Abstract: The invention relates in a first aspect to a process for preparing a 3-dimensional body, in particular a vitreous or ceramic body, which comprises at least the following steps: a) providing an electrostatically stabilized suspension of particles; b) effecting a local destabilization of the suspension of particles by means of a localized electrical discharge between a charge injector and the suspension at a predetermined position and causing an aggregation and precipitation of the particles at said position; c) repeating step b) at different positions and causing the formation of larger aggregates until a final aggregate of particles representing a (porous) 3-dimensional body (green body) having predetermined dimensions has been formed; wherein the charge injector includes i) at least one discharge electrode which does not contact said suspension of particles or ii) a source of charged particles.

Abstract: A battery pre-heating apparatus for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery composed of a plurality of battery cells; a power relay assembly comprising, for the charge and discharge control of the battery, a first main relay connected to a positive electrode of the battery and a second main relay connected to a negative electrode of the battery; and a pre-heater including at least one sheet heater formed of a heating paste composition, wire-connected between an output terminal of the first main relay and an output terminal of the second main relay, and pre-heating the battery to a predetermined temperature using generation power by regenerative braking, wherein the heating paste composition contains, on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the heating paste composition, 3-6 parts by weight of carbon nanotube particles, 0.5-30 parts by weight of carbon nanoparticles, 10-30 parts by weight of a mixed binder, 29-83 parts by weight of an organic solvent, and 0.

Abstract: A method for assembling multi-component nano-structures that includes dispersing a plurality of nano-structures in a fluid medium, and applying an electric field having an alternating current (AC) component and a direct current (DC) component to the fluid medium containing the plurality of nano-structures. The electric field causes a first nano-structure from the plurality of nano-structures to move to a predetermined position and orientation relative to a second nano-structure of the plurality of nano-structures such that the first and second nano-structures assemble into a multi-component nano-structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a fast, scalable, room temperature process for fabricating metallic nanorods from nanoparticles or fabricating metallic or semiconducting nanorods from carbon nanotubes suspended in an aqueous solution. The assembled nanorods are suitable for use as nanoscale interconnects in CMOS-based devices and sensors. Metallic nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes are assembled into lithographically patterned vias by applying an external electric field. Since the dimensions of nanorods are controlled by the dimensions of vias, the nanorod dimensions can be scaled down to the low nanometer range. The aqueous assembly process is environmentally friendly and can be used to make nanorods using different types of metallic particles as well as semiconducting and metallic nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of creating a structure on an electrode includes exposing an electrode to a solution containing a polymerizable monomer and particles and applying an AC voltage to the electrode so as to induce positive DEP on the particles and to draw the particles toward the electrode. An offset voltage is applied to the electrode (which can be DC or AC) to form an electrically conductive polymer thereon from the polymerizable monomer, wherein the particles are entrapped on or within the polymer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a film containing oriented nanotubes or nanoparticles. The nanotubes typified by CNTs or nanoparticles are oriented utilizing an electric field, and influence of an electrode is suppressed, thereby allowing for production of a large-area film containing nanotubes or nanoparticles including reliably oriented nanotubes or nanoparticles, at a low cost. The method for producing the film containing nanotubes or nanoparticles which are oriented along the plane direction of the film includes: placing a film precursor containing nanotubes or nanoparticles on an interdigitated comb-like electrode through a support, in which the comb-like electrode is arranged on an insulating plate and configured with electrode wires having a circular cross-section; applying an AC voltage to the comb-like electrode in a state with the film precursor present on the comb-like electrode; and converting the film precursor into a film.

Abstract: Provided are methods for forming graphene or functionalized graphene thin films. Also provided are graphene and functionalized graphene thin films formed by the methods. For example, electrophoretic deposition methods and stamping methods are used. Defect-free thin films can be formed. Patterned films can be formed. The methods can provide conformal coatings on non-planar substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for nanowire alignment and deposition. Energizing (e.g., an alternating current electric field) is used to align and associate nanowires with electrodes. By modulating the energizing, the nanowires are coupled to the electrodes such that they remain in place during subsequent wash and drying steps. The invention also provides methods for transferring nanowires from one substrate to another in order to prepare various device substrates. The present invention also provides methods for monitoring and controlling the number of nanowires deposited at a particular electrode pair, as well as methods for manipulating nanowires in solution.

