Abstract: A work piece is electroplated or electroplanarized using an azimuthally asymmetric electrode. The azimuthally asymmetric electrode is rotated with respect to the work piece (i.e., either or both of the work piece and the electrode may be rotating). The azimuthal asymmetry provides a time-of-exposure correction to the current distribution reaching the work piece. In some embodiments, the total current is distributed among a plurality of electrodes in a reaction cell in order to tailor the current distribution in the electrolyte over time. Focusing elements may be used to create “virtual electrode” in proximity to the surface of the work piece to further control the current distribution in the electrolyte during plating or planarization.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a mask having submillimetric openings on a surface portion of a substrate, characterized in that: a layer known as a mask layer is deposited from a solution of colloidal particles that are stabilized and dispersed in a solvent; and the drying of the mask layer is carried out until a two-dimensional irregular network of substantially straight-edged interstices that gives a mask is obtained, with a random mesh of interstices in at least one direction. Submillimetric grid obtained by the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical electrode for gas evolution comprising a non-activated conductive core whereto an easily detachable and replaceable component provided with catalytic activation is secured, for instance an undulated sheet or a mesh.

Abstract: A method and a device for electrochemically machining workpiece having blade end plates at the longitudinal both ends of a blade-shaped portion having aerofoil shape in cross section by extending and retracting divided electrodes. A part of the blade-shaped portion and one blade end plate continued therewith are electrochemically machined by advancing the main electrode in an acute angle direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the blade-shaped portion. At the same time or subsequently, the remaining part of the blade-shaped portion and the other blade end plate continued therewith are electrochemically machined by slidably advancing an auxiliary electrode along the slope of the main electrode forming an acute angle relative to the blade-shaped-portion-machining-surface. Thus, the number of the parts of an electrode unit can be reduced and the structure thereof can be simplified.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use with an electrodeposition process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrode assembly includes an electrode for exchanging electrical current with a solution, a passageway for removing gas that becomes trapped between a workpiece and the solution, and a sleeve for electrically isolating the electrode from the workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for plating copper into features formed on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes positioning the substrate in a plating cell, wherein the plating cell includes a catholyte volume containing a catholyte solution, an anolyte volume containing an anolyte solution, an ionic membrane positioned to separate the anolyte volume from the catholyte volume, and an anode positioned in the anolyte volume. The method further includes applying a plating bias between the anode and the substrate, plating copper ions onto the substrate from the catholyte solution, and replenishing the copper ions plated onto the substrate from the catholyte solution with copper ions transported from the anolyte solution via the ionic membrane, wherein the catholyte solution has a copper concentration of greater than about 51 g/L.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bearing surface (5) of a radial shaft bearing from electrically conductive material. In said method, the contour of the bearing surface (5) is machined down in a first machining step, and the bearing surface (5) is electrochemically machined in a subsequent step. Also disclosed are an electrode for electrochemical machining as well as a connecting rod (1) to be used in machines.

Abstract: An anode configured for the cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures and underground metallic structures against corrosion comprises a hollow, mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated form, the form having a wall with intentional gaps therethrough. A humectant is disposed in the hollow form, and a conduit between the hollow form and an ambient environment enables gasses produced by the form to escape to the environment while allowing the humectant to be periodically moistened with water or a high pH buffer solution. The form may be composed of titanium, tantalum, zirconium, niobium or alloys thereof, and the MMO coatings may be composed of titanium, tantalum, iridium, ruthenium, palladium, cobalt or mixtures thereof. The form may be a coiled wire or strip, a perforated tube, or other structure having gaps between the interior of the form and the surrounding concrete or soil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machining a coated, subtantially cylindrical frictional contact surface (2) made of electrically conductive material. In said method, the frictional contact surface (2) is machined in an electrochemical manner. Also disclosed is an electrode (3) for electrochemical machining.

