Abstract: Contact assemblies, electroplating machines with contact assemblies, and methods for making contact assemblies that are used in the fabrication of microelectronic workpieces. The contact assemblies can be wet-contact assemblies or dry-contact assemblies. A contact assembly for use in an electroplating system can comprise a support member and a contact system coupled to the support member. The support member, for example, can be a ring or another structure that has an inner wall defining an opening configured to allow the workpiece to move through the support member along an access path. In one embodiment, the support member is a conductive ring having a plurality of posts depending from the ring that are spaced apart from one another by gaps. The contact system can be coupled to the posts of the support member. The contact system can have a plurality of contact members projecting inwardly into the opening relative to the support member and transversely with respect to the access path.

Abstract: The invention relates to the analysis of the performance and properties of electrochemical processes, and specifically, to electrolytic solutions and electrode processes. The invention discloses a device and a method for obtaining qualitative and quantitative information for the kinetics of the electrode reactions, the transport processes, the thermodynamic properties of the electrochemical processes taking place in the cell. When a deposition reaction takes place, the device provides also valuable information about the relationship between the current density and deposit properties including but not limited to the deposit color, luster, and other aspects of its appearance. The device disclosed herein typically is comprised of a multiplicity of cathodic or anodic regions where one or more electrochemical reactions take place simultaneously, but at a different rate.

Abstract: An electrode assembly useful in manufacturing aluminum, contains a hollow inert electrode (12) containing a metal conductor (14) surrounded and held in place by at least one seal (16) and a mass of metal foam (26).

Abstract: Electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a molten salt electrolyte employing inert anode and cathodes, the anode having a box shape with slots for the cathodes.

Abstract: A photocatalysis apparatus has at least one unit structure (2). The unit structure has a photocatalyst module (6) and a pair of discharge electrodes (5) sandwiching the photocatalyst module. The photocatalyst module includes a photocatalyst and a three-dimensional ceramic mesh base carrying the photocatalyst. At least one of the discharge electrodes is a three-dimensional discharge electrode having an electrode body (3) and a conductive frame (4). The electrode body consists of cells made of a conductive foil and has front, back, and side faces. The front and back faces are separated from each other by a predetermined distance and have a shape selected from a group including a honeycomb, a lattice, and a mesh. The side faces of the electrode body is covered with the conductive frame.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing improved cast anodes for corrosion protection in storage tanks calls for integrating a plurality of spaced steel core rods into a sacrificial galvanic anode material sheet. The sheet is divided into segments such that a width of each segment is four to eight times the thickness of the galvanic sheet.

Abstract: A sintered electrode assembly is made of an inert electrode (15) containing a sealed metal conductor (20) having a surface feature (30) such as a coating or wrapping which aids in bond formation with the inert electrode (15) at their interface (45), where the metal conductor (20) is directly contacted by and is substantially surrounded by the inert electrode (15) without the use of metal foam or metal powders.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electrode plate for a water electrolysis device, which is formed from a metal plate having such a thickness as to be capable of being press-formed, and which comprises a flat plate portion, and a peripheral edge portion positioned on the outer side of the flat plate portion and bent so that recesses and protrusions are alternately arrayed along an outer peripheral edge thereof.

Abstract: A stack, to be used in a fuel cell or electrolyser, comprises a collector layer, at least one diffusion layer and at least one anchoring layer. The collector layer being a metal foil or metal plate or foamed metal sheet, the diffusion layer being a metal mesh or expanded metal sheet. An anchoring layer having a thickness of less than 0.5 mm and comprising metal fibers, is sintered between the collector layer and the diffusion layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a photoelectrochemical (PEC) electrode or photoelectrode for use in splitting water by electrolysis. The photoelectrode has an electrically conductive surface in contact with an electrolyte solution. This surface is a doped tin oxide layer, which is in electrical contact with the semiconductor solar cell material of the PEC photoelectrode. In a variation of the present invention, another layer of metal oxide having transparent, anti-reflective, and conductive properties is disposed between the doped tin oxide layer and the semiconductor material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for highly controlled electrodeposition, particularly useful for electroplating submicron structures. Enhanced control of the process provides for a more uniform deposit thickness over the entire substrate, and permits reliable plating of submicron features. The apparatus includes a pressurized electrochemical cell to improve plating efficiency and reduce defects, vertical laminar flow of the electrolyte solution to remove surface gases from the vertically arranged substrate, a rotating wafer chuck to eliminate edge plating effects, and a variable aperture to control the current distribution and ensure deposit uniformity across the entire substrate. Also a dynamic profile anode whose shape can be varied to optimize the current distribution to the substrate. The anode is advantageously able to use metallic ion sources and may be placed close to the cathode thus minimizing contamination of the substrate.

