Abstract: A CO.sub.2 sensor includes a body of solid electrolyte ceramic with alkali ion conductivity, and two electrodes of conductor material being inert with respect to the solid electrolyte ceramic. At least one of the electrodes is at least partially permeable, and the solid electrolyte ceramic is galvanically prepolarized. A measurement circuit configuration includes the CO.sub.2 sensor and a voltage measuring device coupled to the electrodes of the solid electrolyte ceramic body.

Abstract: A method is provided for the electrokinetic decontamination of land or other material comprising soil in which a direct current is applied between at least one cathode (2) and at least one anode (4) positioned in or on said soil. The anode (4) is a carbon felt wrapped around current (10) and electrolyte feeders and the cathode (2) is contained in a porous housing (6) through which electrolyte is able to pass. On application of current there is electrokinetic movement of cations and other soil contaminants towards the cathode which pass through the porous housing and into the catholyte. The thus loaded catholyte is circulated through a treatment plant.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for the treatment by electrolysis of used photographic solutions containing developers in an electrolytic cell comprising at least one platinum anode. The invention enables the corrosion of the platinum anode to be minimized by using an efficient quantity of antifoaming agent and keeping the pH constant at a value equal to or above 10.5 at the beginning of electrolysis. The invention enables the quantity of platinum coming from the anode in solution to be reduced.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for etching a metal workpiece such as an aluminum foil, a method for etching the foil using the electrochemical cell, and foil thus produced is provided. The cell includes an etch tank having an etch electrolyte disposed therein and containing at least a first and a second compartment each containing (i)an etch electrolyte, (ii) a cathode plate, and (iii) an ion exchange membrane separator portion comprising an ion exchange polymeric material effective to substantially retard or prevent reduction of the oxidizing agent or agents present in the etch electrolyte, the first and second compartments being arranged in the etch tank with the ion exchange membrane separator portions in facing relationship one to the other; and a metal workpiece such asan aluminum foil anode present in the etch tank and disposed between each said first and second compartments.

Abstract: A metallic composite solid, containing alloys and/or intermetallics, is formed by compacting at moderate pressure a mixture of powder particles, foils or sheets at a temperature close to room temperature, well below the melting temperature of the constituent components and without the addition of low melting metals such as mercury, indium or gallium acting as a sintering agent. This low temperature consolidation of the powder mixture is enhanced by having the surface oxide of the powder particles removed, prior to consolidation, and/or by coating the particles with an oxide-replacing metal such as silver or gold. The coating process may be replacement reactions, autocatalytic reduction or electrolytic reduction. The composite formation is assisted by the addition of a liquid acid such as fluoroboric acid, sulfuric acid, fluoric acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, or nitric acid.

Abstract: Improvements on the electrolytic reactor and process of U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,816 and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/400,950, filed Mar. 9, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,742, are disclosed for the controlled oxidation and reduction of inorganic and organic species in dilute aqueous solutions. More specifically, other physical forms and additives for the modified ion exchange material can be used in the packed bed electrolytic reactor, including powdered ion exchange materials and solid membranes containing the modified ion exchange materials. Direct contact with only one electrode, the anode for oxidation, and the cathode for reduction, is required for the modified ion exchange resin, instead of with both electrodes. Superior performance is also demonstrated for bipolar operation of the electrolytic reactor in comparison to monopolar operation. Preferably, the polarity of the electrodes is reversed every 1 to 60 minutes.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for adding mercury ions to a sample fluid within a flow-through sensor system comprising housing means in fluid connection with a main sample stream conduit via a semi-permeable part (2.11), a first electrode (2.8) located within the housing means preferably designed so that it would be in electrical contact with only the mercury when the mercury is located within the housing means, and a second electrode (2.12) located ideally within the main sample stream conduit, the apparatus being arranged such that when mercury is located within housing means and an electrical current is passed between the first and second electrodes, mercury ions are formed in the housing means which then are able to migrate from the housing means via the semi-permeable part into the main sample stream conduit.

Abstract: A method of treating sodium cyanide in spent carbonaceous and/or refractory material, i.e., spent potlining, from an electrolytic cell for producing aluminum from alumina dissolved in a sodium-containing electrolyte, wherein sodium cyanide forms in the carbonaceous material during operation of the cell. The method comprises grinding the spent carbonaceous and/or refractory material containing sodium cyanide to provide particles of spent carbonaceous material and adding a reactive material capable of reacting with the sodium cyanide to provide a mixture of reactive material and spent potlining material. Thereafter, the mixture is heated to a temperature effective in reacting the reactive material with the sodium cyanide to destroy the sodium cyanide in the spent potlining.

