Abstract: A microfluidic device which electrochemically regulates a pH of a fluid, and a method of regulating a pH of a fluid using the microfluidic device, include a chamber which includes a cathode formed of a metal adsorbing hydrogen gas, and an anode formed of a metal having a higher standard oxidation potential than, and does not react with, water.

Abstract: A hydrogen electrolysis apparatus includes a stack of unit cells each having a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between an anode separator and a cathode separator. The anode separator has a first flow field which is supplied with water, and the cathode separator has a second flow field which produces high-pressure hydrogen through an electrolysis of the water. The cathode separator also has a first seal groove defined therein which extends around the second flow field and a first seal member inserted in the first seal groove. The first seal groove and the second flow field are held in fluid communication with each other through passageways. The passageways keep the first seal groove and the second flow field in direct fluid communication with each other in bypassing relation to the boundary between the cathode separator and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for producing primary aluminum by using inert anodes is disclosed, in which an electrolyte system KF—NaF—AlF3 is used and the operating temperature of the cell is 700-850° C. The electrolytic cell comprises a cell shell, heat insulating refractory lining, a melting pot, a heat insulating cover, inert electrodes, electrode stems, anode bus-bars, cathode bus-bars, anode branching bus-bars, heat insulating plates, partitions between anodes and cathodes and a feeding device. The quality of the aluminum product obtained by using the electrolytic cell is not less than 99.7%. The cell is free from emission of carbon dioxide and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and hardly has consumption of electrodes, so the distances between anodes and cathodes can be kept stable. The cell is sealed and the volatilization of dust and fluorides can be prevented, and it is useful to recover oxygen gas.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus and method for depositing a metallic layer on the surface of a wafer is provided wherein said apparatus and method do not require physical attachment of an electrode to the wafer. The surface of the wafer to be plated is positioned to face the anode and a plating fluid is provided between the wafer and the electrodes to create localized metallic plating. The wafer may be positioned to physically separate and lie between the anode and cathode so that one side of the wafer facing the anode contains a catholyte solution and the other side of the wafer facing the cathode contains an anolyte solution. Alternatively, the anode and cathode may exist on the same side of the wafer in the same plating fluid. In one example, the anode and cathode are separated by a semi permeable membrane.

Abstract: An electrolytic method for extracting components from subsurface strata including providing a carrier fluid; providing a pair of electrodes within a container, the container having a first outlet located proximal to a first electrode of the pair of electrodes and a second outlet located proximal to a second electrode of the pair of electrodes; flowing the carrier fluid through the container; applying a potential to the pair of electrodes to produce a first ionized carrier fluid and a second ionized carrier fluid in the container; removing the first ionized carrier fluid from the container through their respective outlets; injecting one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid into the subsurface strata to release the components; and recovering one of the first ionized carrier fluid and second ionized carrier fluid and components from the subsurface strata.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an electrochemical reactor (1, 13), in particular but not exclusively for vatting sulphur dye or vat dye as well as to methods of using such a reactor and to uses of such a reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to conducting polymer composites for use in electrochemical applications and electrolysis applications, and methods of making the same. A composite material is provided that includes a conducting polymer; and a silsesquioxane compound. The composite material is used to prepare ion conducting membranes and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing phosphorus from sewage wastewater by electrocoagulation, comprising: providing an electrode assembly comprising an anode and a cathode with a porous membrane interposed therebetween; placing the electrode assembly in an electrocoagulation tank; passing sewage wastewater through the electrocoagulation tank to treat the sewage wastewater by electrocoagulation; and introducing the treated water into a mixing tank to further treat the water.

Abstract: A hearing aid dehumidifier and disinfectant chamber. The chamber comprises an enclosure, including a vapor permeable wall, adapted to removably enclose a hearing aid. In vapor transmitting relationship with the vapor permeable wall is an electrochemical ozone generator, which is designed to draw water vapor from inside the enclosure and electrolyze it into at least ozone, which is discharged into the enclosure. Drawing the water vapor from the enclosure dries the hearing aid. The electrochemical action ceases when all water vapor is removed. Bathing the hearing aid in ozone for at least until the ozone decomposes, sterilizes the hearing aid, inside and out.