Abstract: To provide an insoluble anode for metal wire electroplating capable of simultaneously electroplating a plurality of metal wires and uniformalizing the electroplating amounts of the metal wires stably for a long time. For realizing these, a plurality of insoluble electrode plates 20 are disposed in a parallel alignment to be placed sandwiching a plurality of wire travel paths from both sides. A plurality of the insoluble electrode plates 20 are tightened and fixed by through-bolts 40 at a plurality of places along the travel path direction. An conductive spacer 30 is interposed in each gap between the insoluble electrode plates 20 at a tightening part by the through-bolt 40 and also a conductive member 50 is provided so as to contact all the electrode plates 20 and the conductive spacers 30.

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: A method for making a gasket (32) for an internal combustion engine (20) includes forming a generally annual stopper (38) on a metallic gasket body (40) through the process of electrochemical deposition. An electrolytic cell is completed with the gasket body (40) forming a cathode. The stopper (38) is formed with a contoured compression surface (42) by selectively varying the electrical energy delivered to selected electrodes (70) over time. Electrolyte (48) rich with metallic ions is pumped at high speed through the inter-electrode gap. A PC controller (82) switches selected electrodes (70) ON at certain times, for certain durations, which cause metallic ions in the electrolyte (48) to reduce or deposit onto the gasket body (40), which are built in columns or layers into a three-dimensional formation approximating the target surface profile (106) for the compression surface (42). The subject method for building a three-dimensional formation can be applied to work parts other than cylinder head gaskets (32).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved electrochemical sensor that has a simplified electrode assembly. The electrode assembly incorporates electrodes into or onto a single polymeric substrate. The working electrode can be porous, to enable an analyte, such as a toxic gas, to access an electrode-electrolyte interface. Ionic connection between electrodes can be made by an electrolyte on a back side of the electrode assembly, and external electronic circuitry can be connected directly to the electrode assembly. This construction dramatically simplifies the sensor, resulting in reduced costs and potentially improved performance. The construction is compatible with batch fabrication methods.

Abstract: An electrode containing a dielectric layer on a surface of the electrode and an active zone containing a metal embedded below the surface of the electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to form a groove pattern on a workpiece by an electrochemical machining process is disclosed. The electrode is capable of manufacturing a workpiece such as a counter plate, a sleeve journal or a conical bearing containing a groove pattern for fluid dynamics bearing, the groove pattern having a pitch of less than 80 microns. The electrode could be made by a method including depositing a dielectric layer on a surface of a metal, depositing a photoresist layer on the dielectric layer, printing a groove pattern on the photoresist layer, etching or physico-chemically removing portions of the dielectric photoresist layers to form grooves in the dielectric layer; removing the photoresist layer; and filling the grooves with a metal to produce the electrode.

Abstract: A nanoelectrode array comprises a plurality of nanoelectrodes wherein the geometric dimensions of the electrode controls the electrochemical response, and the current density is independent of time. By combining a massive array of nanoelectrodes in parallel, the current signal can be amplified while still retaining the beneficial geometric advantages of nanoelectrodes. Such nanoelectrode arrays can be used in a sensor system for rapid, non-contaminating field analysis. For example, an array of suitably functionalized nanoelectrodes can be incorporated into a small, integrated sensor system that can identify many species rapidly and simultaneously under field conditions in high-resistivity water, without the need for chemical addition to increase conductivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cathode element for use in a pot of an electrolytic cell intended for production of aluminum. The cathode element comprises a cathode block and a steel connection bar. The connection bar includes at least one metal insert, whose electrical conductivity is greater than the electrical conductivity of the said steel. The presence of an insert according to the invention can simultaneously result in a very large drop in the global cathode voltage and a very strong reduction in the current density at the head of the block.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrochemically depositing a metal layer onto a substrate. An electrochemical deposition apparatus comprises a substrate holder assembly including a substrate chuck and a relatively soft cathode contact ring. The cathode contact ring comprises an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the inner portion directly contacts the substrate. An anode is disposed in an electrolyte container. A power supply connects the substrate holder assembly and the anode.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an arrangement of anode/cathode pairs, in which the accumulation of scales or similar fouling phenomena are prevented by alternatively operating either the anode or the cathode of one pair and the corresponding counterelectrode of the adjacent pair, the non-operated electrode of each pair being at open circuit. The electrolyte dissolves the scale deposits on the electrodes at open circuit, without resorting to harmful current reversal.

