Abstract: A solid electrolyte producing system includes a supercapacitor desalination device comprising a power supply and a supercapacitor desalination unit. The supercapacitor desalination unit includes a pair of electrodes electrically coupled to the power supply and operable in a charging mode of operation and a discharging mode of operation. A feeding source is configured to provide a feed liquid to the supercapacitor desalination unit when the supercapacitor desalination unit is in the charging mode of operation. The feed liquid comprises at least one determined electrolyte. A crystallization device is providing for receiving a concentrated liquid from the supercapacitor desalination device in the discharging mode of operation, the concentrated liquid being a saturated liquid or supersaturated liquid of the at least one determined type of electrolyte. The at least one determined type of electrolyte precipitates in the crystallization device as solid electrolyte.

Abstract: A process for separation of a target ion from a fluid mixture containing the ion as well as a fluid non-ionic component includes flowing a mixture of the fluid and the ion through a separation zone containing positive and negative plates. The positive plate has a surface layer of negative polarity and the negative plate has a surface layer of positive polarity. An electrical potential is applied across the plates using a selected voltage. The mixture flows along at least one of the positive and negative plates such that target ions are attracted to the plate of opposite charge caused by the electrical potential. At the selected voltage, the surface layers of the positive plate and negative plates having the same polarity as an attracted positive or negative ion has surface groups that repel the attracted ions as they flow past the plate surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the continuous manufacture of nanop?rticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) are disclosed. The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e. g., created) in a liquid (e.g., water) by utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. The continuous process causes at least one liquid to flow into, through and out of at least one trough member, such liquid being processed, conditioned and/or effected in said trough member(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating sludge by the combined action of electro-osmosis and pressure. This process comprises providing a cell for treating the sludge, the cell comprising at least two electrodes including at least one cathode and at least one anode. At least one of the electrodes is movable, and at least one of the electrodes is perforated so as to drain effluents. Then, the sludge is introduced into the cell between the at least two electrodes, each of the electrodes defining a surface adapted to constantly contact the sludge. Then, the sludge is submitted to an electric current by applying a voltage to the electrodes, and applying a pressure to the sludge by means of the at least one movable electrode so as to permit a constant contact between the surfaces and the sludge. An apparatus for carrying out such a process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes first and second liquid lines, a container and a dispenser. The first liquid line is configured to receive a liquid. The container is coupled to the first liquid line and is configured to retain media of at least one liquid-activating material. The media of the at least one liquid-activating material is configured to modify an oxidation reduction potential of the received liquid to provide a treated liquid. The second liquid line is coupled to the container and is configured to receive the treated liquid from the container. The dispenser is operably coupled to the second liquid line at a location downstream from the container and is configured to dispense the treated liquid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing a deposition on a substrate and to a method for manufacturing an electronic or optoelectronic device. The method of the invention comprises —providing an anode comprising electrolytically ionisable material and a cathode both in contact with an electrically conductive liquid, comprising anions capable of forming a molecule with the electrolytically ionised material; —electrolytically oxidising the ionisable material under formation of cations that dissolve in the liquid; —evaporating the molecules formed from the cations and the anions from the liquid; and —depositing the molecules on the substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic dynamic vapor control system adapted to change the chemistry of small drops by dynamically controlling the vapor content surrounding the drops. The small volume surface area ratio makes this an efficient mechanism for controlling chemistry in nanovolumes. The system uses small reservoirs of material that can produce vapor on demand, and microfluidic channels that direct the vapor into a small chamber that holds a drop of the solution of interest. By changing the vapors that enter the chamber, the chemical composition of the drop can be modified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the recovery of radiolabelled isotopes from organic substances labelled or contaminated with one or more radiolabelled isotopes, which process comprises: i) adding organic substances labelled or contaminated with a radiolabelled isotope to an acidic aqueous electrolyte containing silver ions as an electrochemically regenerable primary oxidising species; ii) subjecting the acidic aqueous electrolyte to an electric potential; and iii) recovering the radiolabelled isotope from the products of the electrochemical process resulting from the application of the electric potential; wherein the process is carried out at a slight pressure depression.

