Abstract: Reticulated vitrified carbon compositions which contain particles of Cu, Sn, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, or alloys or mixtures thereof dispersed therein and reticulated vitreous carbon compositions wherein some or all of said metal or alloy particles have been converted into salts or mixtures of salts thereof. Processes for the preparation of such compositions.

Abstract: A method suitable for detecting the onset of colloid formation within a solution whose composition is in a state of change, which method makes use of the technique of acoustophoresis and which comprises the step of either (I) applying an oscillating electric field to the solution and monitoring the amplitude of the resultant acoustic signal, the onset of colloid formation being detected by a change in the amplitude of the resultant acoustic signal, or (ii) applying an oscillating acoustic signal to the solution and monitoring the resultant oscillating electric field, the onset of colloid formation being detected by a change in the amplitude of the resultant oscillating electric field, or (iii) applying an oscillating electric field to the solution and monitoring the resultant oscillating electric field, the onset of colloid formation being detected by a change in the amplitude of the resultant oscillating electric field.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of an electrochemical cell component which comprises an ion exchange membrane joined to a frame member formed from a dissimilar polymeric material, which process comprises the steps of: i) coating the border of at least one face of an ion exchange membrane with a solution in a solvent which is miscible with water of the polymeric material from which the same frame member is made, or of a polymeric material which is compatible with the polymeric frame material; ii) optionally allowing the said coated membrane to stand and/or drying the said coated membrane; iii) placing the coated face of the ion exchange membrane from step (i) or step (ii) in contact with said frame member; and iv) joining the coated ion-exchange membrane to the said frame member.

Abstract: A modified polymeric cation exchange membrane for use in an electrochemical cell, the said membrane having a salt selected from the group consisting of silver, tungsten, molybdenum and a mixture thereof deposited within the polymer matrix, the said salt being insoluble in the electrolytes which, in use, contact either side of the membrane.The membranes are of particular use in electrochemical cells and combine a low electrolytic resistivity with a high permselectivity.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of an electrochemical cell which has long term chemical stability to anolyte and catholyte solutions at pH's of less than 2 and above 12, which method comprises the steps of: i) thermally processing a polymeric material which exhibits a glass transition to form the cell structure or components of the cell structure, and ii) subjecting the surfaces of the cell structure of components of the cell structure, which in use, will be in contact with the anolyte and catholyte solutions, to a post halogenation process, whereby the polymeric material forming the said surfaces undergoes halogen substitution to form a chemically stable halogen modified polymeric material.

Abstract: A method of preparing a modified cation exchange membrane in which a sulfide of silver, tungsten, molybdenum or a mixture thereof is deposited within the polymer matrix, which method comprises the steps of:i) forming within the polymer matrix of the membrane a complex of silver, tungsten, molybdenum or a mixture thereof with a water soluble compound containing an --SH group; andii) converting the complex formed in step (i) into the insoluble sulfide of silver, tungsten, molybdenum or a mixture thereof.