Abstract: A system is provided for the manufacture of carbon based electrical components including, an ultraviolet light source; a substrate receiving unit whereby a substrate bearing a first layer of carbon based semiconductor is received and disposed beneath the ultraviolet light source; a mask disposed between the ultraviolet light source and the carbon based semiconductor layer; a doping agent precursor source; and environmental chemical controls, configured such that light from the ultraviolet light source irradiates a doping agent precursor and the first carbon layer.

Abstract: A grinding device including a multi-wheel grindstone and an electrode arranged opposite to a grinding action surface of the multi-wheel grindstone with an interval, in which a work is ground and machined while the grinding action surface of the multi-wheel grindstone is electrolytic-dressed by supplying conductive machining fluid between an electrode action surface of the electrode and the grinding action surface of the multi-wheel grindstone, and applying a voltage between the multi-wheel grindstone and the electrode, wherein the electrode has a laminate body in which electrode plates whose electrode action surfaces are arranged so as to oppose the grinding action surface of each of the grinding wheels are alternately sandwiched by a plurality of insulating plates; and a flow passage for distributing the machining fluid supplied to between the grinding action surface and the electrode action surface is formed at the electrode plate and the insulating plate.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical device, including an elongated collector, a lead provided halfway along a longitudinal direction of the collector, and active material layers provided on the collector, wherein when La (m) is a distance from one end of the collector, in the longitudinal direction, up to the lead, and Lb (m) is a distance from the other end of the collector, in the longitudinal direction, up to the lead, and ? (?m) is a resistivity of the collector at 25°, where Lopt (m) being 1.9×106?, the La (m) and Lb (m) are from 0.95 Lopt to 1.05 Lopt respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anode assembly (1) to be used in a fused bath electrolysis aluminium production cell. This assembly comprises one inert anode (2) in the shape of a ladle, one connection conductor (3, 4, 5), mechanical connection means capable of cooperating so as to set up a mechanical link between the conductor and the anode, one metallic joint (31) that is or could be formed by brazing being located between all or part of at least one surface (20, 20?, 20?) of the open end (22) of the anode (2) and all or part of at least one surface (40, 40?, 40?) of the connection end (42) of the conductor (3, 4, 5). The invention simplifies manufacturing of anode assemblies comprising one inert anode.

Abstract: The present invention uses a sensor electrode (3) in a nitrogen oxide sensor (10) which includes a nitrate or nitrite of an alkali metal and an oxide of a rare-earth element. The nitrate/nitrite of the alkali metal replaces part of the lattice of the oxide of the rare-earth element, forming a solid solution. The sensor electrode (3) therefore exhibits highly practical features, especially high water-insolubility and capability of nitrogen oxide measurement in a hot and humid atmosphere containing water vapor. Thus, a highly practical nitrogen oxide sensor electrode and nitrogen oxide sensor are provided which are usable in measurement in a hot and humid atmosphere containing water vapor.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a method of producing aluminium in an Hall-Héroult cell with prebaked anodes, as well as anodes for same. The anodes are provided with slots in its wear (bottom) surface for gas drainage. The slots are 2-8 millimetres wide, preferably 3 millimetres.

Abstract: A meniscus of applying fluid is controlled by applying a voltage to a discharge-nozzle side electrode and a counter electrode placed downstream of the discharge nozzle and by increasing or decreasing fluid pressure inside a pump chamber with use of a mechanism for rotational motion or rectilinear motion.