Abstract: Presented are methods and systems for fabricating three-dimensional integrated circuits having large diameter through-hole vias. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of processing a wafer having holes for through-hole vias. The method comprises plating a gapfill metal on the wafer. The method also comprises chemically or electrochemically deplating a portion of the overburden metal. The method further comprises using chemical mechanical planarization to planarize the gapfill metal and to remove the remaining overburden metal. Another embodiment of the present invention is an integrated system comprising a process chamber for containing the wafer, a plating component integrated with the process chamber, and a deplating component integrated with the process chamber. The plating component is configured to electrochemically plate a gapfill metal onto the wafer to a least partially fill the holes.

Abstract: An electrochemical deposition apparatus adapted to deposit metal onto a surface of a substrate, the apparatus has a frame configured for holding a process electrolyte. A substrate holder is removably coupled to the frame, the substrate holder supporting the substrate in the process electrolyte. An anode fluid compartment is removably coupled to the frame and containing an anolyte and having an anode facing the surface of the substrate, the anode fluid compartment further having a ion exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the surface of the substrate, the anode fluid compartment removable from the frame as a unit with the ion exchange membrane and the anode. The holder, the anode and the membrane are arranged in the frame so that ions from the anode pass through the ion exchange membrane into and primarily replenish ions in the process electrolyte depleted by ion deposition onto the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for converting, receiving, and/or storing energy to, amongst other things, (i) generate hydrogen and chlorine gas, and sodium hydroxide using, for example, a chlor-alakali processing apparatus; (ii) generate hydrochloric Acid (HCl) using, for example, a novel HCl fuel cell; (iii) utilize HCl as a catalyst to hydrolyze cellulosic material into basic sugar water and HCl solution; (iv) utilize an acid/base neutralization combined with electrolysis as a precursor to separating HCl from a sugar water and HCl solution; (v) convert HCl to hydrogen and chlorine gas; (vi) provide a method by which HCl and heated water can be used in the transformation of cellulosic materials into sugars for fermentation into ethanol and/or butanol (vii) provide a method by which acidic waste and additional biomass can be processed through a bio-reactor into methane, fatty acids, and fertilizer; and/or (viii) provide for the desalinization of salt water/brine.

Abstract: A cathode for electrolytic processes, particularly suitable for hydrogen evolution in chlor-alkali electrolysis comprises a metal substrate provided with a catalytic coating made of two layers containing palladium, rare earths (such as praseodymium) and a noble component selected between platinum and ruthenium. The rare earth percent amount by weight is lower in the outer layer than in the inner layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high exchange capacity perfluorinated resin comprising two kinds of sulfonyl fluoride-containing short pendant groups of different structures, which is prepared by copolymerizing tetrafluoroethylene, vinyl ether monomers comprising two kinds of sulfonyl fluoride-containing short pendant groups of different structures, and vinyl ether monomer comprising bromine-containing pendant group, wherein based on all monomer units in the copolymer, the mol % of tetrafluoroethylene monomer is 50-85%, the mol % of vinyl ether monomers comprising two kinds of sulfonyl fluoride-containing short pendant groups of different structures is 5-49% and the mol % of vinyl ether monomer comprising bromine-containing pendant group is 1-10%.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes a new type of chemical reactor, described as hydrogen or oxygen electrochemical pumping catalytic membrane reactor. This new type of reactor is suitable for increasing the selectivity and the conversion rate of dehydrogenation, hydrogenation, deoxidation and oxidation reactions and namely in the direct amination reaction of hydrocarbons. This reactor can be used for the production of several chemical compounds, such as the direct amination of hydrocarbons and in particular for the synthesis of aniline from benzene. The disclosed subject matter includes a device and process wherein hydrogen is removed by electrochemical pumping of the hydrogen formed or by oxygen pumping so, as hydrogen is formed, it is oxidized. This new reactor exhibits benzene to aniline conversion higher than 40%.

Abstract: A micro flow device and a method for generating a fluid with pH gradient are provided. The micro flow device includes a first and second substrates, an ion exchange membrane, and at least an electrode unit. The second substrate having a second flow path is disposed corresponding to the first substrate that has a first flow path. The ion exchange membrane is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to separate an electrolyte solution inside the first and second flow paths. The electrode unit includes at least two electrodes disposed in the first and second flow paths respectively. When the pair of electrodes is driven to electrolyze the electrolyte solution, the ion exchange membrane retards the mixing of an anode product and a cathode product produced by electrolyzing the electrolyte solution, such that a liquid having pH gradient is generated inside the first and second flow paths.

