Abstract: An electrochemical device (100) includes an ion exchange membrane (120), a first electrode (110) adjacent to a first side thereof and a second electrode (130) adjacent to a second side thereof. At least one of the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (130) includes a current collector layer (112, 132) and a catalyzing layer (114, 134) applied thereto. The catalyzing layer (114, 134) includes an ion-conducting polymer (116), a plurality of electroactive catalyst particles (115, 118) and an adhesive (118) that binds the polymer (116), the catalyst particles (115, 118) and the current collector layer together (112, 132). In a method of making an electrode, an ion-conducting polymer, a plurality of electroactive catalyst particles and an adhesive are mixed in a solvent, which is applied to a current collector layer. The solvent is evaporated so that the adhesive binds the polymer and the catalyst particles to the current collector.

Abstract: In a method of forming an anion conducting polymer membrane, a prepolymer membrane solvent-casting solution is generated. At least one non-cross-linking tertiary amine is added to the prepolymer membrane solvent-casting solution. The membrane is cast from the at least one non-cross-linking tertiary amine and the prepolymer membrane solvent-casting solution after the adding step. In another method of forming an anion conducting polymer membrane, a prepolymer membrane solvent-casting solution is generated. At least one non-cross-linking tertiary amine is added to the prepolymer membrane solvent-casting solution. The membrane is cast from the at least one non-cross-linking tertiary amine and the prepolymer membrane solvent-casting solution after the adding step.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for preparing a compound of formula (1) wherein R1 is independently chosen from C1-C6 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl and aryl, and R2, R3 and R4 are independently chosen from hydrogen and C1-C6 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl and aryl; which process comprises the steps of: a) contacting a compound of formula (2) wherein R1 and R2 are as above and M+ is a monovalent metal ion, with a compound of formula (3) wherein R3 and R4 are as above, to form a compound of formula (4) and b) followed by contacting the compound of formula (4) with an acid to give a compound of formula (1), wherein step (a) and/or step (b) are conducted in continuous mode.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for preparing a compound of formula (1) wherein R1 is independently chosen from C1-C6 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl and aryl, and R2, R3 and R4 are independently chosen from hydrogen and C1-C6 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl and aryl; which process comprises the steps of: a) contacting a compound of formula (2) wherein R1 and R2 are as above and M+ is a monovalent metal ion, with a compound of formula (3) wherein R3 and R4 are as above, to form a compound of formula (4) and b) followed by contacting the compound of formula (4) with an acid to give a compound of formula (1), wherein step (a) and/or step (b) are conducted in continuous mode.

Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention relate generally to PAG bilayer and PAG-doped unilayer structures using sacrificial polymer layers that incorporate a photoacid generator having a concentration gradient therein. Said PAG concentration being higher in a upper portion of such structures than in a lower portion thereof. Embodiments according to the present invention also relate to a method of using such bilayers and unilayers to form microelectronic structures having a three-dimensional space, and methods of decomposition of the sacrificial polymer within the aforementioned layers.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for use in a fuel cell includes an anode electrode, a proton exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane and a cathode electrode. The anode electrode includes a first catalyst. The first catalyst separates a reducing agent into a plurality of positively charged ions and negative charges. The proton exchange membrane is configured to favor transport of positively charged ions therethrough and is also configured to inhibit transport of negatively charged particles therethrough. The anion exchange membrane is configured to favor transport of negatively charged ions therethrough and is also configured to inhibit transport of positively charged ions therethrough. The cathode electrode includes a second catalyst and is disposed adjacent to a second side of the anion exchange membrane. The second catalyst reacts electrons with the at least one oxidizing agent so as to generate+reduced species.

Abstract: A fuel cell (100) includes a cation exchange membrane (110), a first anion exchange membrane (120) and a second anion exchange membrane (130). The cation exchange membrane (110) has a first side and an opposite second side. The first anion exchange membrane (120) has a first exterior surface and an opposite first interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the first side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (140) is embedded along the first exterior surface. The second anion exchange membrane (130) has a second exterior surface and an opposite second interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the second side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (142) is embedded along the second exterior surface. A stack of fuel cells (700) include a first fuel cell (710) with an acidic first anode (714) that is electrically coupled to an alkaline second cathode (722) of a second fuel cell (720).