Abstract: A higher applied potential may be provided to a consumable anode to reduce sludge formation during electroplating. For example, a higher applied potential may be provided to a consumable anode by decreasing the exposed surface area of the anode to the electrolyte solution in the electroplating cell. The consumable anode may comprise a single anode or an array of anodes coupled to the positive pole of the power source in which the exposed surface area of the anode is less than an exposed surface area of the cathode to the electrolyte solution. In another example, a higher applied potential may be provided to a consumable anode by increasing the potential of the electroplating cell.

Abstract: Cathodic protection of a structure including a steel member at least partly buried in a covering layer, such as steel rebar in a concrete structure, is provided by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the rebar. The anode body is formed, by pressing together finely divided powder, flakes or fibers of a sacrificial anode material such as zinc to define a porous body having pores therein. The sacrificial anode material of the anode member is directly in contact with the covering material by being buried or inserted as a tight fit into a drilled hole so that any expansion forces therefrom would be applied to the concrete with the potential of causing cracking. The pores are arranged however such that corrosion products from corrosion of the anode body are received into the pores sufficiently to prevent expansion of the anode body to an extent which would cause cracking of the covering material.

Abstract: The invention relates to electroplating. In particular, the invention relates to an improved anode for electroplating metals onto substrates, and to a method of electroplating metals onto substrates utilizing the anode. The anode has a solid metal portion, and a metal electrode shaft having one or more barbs projecting outwardly from a periphery of the shaft at one end of the shaft. The barbs are fixed through the body extend a distance therethrough.

Abstract: An improved chlorination system for pools, spas, potable water supplies, and the like, provides a vertically oriented electrolytic cell connected between a pump and a lightly salinated pool. The cell preferably contains a metallic electrode, such as copper, and a precious metal coated titanium electrode, and has means for passing an electric current through the cell. The present invention further provides a novel electrode stack design, conducive for forming an efficient chlorinator comprising a plurality of interconnecting electrode stacks of separate electrical cells.

Abstract: An electrolytic electrode having an interlayer having more excellent peeling resistance and corrosion resistance and longer electrolytic life than conventional electrolytic electrodes and capable of flowing a large amount of current at the industrial level and a process of producing the same are provided. The electrolytic electrode includes a valve metal or valve metal alloy electrode substrate on the surface of which is formed a high-temperature oxidation film by oxidation, and which is coated with an electrode catalyst. The high-temperature oxidation film is integrated with the electrode substrate, whereby peeling resistance is enhanced. Further, by heating the high-temperature oxidation film together with the electrode catalyst, non-electron conductivity of the interlayer is modified, thereby making it possible to flow a large amount of current.

Abstract: An electrochemical deposition and testing system consisting of individually addressable electrode arrays, a fully automated deposition head, and a parallel screening apparatus is described. The system is capable of synthesizing and screening millions of new compositions at an unprecedented rate.

Abstract: A spent anode is replaced with a new anode in an electrolysis cell having an anode bus bar and an anode rod contacting the bus bar. A desired distance (D4) from the bus bar to a reference point on or adjacent to an anode rod for the new anode is calculated, the spent anode is replaced with a new anode so that the reference point on the new anode rod is spaced from the bus bar by an actual distance (D5), and the actual distance (D5) is measured at least once by means of a vision system. The actual distance (D5) is preferably adjusted using a feedback control loop in a computer so that D5 approaches the desired distance (D4).

Abstract: WC powder (11) and W powder (12) are mixed and entered in a press mold and compressed and molded, thereby forming a discharge surface treatment electrode (10). Discharge is caused to occur between the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) and a workpiece (16) by a discharge surface treatment power unit (17), whereby a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) melted by discharge heat is deposited on the workpiece (16). W, a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10), reacts with C, a component of work liquid (4), to produce WC and together with the WC which is a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) a hard film (20) made of WC is formed on the workpiece (16). The hardness and strength of the hard film formed on the workpiece (16) by the discharge surface treatment can be enhanced.

Abstract: An inert anode (10) for use in an electrolysis process to make metals such as aluminum, contains a hollow interior with an open top portion (16), an interior closed bottom (18) and interior walls (19) where the top interior side walls (16) have at least one interior groove (20) which helps relieve stress on the anode material and helps provide locking and support of the anode.