Abstract: Environment-friendly process for descaling, pickling and finishing/passivating in a continuous, integrated and flexible manner, applicable to any type of stainless steel, regardless of its physical structure, chemical composition and nature of surface oxides to be removed, within a single plant in which the required chemical, electrochemical, mechanical and hydromechanical treatments are carried out, merely diversifying the operative conditions of each treatment according to the stainless steel type to be processed. The process and the plant according to the invention allow elevated reaction rate, excellent surface quality, low energy and chemical reagent consumption and total environmental compatibility. The figure shows the block diagram of an embodiment of the plant according to the invention.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for reducing organic content of brine comprising subjecting a brine solution to at least two purification treatments selected from electrochemical treatment, chlorinolysis, or other chemical oxidation treatment, carbon adsorption, extraction, biological treatment and chrystallizing treatment; wherein the organic content of purified brine is sufficiently low to enable sense of the purified brine in an industrial process.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of plasma-derived gas containing at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at a selected temperature. The polymer may be directly exposed to the plasma, or alternatively, the plasma may be established in a separate volume from which the reactive species may be extracted and introduced into the vicinity of the polymer. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for the electrochemical treatment of biomass, including at least two flat surface electrodes positioned equidistantly over the entire surface and separated by less than 1 mm, the space between said electrodes being occupied by a electrolytic solution. Preferably, at least one of the electrodes is an anode and at least one of the electrodes is a cathode. The anode is preferably made from a material selected from among vanadium, selenium, gold, silver, nickel, graphite, graphite galvanised with platinum and graphite galvanised with palladium. The invention also relates to the use of said reactor in electrooxidation reactions involving biomass, particularly polysaccharides, in the production of organic compounds, water electrolysis, hydrogen production or the production of electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A process for separating dissolved components from a solution, said process comprising a) introducing a first solution into a solar pond and irradiating the solution with solar energy, such that temperature and concentration gradients are established, whereby the temperature and concentration of solute at the base of the pond is greater than the temperature and concentration of solute at the surface of the pond, b) introducing a portion of the first solution from the pond into a first osmosis unit, and contacting the portion with one side of a selectively permeable membrane, c) contacting the other side of the selectively permeable membrane with a second solution having a lower solute concentration than the portion of first solution from the pond, such that solvent from the second solution passes across the membrane to dilute and pressurise the portion of first solution, d) removing the diluted portion of first solution from the first osmosis unit, and e) using the pressure generated in the diluted portion of

Abstract: Process of reducing organic content of brine which includes subjecting a brine solution containing an organic content to an electrochemical process for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient voltage to reduce the organic content of the brine to obtain a reduced organic content brine. Also provided is a process for reducing organic contamination of brine in a chemical process comprising subjecting a brine stream of the chemical process to electrochemical oxidation to obtain a reduced organic content brine stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction. The reaction is conducted in a reaction vessel or mixing occurring in at least a partial liquid environment in which reactants are disposed. The reaction is conducted in the presence of cavitation and an electrical current.

Abstract: A washing system and method comprising forming a charged activated liquid, and operating a washing system with the charged activated liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic treatment of the product L using a treatment agent is used to make the treatment of a plate-shaped product more uniform. This apparatus includes: devices for retaining 40, 42 the product L in the apparatus, one or a plurality of flow devices 10, which each include at least one nozzle 15 and are disposed situated opposite the product L, one or a plurality of counter electrodes 30, which are inert relative to the treatment agent and are disposed parallel to at least one treatment surface, means for generating a relative movement 44 between the product L, on the side, and the flow devices 10 and/or the counter electrodes 30, on the other side, in at least one direction parallel to a treatment surface. The product L can be immersed into the treatment agent during the treatment.

Abstract: There are provided apparatuses for increasing dryness of a substance. The apparatuses comprise at least one module, each of the module(s) comprising at least two electrodes adapted to submit the substance to an electric current. The electrodes are also adapted to compress the substance. There are also provided processes for increasing dryness of a substance.

Abstract: A deionization apparatus for regenerating electrodes using vibration and a method of controlling the same. The deionization apparatus includes electrodes to which ions contained in a fluid are absorbed, and a piezoelectric element to separate the ions absorbed to the electrodes by vibration. Since the ions absorbed to the electrodes are separated using mechanical energy generated by the piezoelectric element, it may be possible to more rapidly perform regeneration of the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. The method includes for example, treating a liquid in an apparatus to increase suspension properties of the liquid and dispensing the treated liquid from the apparatus to a surface or volume of space so as to create an electrically conductive path by the treated liquid from the apparatus to the surface or volume of space. During the step of dispensing, an alternating electric field is generated from the apparatus to the surface or volume of space, through the liquid along the conductive path, wherein the electric field is sufficient to destroy at least one microorganism from the surface or in the volume of space.

