Abstract: A cell having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment is used to electrolyze an alkali metal polysulfide into an alkali metal. The cell includes an anode, wherein at least part of the anode is housed in the anode compartment. The cell also includes a quantity of anolyte housed within the anode compartment, the anolyte comprising an alkali metal polysulfide and a solvent. The cell includes a cathode, wherein at least part of the cathode is housed in the cathode compartment. A quantity of catholyte is housed within the cathode compartment. The cell operates at a temperature below the melting temperature of the alkali metal.

Abstract: A method for making a liquid separation membrane, including: (1) providing a polyvinylidene fluoride liquid separation membrane or polypropylene liquid separation membrane prepared by a thermally induced phase separation method as a substrate membrane, soaking the substrate membrane with water or a weak polar organic liquid to make membrane pores of the substrate membrane filled with the liquid, the soaking time being between 0.5 s and 1 min, and the weak polar organic liquid being indissolvable and compatible with the polyvinylidene fluoride liquid separation membrane or polypropylene liquid separation membrane; (2) coating a casting solution of polyvinylidene fluoride on the surface of the soaked substrate membrane obtained in step (1), and quickly soaking the substrate membrane in a coagulating bath heated to a temperature of 60-100° C. for curing to yield the liquid separation membrane.

Abstract: Each unit cell of a water electrolysis apparatus includes a pair of an anode separator and a cathode separator and a membrane electrode assembly interposed between the pair of separators. The anode separator has a first flow field to which water is supplied, and the cathode separator has a second flow field for producing high-pressure hydrogen through electrolysis of the water. A second seal groove for receiving a second seal member is disposed annularly around the second flow field. A pressure-releasing chamber is disposed outwardly of the second seal groove, is capable of communicating with the second seal groove and communicates with the outside through a depressurizing channel.

Abstract: Electrolytic acid or alkaline water having a NMR half line width using 17O of from about 45 to less than 51 Hz, and an oxide reduction potential of from ?1000 to +200 mV, or from +600 to +1300 mV, topical compositions that contain such water, uses for such water to hydrate skin, deliver drugs and treat various skin and mucosal conditions, and methods and apparatus for manufacturing the water.

Abstract: Small, autonomous, low cost electrochemical gas generators containing an electrochemical cell assembly, a commercially available battery and a current controlling mechanism. Current control, which defines the gas generation rate, is achieved either electronically by means of a resistor or through mass transfer control by means of a gas permeable film of known permeability. In either case, the gas generation rates are generally from 0.1 to 10 cc/day. The gas source must contain an electrochemically active gas such as oxygen or hydrogen. Air is the preferred source for oxygen. These miniature gas generators, generally are less than 1.5 cm in diameter and length, require novel, compact, electrochemical cell assemblies. Various cell assemblies, generally 1 cm in diameter and less than 0.5 mm thick, are described. These miniature gas generators are used for the controlled release of fluids such as pheromones, fragrances, insect repellents, and the like.

Abstract: A solvent composition comprising an organic solvent; dispersed nanoparticles; and a non-volatile electrolyte is provided. A method of forming a liquid composite composition is provided.

Abstract: A transient distribution of electron quasiparticles with elevated effective mass is created by adding a targeted range of both crystal momentum and electron energy in a conductor to place electrons into regions of the electronic band structure diagram having a chosen, desired curvature. Effective mass scales as the inverse of curvature. The quasiparticles form transient bonds with delocalized ions and other reactants in or on a reaction particle where reaction rates and branches are controlled by the choice of effective mass.

Abstract: A cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier, and an active material including M selected from the group consisting of Ru, Pt, Rh, and combinations thereof, and Ch selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof, with the proviso that the active material is not RuSe when the carrier is C.

Abstract: A biocide solution containing hypochlorous acid, hydrochlorous acid, hydrochloric acid, percholoric acid, chlorine gas, hydrogen peroxide and ozone provides broad spectrum biocidal properties as well as an apparatus for producing the solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which includes an anode compartment defined by an anode structure where oxidation is effected, containing a liquid electrolyte anolyte, and a cathode compartment defined by a cathode structure where reduction is effected containing a liquid electrolyte catholyte. In addition, the electrolytic cell includes at least one additional compartment arranged at least partially between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment and separated from the anode compartment and the cathode compartment by a separator structure arranged to supports ionic conduction of current between the anode structure and the cathode structure.

