Abstract: A hydrocarbon sensor of the present invention includes a substrate made of a solid electrolyte that conducts protons, and a pair of electrodes formed on the substrate, and at least one electrode of the pair of electrodes contains Au and Al. Assuming that a content of an Al simple substance in one of the pair of electrodes is “a” mol %, and a content of aluminum oxide therein is “b” mol %, “a” and “b” satisfy a relationship: a+2b≦7.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-chemical deposition system that is designed with a flexible architecture that is expandable to accommodate future designs and gap fill requirements and provides satisfactory throughput to meet the demands of other processing systems. The electro-chemical deposition system generally comprises a mainframe having a mainframe wafer transfer robot, a loading station disposed in connection with the mainframe, one or more processing cells disposed in connection with the mainframe, and an electrolyte supply fluidly connected to the one or more electrical processing cells. Preferably, the electro-chemical deposition system includes a spin-rinse-dry (SRD) station disposed between the loading station and the mainframe, a rapid thermal anneal chamber attached to the loading station, and a system controller for controlling the electro-chemical deposition process and the components of the electro-chemical deposition system.

Abstract: A copper anode is described for use in electroplating semiconductor interconnects, where said anode has a preferred grain size or crystallographic orientation and a preferred chemical composition. The microstructure of the anode may be of two types (1) grains smaller than 100 microns in any dimension or (2) large columnar grains aligned perpendicularly to the anode corroding surface. Copper cathodes of not less than 99.99 weight percent of copper are alloyed to achieve an anode with a phosphor content of 0.045 to 0.060 weight percent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for plating a conductive material on a semiconductor substrate by rotating pad or blade type objects in close proximity to the substrate, thereby eliminating/reducing dishing and voids. This is achieved by providing pad or blade type objects mounted on cylindrical anodes or rollers and applying the conductive material to the substrate using the electrolyte solution disposed on or through the pads, or on the blades. In one embodiment of the invention, the pad or blade type objects are mounted on the cylindrical anodes and rotated about a first axis while the workpiece may be stationary or rotate about a second axis, and metal from the electrolyte solution is deposited on the workpiece when a potential difference is applied between the workpiece and the anode. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plating apparatus includes an anode plate spaced apart from the cathode workpiece.

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 present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for activation of a cathode comprising at least a cathode substrate wherein the cathode is cleaned by means of an acid, the cleaned cathode is coated with at least one electrocatalytic coating solution, drying the coated cathode until it is at least substantially dry, and thereafter contacting the cathode with a solvent redissolving precipitated electrocatalytic salts or acids formed on the cathode, originating from the electrocatalytic solution, to form dissolved electrocatalytic metal ions on the cathode surface, so that said electrocatalytic metal ions can precipitate as metals on the cathode. The invention also comprises a cathode obtainable by the method and the use of an activated cathode in an electrolytic cell for producing chlorine and alkali hydroxide.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polymer thick film conductor compositions comprising conductive metal particles selected from the group consisting of finely divided powders of platinum group metals and mixtures thereof or metallized graphite particles; in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and optionally, graphite conductive filler.

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: A method and apparatus for adding a metal, for example sodium, to a melt of a material, for example aluminum, in a vessel, in which a molten compound of the metal or a solution of a compound of the metal is provided in a container (12), the container being positioned outside the vessel, the compound is electrolytically decomposed and ions of the metal are caused to pass through a wall of a solid-state electrolyte (14) which is a conductor therefor, from a first side of the wall to an opposite second side thereof, and to combine with electrons at the second side of the wall and then to flow as molten metal from the container into the melt in the vessel.

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: Disclosed herein is a gas sensor having a small amount of lead oxide incorporated into an inner electrode and an outer electrode, and a method for depositing the lead oxide. The lead oxide is applied in an amount sufficient to effectuate consistent performance during sensor break-in. Lead oxide is transferred to the electrodes of the sensor element during the fabrication process by exposing the sensor element to glass having a known lead content during a heating step. Lead oxide from the glass is vaporized and deposited on the electrodes in the form of lead oxide. The deposited lead oxide is incorporated into the electrodes of the sensor element. The lead oxide reduces performance irregularities thereby improving performance during the initial use of the gas sensor.

