Abstract: A process for producing a reaction layer material or gas feed layer material for a gas diffusion electrode, which comprises the steps of: dispersing a gas diffusion electrode raw material excluding polytetrafluoroethylene in to an organic solvent to prepare a dispersion; adding polytetrafluoroethylene to the dispersion to prepare a mixture; and mixing the mixture. In the process, polytetrafluoroethylene is added in the form of dispersion or fine powder.

Abstract: Non-circular holes are formed by electrochemical machining with an electrode that includes a hollow shank having a circular cross-section and a hollow tip section having a non-circular cross-section disposed on one end of the shank. The tip section is very small in length relative to the shank such that the shank comprises a large majority of the electrode's overall length. Because the majority of the electrode is circular in cross-section, it is relatively easy to straighten the electrode prior to a machining operation and to keep it straight during the operation, thereby overcoming problems experienced with full-length, non-circular electrodes. The circular shank also avoids electrolyte pressure imbalances and eases the difficulty and high cost of manufacturing electrodes capable of forming non-circular holes.

Abstract: In this cathode, which is a single block, the electrical resistivity is heterogeneous along its longitudinal axis, this resistivity being higher in the end regions of the cathode (3) than in the central region of the latter.

Abstract: A continuously cast copper ingot is made by a procedure in which turbulence is imparted to the metal/solid interface during the casting operation. The ingot is then hot worked to form a billet having a smaller average grain size and a larger diameter than possible in the past. The billet is especially useful for making electroplating anodes used in the damascene process for making copper interconnects in silicon wafers.

Abstract: The electrode comprises a plate-shaped part (2) having a portion for establishing contact with the skin of a patient, and a flange part (5) connected with the plate-shaped part. Snap connecting means (6) are provided on the flange part and includes a stud portion (7) for establishing connection to a lead wire connector means of a measuring apparatus and a base portion (8) formed integrally with the stud portion. A conductive area (4) extends between the skin contact establishing portion and the snap connecting means (6). Fastening means for fastening the snap connecting means to the electrode is formed integrally with the base portion and comprises a plurality of legs (9) which protrude from the base portion. The legs are folded to a position in which they abut against the conductive area (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrodeposition device, having two or more emission electrodes that can be connected to a common electrical supply line and an electrically insulating electrode holder, wherein the electrode holder is made of plastic and receives the electrodes, the electrical connections thereof and a contact surface for the connection to the electrical supply line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal cathode sheet assembly for use in the electrolytic recovery of pure metals, especially copper, in an electrolysis tank. The metal cathode sheet is provided at its side edges with an edge protector formed by a grooved profile strip. The edge protector is secured to the side edge by engaging at least one trapezoidal holding wedge that has back surfaces facing away from the narrow sides. The wedge is able to be secured in a cutout on the edge. The edge protector grips behind the back surface with counter-support surfaces.

Abstract: Carbon-containing components of cells for the production of aluminium by the electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a cryolite-based molten electrolyte are protected from attack by liquid and/or gaseous components of the electrolyte in the form of elements, ions or compounds, by a refractory boride coating applied from a slurry composed of pre-formed particulate refractory boride in a colloidal carrier which is dried and heated to consolidate the coating.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making safety labels which consists in producing a base deposit on the film (100), then in defining a label shape (101). It further consists in producing (102) a printed window preferably by photogravure with cells bordered by a stripe forming the window outline; printing (103) the printing window on the base deposit with a passivation coating, and developing the window (104) by a physico-chemical operation.

Abstract: The invention is a hydrogen generator for supplying hydrogen to the anode of a fuel cell and electrons to the fuel cell electrical circuit. The hydrogen generator employs a consumable electrode comprising an alkali metal which is brought into contact with an aqueous solution of its hydroxide liberating hydrogen. The hydrogen generator operates as an alkaline cell electrode emersed in the electrolyte that is continuously being formed by the oxidation of the alkali metal within the electrode by its reaction in the electrolyte with the cycled water produced at the cathode of the fuel cell. The current flow within the hydrogen generator internal circuit of the reaction chamber is approximately equivalent to the feed rate of the consumable electrode into the electrolyte and the quantity of hydrogen formed is proportional to the equivalent weight of the water reacted.

