Abstract: An assembly that includes a first substrate formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; and a second substrate formed of a polymer composite that includes a plurality of carbon fibers. The second substrate is joined to the first substrate in a manner where a surface of exposed carbon fibers contacts the aluminum or aluminum alloy of the first substrate; and an is adlayer formed on the surface of the exposed carbon fibers that is configured to inhibit galvanic corrosion of the first substrate, corrosion of the carbon fibers, and debonding of the polymer of the composite from the carbon fibers upon formation of a galvanic couple between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to electrically tunable optical cells including ionic liquids. The optical cell includes opposing substrates defining an internal cell volume containing the ionic liquid. The optical cell further includes an electrically conductive layer or film on at least one substrate, where the electrically conductive layer is adapted to receive a voltage differential and induced current therethrough. The resulting current through the electrically conductive layer induces a charge density gradient in the neighboring ionic liquid. The refractive index of the ionic liquid in the optical cell can be controlled by adjusting the charge density gradient in the ionic liquid. At least some of the components of the optical cell can be formed from transparent materials, thus providing transmissive or reflective optical cells.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to electrodes and related sensor apparatus for the detection of nitric oxide (NO) and/or peroxynitrite (PON). The electrodes and sensors incorporate electrically conducting boron-doped diamond (BDD) to provide a selective and quantitative detection platform. The sensing electrode for detection of NO includes metallic nanoparticles for oxidation of NO as well as anionic polyelectrolyte layer over the electrically conducting BDD layer. The sensing electrode for detection of PON includes an electrically conductive polymeric layer including a metal-complexed porphyrin for redox reaction with PON over the electrically conducting BDD layer. A corresponding sensor apparatus includes one or two electrochemical cells with associated electrolytes, separate working electrodes for the separate, selective detection of NO or PON, and associated reference electrode(s) and counter electrode(s).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to electrically tunable optical cells including ionic liquids. The optical cell includes opposing substrates defining an internal cell volume containing the ionic liquid. The optical cell further includes an electrically conductive layer or film on at least one substrate, where the electrically conductive layer is adapted to receive a voltage differential and induced current therethrough. The resulting current through the electrically conductive layer induces a charge density gradient in the neighboring ionic liquid. The refractive index of the ionic liquid in the optical cell can be controlled by adjusting the charge density gradient in the ionic liquid. At least some of the components of the optical cell can be formed from transparent materials, thus providing transmissive or reflective optical cells.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to electrodes and related sensor apparatus for the detection of nitric oxide (NO) and/or peroxynitrite (PON). The electrodes and sensors incorporate electrically conducting boron-doped diamond (BDD) to provide a selective and quantitative detection platform. The sensing electrode for detection of NO includes metallic nanoparticles for oxidation of NO as well as anionic polyelectrolyte layer over the electrically conducting BDD layer. The sensing electrode for detection of PON includes an electrically conductive polymeric layer including a metal-complexed porphyrin for redox reaction with PON over the electrically conducting BDD layer. A corresponding sensor apparatus includes one or two electrochemical cells with associated electrolytes, separate working electrodes for the separate, selective detection of NO or PON, and associated reference electrode(s) and counter electrode(s).

Abstract: A conductive boron doped nanocrystalline diamond is described. The boron doped diamond has a conductivity which uses the boron in the crystals as a charge carrier. The diamond is particularly useful for electrochemical electrodes in oxidation-reduction reactions and decontamination of aqueous solutions.

Abstract: An electrically conducting and dimensionally stable diamond (12, 14) and metal particle (13) electrode produced by electrodepositing the metal on the diamond is described. The electrode is particularly useful in harsh chemical environments and at high current densities and potentials. The electrode is particularly useful for generating hydrogen, and for reducing oxygen and oxidizing methanol in reactions which are of importance in fuel cells.

Abstract: An electrically conducting and dimensionally stable diamond (12, 14) and metal particle (13) electrode produced by electrodepositing the metal on the diamond is described. The electrode is particularly useful in harsh chemical environments and at high current densities and potentials. The electrode is particularly useful for generating hydrogen, and for reducing oxygen and oxidizing methanol in reactions which are of importance in fuel cells.

Abstract: A spectroelectrochemical cell (10 or 30) with a transparent conductive diamond electrode (15 or 35), which is free standing or deposited on quartz is described. The conductive electrode allows oxidation or reduction reactions to be initiated in the cell electrochemically by the electrode so as to observe the reaction over time spectroscopically.