Abstract: Improved electrolytic cells are described. The cells comprise the novel electrolyte K2HPO4, or a less alkaline phosphate buffer solution, electrodes having a modified composition, or a combination of the new electrolyte and a modified composition electrode. The K2HPO4 electrolyte, or less alkaline phosphate buffer solution, and modified electrodes can be used in liquid delivery devices which deliver a liquid agent at a constant rate or a controlled variable rate over a period of time.

Abstract: A grid anode for cathodic protection of steel reinforced concrete structures formed of multiple valve metal strips including multiple electric current-carrying valve metal strips. Valve metal strip grid anodes without an electrocatalytic metal surface can be used in a cathodic protection system operated at an anode current density up to about 20 milliamps per square foot. Composite anodes having an electrocatalytic metal coating are useful at higher anode current densities.

Abstract: A metal anode useful in a galvanic or impressed current cathodic protection system for a steel reinforced concrete article is a unitary, multi-plane, porous, metal anode strip or ribbon having a plurality of louvers defining a plane or planes at the lateral extremities of said louvers. In one embodiment, louvers extending in their long dimension longitudinally on the anode strip are spaced apart from adjacent louver units by an intermediate plane. Louvered anode strips consisting of a valve metal or alloy or mixture thereof are useful at an anode current density of up to about 20 milliamps per square foot. Louvered metal anodes comprising an electrocatalytically active coating on a valve metal substrate are useful at higher anode current densities. Sacrificial metal anodes such as zinc anodes are useful in galvanic cathodic protection systems.

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: An electrodeionization apparatus and method of use includes an expanded conductive mesh electrode. The expanded conductive mesh electrode may be formed from any conductive material that is dimensionally stable and may be coated with conductive coating suitable for use in anode or cathode service. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes are formed by slitting a sheet of metal and pulling its sides in a direction perpendicular to the slits. The fabricated mesh may be flattened after stretching. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes typically have a diamond-shaped pattern of any size that provides support for an adjacent ion-permeable membrane while allowing an electrode or fluid stream to flow through. The mesh size typically has a long-wise dimension and a short-wise dimension. The conductive mesh electrode may also be placed against an endblock having fluid channels. These channels may be serpentine or parallel channels, which allow fluid flow to wash away any accumulation.

Abstract: A method to electrolytically polymerize aromatic hydrocarbons and oxidize cyclopentane structures within the hydrocarbons into cyclopentanone structures is disclosed including a method to electrolyse fluorene in the presence of an ester to produce poly(9-fluorenone). A method to electrolytically oxidize polymers having cyclopentane structures to polymers having cycloppentanone structures is also disclosed including a method to electrolyze poly(fluorene) to produce poly(9-fluorenone). In addition, a method to chemically oxidize polymers containing cyclopentane structures into polymers containing cyclopentanone structures is disclosed, including a method to oxidize poly(fluorene), with a chemically prepared oxidizing agent, to produce poly(9-fluorenone).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting stress corrosion cracking occurring on steam generator tubes in the secondary side of nuclear power plants and an inhibitor therefor. The method comprises supplying cerium boride as an inhibitor for stress corrosion cracking into the secondary feed water of the nuclear power plants. The method according to the present invention improves resistance of stress corrosion cracking three times or higher than no inhibitor, and two times or higher than the conventional inhibitor. In particular, the method according to the present invention shows a superior inhibiting effect in the lead-contaminated environment such that the complete inhibition of stress corrosion cracking can be achieved. As thus, the method can reduce the unexpected stop of operating nuclear power plants caused by the stress corrosion cracking on steam generator tubes, thereby reducing the cost required for maintaining and repairing the tubes.

