Abstract: A pervaporation cell is described which may be used for the removal of water from a mixture containing an ionic liquid and water and optionally a solvent, incorporating an ionomeric membrane. A method of pervaporation using the pervaporation cell is also described.

Abstract: A carbon/nanoparticle nanofiber includes a carbon base structure and a plurality of nanoparticles that include a lithium alloy or a lithium alloy precursor. One or more nanofibers may be formed into a nonwoven fabric. The fabric may be utilized as an electrode, such as for example in a battery. The carbon/nanoparticle composite nanofiber may be fabricated by forming a polymer/nanoparticle nanofiber, such as for example by a spinning technique, and carbonizing the polymer/nanoparticle nanofiber.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte comprises an inorganic clay material and a dielectric solution having a dielectric constant ranging from about 50 to about 85. The composite electrolyte has an ion transference number ranging from about 0.80 to about 1.00. An electrode comprises a component selected from the group consisting of an inorganic clay filler, a polymer, and mixtures thereof. Batteries and electrochemical cells comprising the above composite electrolytes and electrodes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte comprises an inorganic clay material and a dielectric solution having a dielectric constant ranging from about 50 to about 85. The composite electrolyte has an ion transference number ranging from about 0.80 to about 1.00. An electrode comprises a component selected from the group consisting of an inorganic clay filler, a polymer, and mixtures thereof. Batteries and electrochemical cells comprising the above composite electrolytes and electrodes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process, for the electrolytic coupling of carboxylic acids, carried out in a polymer electrolyte membrane reactor. The reactor design (1) discloses the use of gaseous or neat liquid reactants without the use of organic cosolvents, (2) prevents the loss of platinum, and (3) permits the use of oxygen reduction to water as the cathode reaction.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte comprises (a) surface modified fumed silica filler, wherein the surface modified fumed silica comprises polymerizable groups on the surface thereof, the polymerizable groups being bonded to each other such that the surface modified fumed silica filler is crosslinked in a three-dimensional structure; (b) a dissociable lithium salt; and (c) a bulk medium which contains the surface modified fumed silica filler and the dissociable lithium salt. An electrochemical cell comprises an anode, a cathode, and a composite electrolyte dispersed between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: Novel methods of indirect electrochemistry are provided. The methods use ionomer coated electrodes for regeneration of the redox reagent in the indirect electrochemical process. The electrode may be either directly coated with a thin ionomer coating, or alternatively may electrodeposited within an ionomer coated electronically conductive substrate. Ionomers used to coat the electrodes of the subject method include Nafion.RTM. and Tosflex.RTM..

Abstract: Formaldehyde and/or methylal are made by the electrooxidation of methanol in an apparatus which is divided into the anode compartment and the cathode compartment by a cationic membrane made of a fluoropolymer and having pendant fluorosulfonyl or sulfonic acid groups, which is coated on one side with platinum applied by the impregnation-reduction method, said coating serving as the anode. The cathode may be a metal layer on the opposite side of the membrane or a separate metal cathode. When the separate metal cathode is employed, the cathode compartment contains a liquid electrolyte, which is a concentrated inorganic acid, preferably phosphoric acid. Within specifically identified temperature ranges, the yield of formaldehyde and of methylal can be optimized by controlling the mole fraction or partial pressure of methanol feed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for fabricating a thin, porous, electronically conductive, high-surface area film proximate the surface of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The film has highly desirable characteristics as a surface electrode. Films may be formed on both sides of the membrane to form a bi-polar structure useful in various processes, including chloralkali processes.