Abstract: The invention pertains to linear electrochemical functional elements which have strip-shaped ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) and/or hydrogen-diffusion electrodes accessible at the ends which are enclosed on all sides in an insulating manner by a jacket of a solid material. The invention describes the structure, production, and use of the functional elements in electrochemical measuring techniques. In one embodiment, a charge state indicator is created by the incorporation of a lead/lead sulfate half-cell into a lead/lead oxide cell. This coupling takes place via a linear functional element in the form of an installed ion-exchanger membrane. It makes it possible to measure three voltage values on the cell and to evaluate them in order to determine the current charge state by conventional methods.

Abstract: A flexible auxiliary anode element for electroplating a tubular workpiece while the workpiece and an anode element are immersed in a plating liquid contained in a plating both. The flexible auxiliary anode element can be inserted into a hollow interior of the workpiece so that a metal wire of the auxiliary anode element is insulated from an inner peripheral surface of the workpiece by an insulating spacer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diaphragm chlor-alkali electrolysis cell comprising a cover, a conductive base for supporting the anodes and a cathode in the form of a box provided with internal wall, external wall and tubular fingers made of a mesh or perforated sheet covered with a porous diaphragm. One or more copper sheets for electric current distribution are fixed to the cathode external walls. The connection between the copper sheets and the cathode external walls is made by means of bolts with the interposition of a conductive and deformable element provided with residual elasticity under compression. The weldings for the assembling of the cathode walls are free from internal stresses.

Abstract: A method of preparing electrodes is now described, which electrodes have enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. In the method, a substrate metal, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching to ensure a roughened surface morphology. In subsequent operations, a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.

Abstract: A filtering mechanism for especially well suited for corrosive mists which are generated from electro-refining systems. A layer of bristles forming a brush is secured to an electrode within the electro-refining system. As the electro-refining system produces a mist of corrosive chemicals above the slurry, the mist rises through the bristles. As the mist passes through the bristles, the corrosive chemical adheres to the bristles; hence, the corrosive chemical does not pass into the surrounding environment. Periodically, the bristles are washed to remove the corrosive chemicals. In one embodiment of the invention, the edge between the electrodes and the wall of the slurry bath are partially sealed with a pliable member which assists in directing the mist through the bristles.

Abstract: An electrolytic composite electrode provided with a cathode formed from a drum to be rotated and an anode having a circular-arc inner surface facing the cathode at a certain interval and capable of keeping an electrolytic solution between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: The invention pertains to linear electrochemical functional elements which consist of strip-shaped ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) and/or hydrogen-diffusion electrodes accessible at the ends which are enclosed on all sides in an insulating manner by a jacket of a solid material. The invention describes the structure, production and use of the functional elements in electrochemical measuring techniques.

Abstract: Bipolar plate made of a composite material for use in a filter-press electrolyzer. Said plate comprises a central portion (6) which is electrically conductive and is obtained by heat-pressing of a mixture of graphite or conductive carbon and a thermoplastic polymer powder resistance to corrosion and two terminal portions (7,8) containing the distribution holes (2,3,4,5) for the inlet of the fresh electrolytes and for the outlet of the exhausted electrolytes and electrolysis products. Said terminal portions are integral with the central portion and are obtained during said heat-pressing from a mixture of graphite or conductive carbon and said thermoplastic polymer powder with a ratio between said powders lower than that of the central portion. Said mixture of the terminal portions may further contain also a non-conductive compound powder, in which case the mixture may also be free from graphite or conductive carbon powder.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for determining the substance conversion during areal electrochemical reactions in at least one local surface area between a counterelectrode arrangement of an areal design and an electrode arrangement of an areal design, which has a contact element segment designed in accordance with the surface area and a contact element contacting the remaining surface areas and being electrically insulated in relation to the contact element segment, in such a manner that the substance conversion can be determined in as simple a manner as possible it is suggested that not only the contact element but also the contact element segment be connected to one current source or current drain provided for carrying out the electrochemical reaction, that a current flowing between the contact element segment and the current source or current drain via a conductor generate a magnetic field around the conductor and that the magnetic field be determined as a measure for the substance conversion in the local s

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cathode element for the production of electrolytic copper, and more particularly to an improved cathode element of the reusable type which includes a cathode plate. With the intention of preventing a sleeve-like copper build-up around the cathode plate, the cathode element is provided with electrically insulating edge strips along at least those side edges of the cathode element which, in an active position, are located in the electrolyte bath, wherein the electrically insulating edge strips are chemically bonded to the cathode plate, preferably by vulcanization or by gluing.