Abstract: A process of remediation of cationic heavy metal contamination from soil utilizes gas phase manipulation to inhibit biodegradation of a chelating agent that is used in an electrokinesis process to remove the contamination, and further gas phase manipulation to stimulate biodegradation of the chelating agent after the contamination has been removed. The process ensures that the chelating agent is not attacked by bioorganisms in the soil prior to removal of the contamination, and that the chelating agent does not remain as a new contaminant after the process is completed.

Abstract: An anode bonding method for bonding a first substrate and a second substrate, both of which have a recessed portion, includes the steps of heating the first and second substrates in a stacked state; and bonding the substrates by applying a voltage between the substrates.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, system and method for producing excess heat for use and for deactivation an actinide series metal by electrolysis in an aqueous media. The electrolytic cell includes a non-conductive housing having an inlet and an outlet and spaced apart first and second conductive grids positioned within the housing. A plurality of preferably cross linked polymer non-metallic cores each having an improved conductive exterior metallic surface formed of one or more of the actinides or daughter elements therefrom to form a bed of conductive beads are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first grid adjacent the inlet. The non-conductive cores are preferably sulfonated and then evaporation loaded with an actinide salt solution, dried and fired at decomposition temperature of the salt. An electric power source in the system is operably connected across the first and second grid whereby electrical current flows between the grids within the aqueous media flowing through the cell.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically patterning a surface comprises providing an electrolyte overlying the surface and an array of electrodes adjacent the surface and in contact with the electrolyte, and altering the potential of one or more electrodes of the array so as to deposit or remove or chemically modify a substance on the surface adjacent the electrode. Several such treatments can be performed in sequence, using different electrodes of the array. The method is particularly suitable for step-wise chemical synthesis e.g. of oligonucleotides or other oligomers tethered to the surface. Electrode arrays for use in the method are also claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for soil remediation replaces specific ions in the soil electrochemically, using a DC voltage source and special multicompartment anodes and cathodes, each comprising an inner compartment containing electrolyte and a submerged electrode, a salt bridge connecting the electrolyte to an outer compartment containing a specific solution with replacement ions for soil remediation, and a membrane holding in the replacement solution. The membrane is put into contact with the soil, allowing electrical contact and ion migration while keeping the solution inside the anode or cathode. The multicompartment structure prevents the hydroxide and hydronium ion emplacement that causes acid and base fronts to form.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a semiconductor processing device having a processing chamber in which is positioned an electrolyte oxygen pump assembly and tubing for transferring an oxygen containing gas from outside the reaction chamber to within the interior of the electrolyte oxygen pump assembly and tubing for removal of the oxygen depleted gas from within the interior of the electrolyte oxygen pump assembly. In addition, the semiconductor processing tool may further have heating elements for heating a semiconductor substrate within the processing chamber independently from heating of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method of purifying nonmetallic, crystalline semiconducting materials useful for room temperature radiation detecting devices by applying an electric field across the material. The present invention discloses a simple technology for producing purified ionic semiconducting materials, in particular PbI.sub.2 and preferably HgI.sub.2, which produces high yields of purified product, requires minimal handling of the material thereby reducing the possibility of introducing or reintroducing impurities into the material, is easy to control, is highly selective for impurities, retains the stoichiometry of the material and employs neither high temperatures nor hazardous materials such as solvents or liquid metals. An electric field is applied to a bulk sample of the material causing impurities present in the sample to drift in a preferred direction.

Abstract: A liquid decontamination method and apparatus uses a series of pulsed electrical arcs across electrodes placed within a liquid stream which passes through a decontamination module. Sufficient energy is delivered by a pulse generator to the electrodes whereby lethal ultraviolet radiation and mechanical shock waves are created by the arcs within the decontamination module. A plurality of modules can be operated in parallel or in series to vary the capacity of the apparatus. Gas is injected through one of the electrodes to facilitate the generation of arcs within the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a ceramic body to provide a wettable surface on the ceramic body. According to the present invention, a ceramic body is immersed in an alkaline hydroxide solution. The ceramic body is connected to form the anode and a suitable metal is connected to form the cathode of an electrolytic cell. A difference in electrical potential is imposed across the electrolytic cell which is sufficient to remove portions of the ceramic body to provide a pitted surface on the ceramic body which is wettable.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of chlorine directly at the site where it is intended to be used and at the required rate. Hazards associated with the transport and storage of large quantities of liquefied chlorine under pressure are thus eliminated. The chlorine is produced electrochemically from a chloride containing electrolyte which is maintained at a pH no higher than 6, where the chlorine compounds are present as chlorine and hypochlorous acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the electrochemical oxidation of Am(III) to Am(VI), usable for separating americium from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing solutions.The process consists of adding to the aqueous nitric solution (17) containing the Am(III) a) heteropolyanion able to complex the americium, such as potassium phosphotungstate and b) the Ag(II) ion for oxidizing Am(III) being converted into Ag(I), and subjecting the solution to an electrolysis under conditions such that electrochemical regeneration takes place of the Ag(II) ion from the Ag(I) ion obtained during said oxidation.After oxidizing Am(III) to Am(VI), it is possible to extract the latter in an appropriate organic solvent.