Abstract: The photon-ion-electron hydrogen generator plug is a plug for generating hydrogen gas from ambient air drawn into the piston chamber of an engine. The plug includes a cathode filament that glows “white hot” when an electric current is supplied thereto. A positively charged anode is disposed adjacent the filament. The plug has an end that opens into the cylinder chamber of the engine. A battery, a rotary switch and a step-up transformer form an electric circuit for supplying electric current to the cathode filament and anode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate holder comprises a base supporting a substrate that includes a surface having a peripheral region. A cover may be assembled with the base and includes at least one opening exposing only a portion of the surface therethrough. A seal assembly substantially seals a region between the cover and base and further adjacent to the peripheral region of the substrate. An electrode includes at least one contact portion positioned within the region and extending over at least a portion of the peripheral region of the substrate. A compliant member comprises a polymeric material and may be positioned within the region between the at least one contact portion and either the peripheral region of the substrate or the cover. In other embodiments, an electroplating system is disclosed that may employ such a substrate holder.

Abstract: A process for electrochemically etching a layer with electric conduction properties, of the doped metal oxide type, on a transparent substrate of the glass type, fitted with a mask capable of being removed after etching. The process brings at least one region to be etched of the layer into contact with an electrically conducting solution, immerses an electrode in the solution and places the electrode facing and at a distance from the region, and applies an electrical voltage between the electrode and the layer to be etched. The electrode has an oblong shape such that the etching is carried out on several regions of the layer over a width of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method comprising a master electrode arranged on substrate, said master electrode comprising a pattern layer, least partly of an insulating material and having a first surface provided with a plurality of cavities in which a conducting material is arranged, said electrode conducting material being electrically connected to at least one electrode current supply contact; said substrate comprising a top surface in contact with or arranged adjacent said first surface and having conducting material and/or structures of a conducting material arranged thereon, said substrate conducting material being electrically connected to at least one current supply contact; whereby a plurality of electrochemical cells are formed delimited by said cavities, said substrate conducting material and said electrode conducting material, said cells comprising an electrolyte; herein an electrode resistance between said electrode conducting material and said electrode current supply contact and a substrate resistance between

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dimensionally stable oxygen-evolving anode for use in an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium. The anode comprises of a container made from an alloy comprising aluminium and at least one metal more noble than aluminium; a fluid bath in the bottom of the container having the ability to dissolve aluminium, said fluid having a density that is higher than the density of molten aluminium at the operating temperature of the cell, a pool of molten aluminium floating on top of the fluid bath in the bottom of the container; a refractory layer arranged on the inner sidewalls of the container at least in the area of the pool of molten aluminium, said refractory layer protecting the molten aluminium from contacting the inner sidewalls of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochemical fabrication platforms for making structures, arrays of structures and functional devices having selected nanosized and/or microsized physical dimensions, shapes and spatial orientations. Methods, systems and system components use an electrochemical stamping tool such as solid state polymeric electrolytes for generating patterns of relief and/or recessed features exhibiting excellent reproducibility, pattern fidelity and resolution on surfaces of solid state ionic conductors and in metal. Electrochemical stamping tools are capable high throughput patterning of large substrate areas, are compatible with commercially attractive manufacturing pathways to access a range of functional systems and devices including nano- and micro-electromechanical systems, sensors, energy storage devices, metal masks for printing, interconnects, and integrated electronic circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus for electroplating a workpiece includes an unassembled electroplating anode assembly having weldable first and second structural anode members. The first structural anode member includes a positioning slot. The second structural anode member includes a positioning tab disposable in the positioning slot. A method for making an electroplating anode assembly includes obtaining an electroplating-anode-assembly first structural anode member having a positioning slot and obtaining an electroplating-anode-assembly second structural anode member having a positioning tab. The method also includes locating the positioning tab in the positioning slot and welding together the first and second structural anode members.