Abstract: An apparatus for examining membrane-bound proteins in a cell can include a chamber with an insulating partition dividing the chamber into an upper well and a lower well, and a pore penetrating the insulating partition. The pore can have a size and shape so as to snugly hold a cell in place therein. The apparatus can further include circuitry for delivering a radio frequency signal to the cell. A belt electrode for delivering electrical signals to the cell can be located within the insulation partition and substantially encircling the pore. A measuring circuit for measuring cell membrane impedance to the radio frequency signal is also provided, and changes in the impedance can signal a change in state of a protein in the cell membrane.

Abstract: A method to prepare a thin ceramic or metallic solid-state composition comprising three phases: a material (A), a material (B), and pores, wherein the porous matrix of material (A) has a porosity gradient in the range of about 0% to about 80%, and wherein the pores are partially or completely filled with material (B). Various compositions and methods of use for the prepared composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is described an alkaline electroplating bath for depositing zinc alloys on substrates having an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode region and the cathode region are separated from each other by a filtration membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal (10) inserted between two elements (4?, 6) having different coefficients of thermal expansion, said seal comprising: a first and a second metallic contact portion (16a, 16b) spaced along an axial stacking direction (8) orthogonal with respect to a radial direction (20); tight connection means (14) between the portions (16a, 16b), allowing a relative movement between same along a radial direction; and a first and a second sliding part (24a, 24b) respectively coupled in translation along the radial direction with the portions (16a, 16b), and stacked so as to be able to slide in relation to each other along the radial direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device, a hydrogen-producing reactor, or a diluted hydrogen stream is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present techniques provide electrolyzers made using thermoformed electrode assemblies and diaphragm assemblies. Each electrode assembly is made from two plastic rings and an electrode plate using a twin sheet thermoforming technique. A first plastic ring is laid in a mold having the appropriate shape to form the electrode assembly. The electrode plate is laid on top of the first plastic ring and is generally centered on the ring. The second plastic ring is laid over the electrode plate, and is generally centered over the electrode plate. The plastic is heated to soften the plastic, and a vacuum is pulled on the mold to pull the softened plastic into the shape of the mold. The mold is closed over the assembly to seal the two plastic rings together. After cooling, the molded part may be removed, resulting in a hollow plastic rim surrounding an electrode plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conductive diamond electrode, comprising a substrate having a plurality of convex and concave part disposed over the entire surface of the conductive diamond electrode, and a diamond film coated on the surface of said substrate, wherein the width of each convex part of said convex and concave part is in a range from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The present invention can provide a conductive diamond electrode, applying a thin film of conductive diamond and a thick substrate, being less expensive than a self-supported type conductive diamond electrode and also having mechanical strength enough to be used in the zero-gap electrolysis, functioning stably for a long time with smooth water supply or gas liberation, and an ozone generator using the conductive diamond electrode.

Abstract: An electrolysis device of an embodiment includes: an anode, a cathode having a nitrogen-containing carbon alloy catalyst, and an electrolysis cell having a membrane electrode assembly composed of an electrolyte present between the anode and the cathode so that voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolyte is any one of acidic, neutral, or alkali, water is produced by the electrolysis device at the cathode, when the electrolyte is acidic, and hydroxide ion is produced by the electrolysis device at the anode, when the electrolyte is neutral or alkali.