Abstract: A sintered electrode assembly is made of an inert electrode (15) containing a sealed metal conductor (20) having a surface feature (30) such as a coating or wrapping which aids in bond formation with the inert electrode (15) at their interface (45), where the metal conductor (20) is directly contacted by and is substantially surrounded by the inert electrode (15) without the use of metal foam or metal powders.

Abstract: An inert anode (10) for use in an electrolysis process to make metals such as aluminum, contains a hollow interior with an open top portion (16), an interior closed bottom (18) and interior side walls (19) where the top interior side walls (16) have at least one interior groove (20) which helps relieve stress on the anode material and helps provide locking and support of the anode.

Abstract: Complex features and fine details in a Carbon—Carbon work piece, for example, are formed by electrical discharge machining (EDM). An electrode used in the EDM is made of a material that is mechanically and chemically compatible with Carbon—Carbon composite material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus that plates/deposits a conductive material on a semiconductor substrate and then polishes the same substrate. This is achieved by providing multiple chambers in a single apparatus, where one chamber can be used for plating/depositing the conductive material and another chamber can be used for polishing the semiconductor substrate. The plating/depositing process can be performed using brush plating or electro chemical mechanical deposition and the polishing process can be performed using electropolishing or chemical mechanical polishing. The present invention further provides a method and apparatus for intermittently applying the conductive material to the semiconductor substrate and also intermittently polishing the substrate when such conductive material is not being applied to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retrofitted electrolytic cell and a method for retrofitting an electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode compartment, a separator partitioning the compartments, said cathode compartment comprising a hydrogen evolving cathode. The method comprises making at least one substantially horizontal slit in the hydrogen evolving cathode resulting in plural cathode members, bending the edge of at least one cathode member at the slit away from the separator, arranging a gas diffusion electrode to the cathode members on the side facing the separator, and arranging an electrolyte layer to the gas diffusion electrode. The invention also relates to the use of a retrofitted electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A new ramming paste for aluminum reduction cell cathodes is a high swelling cold ramming paste made of a blend of pitch, light oil diluent and an aggregate comprising a mixture of anthracite and crushed anode butts or calcined coke. The presence of the crushed anode butts or calcined coke increases the sodium swelling index of the paste by about four times higher than that of regular ramming pastes. This new high swelling cold ramming paste may also contain an amount of a refractory hard material, such as TiB2.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode device comprising an ion selective material, a solid state, inner reference system of sodium vanadium bronze and a contact material, where sodium may be reversibly intercalated in the bronze. Such an electrode device may for instance be sensitive to ions, such as H+, Na+, K+ and Ca2+. It may also include a reactive material in which a particular analyte is reacted to form an ion product, to which the ion selective material is sensitive, such as in electrode devices of the Severinghaus-type or in biosensors. The electrode device according to the invention can be prepared by thick film printing.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and apparatus for electroplating a substantially uniform layer of a metal onto a work piece having a seed layer thereon. The total current of a plating cell is distributed among a plurality of anodes in the plating cell in order to tailor the current distribution in the plating electrolyte to compensate for resistance and voltage variation across a work piece due to the seed layer. Focusing elements are used to create “virtual anodes” in proximity to the plating surface of the work piece to further control the current distribution in the electrolyte during plating.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for ECM grooving of a workpiece is provided. A portion of a conical workpiece is supported on a frame, with the cone opening facing a Z-axis. A slide electrode assembly is provided, including an electrode movable along the Z-axis and having, on a face aligned across a machining gap from the workpiece, a pattern of grooves to be defined on the workpiece; As an electrolyte is pumped into or through the machining gap at a constant static pressure, the electrode reacts to the pressure by moving toward or away from the workpiece to establish a certain gap width to create the necessary groove depth and definition. The force acting on the slide electrode assembly is the primary controlling factor for establishing the machining gap as the electrode and support move in response to the constant static pressure of pumped electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrically regeneratable battery of electrochemical cells for capacitive deionization (including electrochemical purification) and regeneration of electrodes is operated at alternate polarities during consecutive cycles. In other words, after each regeneration step operated at a given polarity in a deionization-regeneration cycle, the polarity of the deionization step in the next cycle is maintained. In one embodiment, two end electrodes are arranged one at each end of the battery, adjacent to end plates. An insulator layer is interposed between each end plate and the adjacent end electrode. Each end electrode includes a single sheet of conductive material having a high specific surface area and sorption capacity, preferably a sheet formed of carbon aerogel composite. The battery further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes that are equidistally separated from each other, between the two end electrodes.