Abstract: The general area of this invention relates to porous materials made from nanofiber packed beds. More particularly, the invention relates to altering the porosity or packing structure of a nanofiber packed bed structure by blending nanofibers with scaffold particulates having larger dimensions. For example, adding large diameter fibers to a nanotube packed bed to serve as a scaffolding to hold the smaller nanofibers apart and prevent the nanofiber bed structure from collapsing. This increases the average pore size of the mass by changing the pore size distribution and alters the packing structure of the packed bed. The increase in average pore size is caused by the creation of larger channels which improves the flow of liquids or gasses through these materials.

Abstract: A ceramic element is provided which can be injection molded from an electrolyte and a binder. The ceramic element includes a tube support portion and a plurality of tubes extending from the tube support portion. The plurality of tubes are arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of vias extend from one surface of the tube support portion to an opposite surface of the tube support portion. The ceramic element is coated with an electrically conductive coating and a current collector coating. The vias are coated with the electrically conductive coating and plugged. After the coatings are removed in selected areas of the ceramic element, the tubes of the ceramic element form a series-parallel array because tubes in the same column are connected in parallel electrically and tubes in adjacent rows are connected in series electrically. Two ceramic elements are sealed together to form a modular electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be either an oxygen generator or a fuel cell.

Abstract: Wrought copper cathode starting sheets for use in the electrolytic production of copper made preferably by a continuous casting and rolling process are provided. Refined copper is melted in a shaft furnace and continuously cast preferably using a twin belt horizontal caster and straight line rolled to reduce the thickness of the casting by about 25% to 98% to produce a sheet having a thickness up to about 0.123 inch. The continuous sheet is cut after the rolling process from uncoiled sheet into discrete rectangular shapes suitable for use as a starting sheet, as a starting sheet blank or other metal sheet uses such as cladding and roofing.

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.

Abstract: An elcctrobiochemical system for the determination of the presence and optionally concentration of an analyte in a liquid medium, the system comprising an electrode having immobilized thereon a member of a recognition pair, the other member of said pair being said analyte, the presence of said analyte in the medium resulting in formation of a pair complex, being a complex between said immobilized member and said analyte; the system further comprising redox molecules capable of changing their redox state by accepting electrons from or donating electrons to the electrode; the formation of the pair complex on the electrode bringing a change in the electrical response of the system, whereby the presence and optionally the concentration of said analyte in the medium can be determined.

Abstract: An anode containment basket for holding soluble anodes in a horizontal plane within the plating bath of a continuous electroplating line. The basket includes a nonconductive conduit having a continuous sidewall, an interior space and open ends. One open end includes an end cap having a nonconductive open web plastic mesh that covers an open space defined by the conduit end. The conduit is positioned within the bath to place the nonconductive open web plastic mesh adjacent and across the horizontal surface of the substrate being electroplated. A conductive grid is housed within the interior space of the conduit, and the grid includes at least one hanger attached to an electrical energy source. The conductive grid both supports and delivers electrical energy to the soluble anodes contained within the basket.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the recovery of metal from a molten electrolyte and an electrode assembly for use in such a cell. The cell (10) comprises an electrode assembly consisting of an anode (17), a cathode (19) and one or more bipolar electrodes (18) disposed between the anode and the cathode so as to form interpolar spaces (16) in which electrolysis occurs. In the electrode assembly, the bipolar electrode (if there is only one) or the innermost bipolar electrode (if there are more than one) substantially surrounds the anode and forms a single mechanical and electrical entity. The cathode in turn preferably substantially surrounds the one or more bipolar electrodes. The electrode assembly comprising the cathode and bipolar electrode(s) is preferably unitary, forming an electrode cassette that can be assembled outside a cell and then introduced into, or withdrawn from, the cell as a single self-supporting unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a working electrode for use in an undivided electrochemical cell that is composed of at least one three dimensional accordion pleated sheet member having an open surface area of from zero to 50%. Typically suitable materials include metal mesh and woven fibers. The invention also includes an undivided electrochemical cell, containing the novel working electrode. Finally, the invention includes a method for electrochemically treating a metals-containing hydrocarbon stream in an undivided electrochemical cell by contacting a metals containing hydrocarbon stream with the novel pleated electrode. The invention has broad applicability for treating starting materials that produce electrochemically reversible (redox active) intermediates.