Abstract: Provided are an electrolytic cathode structure that can suppress the degradation of an activated cathode even if a reverse current flows upon the stoppage of operation of an electrolyzer in an electrode structure allowing the distance between the electrode and an electrode current collector to be maintained at an approximately constant value, and an electrolyzer using the same. The electrolytic cathode structure includes a metal elastic cushion member 1 compressed and accommodated between an activated cathode 2 and a cathode current collector 3. At least a surface layer of the cathode current collector 3 consumes a larger oxidation current per unit area than the activated cathode. The electrolyzer is partitioned by an ion exchange membrane into an anode chamber for accommodating an anode and a cathode chamber for accommodating a cathode. The electrolytic cathode structure is used for the cathode.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed toward an electrocatalytic cell including a barrier, having at least a first side and a second side opposite the first side, comprising a material permeable to oxygen ions and impermeable to at least CO2, CO, H2, H2O and hydrocarbons, an electrical power supply in communication with the barrier, a catalyst adjacent the first side of the barrier, a supply of feedstock components in communication with the first side of the barrier, a supply of a carrier gas component in communication with the second side of the barrier; wherein the feedstock components contact the catalyst and react to form hydrocarbon-containing components and oxygen-containing components, and the electrical power supply biases the barrier to thereby conduct oxygen ions from the first side to the second side. Also presented are a device and methods for producing carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: An electrolytic CO2-removal device for anion analysis of a liquid sample. The device includes a basic chamber and CO2-permeable tubing in the basic chamber. Anion exchange membranes are disposed on opposite sides of the basic chamber, and electrodes are disposed outside the membranes. The device can be integral with a suppressor in an ion chromatography system and/or an aqueous stream purifier. Also, methods performed by the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for converting chemical energy into electrical energy and/or electrical energy into chemical energy with a housing (2, 3, 3a), which is open towards at least one side (6) and in which a pressure chamber (4) is formed, and with at least one electrochemically active cell (5) for energy conversion, which extends from the open side (6) of the housing (2, 3, 3a) into the housing (2, 3, 3a), wherein the open side (6) is closed by a plate (7, 31), which holds and/or supplies power to the cell (5). A sealing element (8, 9) is arranged between the housing (2, 3, 3a) and the plate (7, 31), closes the open side (6) of the housing (2, 3, 3a) in a fluid-tight and/or gas-tight manner so as to form the pressure chamber (4) and is formed at least partially from an elastic material.

Abstract: An electrolyzed water production apparatus and method safely and simply produce electrolyzed water having a sterilizing action, having a physiologically neutral pH value, and, in addition, simultaneously with strong acidic electrolyzed water and strong alkaline electrolyzed water depending upon the structure. The electrolyzed water production apparatus has an electrolyzer tank with an end that receives or stores raw water, and a power supply. The interior portion of the electrolyzer tank is partitioned by a plurality of diaphragms into a plurality of regions. An anode and a cathode (constituting an electrode pair) are positioned on either side of the diaphragm. In a certain region of the electrolyzer tank, an anode and a cathode are arranged so as to face each other without a diaphragm sandwiched between them. When raw water for electrolysis is electrolyzed, electrolyzed water having a desired pH of a neutral range is produced during electrolysis.

Abstract: A cation exchange membrane includes: a membrane body containing a fluorine-based polymer having an ion-exchange group; and two or more reinforcing core materials arranged approximately in parallel within the membrane body. The membrane body is provided with two or more elution holes formed between the reinforcing core materials adjacent to each other. A distance between the reinforcing core materials adjacent to each other is represented by a, a distance between the reinforcing core materials and the elution holes adjacent to each other is represented by b, a distance between the elution holes adjacent to each other is represented by c, and the number of the elution holes formed between the reinforcing core materials adjacent to each other is represented by n.

Abstract: An electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell or an electrolyzer. In one embodiment, the electrochemical device includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the anode of the MEA, a cathodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the cathode, a first bipolar plate in contact with the anodic gas diffusion medium, and a second bipolar plate in contact with the cathodic gas diffusion medium. Each of the bipolar plates includes an electrically-conductive, non-porous, liquid-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane in contact with its respective gas diffusion medium, the membrane including a solid polymer electrolyte and a non-particulate, electrically-conductive material, such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and/or metal nanowires.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a porous carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic component, (iii) a dione component in which carbonyl groups are adjacent, and (iv) an acidic component, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity comprised of mesopores and macropores. Also described are the resulting hierarchical porous carbon material, a capacitive deionization device in which the porous carbon material is incorporated, as well as methods for desalinating water by use of said capacitive deionization device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the production of hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water, using electrolysis and two separate reaction vessels. A first reaction vessel (14) contains a positive electrode and a liquid electrolytic medium comprising water and ionized material. A second reaction vessel (12) contains a negative electrode and a liquid electrolytic medium comprising a mixture of water and carbon dioxide. The reaction vessels are connected with connection means which allow ions to pass between the electrolytic media of the first and second reaction vessels. A direct electrical current is applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode to produce hydrocarbons (typically methane); and oxygen.