Abstract: A process for rendering an electrically conducting polymer essentially non-conducting is provided, in which the polymer is brought into direct electrical contact with an electrolyte. Furthermore, an electric voltage is applied to the polymer using at least two electrodes connected to a voltage supply, each electrode independently being in electrical contact with one of the polymer and the electrolyte. The electrically conducting polymer is rendered non-conducting through electrochemical reactions occurring in the interface between the polymer and the electrolyte in response to the electric voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid diamond electrode, a reactor, in particular a reactor comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one bipolar electrode having first and second major working surfaces positioned therebetween wherein the at least one bipolar electrode consists essentially of diamond, and methods in which the reactors are used.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte, comprising: trapping an analyte in a sample by using a test chip, wherein the test chip comprises: a working electrode including a semiconductor layer, a probe being capable of trapping the analyte and being immobilized on the semiconductor layer, a counter electrode, and a reduction electrode for reducing an electrolyte contained in an electrolyte medium to be contacted with the working electrode and the counter electrode: irradiating, with a light for exciting the modulator, the modulator with which the analyte trapped by the probe has been modified, while the working electrode, the counter electrode and the reduction electrode are contacted with an electrolyte medium containing the electrolyte; measuring a current which due to movement of electrons from the photoexcited modulator to the working electrode, passes between the working electrode and the counter electrode, while the electrolyte contained in the electrolyte medium is reduced by the reduction electrode.

Abstract: A device for forming waves at the interface (I) of a liquid drop (F1) by electrowetting, enabling the micro-mixing and concentration of constituents at the interface (I) of the drop (F1). The device comprises at least one excitation electrode suitable for generating an oscillating and radial electric field about a first axis of symmetry, under the effect of an electric control, and a liquid drop (F1) arranged on said excitation electrode and having an axis of symmetry coinciding substantially with said first axis of symmetry, such that said electric field generates essentially axisymmetric waves at the interface (I) of said drop (F1).

Abstract: A regeneration method to rapidly and efficiently desorb ions after the ions are absorbed to electrodes in a deionization apparatus to eliminate ion components in a fluid (liquid and gas) is disclosed. A plurality of cells including a plurality of electrodes to absorb ions included in a fluid are connected to configure a stack. In a capacitive deionization (CDI) apparatus including at least two stacks, if 0 V is applied as a method of desorbing the ions and regenerating the electrodes after the ions are absorbed to the electrodes, and the cells or the stacks are connected in series in a state in which the cell units and the stack units obtained by connecting the cells are electrically disconnected from a power source, the capacitance of the entire system is reduced, a discharging time is shortened, and the ions are rapidly and efficiently desorbed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a process comprising transmitting electrical power produced by a PV array to an electrolyzer and transferring heat from the PV array to the electrolyzer. The resulting process produces renewable hydrogen from solar energy at a lower cost per kg.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell is provided, which includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. At least one of the anode electrode or the cathode electrode includes a first plurality of apertures having a first size and/or shape and a second plurality of apertures having a second, different size and/or shape.

Abstract: A hand-held spray bottle is provided, which includes a liquid reservoir, a liquid outlet, an electrolysis cell, a power source and a DC-to-DC converter. The electrolysis cell is carried by the spray bottle and is fluidically coupled between the reservoir and the liquid outlet. The power source is carried by the spray bottle and has a voltage output. The DC-to-DC converter is coupled between the voltage output and the electrolysis cell and provides a stepped-up voltage, which is greater than the voltage output of the power source, to energize the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing salt water and/or solutions containing salt water with RF energy. Exemplary systems and methods may use RF energy to combust salt water, to produce hydrogen from salt water or solutions containing salt water, to volatilize a secondary fuel present in solutions containing salt water, to produce and combust hydrogen obtained from salt water or solutions containing salt water, to volatilize and combust secondary fuel sources present in solutions containing salt water, to desalinate seawater, and/or to carry out the electrolysis of water are presented.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low maintenance, high reliability on-site electrolytic generator incorporating automatic cell monitoring for contaminant film buildup, as well as automatically removing or cleaning the contaminant film. This method and apparatus preferably does not require human intervention to clean. For high current density cells, cleaning is preferably performed by reversing the polarity of the electrodes and applying a lower current density to the electrodes. A second lower current density power supply may be used for reverse polarity cleaning. Electrolyte flow is preferably monitored and automatically adjusted.