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: 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: 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 electrolytic cell with an anode and cathode for the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid and brine is provided. The anodes and cathodes of the present invention are made of a bulk ceramic or intermetallic material.

Abstract: The process for preparing spinel-type lithium manganate according to the present invention is constituted by a process to admix the electrolyzed manganese dioxide, which is obtained by neutralizing manganese dioxide precipitated by means of electrolysis with any of potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, and a lithium material and a process to subject the resulting mixture to a sintering process.

Abstract: A galvanic cell system (50) in fluid communication with a dewatering system (40) of an inhibited oxidation scrubber (20) removes an oxidation catalyst, i.e., solution phase iron (98), from the process liquor (42) produced by the dewatering system (40) and replaces the iron (98) with magnesium (104) in an oxidation-reduction reaction. An electrolytic cell system (154) in fluid communication with a dewatering system (144) of a forced oxidation scrubber (128) removes an oxidation inhibitor, i.e., solution phase aluminum (174), from the process liquor (146) produced by the dewatering system (144) and replaces the aluminum (174) with iron (170) in an oxidation-reduction reaction. The process liquor (42, 146) is subsequently returned to the scrubber (20, 128) with the solution phase metal (98, 174) selectively removed, thereby enhancing the scrubbing efficiency of the scrubber (20, 128).

Abstract: An electrochemical discharge machining method may include electrolytically machining a tool fed by a three-dimensional tool feeder which can accurately feed a tool in three dimensions. The electrolytic machining may be performed in a current controlled mode, during which a concentration and a height of an electrolyte may be regulated. Further, the method may include performing electrochemical discharge machining of the workpiece using the machined tool in a voltage controlled mode.

Abstract: A gas sensing element has a solid electrolytic body, a reference gas side electrode provided on a surface of the solid electrolytic body so as to be exposed to a reference gas, and a measured gas side electrode provided on another surface of the solid electrolytic body so as to be exposed to a measured gas. A crystal face strength ratio of the measured gas side electrode according to X-ray diffraction is 0.7≦{I(200)/I(111)} or 0.6≦{I(220)/I(111)}.

Abstract: Disclosed is A flow-through electrochemical reactor comprising a body having an internal chamber, and an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with said internal chamber to permit flow of wastewater therethrough, at least one porous anode arranged in said internal chamber such that the wastewater flowing between said inlet port and said outlet port flows through the pores of said at least one porous anode, said at least one porous anode having activity for the destruction of a target substance, and at least one cathode disposed in the internal chamber to permit an electric current to be established between said at least one cathode and said at least one anode, said electric current reducing the concentration of said target substance in the wastewater flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: A method of making cermet inert anodes for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The method includes the step of spray drying a slurry comprising ceramic phase particles and metal phase particles. The resultant spray dried powder, which comprises agglomerates of both the ceramic phase and metal phase particles, may then be consolidated by techniques such as pressing and sintering to produce a cermet inert anode material. The ceramic phase may comprise oxides of Ni, Fe and at least one additional metal selected from Zn, Co, Al, Li, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, Hf and rare earths. The metal phase may comprise Cu, Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and/or Os. The consolidated cermet inert anode material exhibits improved properties such as reduced porosity. The cermet inert anodes may be used in electrolytic reduction cells for the production of commercial purity aluminum as well as other metals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous electrochemical process for preparing zinc powder which involves: providing to an electrochemical cell a solution or suspension in an aqueous 1.25 Molar to 10.

Abstract: A cermet inert anode having a reduced level of contaminating surface metal is disclosed. Methods for preparing cermet inert anodes and methods for treating cermet inert anodes are also disclosed. The methods generally use an oxidizing agent to convert metals on the surface of the anode to inert oxides and/or to otherwise remove the metal contaminants. The inert anodes of the present invention may be used in electrolytic reduction cells for the production of commercial purity aluminum, as well as other metals.