Abstract: This invention is an improved fuel cell design for use at low pressure. The invention has a reduced number of component parts to reduce fabrication costs, as well as a simpler design that permits the size of the system to be reduced at the same time as performance is being improved. In the present design, an adjacent anode and cathode pair are fabricated using a common conductive element, with that conductive element serving to conduct the current from one cell to the adjacent one. This produces a small and simple system suitable for operating with gas fuels or alternatively directly with liquid fuels, such as methanol, dimethoxymethane, or trimethoxymethane. The use of these liquid fuels permits the storage of more energy in less volume while at the same time eliminating the need for handling compressed gases which further simplifies the fuel cell system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a solid polymer film with a catalyst sufficiently deposited thereon preheats a solid polymer film and then hot presses this solid polymer film together with a catalyst carrier film. Hot pressing the solid polymer film while it is soft from preheating increases the bond strength between the solid polymer film and the catalyst such that separation of the catalyst from the solid polymer film during film separation can be prevented. Moreover, keeping the catalyst carrier film cool prior to hot pressing and making the temperature on the catalyst carrier film side slightly lower that than on the solid polymer film side during hot pressing inhibits an increase in binding strength between the film and the catalyst, and thereby improves separation of the film.

Abstract: A cathode current control system employing a current thief for use in electroplating a wafer is set forth. The current thief comprises a plurality of conductive segments disposed to substantially surround a peripheral region of the wafer. A first plurality of resistance devices are used, each associated with a respective one of the plurality of conductive segments. The resistance devices are used to regulate current through the respective conductive finger during electroplating of the wafer. Various constructions are used for the current thief and further conductive elements, such as fingers, may also be employed in the system. As with the conductive segments, current through the fingers may also be individually controlled. In accordance with one embodiment of the overall system, selection of the resistance of each respective resistance devices is automatically controlled in accordance with predetermined programming.

Abstract: Platinum metal cermet electrodes are described on which the electrochemical reduction of oxygen is made easier compared to known platinum metal cermet electrodes. The ceramic component of a platinum metal cermet electrode contains stabilized ZrO2 as its main constituent, the composition of the electrode being directed toward reducing its polarization resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ionic electrodes, particularly microelectrodes and electrode arrays, and also relates to fabrication methods for such electrodes. In particular, the present invention relates to planar polymer electrodes for making patch clamp measurements of ionic currents through biological membranes, such as the plasma membranes of living cells. The electrodes of the present invention are useful for measuring individual and multisite cell membrane currents and voltages, as well as in high-throughput screening procedures.

Abstract: A layered oxygen electrode incorporating a peroxide decomposition catalyst. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.

Abstract: A double layered oxygen electrode impregnated with an active catalyst material and method of making. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable electrodes are fabricated from nitrides of metals in the groups IV B and V B. These electrodes are in the form of particulates for use in bipolar cells. The particulates of these nitrides, which are electrically conductive, are intimately mixed with non-conductive particulates and spaced between two electrical leads. Such bipolar cells have application in metal recover processes and water purification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edge insulation member for an electrode plate used for electrolytic refinement of metal, and to a fixing method for it. On a tip portion 22A of a main body 22, a fitting groove 23 and a jaw portion 24 for tightly fitting an electrode plate 1 are formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body 22. On a base end portion of the main body 22, an engagement notch 25 for fitting a support rod 26 is formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body 22. A plurality of pin insertion holes 27 are formed on the side surface of the jaw portion 24. Fitting jigs made up from a pin 30 and a stopper 40 is removably fitted in this pin insertion hole 27. The support rod 26 is removably fitted in the engagement notch 25.

Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprises a plurality of metal-based anodes facing and spaced part from an aluminium-wettable drained cathode surface on which aluminium is produced. The drained cathode surface is formed along the cell by upper surfaces of juxtaposed carbon cathode blocks, the cathode blocks extending across the cell. The drained cathode surface is divided into quadrants by a longitudinal aluminium collection groove along the cell and by a central aluminium collection reservoir across the cell. Pairs of quadrants across the cell are inclined in a V-shape relationship, the collection groove being located along the bottom of the V-shape and arranged to collect molten aluminium draining from the drained cathode surface and evacuate it into the aluminium collection reservoir during cell operation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices that enable the nesting of metal units. One method generally identifies a nesting location on the metal unit, and applies a force at the nesting location to create a nesting feature. In another embodiment, the invention is a nestable metal sheet. The nestable metal sheet is generally a metal sheet, such as a copper cathode, having a nesting feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices comprising electrosensors containing capture reagents, their preparation thereof, and their use for detecting, preferably, quantitative measurement, of analyte in a liquid sample. In particular, the invention relates to an enzyme electrosensor, e.g., electroimmunosensor, device for electrochemical detection and preferably, real-time measurement, which is suitable for use at point-of-care settings by unskilled personnel.

Abstract: An electroplating anode including a substantially convex oxidizing surface for oxidation of metal atoms in a semiconductor wafer electroplating process. The electroplating anode of the present invention substantially prolongs the lifetime of the anode and contributes to the prevention of wafer contamination due to generation of potential wafer-contaminating precipitate particles during a wafer electroplating process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating cell having an electrolyte container assembly configured to hold a plating solution therein, a head assembly positioned above the electrolyte container, the head assembly being configured to support a substrate during an electrochemical plating process, and an anode assembly positioned in a lower portion of the electrolyte container. The anode assembly generally includes a copper member having a substantially planar upper surface, at least one groove formed into the substantially planar upper surface, each of the at least one grooves originating in a central portion of the substantially planar anode surface and terminating at a position proximate a perimeter of the substantially planar upper surface, and at least one fluid outlet positioned at a perimeter of the substantially planar upper anode surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for forming grooves on hydrodynamic bearings used with a disc drive. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method and apparatus to align an electrode having a hydrodynamic groove pattern thereon within a journal bearing. The invention provides a floating electrode having groove patterns thereon. The floating electrode is inserted within a hydrodynamic bearing and fluidly aligned to maintain a uniform gap there between.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating cell having an electrolyte container assembly configured to hold a plating solution therein, a head assembly positioned above the electrolyte container, the head assembly being configured to support a substrate during an electrochemical plating process, and an anode assembly positioned in a lower portion of the electrolyte container. The anode assembly generally includes a copper member having a substantially planar upper surface, at least one groove formed into the substantially planar upper surface, each of the at least one grooves originating in a central portion of the substantially planar anode surface and terminating at a position proximate a perimeter of the substantially planar upper surface, and at least one fluid outlet positioned at a perimeter of the substantially planar upper anode surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode catalyst for use in the electrochemical oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur, protons and electrons, specifically in a fuel cell having a proton-conducting membrane. The catalyst comprises two or more metal sulfides of the formula MSx, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Cu, Cr, W and Mn, and x is between about 1.0 and about 2.5; a conductive material suitable for fuel cell operation; and a porous material. The invention further provides methods of preparing the catalyst, fuel cells comprising the catalyst and methods of electrochemically oxidizing H2S using the catalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus for defining patterns electrochemically on conductive materials by forming the patterns as conductive features of a tool, providing insulative properties about the conductive features so the patterns are defined; then providing an immersive medium including an etchant or plating material for defining the pattern on a workpiece, providing an electric direct current so that the immersive medium is concentrated at desired locations defined by the conductive features on the conductive materials; and etching the conductive materials by applying the electric current in a quantity and for an elapsed time to etch or plate patterns in or on the conductive materials.

Abstract: An electrode for the electrochemical fine-boring of workpieces includes an electrode tube for an electrolyte to pass through to reach a workpiece which is to be machined, and an electrical conductor which is connected to the electrolyte, in which electrode the tube, for the purpose of boring bores with the smallest possible diameter, consists of a metal with a substantially amorphous structure, is electrically conductive and is provided on its outer surface, at least in sections, with a nonconductive insulating layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating metal deposit from a mother plate used as a cathode in an electrolytic process, as metal electrorefining or metal electrowinning, in which device there is a supporting member for supporting the cathode to be treated, a member for releasing at least partly a metal deposit grown during the electrolytic process on a surface of the mother, and a member for support the released metal deposit. According to the invention the mother plate of a cathode (1, 21, 31, 41, 51) is provided with a growth affecting means (16, 24, 36, 43, 53) for creating an irregularity in the growth of the metal deposit (4) to be used as a hinged member when the metal deposit (4) is tilted to the mother plate of the cathode (1, 21, 31, 41, 51) in order to break the metal deposit (4) in two separate pieces along the irregularity in the growth.