Abstract: A process for recovering a rare earth element. The process includes adding water and a nonaqueous acid to an ionic liquid, and dissolving an oxide of a first rare earth element directly into the ionic liquid to form an ionic solution comprising at least about 0.1 weight percent water, the acid and an ion of the first rare earth element. The process further includes applying a potential to the ionic solution to deposit the first rare earth element onto an electrode as a metal.

Abstract: A micro-channel device is formed from a rigid template of a suitable material, such as wax, by forming a continuous electrically-conductive structure over the rigid template to thereby define channels. The rigid template is then removed, thereby forming the micro-channel device. Examples of micro-channel devices include micro-channel thermal management units and micro-channel chemical reactors. Micro-channel chemical reactors can be formed by coating interior walls of the micro-channel device with a suitable catalyst.

Abstract: An oxygen gas supply device includes a tubular hydrated ion-exchange membrane defining an inner surface, an outer surface and an outlet. An outer catalytic membrane at the outer surface and an inner catalytic membrane at the inner surface are in electrical communication with a direct current power source. Application of electromotive force between the outer and inner catalytic membranes causes an oxygen gas component of the ambient air in contact with one or the other of the outer and inner catalytic membranes to be separated and collected at the other catalytic membrane and thereby be collected as an oxygen gas supply.

Abstract: A surface-contact sensor includes a housing defining an opening, an ion-permeable membrane at the opening, a counterelectrode within the housing, and a reference electrode within the housing that is spaced apart from the current-collector. A current-collector pad includes a grommet support having a base and a lumen defining an opening. An ion-permeable membrane spans at least a portion of the opening of the grommet. The ion-permeable membrane is held in place by a gasket surrounding the lumen. A current collector, at least in one embodiment, is proximate to a portion of the ion-permeable membrane that spans the opening.

Abstract: A surface-contact sensor includes a housing defining an opening, an ion-permeable membrane at the opening, a counterelectrode within the housing, and a reference electrode within the housing that is spaced apart from the current-collector. A current-collector pad includes a grommet support having a base and a lumen defining an opening. An ion-permeable membrane spans at least a portion of the opening of the grommet. The ion-permeable membrane is held in place by a gasket surrounding the lumen. A current collector, at least in one embodiment, is proximate to a portion of the ion-permeable membrane that spans the opening.