Abstract: Nozzle body acting as an insoluble anode for the galvanic or chemical treent of rod-shaped or pipe-shaped objects continuously moved through the nozzle body and acting as cathode. The nozzle body is arranged in a hollow body serving as a pressure vessel, the electrolyte flowing through the hollow body. The hollow body has a plurality of radial bore holes acting as nozzles, these bore holes being arranged in a plurality of cross-sectional regions lying at a distance from one another and being inclined at angles (.alpha.) and (.beta.) relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body and relative to the respective cross-sectional region. Diaphragms are associated with the nozzle body which is coated on all sides with a layer of metal from the platinum group. The diaphragms are arranged in the through-opening of the nozzle body, surround the body to be treated, and are situated in planes between the outlet openings of the bore holes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for electroreclamation of soil material. A plurality of electrodes is brought into current-conducting connection with the soil material to be reclaimed. One or more of the electrodes are brought into current-conducting connection with the positive or negative pole of a source of DC voltage, and the remaining electrodes are brought into contact with the other pole of the source of DC voltage. There are thus formed one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. An electric current is passed through the soil material to be reclaimed between the differently charged electrodes. According to the invention, the physico-chemical parameters of the medium of both the regions adjoining the anode(s) and the regions adjoining the cathode(s) are controlled.

Abstract: Carbon fibers with a surface oxygen concentration (O/C ratio) of 0.20 or less as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a surface concentration of hydroxyl groups (C-OH/C ratio) of 0.5% or greater as measured by chemical modification X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and a surface concentration of carboxylic groups (COOH/C ratio) of 2.0% or less as measured by chemical modification X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and an aliphatic compound applied as a sizing agent which has multiple epoxy groups or an aromatic compound which has multiple epoxy groups, the number of atoms between the epoxy groups and an aromatic ring being 6 or greater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising a solid electrolyte conductive for O.sup.2- anions in contact with an anode and a cathode of identical or different composition, the electrolyte solid being comprised of a composition derived from Bi.sub.4 V.sub.2 O.sub.11 of which at least one of the cationic constituent elements is substituted by at least one substituting element chosen such that the gamma phase structural type of Bi.sub.4 V.sub.2 O.sub.11 is maintained, as well as the equilibrium of charges, at least one of the anode or the cathode including two parts, a first part being of a mixed electronic and ionic conductive material in contact with the solid electrolyte, the second part being an electronic conductive material superposed on the first part. The invention equally relates to the use of the electrochemical cell with a view towards the separation or the extraction of oxygen.

Abstract: A water purifier comprising an electrolytic cell housed in an enclosure and an attaching apparatus. The enclosure attaches over an outlet fitting of a water circulation line in a swimming pool by the attaching apparatus. The attaching apparatus and the enclosure define apertures and outlet openings, respectively, having increasing areas in the direction of the water flow. This configuration increases flow rates through the apertures and outlet openings; the increased flow rates break off scale formations extending into the center of the apertures and outlet openings and thereby prevent scale from clogging the purifier. The attaching apparatus also can be coupled directly to the water circulation line and can be adjusted to accommodate fittings and circulation lines of various sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrolyzing fluids is disclosed. The resulting electrolyzed fluids are particularly suited for treating physiological materials such as whole blood, plasma, or cell isolates in order to reduce the effect of harmful microorganisms. A container holds the fluid and a power supply provides a source of electrical current to an anode and a cathode positioned within the container. The anode comprises a base material selected from titanium and niobium. An outer layer of platinum is bonded to the base. The anode comprises a cylindrical shape. The cathode is also connected to the power supply and comprises titanium and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cathode is positioned concentrically in relation to the anode. The spacing between the cathode and the anode is not greater than a preferred amount. Moreover, the voltage potential between the cathode and the anode is not greater than a preferred amount.

Abstract: A process and system for rehabilitating mature concrete structures, which have become carbonated and/or infused with chlorides and thus represent a corrosive environment for internal reinforcing steel. The surface of the concrete is first repaired with a special mortar having resistivity and capillarity consistent with the parent concrete and the process requirements. An elongated, flat, flexible, ribbon-like electrode element is supported in spaced relation over the surface of a concrete area to be treated, being threaded back and forth and oriented in edgewise fashion to the concrete surface. Thereafter a self-adherent, cohesive mixture of delignified cellulose pulp fibers and a liquid electrolyte solution is sprayed onto the surface of the concrete, to a level to cover and embed the ribbon-like electrode element, forming an electrolytic medium associated with the electrode element.