Abstract: An electrode for use in electro-chemical corrosion protection systems, such as cathodic and anodic metal corrosion protection, is in electric contact with a ionically conducting medium. It comprises at least two electrically non-conducting barriers, spaced apart along the electrode. Between the barriers an active part of the surface of the electrode is formed, which active part is in electric contact with the conducting medium. The barriers have a substantial extension outwards from said active part of the surface of the electrode into the conducting medium, so as to homogeneize the current distribution along said active part of the surface of the electrode. (FIG.

Abstract: An anode and mounting bracket assembly is designed to seat quickly and easily on cylindrical or tubular underwater structures. The anodes span between end plates which include notches or recesses in which the tubular structure seats. The recesses include bell-mouth openings for ease of positioning. Each plate includes a pivoting gate including a saddle receiving the structure. Each plate also includes pointed bolts aimed over-center the gate pivots. When the brackets are positioned on the tubular structure the gates swing to a closed or locked position, the tightening of the bolts locks the gates closed. In such locked over-center position the gates block the bell-mouth openings of the plate recesses. The pointed bolts provide good electrical contact and the assembly may be easily removed by loosening the bolts to clear the gates. The assembly is then pulled from the structure.

Abstract: In a method of characterizing a polymer binder for cell electrodes in contact with an electrolyte and including a current collector and a paste containing an electrochemically active material and said binder, a spreading coefficient of the binder on the active material is calculated from the measured angle of contact between standard liquids and the active material and the binder, respectively. An interaction energy of the binder with the electrolyte is calculated from the measured angle of contact between the electrolyte and the binder. The binder is selected such that the spreading coefficient is less than zero and the interaction energy is at least 60 mJ/m.sup.2.

Abstract: An electrode for electrolysis comprising an electrode base material and an electrode substance having an electrically conductive diamond structure covering the surface of the electrode base material. The electrode substance having an electrically conductive diamond structure may be a diamond containing an impurity selected from boron, phosphorus and graphite. Alternatively, the electrode substance having an electrically conductive diamond structure may comprise a composite of a diamond and an electrically conductive material. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode further comprises an interlayer comprising at least one of the carbide of a valve metal and silicon carbide disposed between the electrode base material and the electrode substance having an electrically conductive diamond structure. Also disclosed is an electrolytic cell having two chambers including an anode chamber and a cathode chamber partitioned by an ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: A solid high silicon cast iron elongated anode has a midpoint electrical connection keeping the connection as far as possible from the ends to combat the deleterious pencil effect. The anode is made by casting using a hollow or shell core to form a small axial hole extending from one end. The sand or foundry material of the core is removed and the wall of the hole at the blind end of the hole is at least partially finished to receive a diagonally split slug to which a lead wire is connected. Alternatively the hole is formed by a steel pipe which is left in place as a hole liner. The pipe may be supported by one or more chaplets. The slug is fastened in the blind end of the hole by a driving tool rotating a threaded headed bolt with both axial and rotational force to hold the connection in the blind end of the hole as it is secured in place. The hole is filled with a potting compound sealing the connection in the center of the solid cast iron anode.