Abstract: Electrochemical apparatus and processes for the point-of-use production of cleansing, sanitizing, and antimicrobial agents, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The processes may be used to produce NaOCl from seawater, low purity un-softened or NaCl-based salt solutions. HOCl may be produced from HCl solutions and water. NaOCl is produced using a sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane, such as membranes based on NASICON-type materials, in an electrolytic cell. HOCl is produced using an anion conductive membrane in an electrolytic cell. The cleansing, sanitizing, and antimicrobial agent may be generated on demand and used in household, industrial, and water treatment applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wettability switch that comprises an electrochemically active element having a wetting surface with switchable wetting properties. The electrochemically active element comprises an electrochemically active polymer, and surface active molecules each having a lyophobic portion and a lyophilic portion. In the wettability switch, each of said surface active molecules exposes one of said lyophobic portion and said lyophilic portion towards said wetting surface, and the identity of said portion depends on an electrochemical state of said polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for recharging a fuel cell cartridge and methods for recharging a fuel cell cartridge are disclosed. An example recharging apparatus may include a housing having a fuel cell cartridge holder. A water reservoir may be disposed in the housing and may have water disposed therein. The recharging apparatus may also include an electrolysis chamber for converting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis chamber may be in fluid communication with the water reservoir. The electrolysis chamber may include a hydrogen passage for passing hydrogen from the electrolysis chamber to the fuel cell cartridge holder. The recharging apparatus may further include a vacuum pump at least selectively in fluid communication with the fuel cell cartridge holder. In some instances, the vacuum pump may be used to evacuate residual hydrogen and/or other gases or materials from the fuel cell cartridge and/or determine if the fuel cell cartridge is leaky and requires replacement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrolyzing water into hydrogen are disclosed. Hydrogen production efficiency is enhanced by maintaining a vacuum pressure on the tank holding the water being electrolyzed, and also by generating a plasma between the electrolysis plates.

Abstract: An electrolysis device for preparation of hypochlorous water is provided, comprising an electrolytic cell, and cathodic and anodic electrolytic sheets arranged in the electrolytic cell, wherein the electrolytic cell is separated to form an inner tank for containing hydrochloric acid and an outer tank for circulating tap water, a central portion of the inner tank is sealed and separated relative to the outer tank, and a chlorine discharge outlet connected to the outer tank is provided at the upper end of the inner tank; the cathodic and anodic electrolytic sheets are located on both sides of the inner tank. The electrolysis device without a membrane utilizes tap water and hydrochloric acid as raw materials, having an inner tank for containing hydrochloric acid and an outer tank for circulating tap water. Chlorine generated through electrolysis of hydrochloric acid is discharged from the chlorine discharge outlet and combined with tap water in the outer tank to generate hypochlorous acid.

Abstract: Electrochemical reactors are provided that operate on the carbonate cycle at extremely low temperatures (e.g., less than 50° C.), thereby allowing operation in as many as three (3) modes, namely as: (i) a room temperature carbonate fuel cell; (ii) an electrochemically assisted CO2 membrane separator; and (iii) a CO2 conversion device. Electrocatalysts are also provided that have the ability to selectively form carbonate anions over hydroxide anions under fully humidified conditions. Exemplary electrocatalysts according to the present disclosure include pyrochlores.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprises substantially concentric and tubular-shaped layers of a cathode, an anode and an ion-exchange membrane. The MEAs of the invention can be used in an electrochemical cell, which comprises the following layers which are tubular-shaped, arranged substantially concentrically, and listed from the inner layer to the outer layer; (i) a cylindrical core; (ii) one of the electrodes; (iii) a membrane; (iv) the other of the electrodes; and (v) an outer cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A metal-supported electrochemical cell is provided. The cell may contain a porous metal support comprising a first- and a second-main surfaces, a porous thermomechanical adaptive layer on the second main surface, a porous layer that is a barrier against the diffusion of chromium on the porous thermomechanical adaptive layer, this porous barrier layer being in stabilised zirconia and/or substituted ceria, and in a mixed oxide of spinel structure, a porous hydrogen electrode layer on the porous barrier layer, a dense electrolyte layer on the porous hydrogen electrode layer; a dense or porous reaction barrier layer on the dense electrolyte layer, and a porous oxygen or air electrode layer on the reaction barrier layer. A method for fabricating a metal-supported electrochemical cell is also provided. The method may comprise a step for the simultaneous sintering of the green support and of all the previously deposited layers in the green state.

