Abstract: An electrochemical cell for testing the electrochemical behavior of a plurality of materials comprises: a first electrode; a counter-electrode bearing an electrochromic material having a visual or measurable property which changes in a manner proportional to the total charge passed through it; and an electrolyte between and in electrical contact with the first electrode and the counter-electrode; wherein one of the first electrode and the electrolyte comprises a plurality of regions, each region comprising a sample of material to be tested, the regions being, in the case of the first electrode, electrically connected to a common terminal. Such a cell can be used for a “combinatorial chemistry” approach to testing the properties of possible cell components.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte is provided, wherein: the cathode comprises mesoporous nickel having a periodic arrangement of substantially uniformly sized pores of cross-section of the order of 10?8 to 10?9 m; and the anode comprises a mesoporous material having a periodic arrangement of substantially uniformly sized pores of cross-section of the order of 10?8 to 10?9 m and selected from: carbon, cadmium, iron, a palladium/nickel alloy, an iron/titanium alloy, palladium or a mixed metal hydride.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte is provided, wherein: the cathode comprises mesoporous nickel having a periodic arrangement of substantially uniformly sized pores of cross-section of the order of 10?8 to 10?9 m; and the anode comprises a mesoporous material having a periodic arrangement of substantially uniformly sized pores of cross-section of the order of 10?8 to 10?9 m and selected from: carbon, cadmium, iron, a palladium/nickel alloy, an iron/titanium alloy, palladium or a mixed metal hydride.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide or a lithium titanate, especially mesoporous titanium dioxide or lithium titanate, can function as a negative electrode in an electrochemical cell in which the electrolyte is an aqueous solution containing lithium and hydroxide ions.

Abstract: A fitting for a harness, such as a trapeze harness for a sailboat is disclosed. The fitting comprises: a first part secured to or securable to a harness, a second part connectable to a tether, and a mechanism to releasably inter-connect the first and second parts. The mechanism comprises a plurality of locking members each having a rounded or tapered locking part, configured to be received within a respective locking aperture located on the second part. A locking element is provided which is moveable between a locking position and a release position and is configured to urge each locking member into a position in which its locking part is received within a respective locking aperture when the locking element is in the locking position. This enables the first part and the second part to be releasably locked together.

Abstract: A method of preparing a porous film comprises electrodepositing material from a mixture onto a substrate, the mixture comprising: (I) a source of metal, inorganic oxide, non-oxide semiconductor/conductor or organic polymer, (II) a solvent such as water; and (III) a structure-directing agent such as octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether in an amount sufficient to form an homogeneous lyotropic liquid crystalline phase in the mixture. Electrodepositing the film from a lyotropic liquid phase in this manner provides a porous film having a substantially regular structure and substantially uniform pore size. Following deposition, the porous film may be treated to remove the structure-directing agent.