Abstract: A cell module includes an anode, a cathode and a proton exchange membrane. The anode adheres to one side of the proton exchange membrane while the cathode adheres to the opposite side thereof. The anode comprises a substrate and at least one diamond-like carbon layer covering the substrate. The present disclosure further provides an ozone generator and a method using the same.

Abstract: A multilayer stack is described. The multilayer stack includes: (i) one or more inorganic barrier layers for reducing transport of gas or vapor molecules therethrough; (ii) an inorganic reactive layer disposed adjacent to one or more of the inorganic barrier layers, and the reactive layer capable of reacting with the gas or the vapor molecules; and (iii) wherein, in an operational state of the multilayer stack, the vapor or the gas molecules that diffuse through one or more of the inorganic barrier layers react with the inorganic reactive layer, and thereby allow said multilayer stack to be substantially impervious to the gas or the vapor molecules.

Abstract: An electrochemical device having a liquid electrolyte which includes a protic solvent, an anode electrode disposed in contact with the liquid electrolyte, and a cathode electrode disposed in contact with the liquid electrolyte. A membrane which interrupts the transport of ions between the electrodes at a predetermined temperature is disposed in the liquid electrolyte between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. In this way, electrochemical devices such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, which may overheat during use and cause a fire or explosion, are precluded from overheating.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to photovoltaic and photoelectrosynthetic cells, devices, methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the design of electrochemical cells for use in high pressure or high differential pressure operations. The electrochemical cells of the present disclosure have non-circular external pressure boundaries, i.e., the cells have non-circular profiles. In such cells, the internal fluid pressure during operation is balanced by the axial tensile forces developed in the bipolar plates, which prevent the external pressure boundaries of the cells from flexing or deforming. That is, the bipolar plates are configured to function as tension members during operation of the cells. To function as an effective tension member, the thickness of a particular bipolar plate is determined based on the yield strength of the material selected for fabricating the bipolar plate, the internal fluid pressure in the flow structure adjacent to the bipolar plate, and the thickness of the adjacent flow structure.

Abstract: Water-splitting devices and methods for manufacturing water-splitting devices or solar cells is disclosed. The method seeks to provide a relatively high-volume, low-cost mass-production method. In one example, the method facilitates simultaneous co-assembly of one or more sub-units and two or more polymer films or sheets to form a water-splitting device. According to another aspect, there is provided an improved water-splitting device. In one example form, there is provided a water-splitting device which includes a first electrode for producing oxygen gas and a second electrode for producing hydrogen gas from water. The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned between a first outer polymer layer and a second outer polymer layer, and at least one spacer layer is positioned between the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer.

Abstract: A bipolar ion exchange membrane suitable for use in ZnBr batteries, LiBr batteries, and electrolyzers. The membrane is produced by hot pressing or extruding a mixture of an anion exchange ionomer powder, a cation exchange ionomer powder, and a non-porous polymer powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode unit for an electrochemical device, comprising a solid electrolyte (3) and a porous electrode (7), the solid electrolyte (3) dividing a compartment for cathode material and a compartment for anode material and the porous electrode (7) being extensively connected to the solid electrolyte (3), with a displacer (23) being accommodated in the anode material compartment, where the displacer (23) is manufactured from a stainless steel or from graphite foil and bears resiliently against the internal geometry of the solid electrolyte (3) in such a way that the displacer (23) does not contact the solid electrolyte over its full area, or with the displacer comprising an outer shell (62) of stainless steel or graphite, and a core (64) of a nonferrous metal, the nonferrous metal being thermoplastically deformable at a temperature which is lower than the temperature at which the stainless steel is thermoplastically deformable, and where for production the shell (62) of stainless steel

Abstract: A method and electrochemical cell for recovery of metals is provided, where the electrochemical cell includes an anode disposed in an anodic chamber, a cathode disposed in a cathodic chamber, an ion-conducting separator disposed between the anode and the cathode to physically separate the anodic and cathodic chambers, a basic pH anolyte containing a sacrificial reductant disposed within the anodic chamber, an acidic pH catholyte containing metal ions disposed within the cathodic chamber, and an electrical connection between the anode and the cathode. The method includes applying a voltage or an electrical current to an electrolytic cell across the cathode and the anode and is sufficient to reduce the metal ions to form an elemental metal species at the cathode, and to oxidize the sacrificial reductant at the anode.

