Abstract: Metallic substrate treatment methods and articles comprising a phosphonate functionalized layer are provided. The method comprises contacting a metallic substrate comprising at least one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy with a fluid to form a phosphonate functionalized layer on at least a region of the metallic substrate. The fluid comprises at least one of a phosphonate containing acid and a derivative thereof. At least one of the phosphonate containing acid and the derivative thereof comprises a pKa of a first acidic proton. The fluid comprises a pH at least 0.5 pH value greater than the pKa of the first acidic proton. The article comprises a metallic substrate comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy and a phosphonate functionalized layer on at least a region of the metallic substrate.

Abstract: Metallic substrate treatment methods and articles comprising a phosphonate functionalized layer are provided. The method comprises contacting a metallic substrate comprising at least one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy with a fluid to form a phosphonate functionalized layer on at least a region of the metallic substrate. The fluid comprises at least one of a phosphonate containing acid and a derivative thereof. At least one of the phosphonate containing acid and the derivative thereof comprises a pKa of a first acidic proton. The fluid comprises a pH at least 0.5 pH value greater than the pKa of the first acidic proton. The article comprises a metallic substrate comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy and a phosphonate functionalized layer on at least a region of the metallic substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrolyte regeneration are provided, which regenerate a spent alkaline electrolyte (SE) comprising dissolved aluminum hydrates from an aluminum-air battery, by electrolysis, to precipitate aluminum tri-hydroxide (ATH) and form regenerated alkaline electrolyte, and adding a same-cation salt to an anolyte used in the electrolysis to supplant a corresponding electrolyte cation. The regeneration may be carried out continuously and further comprise mixing the SE and the same-cation salt in a salt tank configured to deliver the anolyte, removing the regenerated alkaline electrolyte from a catholyte tank configured to deliver the catholyte, and filtering the ATH from a solution delivered from the salt tank to the anolyte. Optionally, the salt may be a buffering salt, and in some cases chemical reactions may be used to enhance the regeneration by electrolysis.

Abstract: Separators, electrochemical cells and methods are provided, to improve operation of cells such as metal-ion batteries and fuel cells. Separators comprise a porous, ionically conductive film including layered double hydroxide(s) (LDHs), which are functional ceramic additives, removing potentially harmful anions from the electrolyte by incorporating them into the LDH structure of positively-charged sheets with intermediary anions. For example, anions which are electrolyte decomposition products or cathode dissolution products may be absorbed into the LDH to prevent them from causing damage to the cell and shortening the cell's life. LDHs may be incorporated in the separator structure, coated thereupon or otherwise associated therewith. Additional benefits include dimensional stability during thermal excursions, fire retardancy and impurity scavenging.

Abstract: This invention is directed to regeneration of solutions comprising metal ions, and production of valuable hydroxide compounds. Specifically, the invention is related to regeneration of spent electrolyte solutions comprising metal ions (e.g. Al ions), such as electrolyte solutions used in metal/air batteries. The invention is further related to production of layered double hydroxides, and, optionally aluminum tri-hydroxide from aluminate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to regeneration of solutions comprising metal ions, and production of valuable hydroxide compounds. Specifically, the invention is related to regeneration of spent electrolyte solutions comprising metal ions (e.g. Al ions), such as electrolyte solutions used in metal/air batteries. The invention is further related to production of layered double hydroxides, and, optionally aluminum tri-hydroxide from aluminate.

Abstract: Methods of measuring a sample characteristic and accessories for infrared (IR) spectrometers are provided. An accessory includes an input port and an output port having an optical path therebetween, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure for contacting a sample, a mirror system, and an optical element for producing collimated light. The SPR structure produces internally reflected light responsive to broadband IR light, modified by a SPR between the SPR structure and the sample. The mirror system directs the broadband IR light from the input port to the SPR structure and directs the internally reflected light from the SPR structure to the output port, producing output light indicative of a characteristic of the sample associated with the SPR. The optical element is disposed along the optical path between the input port and the output port.

Abstract: Methods of measuring a sample characteristic and accessories for infrared (IR) spectrometers are provided. An accessory includes an input port and an output port having an optical path therebetween, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure for contacting a sample, a mirror system, and an optical element for producing collimated light. The SPR structure produces internally reflected light responsive to broadband IR light, modified by a SPR between the SPR structure and the sample. The mirror system directs the broadband IR light from the input port to the SPR structure and directs the internally reflected light from the SPR structure to the output port, producing output light indicative of a characteristic of the sample associated with the SPR. The optical element is disposed along the optical path between the input port and the output port.