Abstract: A fuel cell (100) includes a cation exchange membrane (110), a first anion exchange membrane (120) and a second anion exchange membrane (130). The cation exchange membrane (110) has a first side and an opposite second side. The first anion exchange membrane (120) has a first exterior surface and an opposite first interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the first side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (140) is embedded along the first exterior surface. The second anion exchange membrane (130) has a second exterior surface and an opposite second interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the second side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (142) is embedded along the second exterior surface. A stack of fuel cells (700) include a first fuel cell (701) with an acidic first anode (714) that is electrically coupled to an alkaline second cathode (722) of a second fuel cell (720).

Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention relate generally to PAG bilayer and PAG-doped unilayer structures using sacrificial polymer layers that incorporate a photoacid generator having a concentration gradient therein. Said PAG concentration being higher in a upper portion of such structures than in a lower portion thereof. Embodiments according to the present invention also relate to a method of using such bilayers and unilayers to form microelectronic structures having a three-dimensional space, and methods of decomposition of the sacrificial polymer within the aforementioned layers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane compositions or mixtures, methods of using functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane compositions, structures including functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, and the like.

Abstract: A fuel cell (100) includes a cation exchange membrane (110), a first anion exchange membrane (120) and a second anion exchange membrane (130). The cation exchange membrane (110) has a first side and an opposite second side. The first anion exchange membrane (120) has a first exterior surface and an opposite first interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the first side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (140) is embedded along the first exterior surface. The second anion exchange membrane (130) has a second exterior surface and an opposite second interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the second side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (142) is embedded along the second exterior surface. A stack of fuel cells (700) include a first fuel cell (701) with an acidic first anode (714) that is electrically coupled to an alkaline second cathode (722) of a second fuel cell (720).

Abstract: Fuel cells, fuel cell membranes, micro-fuel cells, and methods of fabricating each, are disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for use in a fuel cell includes an anode electrode, a cation exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane and a cathode electrode. The anode electrode includes a first catalyst. The first catalyst separates a reducing agent into a plurality of positively charged ions and negative charges. The cation exchange membrane is configured to favor transport of positively charged ions therethrough and is also configured to inhibit transport of negatively charged particles therethrough. The anion exchange membrane is configured to favor transport of negatively charged ions therethrough and is also configured to inhibit transport of positively charged ions therethrough. The cathode electrode includes a second catalyst and is disposed adjacent to a second side of the anion exchange membrane. The second catalyst reacts electrons with the at least one oxidizing agent so as to create reduced species.

Abstract: Optoelectronic probe cards, methods of fabrication, and methods of use, are disclosed. Briefly described, one exemplary embodiment includes an optoelectronic probe card adapted to test an electrical quality and an optical quality of an optoelectronic structure under test having electrical and optical components.

Abstract: Fuel cells, fuel cell membranes, micro-fuel cells, and methods of fabricating each, are disclosed.

Abstract: One or more microfabricated fuel cells may be integrated into a printed circuit board or a printed wiring board within an electronic device. The electrical energy created by the integrated microfabricated fuel cells within the metal wiring on the PWB may then be used by the electronic components within and on the PWB.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for producing micro electro-mechanical device packages. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, includes a micro electro-mechanical device formed on a substrate layer; and a thermally decomposable sacrificial structure protecting at least a portion of the micro electro-mechanical device, where the sacrificial structure is formed on the substrate layer and surrounds a gas cavity enclosing an active surface of the micro electro-mechanical device. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: High performance interconnect devices, structures, and fabrication methods are provided herein. According to some embodiments of the present invention, an interconnect device used to connect components or route signals in an integrated circuit can comprise multiple conductors. A first conductor of the interconnect device can define a first conductor axis, and a second conductor of the interconnect device can define a second conductor axis. The second conductor can be proximate the first conduct such that first conductor axis is substantially coaxially situated relative to the second conductor axis to provide a high performance interconnect having a coaxial alignment. The first conductor and the second conductor can define a gap disposed between and separating the conductors. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: Polymers, methods of use thereof, and methods of decomposition thereof, are provided. One exemplary polymer, among others, includes, a photodefinable polymer having a sacrificial polymer and a photoinitiator.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of use thereof, and methods of decomposition thereof, are provided. One exemplary composition, among others, includes a polymer and a catalytic amount of a negative tone photoinitiator.