Abstract: An electrochemical compressor includes one or more electrochemical cells through which a working fluid flows, and an external electrical energy source electrically connected to the electrochemical cell. Each electrochemical cell includes an anode connected to the electrical energy source; a cathode connected to the electrical energy source; an ion exchange membrane disposed between and in electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass an electrochemically motive material of the working fluid from the anode to the cathode, the ion exchange membrane comprising polar ionic groups attached to nonpolar chains; and a non-aqueous solvent comprising polar molecules, the polar molecules of the non-aqueous solvent being associated with and electrostatically attracted to the polar ionic groups of the ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the design and arrangement of flow structures in electrochemical cells for use in high differential pressure operations. The flow structure on the low pressure-side of the cell has a larger surface area than the flow structure on the high-pressure side of the cell at the flow structure—MEA interface. The boundary of the high pressure flow structure is entirely within the boundary of the low pressure flow structure. A seal around the high pressure flow structure is also contained within the boundary of the low pressure flow structure. In such an arrangement, high fluid pressures acting on the electrolyte membrane from the high-pressure side of the cell is fully and continuously balanced by the flow structure on the low pressure-side of the membrane. Use of the low pressure flow structure as a membrane support prevents the rupture or deformation of the membrane under high stresses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell for producing hydrogen gas and cupric chloride, comprising an anode compartment including an anode disposed in an anolyte, wherein the anolyte is cuprous chloride in hydrochloric acid, a cathode compartment including a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises an electrocatalyst, and a cation exchange membrane disposed between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen production device high in light use efficiency and capable of producing hydrogen with high efficiency. The hydrogen production device according to the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion part having a light acceptance surface and a back surface, a first gas generation part provided on the back surface, and a second gas generation part provided on the back surface, in which one of the first gas generation part and the second gas generation part is a hydrogen generation part to generate H2 from an electrolytic solution, another one thereof is an oxygen generation part to generate O2 from the electrolytic solution, the first gas generation part is electrically connected to the back surface, and the second gas generation part is electrically connected to the light acceptance surface via a first conductive part.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell, its method and system configured for simple and rapid troubleshooting, removal and replacement of the cell or a component of the cell during service and maintenance procedures is disclosed. The electrolytic cell (12) is includes a host manifold (27) housing a degassing chamber (125) and various flow paths for routing liquid and gases into and out of a guest device (33) and the host manifold (27). The host manifold (27) is connected to input sources and output collections. The guest device (33) generally houses an anode chamber (104), a cathode chamber (112), and a brine chamber or reservoir (108) that serves as a source of anions and cations for the anode and cathode chambers. The guest device (33) is separable from the host manifold (27) to repair, maintain and/or replace the cell.

Abstract: Dual absorber electrodes are disclosed. In some embodiments, a dual absorber electrode includes a first absorber material, such as silicon, having a first bandgap, and a second absorber material, such as hematite, deposited on a surface of the first absorber material, the second absorber material having a second bandgap larger than the first bandgap of the first absorber. In some embodiments, the dual absorber electrodes of the present embodiment may be utilized in an electrolytic cell for water splitting.

