Abstract: A method of producing energy is described. The method comprises providing a container for receiving an electrolyte composition, a cathode and an anode. An electrolyte composition is formed comprising D2O and an ionizable acid. A sufficient amount of the electrolyte composition is placed in the container to at least partially cover a cathode made from a metal selected from the group consisting of nonhydride forming metals and to at least partially cover an inert anode situated inside the container. The cathode and anode are connected to a source of electricity, and a voltage is applied across the cathode and anode. The present invention can be used to reproducibly produce heat energy.

Abstract: A method for depositing chromium and iron metals on substrates is disclosed in which the chromium hardens when heated. The electrolytic plating bath preferably includes: (a) water soluble Cr(III) produced by reducing Cr(VI) with sufficient amounts of methanol or formic acid; (b) ammonium formate; (c) a sulfate catalyst, such as sodium sulfate; (d) an inorganic iron compound, such as iron sulfate; (e) sufficient amounts of boric acid to substantially saturate the bath; and (f) a sufficient amount of sulfuric acid to provide a bath pH of from about 1.0 to about 1.5. The heat-hardenable chromium deposit allows the plated substrate to be heat tempered after plating to provide a KHN of greater than about 1200. This eliminates the necessity of removing oxidation products from an unplated heated substrate. Moreover, the amount of toxic Cr(VI) present in the bath is greatly diminished, and is replaced with a Cr(III) species that is environmentally safer.

Abstract: A method for depositing chromium on metal substrates is disclosed in which the chromium hardens when heated. The electrolytic plating bath includes water soluble Cr(III), a sulfate catalyst, a metal ion buffer, and sufficient amounts of a reducing agent such as methanol to reduce substantially all Cr(VI) to Cr(III). The heat-hardenable chromium deposit allows the plated substrate to be heat tempered after plating, which eliminates the necessity of removing oxidation products from an unplated heated substrate. Moreover, the amount of toxic Cr(VI) present in the bath is greatly diminished, and replaced with a Cr(III) species that is environmentally safer.

Abstract: A method of electrolytically codepositing a composite of a metal and nonmetallic insoluble particles on the cathode of an electroplating cell a magnetic field used to produce movement and suspension of the particles in an electrolyte containing the metal in ionic form.

Abstract: Electrodeposition of a chromium-iron alloy on a substrate using an electrolyte solution prepared from water, an inorganic hexavalent chromium compound, an inorganic trivalent chromium compound, and an inorganic iron compound, the solution having an adjusted pH lying within the range of 0.5 to 2.0.

Abstract: Plating bath solution usable in the electrodeposition of chromium on a cathode which includes methyl and/or ethyl alcohol.