Abstract: Durable electrolytic cell electrodes having low hydrogen overpotential and performance stability. A highly porous electrocatalytic primary phase and an outer, secondary phase reinforcement coating are provided on an electrically conducting transition metal substrate to make the electrodes. Durability is achieved by the application of the outer secondary phase to protect the primary phase electrocatalytically active coating. A process is also disclosed for catalizing a substrate surface to promote electroless deposition of a metal.

Abstract: A wire electrode arrangement for electroerosion cutting includes an elongated core. Multiple electrode elements are arranged sequentially along the elongated core. The electrode elements are separated by gaps and are mutually insulated.

Abstract: Nanostructured elements are provided for use in the electrode of a membrane electrode assembly for use in fuel cells, sensors, electrochemical cells, and the like. The nanostructured elements comprise acicular microstructured support whiskers bearing acicular nanoscopic catalyst particles which may comprise alternating layers of catalyst materials, which may comprise a surface layer that differs in composition from the bulk composition of the catalyst particles, and which may demonstrate improved carbon monoxide tolerance.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising an ion conducting membrane and one or more electrode layers that comprise nanostructured elements, wherein the nanostructured elements are in incomplete contact with the ion conducting membrane. This invention also provides methods to make the membrane electrode assembly of the invention. The membrane electrode assembly of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for reactivating an active cathode attached to an electrolyzer, wherein a porous cathode that is attached to the electrolyzer by means of a flexible member and has a decreased electrode catalyst activity is provided thereon with a fresh active cathode equivalent to, or smaller in wire diameter or pore diameter than, the porous cathode by bending a mounting piece formed around said fresh active cathode without removal of a deteriorated electrode catalyst substance.

Abstract: A ceramic oxygen generator is described which is capable of modular construction to permit the oxygen generation capacity to be expanded. An ionically conducted ceramic electrolyte is formed into a series of rows and columns of tubes on a tube support member and like electrolyte bodies can be connected together to form a manifold therebetween for oxygen produced in the interiors of the rubes. An electrical connection between tubes is formed such that the anodes and cathodes of tubes in a column are connected in parallel while the tubes in the row are, respectively, connected anode to cathode to form a series connection.

Abstract: A sealing ring containing an electrode for sensing electrochemical conditions within a fluid handling system, in particular, the occurrence of crevice corrosion, has a body formed of a continuous loop of an electrically insulating fluid-impervious material having a surface which can form a fluid-tight seal with elements of a fluid handling apparatus, an electrode embedded within the body and electrically insulated from electronic conductive contact with those portions of the surface of the body that contact the fluid handling apparatus, and channels extending between the electrode and the surface of the body of the sealing ring to permit electrochemical contact between the electrode and the fluid within the system. The sealing ring also includes electronically conductive wires to connect the embedded electrode to external electrical devices, e.g., electronic measuring equipment.

Abstract: Metal is electrolytically precipitated on a cathode plate except for a portion thereof. The non-precipitated portion enables easy peeling of the precipitated metal from the cathode plate. The ceramic coating film is formed on the non-precipitated portion and prevents intrusion of electrolytic acid between the ceramic coating film and the cathode plate. The life of the coating is prolonged. The polishing of the cathode plate can be automatized.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel apparatus and novel methods for the separation, characterization, and manipulation of matter. In particular, the invention combines the use of frequency-dependent dielectric and conductive properties of particulate matter and solubilized matter with the properties of a suspending medium to discriminate and separate such matter. The apparatus includes a chamber having at least one spiral electrode element. Matter is separated in the chamber by a dielectrophoretic (DEP) force caused by the energized electrode or electrodes.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode and method of making a sacrificial anode are provided. The anode includes an extruded galvanically active metal rod and integrally formed end cap which has a cylindrically shaped portion with a threaded exterior surface. The anode is formed by extruding the rod, forging the end cap from the anchoring end portion of the rod, and machining the outer surface of the end cap to provide threads.