Abstract: An electrolysis device is disclosed for producing alkaline water from water including an electrolysis vessel, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a bipolar membrane element, and at least one cation exchangeable membrane within the electrolysis vessel. The bipolar membrane element has a cation exchangeable side and an anion exchangeable side, the cation exchangeable side being closer to the negative electrode than the anion exchangeable side. The at least one cation exchangeable membrane is arranged between the anion exchangeable side of the bipolar membrane element and the positive electrode, so as to define an alkali chamber between the bipolar membrane element and the cation exchangeable membrane. An ionic exchange resin is associated with the vessel, whereby flow of the water though the vessel and the ionic exchange resin produces alkaline water in the alkali chamber. Various options and modifications are possible. A related washing machine such as a dishwasher is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of producing metal that includes adding a quantity of a alkoxide (M(OR)x) or another metal salt to a cathode compartment of an electrolytic cell and electrolyzing the cell. This electrolyzing causes a quantity of alkali metal ions to migrate into the cathode compartment and react with the metal alkoxide, thereby producing metal and an alkali metal alkoxide. In some embodiments, the alkali metal is sodium such that the sodium ions will pass through a sodium ion selective membrane, such as a NaSICON membrane, into the cathode compartment.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes a positive electrode disposed in an electrolytic compartment, a negative electrode disposed in another electrolytic compartment, and a cell membrane positioned between the electrolytic compartment and the other electrolytic compartment. An electrolyte solution is disposed inside the electrolytic compartment and inside the other electrolytic compartment. The electrolyte solution is also in contact with the cell membrane. A transducer, which is directly attached to any of the negative electrode or the positive electrode, is capable of selectively transmitting vibrational energy to the negative electrode and/or the positive electrode. The vibrational energy selectively transmitted to the negative electrode and/or the positive electrode causes bubbles to form and to separate i) hydrogen gas bubbles from a surface of the negative electrode, ii) oxygen gas bubbles from a surface of the positive electrode, or iii) both i and ii.

Abstract: Electrode devices and systems for use in liquid environments, including associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, an electrode device for use in a liquid environment can include a proton exchange membrane having a first side and a second side, a first electrode including a carbon material, where the first electrode is positioned at the first side of the proton exchange membrane, and a second electrode including a carbon material, where the second electrode positioned at the second side of the proton exchange membrane opposite the first electrode. The proton exchange membrane spaces the first electrode and the second electrode at a distance of less than or equal to about 100 microns apart.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous simultaneous electroplating of two metals having substantially different standard electrodeposition potentials (e.g., for deposition of Sn—Ag alloys) comprises an anode chamber for containing an anolyte comprising ions of a first, less noble metal, (e.g., tin), but not of a second, more noble, metal (e.g., silver) and an active anode; a cathode chamber for containing catholyte including ions of a first metal (e.g., tin), ions of a second, more noble, metal (e.g., silver), and the substrate; a separation structure positioned between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, where the separation structure substantially prevents transfer of more noble metal from catholyte to the anolyte; and fluidic features and an associated controller coupled to the apparatus and configured to perform continuous electroplating, while maintaining substantially constant concentrations of plating bath components for extended periods of use.

Abstract: The electrochemical ozonizer comprising at least one cell, each consisting of an anode, a cathode and an interposed full-area, cation-conducting membrane which is chemically stable to ozone as a solid electrolyte, is characterized in that the membrane conductively connects the anode and the cathode while forming flow channels for water that are separated from one another as anode and cathode chambers.

Abstract: An ion-permeable web-reinforced separator, said ion-permeable web-reinforced separator comprising two separator elements separated by an (optionally integrated) substantially hollow by-pass channel, wherein the separator elements each comprise a binder and a metal oxide or hydroxide dispersed therein and the separator elements have a bubble point of at least 1 bar (0.1 MPa) and a back-wash resistance of at least 1 bar (0.1 MPa) and optionally have a specific resistance less than 4 ?-cm at 30° C. in 6M potassium hydroxide solution; an electrochemical cell involving the production or consumption of at least one gas, said electrochemical cell comprising said ion-permeable web-reinforced separator; and the use thereof in an electrochemical cell involving the production or consumption of at least one gas.