Abstract: Described are preferred multilayer, thin-film electrodes (11) that have improved resistance to flaking or cracking under conditions of operation. Also described are electrolytic cells (17) incorporating such electrodes (11), and methods for selecting electrode materials to facilitate reaction rates, energy production, and/or to shift the average mass number of transmuted products to lighter or heavier values. Preferred electrodes (11) have a plurality of thin-film conductive layers (14) supported on generally concave surfaces (13).

Abstract: The invention is relative to an electrode for gas evolution in electrolytic and electrometallurgical industrial applications, made of a metal substrate having a surface morphology characterized by a combination of micro-roughness and macro-roughness which favors high adherence of a superficial catalytic layer in order to prevent detachment of the same and passivation of the substrate even under critical operating conditions.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor for detecting a specific gas being measured with a plurality of electrodes (21, 3, 4), an electrolyte (7) and a gas-permeable membrane (9) has a reduced cross sensitivity with respect to interfering gases, a short response time and high sensitivity for the measured gas without the service life being reduced. The measuring electrode is a layer of doped diamond thin (21) on a porous substrate (22), where the gas-permeable memebrane is disposed over the measuring electrode to permit passage therethru of the gas being measured.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes heat treating the niobium oxide in the presence of a getter material and in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Niobium oxides and/or suboxides are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the niobium oxides and suboxides. Anodes formed from niobium oxide powders using binders and/or lubricants are described as well as methods to form the anodes.

Abstract: An anode is configured to be used within a metal film plating apparatus. The anode has a substantially planar electric field generating portion and an electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion. The planar electric field generating portion is coated with an inert material that is impervious to the electrolyte solution. In one embodiment, the anode is formed as a perforated anode. In one aspect, the electric field generating portion is formed contiguous with the electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion. In another aspects, the planar electric field generating portion is formed as a distinct member from the electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion.

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. Each anode is inserted into a drilled hole in the layer and is electrically attached to the rebar in the same or an adjacent hole by a steel pin which is attached to the reinforcement by arc welding or by impact. In the arrangement where the anode and the attachment are in the same hole, the pin passes into or through the anode so as to hold the anode rigidly within the hole. The hole is filled by a settable filler material.

Abstract: An electrolytic cathode consists of a solid copper hanger bar and a stainless-steel mother plate attached to a receiving groove in the underside of the hanger bar. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the entire length of connection is welded, thereby establishing a large boundary surface for good electrical conductance. The solid hanger bar further includes a cladding of stainless steel wrapped over the copper bar and the upper portion of the mother plate, leaving only the ends of the copper bar exposed for electrical connection with conventional bus-bars. The lower edges of the cover are attached to the mother plate by a steel-to-steel weld that produces a strong and durable connection. The lateral edges of the cover are also connected to the copper bar by a conventional copper weld that completely seals the cover over the copper bar, thereby preventing contamination from the electrolytic solution. The cover is then welded to the mother plate and sealed around the copper bar.

Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.

Abstract: A process for cleaning an electrically conductive surface by arranging for the surface to form the cathode of an electrolytic cell in which the anode is maintained at a DC voltage in excess of 30 v and an electrical arc discharge (electro-plasma) is established at the surface of the workpiece by suitable adjustment of the operating parameters and the conductive medium in contact with the workpiece is an electrically conducting foam, characterised in that one or more vents are provided to allow the escape of gas from the foam-filled treatment zone.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising the steps of providing a molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of less than 900° C. having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell having a liner for containing the electrolyte, the liner having a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom. A plurality of non-consumable anodes and cathodes are disposed in a vertical direction in the electrolyte, the cathodes having a plate configuration and the anodes having a flat configuration to compliment the cathodes. The anodes contain apertures therethrough to permit flow of electrolyte through the apertures to provide alumina-enriched electrolyte between the anodes and the cathodes. Electrical current is passed through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum at the cathodes and producing gas at the anodes.

Abstract: This invention is an inert, non-consumed, anode for use in electrolytic production of aluminum from the ore, consisting of a plurality of parallel vertical wires, or rods, attached to a suspended support structure which is also connected to an electrical power source. The wires are made of a high-temperature corrosion-resistant alloy and are durably surface-coated with a noble metal such as platinum, typically deposited by the SCX sputter coating process. In operation the coated wires are immersed in a fused fluoride electrolyte bath at 900 C., but remain structurally intact at that temperature. Moreover, the catalytic noble-metal surface dissociates the oxides formed in the electrolysis, avoiding generation of greenhouse gases. To suit the dimensions of the electrolytic furnace, the inert anode can be expanded in the form of linear or circular modules of the coated wires or rods. The power consumption with the inert anode of the invention is half that with a carbon anode.