Abstract: A cell, particularly a membrane cell, that will generally be oriented in an at least substantially vertical positioning, is provided with an array of blade electrodes. The blade electrodes are Delta shape in cross-section, having a flat back face and forwardly sloping sides meeting at a forward edge. Such electrodes can be secured to a current distributor bar, typically on a flat front face of the bar. The forward edge of an electrode blade may be placed opposite a counter electrode of the same or different structure, with a membrane separator usually interposed therebetween. Electrical connection can be made to the electrode blades from the distributor bar, and to the distributor bar through boss electrical connectors. Baffles, which may also be secured to the distributor bar, help establish a front chamber, containing the electrode blades, in front of the baffles, and a back chamber behind the baffles. Electrolyte circulates through the front chamber and recirculates through the back chamber.

Abstract: In an electrochemical fuel cell, an electrode substrate has an in-plane nonuniform structure. The electrode substrate having an in-plane nonuniform structure enables controlled transport of reactant toward the electrocatalyst layer and controlled transport of reaction product away from the electrocatalyst layer.

Abstract: A filtering mechanism for especially well suited for corrosive mists which are generated from electro-refining systems. A layer of bristles forming a brush is secured to an electrode within the electro-refining system. As the electro-refining system produces a mist of corrosive chemicals above the slurry, the mist rises through the bristles. As the mist passes through the bristles, the corrosive chemical adheres to the bristles; hence, the corrosive chemical does not pass into the surrounding environment. Periodically, the bristles are washed to remove the corrosive chemicals. In one embodiment of the invention, the edge between the electrodes and the wall of the slurry bath are partially sealed with a pliable member which assists in directing the mist through the bristles.

Abstract: A liquid delivery device comprising a housing having a lower surface for application to the skin of a subject and having a reservoir and a gas generation chamber therein separated by a displaceable membrane. Gas generated by an electrolytic cell under the control of a microprocessor causes the gas generation chamber to expand and the reservoir to contract, thereby discharging a liquid drug, such as insulin, from the reservoir via a hollow delivery needle extending from the lower surface. The delivery needle and a sensor needle both extend from the lower surface a sufficient distance so as to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis when the housing is pressed against the skin. The sensor needle has an enzymatic coating for the detection of an analyte, such as glucose in the subject's plasma. The delivery needle is made of platinum-iridium, and a current passes between the needles and a potentiostat circuit according to the amount of glucose detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode based on a transition metal (M) for reduction of carbon dioxide into formate in a hydro-organic or purely aqueous medium, particularly for air decarbonation applications for industry and in general for atmospheric pollution control and regeneration of breathable air in a confined or unconfined environment, characterized by including a transition metal molecular complex formed of:a bidentate ligand functional by identical or different electroattractive groups A and A', the ligand comprising a basic molecular group allowing the reduction redox potential of the complex to be reduced in a range of -1.40 to +0.80 V relative to an Ag/Ag.sup.+ reference electrode, at least one of the groups A or A' being electropolymerizable;two identical or different labile groups Y and Y' with trans stereochemistry taken from the following series: halide anion (Cl.sup.-, Br.sup.-, I.sup.-), acetate anion (CH.sub.3 COO.sup.

Abstract: A liquid delivery device comprising a housing having a lower surface for application to the skin of a subject and having a reservoir and a gas generation chamber therein separated by a displaceable membrane. Gas generated by an electrolytic cell under the control of a microprocessor causes the gas generation chamber to expand and the reservoir to contract, thereby discharging a liquid drug, such as insulin, from the reservoir via a hollow delivery needle extending from the lower surface. The delivery needle and a sensor needle both extend from the lower surface a sufficient distance so as to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis when the housing is pressed against the skin. The sensor needle has an enzymatic coating for the detection of an analyte, such as glucose in the subject's plasma. The delivery needle is made of platinum-iridium, and a current passes between the needles and a potentiostat circuit according to the amount of glucose detected.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of controlling the microstructure and service properties of electrically conductive transparent and other materials by passing an electrical current through the materials while simultaneously employing an additional process. Examples of the additional process include heating, sintering, deposition, casting, electrical arcing, and immersion in liquids. In one embodiment of the present invention, the additional process is deposition of a transparent conductive coating material while passing a current through the deposited coating along the surface of the coated material.