Abstract: A dual electroplating cell comprising: (a) an electrolyte component containing therein ions of a first metal; (b) a porous cathode current collector having surface areas to capture and store metal ions directly thereon, wherein the cathode current collector has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g that is in direct contact with said electrolyte; (c) a porous anode current collector having surface areas to capture and store metal ions thereon, wherein the anode current collector has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g that is in direct contact with the electrolyte; (d) a porous separator disposed between the anode and the cathode; and (e) an ion source of the first metal disposed in the anode current collector or the cathode current collector and in electronic contact therewith to obtain an open circuit voltage (OCV) from 0.3 volts to 3.5 volts when the cell is made.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic compound(s) hydrogenation device that allows hydrogen derived from water to be stored essentially without generating hydrogen gas. The organic compound hydrogenation device of the invention comprises an oxidation chamber that holds a water-containing electrolyte, a reduction chamber that holds an organic compound(s) with an unsaturated bond, an electrolyte membrane with ion permeability that separates the electrolyte held in the oxidation chamber from the organic compound(s) held in the reduction chamber, an oxidizing electrode that generates protons from the water held in the oxidation chamber, and a reducing electrode that hydrogenates the organic compound(s) held in the reduction chamber.

Abstract: An ion-exchange membrane method electrolytic cell comprising a coil cushion arranged between a conductive plate and a cathode in a cathode chamber, and further an ion-exchange membrane arranged in contact with the cathode. The conductive plate is not perforated, and the coil cushion is arranged so that its axial direction is in agreement with the vertical direction of electrolytic cell. Preferably the coil cushion is made of a metal coil and has an impact resilience of 7-17 kPa. The cathode preferably has supported electrode catalyst and is made of an expanded metal with strands of 0.1-1.0 mm width and 0.1-1.0 mm thickness, and having SW of 0.5-5.0 mm and LW of 1.0-10 mm, and 48-60% open area. The electrolytic cell is energy-saving, and damage thereof can be avoided over a long period, and elevation of voltage and reduction of current efficiency with time can be minimized.