Abstract: An anode of a cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprises a nickel-iron alloy substrate having an openly porous nickel metal rich outer portion whose surface is electrochemically active. The outer portion is optionally covered with an external integral nickel-iron oxide containing surface layer which adheres to the nickel metal rich outer portion of the nickel-iron alloy and which in use is pervious to molten electrolyte. During use, the nickel metal rich outer portion contains cavities some or all of which are partly or completely filled with iron and nickel compounds, in particular oxides, fluorides and oxyfluorides.

Abstract: A reactor assembly for electrochemically processing a microelectronic workpiece is set forth. The reactor assembly includes a processing bowl having one or more fluid inlets through which a flow of processing fluid is received. An electrode assembly is located within the process bowl in a fluid flow path of the fluid provided through the one or more fluid inlets. The electrode assembly includes a mesh electrode and a diffuser disposed in the fluid flow path prior to the mesh electrode to tailor the flow of processing fluid received from the one or more fluid inlets through the mesh electrode in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A micromachined cell lysis device with electrodes that are spaced by less than 10 &mgr;m from one another. The cells are attracted to the space between the.electrodes and then lysed.

Abstract: An anode for use in electroplating semiconductor wafers, comprising a metal plate formed from a generally continuous casting process that is essentially free of voids or cracks, the casting being thermo-mechanically worked until the anode has an average grain size of less than 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An electrode of use in electrolytic cells, particularly water electrolyser cells for the production of hydrogen, and comprising an electrically conductive first metal sheet having an electrochemically active gas-evolving planar surface; an electrically conductive second metal electrochemically active gas-evolving screen intimately adjacent and parallel to the planar surface to define an electrolyte and gas-evolving chamber between the sheet and the screen having a narrow width. The electrode provides improvements in voltage and efficiency, longer-term electrode stability and opportunity for periodic depolarization.

Abstract: A flow-frame for forming a subassembly; said sub-assembly comprising a bipolar electrode and an ion-selective membrane mounted on said flow-frame and wherein said sub-assembly may be stacked together with other such subassemblies to create an array of electrochemical cells; wherein said flow-frame is formed from an electrically insulating material and comprises at least four manifold-defining portions which also define pathways for the passage of the anolyte/catholyte. Such pathway may define a labyrinthine path which may be spiral in shape between the manifold and the chamber entry/exit port.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode used in the electrolysis of metals, in which method and electrode plate element (2) is attached to a suspension bar (1), which also serves as a power conductor. The plate element (2) is attached to the suspension bar (1) by means of a diffusion joint. The invention also relates to an electrode.

Abstract: Non-circular holes are formed by electrochemical machining with an electrode that includes a hollow shank having a circular cross-section and a hollow tip section having a non-circular cross-section disposed on one end of the shank. The tip section is very small in length relative to the shank such that the shank comprises a large majority of the electrode's overall length. Because the majority of the electrode is circular in cross-section, it is relatively easy to straighten the electrode prior to a machining operation and to keep it straight during the operation, thereby overcoming problems experienced with full-length, non-circular electrodes. The circular shank also avoids electrolyte pressure imbalances eases the difficulty and high cost of manufacturing electrodes capable of forming non-circular holes.

Abstract: The invention provides a plasma CVD method and device which can form a uniform or substantially uniform film on an outer surface of an object independently of the shape of the object, and also provides an electrode used in the method and device. More specifically, a plasma is formed from a deposition material gas by supplying an electric power to the gas, and a film is formed on the outer surface of a hollow object having an opening under the plasma. The electrodes for supplying the electric power for forming the gas plasma include an internal electrode arranged in an inner space of the hollow object and an external electrode arranged outside the object. The internal electrode can selectively have a reduced form allowing passage of the electrode through the opening of the hollow object and an enlarged form predetermined in accordance with the volume and shape of the inner space of the object.

Abstract: A hard, wear-resistant ceramic surface is applied to spinning rotor cups in an electrolytic bath on which is imposed a shaped-wave electric current. A special electrode has been designed to facilitate application of the coating to the unique shape of a spinning rotor cup under the shaped wave conditions.

Abstract: A high performance electrocatalyst is based on transition metal perovskites of praseodymium, samarium, terbium or neodymium which react with YSZ to form a product which is itself active as the cathode in a fuel cell. While PrCoO3 reacts with YSZ, the reaction product(s) do not result in severe degradation of cell performance. A fuel cell made with a cathode composed of only the reaction product of YSZ and PrCoO3 has good performance, indicating that this phase is itself not only a good conductor, but also a good catalyst for oxygen activation.