Abstract: Electrodes in plate form can be electrocatalytically coated and secured to a current distributor, such as by welding to a base plate, and may be serviceable, e.g., as anodes, in cells electrolyzing brine. Recoating of plate electrodes can require removal from the cell, removal of old coating, application of fresh coating, then returning and securing the freshly coated electrodes to the cell. There are now provided envelopes for covering the original electrode plates. The original plates thus do not need to be separated from a base member of the cell. The envelopes can have an electrocatalytic coating on their outer surfaces. The resulting electrodes are thus a combination of an old inner plate and a new outer envelope, with an outer surface coating on the envelope. The envelopes can be secured to the inner plate and/or to a current distributor such as a base plate.

Abstract: An anode basket according to the present invention for use in electroplating operations includes a container for suspending anode metal in plating solution. The container has mesh walls formed of conductive, corrosion resistant material and is connected to an electrical power source by a wire attached to the container at a location below the surface of the plating solution.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a catalyst to be applied to an electrode substrate, the method incorporates cooling the catalyst material to a temperature below a critical temperature and grinding the cooled catalyst to produce a catalyst material which will create a uniform catalytic layer on an electrode substrate. The finished electrode having significantly fewer particles than the electrode prepared by the prior art method.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical cell used in strip coating systems for continuous metal sheets has a plate-shaped electrode carrier, to which activated electrode components are connected mechanically in a detachable manner. The electrode carrier contains a metal core of material with good electrical conductivity, which, with the exception of the points where the activated electrode parts are connected, is surrounded by a jacketing of valve metal; on the side of the electrode carrier facing the cell wall, a corrosion- resistant plastic body in attached, against which the support means, the spring elements, the positioning elements, or the flow guide elements extending from the cell wall rest, these supports or elements thus being unable to cause any damage to the valve-metal jacketing of the electrode carrier.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode and method of making a sacrificial anode are provided. The anode includes an extruded galvanically active metal rod and integrally formed end cap which has a cylindrically shaped portion with a threaded exterior surface. The anode is formed by extruding the rod, forging the end cap from the anchoring end portion of the rod, and machining the outer surface of the end cap to provide threads.

Abstract: A double layer structure for use as a capacitor or battery electrode, for use in other electrochemical systems, includes in one embodiment a first layer containing conductive transition metal oxides and a second layer which includes conductive carbon embedded in a suitable binder. For capacitor and lead-acid battery applications the transition metal containing material is used as the negative terminal substrate. Another embodiment includes a carbon layer on an electrode surface, the electrode being made from the transition metal oxide in a binder. The last mentioned carbon layer is thin, inexpensive and more conductive than a laminate layer in which the carbon is imbedded in a self-supporting binder.

Abstract: An improved active electrode for use in planar sensors has been discovered, the electrode prepared by a process comprising combining a base component with a metal paste and heating the paste in the presence of air for a time sufficient to oxidize a portion of the electrode to produce the metal/metal oxide electrode. The electrodes may be incorporated into various planar sensor formats, particularly pH and CO.sub.2 sensors.

Abstract: A resonating electroplating anode electrode for electroplating the inside surfaces of steam generator tubing. The resonating electroplating anode electrode is formed from a plurality of tubular ceramic resonating material pieces glued to the inside and/or to one end of an anode tube to create a single resonating volume. In operation, an electrolyte solution is fed to the outside of the electrode in an annulus formed between the steam generator tube and the anode and returns through a hollow center in the anode. During use, the resonating materials resonate within the electrolyte solution during the electroplating process, thus creating an ultrasound enhanced-electroplating process.

Abstract: A method of preparing electrodes is now described, which electrodes have enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. In the method, a substrate metal, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching to ensure a roughened surface morphology. In subsequent operations, a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.

Abstract: Conducting plastic electrodes and methods of preparing such electrodes are disclosed. The electrodes comprise a thermo-plastic polymer, an elastomeric polymer, and a conductive filler material.