Abstract: A method for the electrophoretic coating of workpieces with a coating medium, in particular lacquer, and a coating installation are described. In the method, at least one workpiece is immersed in the coating medium. With a voltage source, a d.c. voltage is applied between the workpiece and at least one electrode immersed in the coating medium. The d.c. voltage is increased continuously, in an essentially stepless manner, throughout virtually the entire coating operation in such a way that the coating current density on the surface of the workpiece remains essentially constant over time.

Abstract: A method for integrating and erecting CNT column, comprises following steps of: 1) providing a conductive layer; 2) applying a non-conductive layer over the conductive layer; 3) forming a via on the non-conductive substrate; 4) placing an electrode above the via; 5) deploying dispersive liquid containing CNT powder into the via; 6) applying a predetermined AC electric field between the conductive substrate and the electrode for integrating and erecting the CNT powder into CNT column under electric field force.

Abstract: A method of deposition, the method comprising: providing an electrode pair and a fluid medium, the electrode pair comprising first and second electrodes configured to generate an alternating electric field therebetween, the fluid medium comprising a plurality of different types of particle dispersed therein; and setting one or more parameters of the alternating electric field to attract at least one type of particle from the fluid medium towards the electrode pair and deposit said at least one type of particle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided including a coating method and apparatus using a dielectrophoretic fluid movement system to coat with a non-conducting fluid along a surface that includes a non-conducting surface to receive the non-conducting fluid and a first and second array of one or more substantially parallel microelectrodes positioned on the surface, said first array having microelectrode(s) positioned between, and alternating with, the microelectrode(s) of the second array, forming an interleaved pattern as well as an electric power source in communication with the first array and second array so that the first array and second array interact to create a non-uniform electric field such that the non-conducting fluid moves parallel to the microelectrodes in response to the applied non-uniform electric field.

Abstract: A ceramic, metal, or cermet according to one embodiment includes a first layer having a gradient in composition, microstructure and/or density in an x-y plane oriented parallel to a plane of deposition of the first layer. A ceramic according to another embodiment includes a plurality of layers comprising particles of a non-cubic material, wherein each layer is characterized by the particles of the non-cubic material being aligned in a common direction. Additional products and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and method is described for the deposition of the enhanced chemical and electrochemical activity layers essential for the operation of a battery, fuel cell or other electrochemical devices like sensors. A precise and well-calibrated combination of agents with specific values, like exterior electric fields (direct current (d.c.), alternative current (a.c.), variable magnetic fields, and acoustic/elastic fields are used in tailoring of interface properties essential for the operation of the device with enhanced properties. This invention describes processes for doping the active interfaces in electrodes, leading to the enhancement of properties and to an increased degree of control via a synergistic combination of (any of the following): direct current (d.c.) field, variable alternative current (a.c.) field, variable acoustic/elastic field, variable magnetic field and a variation of the partial pressure of oxygen and/or other gases in the interior of the electrode deposition reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing electrophoretically deposited graphene based films.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating iontophoretic properties of compounds. An impedance spectrometer is operable to determine an impedance of a compound and a processor is configured to compare the determined impedance of the compound to a database of stored values.