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: The sensor comprises an electrode ink composition comprising a noble metal, and organo-metallic materials or combinations thereof. A solid electrolyte is disposed between a sensing electrode, exposed to a sensing gas such as an exhaust gas and a reference electrode, exposed to a reference gas.

Abstract: An electrode for electrolyzing an electrolyte comprising an ammonium fluoride (NH4F)-hydrogen fluoride (HF)-containing molten salt and having a composition ratio (HF/NH4F) of 1 to 3 to prepare a nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas and an electrolyte for use in the preparation of NF3 gas, and a preparation method of the NF3 gas by the use of the electrode and the electrolyte. The electrode comprises nickel having 0.07 wt % or less of Si content and containing a transition metal other than nickel. The electrolyte also contains a transition metal other than nickel.

Abstract: A cermet inert anode having a reduced level of contaminating surface metal is disclosed. Methods for preparing cermet inert anodes and methods for treating cermet inert anodes are also disclosed. The methods generally use an oxidizing agent to convert metals on the surface of the anode to inert oxides and/or to otherwise remove the metal contaminants. The inert anodes of the present invention may be used in electrolytic reduction cells for the production of commercial purity aluminum, as well as other metals.

Abstract: A cermet inert anode for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode comprises a ceramic phase including an oxide of Ni, Fe and M, where M is at least one metal selected from Zn, Co, Al, Li, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, Hf and rare earths, preferably Zn and/or Co. Preferred ceramic compositions comprise Fe2O3, NiO and ZnO or CoO. The cermet inert anode also comprises a metal phase such as Cu, Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and/or Os. A preferred metal phase comprises Cu and Ag. The cermet inert anodes may be used in electrolytic reduction cells for the production of commercial purity aluminum as well as other metals.

Abstract: A method of producing commercial purity aluminum in an electrolytic reduction cell comprising ceramic inert anodes is disclosed. The method produces aluminum having acceptable levels of Fe, Cu and Ni impurities. The ceramic inert anodes used in the process may comprise oxides containing Fe and Ni, as well as other oxides, metals and/or dopants.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide gas sensor wherein an alloy electrode of platinum and rhodium or a cermet electrode of platinum, rhodium, and zirconia or of a rhodium alloy and zirconia is used as the gas sensing electrode. The electrode of the sensor is suitable for measuring nitrogen oxide such as NO and NO2 in an exhaust gas.

Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprising one or more anodes (10), each having a metal-based anode substrate, for instance comprising a metal core (11) covered with an metal layer 12, an oxygen barrier layer (13), one or more intermediate layers (14, 14A, 14B) and an iron layer (15). The anode substrate is covered with an electrochemically active iron oxide-based outside layer (16), in particular a hematite-based layer, which remains dimensionally stable during operation in a cell by maintaining in the electrolyte a sufficient concentration of iron species. The cell operating temperature is sufficiently low so that the required concentration of iron species in the electrolyte (5) is limited by the reduced solubility of iron species in the electrolyte at the operating temperature, which consequently limits the contamination of the product aluminium by iron to an acceptable level.

Abstract: A nitrogen containing niobium powder is disclosed as well as electrolytic capacitors formed from the niobium powders. Methods to reduce DC leakage in a niobium anode are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for forming a deposit on the surface of a metallic or conductive surface. The process employs an energy enhanced process to deposit a silicate containing coating or film upon a metallic or conductive surface.

Abstract: Dioxins are eliminated from soot by conversion into oil and water. A gas stream of smoke and dioxin-entraining ash is passed through a curtain of water in a separator to separate the dioxin-entraining ash from the gas stream. The ash-water mixture is separated by a centrifuge, the separated ash is mixed with water and the mixture is again separated by a centrifuge into ash and an emulsion-like oil-water mixture in which dioxins are dissolved. This separated ash is also washed with water and the various wash waters and the dioxin-containing oil-water mixture are admixed and electrolyzed in a primary electrolyzer equipped with a carbon anode and a stainless steel cathode to decompose the dioxin components. The remaining aqueous liquid is electrolyzed in a secondary electrolyzer with an aluminum anode and a stainless steel cathode to generate hydrogen by electrolysis of water and metal hydroxides by electrolysis of aluminum.