Abstract: A method for preparing an analyte-containing solution, which is compatible with surface-tension-directed liquid droplet manipulation and solid-phase affinity-based assays, is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for controlling molecular interactions where at least one member of a pair of chemical entities having a pH-dependent affinity is immobilized on the surface of an electrode. By changing the potential difference between the electrode and a counter electrode, the affinity of the pair of chemical entities is changed, changing the tendency of the pair to bind or to dissociate. Disclosed are also devices useful for implementing the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention, in an aqueous solution 20 containing at least one type of ions (L) other than hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, voltage is applied between an ion-adsorbing electrode 11 containing an electrically conductive material (C1) capable of adsorbing ions and an ion-adsorbing electrode 12 containing an electrically conductive material (C2) capable of adsorbing ions so that the ion-adsorbing electrode 11 serves as an anode. Thus the electrically conductive material (C1) is allowed to adsorb an anion contained in the aqueous solution 20 and the electrically conductive material (C2) is allowed to adsorb a cation contained in the aqueous solution 20. Subsequently, in a liquid 30 containing water, voltage is applied between either the ion-adsorbing electrode 11 or the ion-adsorbing electrode 12 and counter electrode 13 or 14, resulting in changing the pH of the liquid 30.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation treatment device includes a plurality of spaced reaction plates disposed within a reaction chamber. A voltage is applied to selected reaction plates to create an electrical field within the electrocoagulation chamber. The plates are arranged vertically which induces a vertical flow of liquid through a device. The voltage and amperage of the electrical field chamber may be adjusted by placing selected reaction plates in electrical contact with the voltage source. One embodiment is adapted for treatment of fluid containing soluble or particulate organic compounds recalcitrant to biodegradation, including nitrogenous contaminants, such as ammonia or an ammonium compounds. The device and method of the invention include the use of an oxidizing agent such as sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide to aid in the removal of organic contaminants.

Abstract: A power generator is provided with an electrolytic cell containing an electrically-conductive heavy or light water based electrolyte in which is immersed an electrode pair whose anode is formed of platinum and whose cathode is formed of palladium. Applied across these electrodes is a train of voltage pulse packets, each comprised of a cluster of pulses. The amplitude and duration of each pulse in the packet, the duration of the intervals between pulses, and the duration of the intervals between successive packets in the train are in a predetermined pattern in accordance with superlooping waves in which each wave is modulated by waves of different frequency and amplitude. Each packet of voltage pulses gives rise to a surge of current in the electrolyte which flows between the electrodes and causes the heavy or light water to decompose, oxygen being released at the anode while deuterium or hydrogen ions migrate toward the palladium cathode.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a membrane system by using electrolysis to replenish the quantity and quality of the disinfectant solution. An electrolytic cell is preferably mounted in a recirculation piping line in connection with the chlorine-containing vat that is used to clean membranes. The electrolytic cell converts chloride produced in the membrane cleaning process to chlorine or other oxidants, thereby replenishing the cleaning solution and enabling it to be recycled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically oxidizing components of a test-sensor reagent prior to deposition on a test sensor comprise at least a first electrode and a second electrode for contacting the test-sensor reagent. The first electrode and the second electrode may have hollow interior portions for contacting the test-sensor reagent to produce a modified test-sensor reagent having a reduced background current.

Abstract: A method of treating electrically conductive nanoparticles using a dynamic processing electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of plasma-derived gas containing at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at a selected temperature. The polymer may be directly exposed to the plasma, or alternatively, the plasma may be established in a separate volume from which the reactive species may be extracted and introduced into the vicinity of the polymer. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for producing a stable, non-toxic, antimicrobial electrolyzed saline solution with a broad range of anti-infective and therapeutic applications. The resulting solution is balanced to normal and hypertonic saline and has been shown to exhibit remarkable antimicrobial, antiviral and therapeutic characteristics. The nature of this solution makes it suitable for applications in food safety, animal health, agriculture and sterilization. The solution also exhibits a marked lack of toxicity upon intravenous, aspired, oral or topical application in mammals. The therapeutic applications represent a broad platform, possibly covering a variety of potential areas of use, including topical disinfection, antimicrobial application, wound treatment, oxidative stress reduction and enhancement of immune function to better detect malfunctioning cells.

Abstract: A method for the regeneration of etching solutions containing iron for the use in etching or pickling copper or copper alloys and an apparatus for carrying out the method is described. The method involves feeding the etching solution to be regenerated from the etching system into an electrolysis cell being hermetically sealed or having an anode hood (8), the electrolysis cell comprising a cathode (1), an inert anode (2), means (3) for removing the electrolytically deposited copper from the cathode and means (4) for collecting the removed copper and applying a potential to the removed copper, wherein the electrolysis cell does not have an ion exchange membrane or a diaphragm.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with housing components that have improved aesthetics. One or more holes may be formed through a portion of the housing and then the housing portion may be anodized. The anodization process may increase or decrease the geometries of each hole. The holes may be formed through the housing portion from a cosmetic side of the housing portion to an interior side of the housing portion.

