Abstract: An oxidant production apparatus comprises an electrochemical reactant reservoir, an electrolysis compartment, a porous first electrode and a second electrode. The porous first electrode defines a boundary between the reservoir and the electrolysis compartment and is configured to allow an electrochemical reactant to pass from the reservoir, through the first electrode and into the electrolysis compartment. The second electrode disposed at least substantially in the electrolysis compartment and spaced apart from the first electrode. The apparatus is configured to produce an oxidant in an electrochemical reaction when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes and a current is passed through the first and second electrodes and an electrolyte disposed in the electrolysis compartment.

Abstract: An oxidant production apparatus comprises an electrochemical reactant reservoir, an electrolysis compartment, a porous first electrode and a second electrode. The porous first electrode defines a boundary between the reservoir and the electrolysis compartment and is configured to allow an electrochemical reactant to pass from the reservoir, through the first electrode and into the electrolysis compartment. The second electrode disposed at least substantially in the electrolysis compartment and spaced apart from the first electrode. The apparatus is configured to produce an oxidant in an electrochemical reaction when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes and a current is passed through the first and second electrodes and an electrolyte disposed in the electrolysis compartment.

Abstract: A method of providing a porous surface on a nickel substrate comprising treating the substrate with a flowing stream of gas comprising ammonia or hydrazine at a temperature of at least 4000 C, the resultant porous surface comprising pores which are substantially all interconnected and have access to the surface.