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 particular anode assembly can be used to supply a solution for any of a plating operation, a planarization operation, and a plating and planarization operation to be performed on a semiconductor wafer. The anode assembly includes a rotatable shaft disposed within a chamber in which the operation is performed, an anode housing connected to the shaft, and a porous pad support plate attached to the anode housing. The support plate has a top surface adapted to support a pad which is to face the wafer, and, together with the anode housing, defines an anode cavity. A consumable anode may be provided in the anode cavity to provide plating material to the solution. A solution delivery structure by which the solution can be delivered to said anode cavity is also provided. The solution delivery structure may be contained within the chamber in which the operation is performed. A shield can also be mounted between the shaft and an associated spindle to prevent leakage of the solution from the chamber.

Abstract: A common electrode line for plating for collectively forming conductive patterns of a plurality of circuit substrates on a main substrate, and for plating the conductive patterns of the plurality of circuit substrates at the same time by the common electrode lines for plating, wherein the common electrode lines for plating 22 respectively connected to pads 14 of the plurality of circuit substrates 20A are formed on both front and back surfaces of the main substrate and connected via through holes 11, the common electrode lines for plating are wired from the circuit substrate across a cut line which divides a substrate into the plurality of circuit substrates on any of the front and back surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode assemblage clamping device for an electrode comprising two parallel, essentially flat and rectangular electrode members, and at least one current supply rod/conductor bar, arranged between and in conductive contact with said electrode members. The device comprises a clamping means provided along at least a part of the vertical peripheral edges of said electrode elements, said clamping means comprising a resilient member and an abutment member. The latter are configured such that each electrode member is clamped between one respective part each of the abutment member and of the resilient member.

Abstract: A plasma reactor electrode, a method of making it, and a plasma reaction chamber employing the inventive electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to provide superior thermal conductivity characteristics. In the inventive electrode, first and second plates are connected by pins. In one embodiment, the pins, and the first and second plates are made of the same material, such as aluminum. The connection of the pins through the first and second plates provides superior thermal conductivity between the first and second plates. A dielectric cover, which may be made of ceramic or quartz, may be added below the lower plate. To form a showerhead assembly, holes are formed in the lower plate, and also in the dielectric cover, in alignment with a plenum chamber, to provide appropriate inlet for process gas into the chamber.

Abstract: A cathode plate particularly adapted for zinc and copper electro-winning and refining includes a panel of aluminum having a top and two opposed side edges, a sloped plastic shield along the top and plastic ribbons along the side. A head bar with two hooks is welded on the top of the plate. The top plastic molding and the side edge ribbons are manufactured simultaneously by a specially devised injection machine. When the cathode plates are immersed into the electrolyte, the top plastic shield keeps the zinc deposit level uniform and prevents the top portion and the liquid contact area of cathode plates from corrosion by acid mist generated during electrochemical reactions. The sloped lower part of top plastic shield facilitates inserting a stripping knife between the zinc deposit and the cathode plate.

Abstract: The tube inner surface electropolishing device includes an electrolyte delivery system to cause electrolyte to flow through the tube whose inner surface must be electropolished. An electrical cable having an electrode engaged to its distal end is slowly moved through the tube while an electrical current from a power supply passes through the electrode and the tube wall and the electrolyte flowing therebetween. Several electrode embodiments are disclosed including electrodes that include a chain of elements having alternating insulator and electrode elements, an electrode including a quantity of metallic wool enclosed in a permeable insulating member, and a flexible insulating member formed from a cylindrical tubular section which is axially compressible to produce a series of projecting flexible arms, so that any one section can be compressed to enter a smaller opening than the tube to be polished. An electrolyte dam is coupled to the electrode and controls the flow rate of electrolyte through the tube.

Abstract: An improvement to a cathode used in an electrorefining or electrowinning of copper. The cathode has a solid copper head bar with a horizontal groove on its undersurface. The upper edge of a stainless steel flat sheet has several holes along its width and is vertically inserted into the groove. The stainless steel sheet is then mechanically attached to the copper head bar by pressing the copper head bar against the stainless steel at the perforated points along the head bar. To increase the joint strength, the stainless steel sheet may be welded to the copper head bar at its upper edges at the underside of the head bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a structure, on the surface of the support material of which structure molecular layers are immobilized so as to be electrically addressable, a method for the electrically addressable immobilization of molecules, a device for carrying out this method, and the use of this structure as a chemo- and/or biosensor, in particular as a multisensor system for chemical, biological, and physical assays, and for applications in the combinatorial synthesis on the boundary surface.

