstract: Methods of growing crystals by the Czochralski method in which a member having a central vertical passageway extending through it is floated on the melt, and the crystallization is caused to take place within this passageway. The passageway may be parallel sided or tapering from top to bottom and is such that the melt does not wet the walls of the passageway. Excellent diameter control of the grown crystal is obtainable, and since the member floats on the melt during crystallisation, its position follows changes in the level of the melt as the material is pulled from the melt. In one embodiment, the member is porous and fluid is forced through the porous wall of the passageway from a cavity within the member to form a barrier to keep the melt out of contact with the wall of the passageway. In another embodiment, a liquid encapsulant is used, which forms a coating over the whole surface of the floating member including the wall of the passageway.