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: An electrolytic bath for use during the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum. The bath comprises molten electrolyte having the following ingredients: AlF3 and at least one salt selected from the group consisting of NaF, KF, and LiF; and about 0.004 wt. % to about 0.2 wt. %, based on total weight of the molten electrolyte, of at least one transition metal or at least one compound of the metal or both. The compound is, a fluoride; oxide, or carbonate. The metal is nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, or molybdenum. The bath is employed in a combination including a vessel for containing the bath and at least one non-consumable anode and at least one dimensionally stable cathode in the bath. Employing the instant bath during electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum improves the wetting of aluminum on a cathode by reducing or eliminating the formation of non-metallic deposits on the cathode.

Abstract: An inert anode for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode includes a ceramic oxide material preferably made from NiO, Fe2O3 and CoO. The inert anode composition may comprise the following mole fractions of NiO, Fe2O3 and CoO: 0.15 to 0.99 NiO; 0.0001 to 0.85 Fe2O3; and 0.0001 to 0.45 CoO. The inert anode may optionally include other oxides and/or at least one metal phase, such as Cu, Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and/or Os. The Ni—Fe—Co—O ceramic material exhibits very low solubility in Hall cell baths used to produce aluminum.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for generating chlorine from common salt preferably includes a base with a passageway in it, a first liquid-holder extending upward from the base in fluid communication with one end of the passageway, and a second liquid-holder extending upward from the base in fluid communication with the other end of the passageway. An anode and a cathode are disposed in the passageway, with an ion-selective membrane positioned between them. The electrodes preferably include an electrolyte-contacting portion positioned in the passageway, and an electrical connection portion that extends outward away from the passageway. An electrode-holder effective to prevent liquid from leaking out of the passageway is preferably included on each electrode. Sight tubes to facilitate observation of the liquid levels in the liquid-holders are also preferably included, as is a handle to facilitate carrying and/or hanging the generator.

Abstract: A cell for the production of aluminium by the electrolysis of an aluminium compound dissolved in a molten electrolyte, in which an outer mechanical structure forming an outer shell (21) houses therein one or more inner electrically-conductive cathode holder shells or plates (31) which contain a cathode mass (32) and is/are connected electrically to the busbar. The cathode mass (32) has an aluminium-wettable top surface (37), preferably at a slope forming a drained cathode. The inner cathode holder shell or shells (31) is/are separated from the outer shell (21) by an electric and thermic insulation (40), the cathode holder shell(s) (31) also serving to distribute current uniformly to the cathode mass (32). The or each cathode (30) formed by the cathode holder shell (31) and cathode mass (32) is removable from the cell as a unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical deposition system that is designed with a flexible architecture that is expandable to accommodate future designs and gap fill requirements and provides satisfactory throughput to meet the demands of other processing systems. The electrochemical deposition system generally comprises a mainframe having a mainframe wafer transfer robot, a loading station disposed in connection with the mainframe, one or more processing cells disposed in connection with the mainframe, and an electrolyte supply fluidly connected to the one or more electrical processing cells. Preferably, the electrochemical deposition system includes a spin-rinse-dry (SRD) station disposed between the loading station and the mainframe, a rapid thermal anneal chamber attached to the loading station, and a system controller for controlling the electrochemical deposition process and the components of the electrochemical deposition system.

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: Improved electrolytic cells are described. The cells comprise the novel electrolyte K2HPO4, or a less alkaline phosphate buffer solution, electrodes having a modified composition, or a combination of the new electrolyte and a modified composition electrode. The K2HPO4 electrolyte, or less alkaline phosphate buffer solution, and modified electrodes can be used in liquid delivery devices which deliver a liquid agent at a constant rate or a controlled variable rate over a period of time.