Abstract: From an environmental, safety and economic perspective water should be the solvent of choice for electrophoretic deposition under industrial circumstances. However, because of the electrolytic decomposition of water, the majority of EPD is carried out in non-aqueous solvents. Approaches of the art for aqueous deposition involve the separation of the reaction and deposition front by means of a membrane, the use of palladium electrodes to absorb the formed hydrogen, addition of chemicals to suppress the electrolysis reaction, or lowering voltages below the threshold for water electrolysis. With the first two solutions, the production of coatings is impractical since the deposit is not formed on the electrode, or the electrode material is not suitable since the substrate is usually prescribed by the application. The use of specialty chemicals is expensive and difficult to control.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new process for depositing a thick compact layer of biomolecules for instance such a layer with thickness in the ?m scale and, for depositing a thick compact layer of cells in the ?m scale. The deposited layer is made by application of an unbalanced (asymmetrical) alternating voltage polarization between two electrodes to a dissolved biomolecule or cell from low conductivity solutions. The process allows the rapid manufacturing of sensors and the coating of devices with functional cells and biomolecules. Examples are provided on the preparation of functional sensors such as a glucose, a lactose sensor, a hydrogen peroxide sensor and a glutamate sensor. Examples are also provided on the deposition of eukaryoric cells such as saccharomyces cerevisiae. The examples demonstrate a process that can be applied to coat devices with biomolecules and biological cells.

Abstract: Nanoelements such as single walled carbon nanotubes are assembled in three dimensions into a nanoscale template on a substrate by means of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis at ambient temperature. The current-voltage relation indicates that strong substrate-nanotube interconnects carrying mA currents are established inside the template pores. The method is suitable for large-scale, rapid, three-dimensional assembly of 1,000,000 nanotubes per square centimeter area using mild conditions. Circuit interconnects made by the method can be used for nanoscale electronics applications.

Abstract: Deposition of individual carbon nanotubes using a combined ac and dc composite field, and a circuit apparatus for use therewith.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling flow motion in a channel/cavity in a microfluidic system includes positioning at least one pair of electrodes in and/or proximate to the channel/cavity. A buffer solution is placed in the channel/cavity, the buffer solution having at least one dielectric property that varies in response to changes in temperature of the solution. An AC/DC voltage is applied to the electrodes to generate an electric field in the channel/cavity; the AC voltage having a known magnitude and frequency and the DC voltage having a known magnitude. The magnitude of the AC/DC voltage is adjusted to cause Joule heating of the buffer solution in the channel/cavity. The geometry and position of the electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the buffer solution, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of the dielectric property within the solution in the channel/cavity. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution.

Abstract: Process for recovering the vanadium present in the chromium ore chromite, as vanadium pentoxide, as a by-product from the vanadium-containing sodium chromate solution produced in the process of preparing sodium chromate and sodium dichromate from said ore, by precipitation of calcium vanadate from the sodium chromate solution, treatment of the precipitate with water and sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, carbon dioxide or sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide, to precipitate calcium carbonate and electrolysis of the solution remaining after separation of the calcium carbonate precipitate, to produce vanadium pentoxide.

Abstract: Thin films of transition metal complex-based redox polymers are electrodeposited on electrodes via application of fixed or cycled potential. When hydrated, an electrodeposited film conducts electrons by electron exchange between backbone-bound, but mobile, functional segments of its redox polymer constituents. These functional segments, or redox complexes, have labile ligands, such as chloride anions, for example, in their inner coordination spheres. The backbones of the redox polymers have strongly coordinating ligands, such as pyridine- or imidazole-containing functions, for example, which are generally not coordinated prior to deposition. Electrodeposition results from coordinative crosslinking by exchange of labile ligands and strongly coordinating ligands between polymer chains, provided sufficient functional segments of the redox polymers are present at the electrode surface.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display liquid including a dispersion medium, a first granular material having one or more hollows therein and a color and a second granular material having a color different from the color of the first granular material. When an imagewise electric field is applied to the display liquid, the second granular material electrophoreses in a direction, resulting in formation of an image of the second granular material in the display liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for coating objects by means of direct current, in which process an adjustable DC voltage is pulse-modulated with an adjustable AC voltage. The process is useful for electrochemical coating of objects with resinous coating material. Preferably, the pulse modulation of the DC voltage is limited to certain time intervals during the coating process and the pulse modulation is connected and disconnected with an adjustable duty ratio.

Abstract: An improved electrical conductor is provided which includes an electrical conductor having an insulating layer which electrically insulates the electrical conductor. The insulating layer is substantially pinhole free having a thickness of less than about 30 .mu.m.