Abstract: A method for generating a multihydrated hydronium ion including the steps: agitating water to reduce cluster size, mixing sulfuric acid in the water, adding a solution containing Ca3+ ions, removing precipitated Ca sulfate, cooling the resultant liquid to a form a slush, filterin out ice from the slush, distilling free water from the remaining liquid wherein the remaining liquid is H9O4+.

Abstract: A method for providing a two dimensional spatially varying surface potential on a surface of a conductive substrate and use thereof. The method comprises providing a conductive substrate having a first conductive surface and comprising an array of“n” electrical potential contact points spatially arranged in two dimensions on the first conductive surface, wherein “n” is at least 3. An electrical potential is then applied to each of the “n” electrical contact points, wherein the electrical potentials applied to at least two of the “n” electrical potential contact points are different. Also disclosed are methods and applications for use of the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electrode for use in a deionization apparatus includes a conductive material that is in a granular form and is arranged in a layer that is defined by a first face and a second face. The electrode includes a substrate that is disposed against the first face, and a first member that is disposed against the second face and is formed to permit a fluid to pass through the first member and into contact with the granular conductive material to permit absorption of ions by the granular conductive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning, sterilising and disinfecting dishes and other kitchen utensils by means of a wash liquid (5). In order to permit an economically and technically advantageous cleaning, an electrical current is directly applied to an electrode (15, 16), arranged in the wash liquid (5) and embodied as a diamond and/or lead-tin electrode, to generate OH radicals (14) in said wash liquid (5), which permit cleaning, sterilising and disinfecting of dishes and other kitchen utensils. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method, wherein an electrolytic cell (20) with a pair of electrodes (15, 16), comprising a diamond electrode for generating OH radicals (14), is directly integrated into a wash water circuit of a dishwasher (1).

Abstract: Devices and methods for extraction, identification, authentication, and quantification of one or more covert markers in a material are disclosed. An extraction system includes a first plug flow mixer for mixing a first fluid bearing a marker and transfer agent into a plug flow. The mixing and flowing of the immiscible liquids causes transfer of the marker from the fluid to the transfer agent. A splitter having filters of different surface energies separates the two immiscible liquids, the transfer agent bearing the marker. A second plug flow can be used to transfer the marker to a second transfer agent. The transferred marker is detected to authenticate the original fluid. The marker can be further isolated, activated, or reacted to perform detection, identification or authentication. With the device, a number of independent processing and analytic steps are combined onto a single, portable unit.

Abstract: There is described a method for forming an emulsion (1) containing at least one dispersed phase (3) and a continuous phase (2) in a fluidic microsystem (100), said method comprising the steps: forming flows (4, 5) of different liquids which flow towards a dispersion region (10), and forming the emulsion (1) from the liquids in the dispersion region (10), wherein the flows (4, 5) run through a common channel (20) to the dispersion region (10) and the flows (4, 5) are arranged next to one another relative to a first reference direction, and wherein the emulsion (1) is produced as the liquids flow through a cross-sectional widening (11) provided in the dispersion region (10), at which the cross section of the channel (20) widens in a second reference direction different from the first reference direction. A fluidic microsystem for forming an emulsion (1) containing a continuous phase (2) and at least one dispersed phase (3) is also described. A fusion of droplets in electric fields is also described.

Abstract: A method and device for regenerating an ion exchanger can regenerate an ion exchanger easily and quickly, and can minimize a load upon cleaning of the regenerated ion exchanger and disposal of waste liquid. A method for regenerating a contaminated ion exchanger includes: providing a pair of a regeneration electrode and a counter electrode, a partition disposed between the electrodes, and an ion exchanger to be regenerated disposed between the counter electrode and the partition; and applying a voltage between the regeneration electrode and the counter electrode while supplying a liquid between the partition and the regeneration electrode and also supplying a liquid between the partition and the counter electrode.

Abstract: An in-line cleaning and sanitation apparatus for cleaning a liquid, the apparatus including electronic oxidation means to increase the oxidation reduction potential of the liquid, and ionization means to produce ions having an algaecidal or bactericidal effect into the liquid, in that order together with ultrasonic cleaning means to introduce sound waves into the liquid, and wherein the ionization means, the ultrasonic cleaning means and the electronic oxidation means are operated simultaneously for a period to clean and sanitize the liquid in the absence of added salt, chlorine or other chemicals.