Abstract: A cermet anode of an electrolytic cell is protected from thermal shock during cell start-up by coating an outer surface portion of the anode with a coating composition comprising carbon or aluminum or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred coating composition includes an aluminum underlayer adjacent the outer surface portion of the anode, and a carbon overlayer overlying the underlayer. A support structure assembly supporting the cermet anode includes a high alumina ceramic material. In a preferred embodiment, the high alumina ceramic material is protected from thermal shock and corrosion by the coating composition of the invention.

Abstract: An anode for use in electroplating semiconductor wafers, comprising a metal plate formed from a generally continuous casting process that is essentially free of voids or cracks, the casting being thermo-mechanically worked until the anode has an average grain size of less than 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte. A plurality of non-consumable anodes are disposed substantially vertically in the electrolyte along with a plurality of monolithic hollow cathodes. Each cathode has a top and bottom and the cathodes are disposed vertically in the electrolyte and the anodes and the cathodes are arranged in alternating relationship. Each of the cathodes is comprised of a first side facing a first opposing anode and a second side facing a second opposing anode. The first and second sides are joined by ends to form a reservoir in the hollow cathode for collecting aluminum therein deposited at the cathode.

Abstract: A system and process for cleaning a hollow interior or a passageway of a metal member including an external container having counter electrode material with a higher potential than the metal member with the counter electrode material being dc coupled to the metal member, and electrolyte passing through the container to contact the counter electrode material and fluidicly coupled into the hollow interior or the passageway of the metal member to clean same.

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: An apparatus which can control thickness uniformity during deposition of conductive material from an electrolyte onto a surface of a semiconductor substrate is provided. The apparatus has an anode which can be contacted by the electrolyte during deposition of the conductive material, a cathode assembly including a carrier adapted to carry the substrate for movement during deposition, and a conductive element permitting electrolyte flow therethrough. A mask lies over the conductive element and has openings permitting electrolyte flow. The openings define active regions of the conductive element by which a rate of conductive material deposition onto the surface can be varied. A power source can provide a potential between the anode and the cathode assembly so as to produce the deposition. A deposition process is also disclosed, and uniform electroetching of conductive material on the semiconductor substrate surface can additionally be performed.

Abstract: An electrode of use in electrolytic cells, particularly water electrolyser cells for the production of hydrogen, and comprising an electrically conductive first metal sheet having an electrochemically active gas-evolving planar surface; an electrically conductive second metal electrochemically active gas-evolving screen intimately adjacent and parallel to the planar surface to define an electrolyte and gas-evolving chamber between the sheet and the screen having a narrow width. The electrode provides improvements in voltage and efficiency, longer-term electrode stability and opportunity for periodic depolarization.

Abstract: A metal anode having at least a portion of which formed in a spiral configuration is disclosed. The spacing between the adjacent spirals of the anode is essentially uniform in order to provide uniform fluid flow and electrical characteristics. The anode may be formed of a metal rod or sheet or may be cast from a metal. The anode surfaces of the spiral may be flat or have a configuration such as a corrugated surface to enhance the surface area of the anode. The use of spacers, electrically conductive or insulative, within the spaces between the spirals to maintain their uniform distance is also disclosed. The use of one or more buss bars enables the anode to be supplied with a constant electrical source and may also function as a means for monitoring anode consumption over time. The anode is preferably used in an electroplating bath as the source of the metal used for plating. This is particularly of value in the electroplating of silicon wafer surfaces.

Abstract: There is disclosed a silicon electrode plate including silicon single crystal used as an upper electrode in a plasma etching apparatus wherein concentration of interstitial oxygen contained in the silicon electrode plate is not less than 5×1017 atoms/cm3 and not more than 1.5×1018 atoms/cm3, and the silicon electrode plate wherein nitrogen concentration in the silicon electrode plate is not less than 5×1013 atoms/cm3 and not more than 5×1015 atoms/cm3. There can be provided a silicon electrode plate consisting of silicon single crystal used as an upper electrode in a plasma etching apparatus wherein problems due to adhesion of impurities such as heavy metal or the like can be prevented.