Abstract: An electroplating processor includes an electrode plate having a continuous flow path formed in a channel. The flow path may optionally be a coiled flow path. One or more electrodes are positioned in the channel. A membrane plate is attached to the electrode plate with a membrane in between them. Electrolyte moves through the flow path at a high velocity, preventing bubbles from sticking to the bottom surface of membrane. Any bubbles in the flow path are entrained in the fast moving electrolyte and carried away from the membrane. The electroplating processor may alternatively have a wire electrode extending through a tubular membrane formed into a coil or other shape, optionally including shapes having straight segments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for electroplating metal onto substrates are disclosed. The electroplating apparatus comprise an electroplating cell and at least one oxidization device. The electroplating cell comprises a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by a porous barrier that allows metal cations to pass through but prevents organic particles from crossing. The oxidation device (ODD) is configured to oxidize cations of the metal to be electroplated onto the substrate, which cations are present in the anolyte during electroplating. In some embodiments, the ODD is implemented as a carbon anode that removes Cu(I) from the anolyte electrochemically. In other embodiments, the ODD is implemented as an oxygenation device (OGD) or an impressed current cathodic protection anode (ICCP anode), both of which increase oxygen concentration in anolyte solutions. Methods for efficient electroplating are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a disinfectant from an aqueous solution of sodium chloride by using a diaphragm electrolyser is disclosed. The method comprise channeling a fresh water flow inside a tubular cathode, separating 0.4-0.8% of the quantity of the fresh water flow and channeling the separated fresh water flow into the cathode chamber. Next, 16-20% of sodium chloride at the concentration of 0.02-1.2% is channeled to the anode chamber after a sodium chloride mixer. Fresh water flow is channeled from inside the cathode to a branch of an anode chamber in a cover-mixer of an electrolyser. The flow, originating from the cathode chamber, is discharged for utilization, wherein an anolyte flow from the anode chamber is channeled to the branch of the anode chamber. The concentration of active chlorine in the anolyte is reduced by employing a water supply to a predetermined level required of a disinfectant and the disinfectant with a pH level of 5.5-7.5 is discharged from the electrolyser.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively removing hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-containing fluid volume are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a proton exchange membrane (PEM) selectively permeable to hydrogen by exclusively conducting hydrogen ions. The system also includes metal deposited as layers onto opposite sides or faces of the PEM to form a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), each layer functioning as an electrode so that the MEA functions as an electrochemical cell in which the ionic conductors are hydrogen ions, and the MEA functioning as a hydrogen selective membrane (HSM) when located at the boundary between a hydrogen-containing fluid volume and a second fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating contaminated water includes an electrolytic cell and a flow directing device. The electrolytic cell includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, an anode, a cathode, and a membrane. The anode is in the anode chamber and the cathode is in the cathode chamber. The membrane is positioned in the electrolytic cell to maintain a pH difference between the anode chamber and cathode chamber when a voltage is applied between the anode and cathode. The contaminated water for treatment is provided with hydrogen ions at the anode and with hydroxyl ions at the cathode when the voltage is applied. The flow directing device is connected to direct the water from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides: an oxidation reaction electrode that generates oxygen by oxidizing water; and a reduction reaction electrode that synthesizes a carbon compound by reducing carbon dioxide. The two electrodes are electrically connected. Also, the reduction reaction electrode (1) synthesizes a carbon compound by reducing carbon dioxide in a water-containing liquid using radiated light energy.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization device includes; at least one flow path configured to receive influent fluid, at least one pair of electrodes, at least one charge barrier disposed between the at least one flow path and a corresponding electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes, at least one electrolyte solution disposed between at least one of the at least one pair of electrodes and a corresponding charge barrier of the at least one charge barrier, and at least one electrolyte compensation device in fluid communication with the at least one electrolyte solution, wherein the at least one electrolyte solution differs from the influent fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode system for conventional electrolysis cells, a process for the production thereof and its use for the deposition of electrolytic coatings. The anode system is characterized in that the anode (2) is in direct contact with a membrane (3) which completely separates the anode space from the cathode space. This anode system is therefore a direct-contact membrane anode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive diamond electrode comprising an electrically conductive substrate and an electrically conductive diamond layer coated on the surface of the electrically conductive substrate, featuring that: 1) the thickness of the electrically conductive diamond layer is 1˜25 ?m, 2) the potential window fulfills Equation (1) and 3) the ratio (A/B) of the diamond component A and the non-diamond component B by the Raman spectroscopic analysis fulfills Equation (2). 2.1V?potential window?3.5V??(1) 1.5<A/B?6.5??(2) A: Intensity at the wave number 1300 cm?1 by the Raman spectroscopic analysis B: Intensity at the wave number 1500 cm?1 by the Raman spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: The solar fuels generator includes an ionically conductive separator between a gaseous first phase and a second phase. A photoanode uses one or more components of the first phase to generate cations during operation of the solar fuels generator. A cation conduit is positioned provides a pathway along which the cations travel from the photoanode to the separator. The separator conducts the cations. A second solid cation conduit conducts the cations from the separator to a photocathode.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising an anode in an anode region and a cathode in a cathode region, the anode region and the cathode regions separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; an anolyte in flowing fluid communication with the anode, the anolyte comprising water and a redox mediator couple which is at least partially oxidised at the anode in operation of the cell and at least partially reduced by reaction with water after such oxidation at the anode.

Abstract: A system includes an electrochemically functional membrane, and a support structure constructed and arranged so as to support the membrane while leaving within the membrane a chemically active area having an area utilization of at least about 50%. In some embodiments, the support structure may include a plurality of grids that are sized and shaped so that the contact area between the grids and the membrane is reduced to less than about 40%. In some embodiments, the support structure may include aerogels, for example PVA-reinforced CNT aerogels having a conductivity that is increased by pyrolysis. The system may be a gas separation system; a gas production system; a gas purification system; or an energy generation system such as an SOFC.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a layer of metal onto a work piece surface includes a membrane separating the chamber of the apparatus into a catholyte chamber and an anolyte chamber. In the catholyte chamber is a catholyte manifold region that includes a catholyte manifold and at least one flow distribution tube. The catholyte manifold and at least one flow distribution tube serve to mix and direct catholyte flow in the catholyte chamber. The provided configuration effectively reduces failure and improves the operational ranges of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for alkylating aromatic compounds is described using an electrochemical decarboxylation process. This process produces aryl-alkyl compounds that have properties useful in Group V lubricants (and other products) from abundant and economical carboxylic acids. The process presented here is also advantageous as it is conducted at moderate temperatures and conditions, without the need of a catalyst. The electrochemical decarboxylation has only H2 and CO2 as its by-products, as opposed to halide by-products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially inert environment within a cathode chamber that is capable of generating a metallic element M from a metal ion Mz+.