Abstract: An electrode (10) is provided for electrochemical reduction of a workpiece (20) that is to be treated. The electrode (10) has a predefined contour and contains an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material of the predefined contour forms an electrode core (12). The outside of the electrode core (12) is covered with an insulation layer (13). The insulation layer (13) is porous and is made of an electrically non-conductive material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surface treatment electrode (11) to treat at least one object (1). It comprises at least one cavity (23) enclosing the object (1) to be treated during the treatment, having a geometry ensuring free movement of the object (1), this cavity (23) being delimited by a wall (24) comprising at least one opening (25) communicating the inside of the cavity (23) with a treatment solution (5) in which the electrode (11) is immersed during the surface treatment. The cavity (23) is substantially cylindrical and its diameter is approximately 50 to 100 micrometers larger than a maximum size of the object (1).

Abstract: Described are novel systems for electrodeposition of paint on counter-electrodes, and membrane electrode assemblies for incorporation into such systems. In certain embodiments of the invention, electrode enclosures such as C-shaped or box-shaped enclosures include membranes sealed to secondary structural members by bonding. In other embodiments, membrane electrode cells having bumpers are mounted within paint baths in a manner wherein the bumpers are forcibly biased against the exterior wall of the bath, thereby stabilizing the position of the cells. In still further embodiments, tubular electrode cells are provided with internal valves allowing the release of liquid trapped within the tubular electrodes into the membrane shell. In this manner, removal of the electrodes for maintenance, replacement or other purposes is facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conductive diamond electrode having: a conductive substrate; a coating layer formed on a surface of the conductive substrate, the coating layer containing one of a metal and an alloy each including at least one of niobium and tantalum; and a conductive diamond layer formed on a surface of the coating layer, and a process for producing the conductive diamond electrode.

Abstract: A cathode comprising an oxygen-containing compound, or a metal containing dissolved oxygen, is arranged in contact with a melt comprising a hydroxide of an alkali metal. An inert anode, advantageously comprising nickel, is also arranged in contact with the melt and a potential is applied between the anode and the cathode such that oxygen is removed from the compound or the metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diamond electrode with synthetically produced, electrically conductive (doped) diamonds. The surface has diamond particles (5) embedded in a metal or metal alloy layer so as to produce a conductive connection to the metal or metal alloy.

Abstract: An electrode plate for electrolysis is composed of a plate-form porous ceramic body for electrolyzing a hydrogen-comprising-compound solution, and a conductive portion provided at a part of the ceramic body, wherein particles for composing the ceramic body are comprised of any of fluoride carbon and an element difficult to react to oxygen, and wherein an outmost-nucleus-orbit electron number of the element is even, and porosity having an energy concentration field is provided between the particles in the ceramic body.

Abstract: A method for making a proton-conducting membrane is described. The method includes the steps of combining a protonated, layered inorganic material with a proton-conducting organic polymer in a liquid medium; exfoliating the layered inorganic material, so that individual layers of the inorganic material are suspended in the liquid medium and spaced from each other; and the polymer is absorbed onto the surface of the individual layers. In this manner, a polymer-inorganic composite is formed. The liquid can then be removed, to recover the resulting membrane. Related electrolysis and fuel cell devices are also described, which incorporate the proton-conducting membrane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing electrocatalysts are disclosed. The system includes a high temperature synthesis device for preparing an array of electrocatalysts as electrolytic surfaces of working electrodes. At least a portion of the electrolytic surfaces are defined by different materials. The device includes a plurality of openings for receiving the array of working electrodes and a mask having a plurality of openings configured for exposing at least a portion of each of the working electrodes for forming the electrolytic surfaces thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction cell for the photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen gas, comprising a housing which is filled with an aqueous electrolyte, a pair of electrodes consisting of a first electrode of a doped conductor which is immersed in the electrolytes and a second electrode which is made of metal and which is immersed in the electrolytes and which is electrically conductively connected to the first electrode, also comprising a light source which illuminates the pair of electrodes. The reaction cell is characterized in that the electrodes are connected to each other in a flat manner, the pair of electrodes divides the reaction cell into two chambers, wherein the chambers are connected to each other in a fluidically conducting manner and the housing is provided with at least one gas outlet.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite (e.g., a mixed electrode) by infiltration of a porous structure (e.g., one formed from an ionically conductive material) with a solution of a precursor (e.g., for an electronically conductive material) results in a particulate layer on and within the porous structure with a single infiltration. The method involves forming a solution comprising at least one metal salt and a surfactant; heating the solution to substantially evaporate solvent and form a concentrated salt and surfactant solution; infiltrating the concentrated solution into a porous structure to create a composite; and heating the composite to substantially decompose the salt and surfactant to oxide and/or metal particles. The result is a particulate layer on the pore walls of the porous structure. In some instances the particulate layer is a continuous network. Corresponding devices have improved properties and performance.