Abstract: A pH adjusting apparatus includes an electrolytic chip receiving a solution, an electrolytic chip loading station receiving the electrolytic chip, an input unit inputting electrolysis conditions, a control unit receiving the electrolysis conditions and controlling electrolysis performed in the electrolytic chip, and a display unit displaying the electrolysis conditions and a progress of the electrolysis. Thus, the pH of a solution can be adjusted easily and accurately, by precisely controlling a constant current, a constant voltage, and current and voltage application times, thereby enabling useful application in various biological assays such as cell lysis. Furthermore, the pH adjusting apparatus has small size and weight and can be operated for a long time after charging once due to low power consumption.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a process for producing rare metals includes the steps of: electrolyzing an electrolytic solution to extract a Re oxide at a cathode; recovering the Re oxide, and electrolyzing the Re oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Re; recovering a Nd containing residue solution; treating the Nd containing residue solution to produce Nd oxide; electrolyzing the Nd oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Nd; recovering a Dy containing residue solution; treating the Dy containing residue solution to produce Dy oxide; and electrolyzing the Dy oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Dy.

Abstract: Electrochemical systems and methods for producing hydrogen. Generally, the systems and methods involve providing an electrochemical cell that includes an anolyte compartment holding an anode in contact with an anolyte, wherein the anolyte includes an oxidizable substance having a higher standard oxidation potential than water. The cell further comprises a catholyte compartment holding a cathode in contact with a catholyte that includes a substance that reduces to form hydrogen. Additionally, the cell includes an alkali cation conductive membrane that separates the anolyte compartment from the catholyte compartment. As an electrical potential passes between the anode and cathode, the reducible substance reduces to form hydrogen and the oxidizable substance oxidizes to form an oxidized product.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to hetero-nanostructures for efficient solar energy conversions, and more particularly to the fabrication of titanium dioxide hetero-nanostructures and methods of using same for water splitting. In an embodiment, a hetero-nanostructure includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle, the plurality of nanobeams including a conductive silicide core having an n-type photoactive titanium dioxide shell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for causing a reaction that produces hydrogen, the electrochemical cell comprising: a first electrode comprising: at least one layered electrocatalyst formed of at least one active metal layer deposited on a carbon support, wherein the at least one active metal layer is active to a target species; a second electrode comprising a conductor; a basic electrolyte; ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof; and electrical current in communication with the first electrode.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to conducting materials such as mixed ionically and electrically conducting materials. A variety of materials, material compositions, materials with advantageous ratios of ionically and electrically conducting components, structures including such materials, and the like are provided in accordance with the invention. In one aspect, the invention relates to conducting ceramics for electrochemical systems and, in particular, to mixed ionically and electrically conducting ceramics which can be used, for example, for electrochemical systems and, in particular, to mixed ionically and electrically conducting ceramics which can be used, for example, for hydrogen gas generation from a gasified hydrocarbon stream. One aspect of the invention provides a material comprising a first phase comprising a ceramic ionic conductor, and a second phase comprising a ceramic electrical conductor.

Abstract: A monolithic electrolyte assembly comprising improved as well as new associated structures and processes operative in the general field of solid oxide electrolytic devices is disclosed. The invention provides a reliable and durable interconnect for both structural and electrical components of such devices. In the present invention, thin-film-based solid oxide fuel cells and solid oxide oxygen/hydrogen generators may be fabricated using primarily solid metal alloys as underlying components of thin film and thick film structures built thereon.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell that generates metal hydroxides from metallic anode material utilizing small metal particles or fines. Metal fines are impregnated in an open cell or reticulated foam material and rolled into a cylindrical shape having a fixed electrode in the center and on the outer surface of the cylinder. Basket cells with larger metal pieces disposed therein in a packed bed configuration may alternatively be utilized.

Abstract: A method of water treatment comprising: providing an electrolysis device comprising an electrolysis vessel; providing feed streams to the first salt water chamber of the vessel, second salt water chamber of the vessel, acidic chamber of the vessel, and alkalic chamber of the vessel, the acidic chamber producing an acidic solution and the alkalic chamber producing an alkalic solution; directing at least a portion of the contents of the first and second salt water chambers into a precipitation tank; directing at least a portion of the alkalic solution into the precipitation tank, thereby increasing the pH in the precipitation tank to produce precipitate; and removing the precipitate from the precipitation tank.