Abstract: An ionically conductive ceramic element includes a central unit (703). The central unit (703) is composed of a plurality of integrated manifold and tube modules (IMAT) (22) joined end to end along a central axis (A). Each IMAT module (22) has a tube support portion (804) and a plurality of tubes (802) extending from the first surface (803). The tubes (802) each have a closed end (805) and an open end. The second surface (807) is at least partially open to the atmosphere. The open ends of the tubes (802) are open to the atmosphere through the second surface (807). An interior space (830) is formed in the interior of the IMAT (22) for collecting a desired product gas. A collection tube (710) is operable joined with a first end (714) of the central unit (703) for transporting the desired product gas collected in the interior space (730) of the connected IMAT modules (22).

Abstract: A device and method are provided for producing negatively charged nanoparticles. The device comprises a power supply, an electron supermicroemitter and a controller, the power supply connects with the electron supermicroemitter and the controller respectively. The potential of the electron supermicroemitter to the ground is controlled in the range of ?2 kV to ?29 kV by the power supply and the controller in accordance with the shape, size and different application of the materials of the emitter, so as to form field electron emitting of tunneling effect. The energy of electrons with high current density produced by the emitter can be adjusted during the electrons' colliding with particles in aerosol such that the electrons are attached to the nanoparticles of different size with wider energy band to form negatively charged nanoparticles.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly operative to inhibit corrosion in the metal tank portion of a water heater includes a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a tubular, electrically non-conductive plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captives retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. A resistor is received in an end surface groove of the sleeve and has a lead wire spot-welded or soldered to a core wire portion of the anode member. To prevent contact between the lead wire and the metal cap, and to protect the lead wire against vibration caused breakage at its spot weld or solder area, a U-shaped central portion of the lead wire is received in a through-opening in the resistor-supporting end of the sleeve which is covered by an annular insulating wafer formed from an electrically non-conductive material.

Abstract: A composite anode assembly is provided, the assembly including a permeation resistant portion and a porous conductive portion circumscribing at least the bottom of the permeation resistant portion. The composite anode assembly reduces corrosion and restricts thermal expansion stresses.

Abstract: A sub-millimetre hydrogen collector generator ring disc electrode is disclosed which may be used in a collector generator system, for example for measurement of mass transport rates using hydrogen as a tracer. A calibrator and calibration method as well as a method of assaying tissue perfusion is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable anode assembly for a wet processing apparatus to allow selective tuning of the electrical field density distribution within a wet process chemical of the apparatus, which in turn allows the process specification or specifications to be selectively varied across the process surface of a wafer when processed by the apparatus. The adjustable anode assembly includes an anode which may be divided into several plates, at least one of which is capable of being moved from a first plane to at least a second plane.

Abstract: A gated electrode structure for altering a potential and electric field in an electrolyte near at least one working electrode is disclosed. The gated electrode structure may comprise a gate electrode biased appropriately with respect to a working electrode. Applying an appropriate static or dynamic (time varying) gate potential relative to the working electrode modifies the electric potential and field in an interfacial region between the working electrode and the electrolyte, and increases electron emission to and from states in the electrolyte, thereby facilitating an electrochemical, electrolytic or electrosynthetic reaction and reducing electrode overvoltage/overpotential.