Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a nano-sheet array structure of a Group V-VI semiconductor, comprising: (A) providing an electrolyte containing a hydrogen ion and disposing an auxiliary electrode and a working electrode in the electrolyte, wherein the working electrode comprises a Group V-VI semiconductor bulk; and (B) applying a redox reaction bias to the auxiliary electrode and the working electrode to form a nano-sheet array structure on the bulk.

Abstract: Process and station for stabilizing an aqueous solution of an iron salt of an organic acid with a ferric component and a ferrous component of less solubility than the ferric component, such as the aqueous solution based on the Fe3+ salt of meso-tartaric acid. To stabilize the content of the dissolved ferric salt, the solution is at least partly subjected to electrolytic oxidation.

Abstract: A system for hydrogen sulfide removal from a sour gas mixture including hydrogen sulfide. The sour gas mixture is reacted with a transition metal compound in a scrubber. Sulfide from the hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to form elemental sulfur and the transition metal is reduced to form a reduced state transition metal compound. An electrochemical redox reaction is performed including the reduced state transition metal compound to regenerate the transition metal compound in an electrolyzer including a power source. During the electrochemical redox reaction a voltage from the power source applied to the electrolyzer is controlled to regenerate the transition metal compound at a rate sufficient to match a flow rate of hydrogen sulfide into the scrubber or maintain a predetermined maximum hydrogen sulfide level out from the scrubber. The transition metal compound regenerated is returned to the scrubber for the reacting.

Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. The nanodevice includes a fluidic cell, and a membrane dividing the fluidic cell. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore is coated with an organic compound. A first part of the organic compound binds to a surface of the nanopore and a second part of the organic compound is exposed freely inside of the nanopore. The second part of the organic compound is configured to be switched among a first neutral hydrophilic end group, a second negatively charged hydrophilic end group, and a third neutral hydrophobic end group based on a switching mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments include membrane restoration process. A membrane can be restored by replacing an anolyte and a catholyte of a cell with a solution having an organic acid. The cell can include an anode, a cathode and a membrane fouled with a metal. A cheleate can be formed with the metal and the organic acid of the solution and an electric current can be provided between the anode and the cathode of the cell to protect the cell from corrosion while forming the chelate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for recovering acids from mixtures containing them, in particular organic acids and amino acids, such as acids produced by fermentation in a fermentation broth. The process of the invention comprises contacting a loaded extractant with a solution containing hydroxide ions in the presence of at least one cathode and at least one anode, wherein said hydroxide ions are produced by using said cathode, whereby said acid is converted to its anionic form, by which it can be removed from said extractant and can migrate in the direction of the anode.

Abstract: A nanoporous insulating oxide deionization device, method of manufacture and method of use thereof for deionizing a water supply (such as a hard water supply), for desalinating a salt water supply, and for treating a bacteria-containing water supply. The device contains two composite electrodes each constructed from a conductive backing electrode and a composite oxide layer being an insulating oxide or a non-insulating oxide and an intermediate porous layer. The composite layer being substantially free of mixed oxidation states and nanoporous and having a median pore diameter of 0.5-500 nanometers and average surface area of 300-600 m2/g. The composite layer made from a stable sol-gel suspension containing particles of the insulating oxide, the median primary particle diameter being 1-50 nanometers.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a substrate patterning process, where at least two electrodes are used to apply a voltage to the substrate to cause a reaction in a portion of the substrate, that includes recording a current driven by said voltage as a function of time and/or as a function of a position of the substrate or a patterning mask. Also disclosed are a device and a computer program product for monitoring the substrate patterning process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the electrochemical treatment of aromatic nitro compounds, which comprises the steps: introducing an aqueous composition comprising at least one aromatic nitro compound into the anode space of an electrolysis cell and carrying out an electrolysis at an anodic current density in the range from 0.1 to 10 kA/m2 and a cell potential in the range from 4 to 15 V.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a gas decomposition apparatus and a gas decomposition method in which no safety problems occur in spite of the application of a relatively high voltage between an anode and a cathode for the purpose of decomposing odorous gases of many types. [Solution] A catalytic electrode layer 6 that contains a catalyst and is porous; a counter electrode layer 7 that forms a pair with the catalytic electrode; and an electrolyte layer 15 that is sandwiched between the catalytic electrode and the counter electrode and has ion conductivity are included. The catalyst is held by the catalytic electrode in the form of being carried by a carrier containing a conductive material or the catalyst is directly carried by the catalytic electrode. A conductive material in the catalytic electrode, the conductive material being in contact with the catalyst, is not a noncovalent carbon material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a recycle base solution waste stream of a composition comprising a quaternary ammonium hydroxide comprising the steps of (a) providing an electrolysis cell which comprises an anolyte compartment containing an anode, a catholyte compartment containing a cathode, and a cation-selective membrane separating the anolyte and catholyte compartments, (b) charging the recycle base solution waste stream comprising the quaternary ammonium hydroxide to be purified to the anolyte compartment and charging water, optionally containing a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, to the catholyte compartment, (c) passing a current through the electrolysis cell to produce a purified aqueous quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution in the catholyte compartment, (d) recovering the purified aqueous quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution from the catholyte compartment, (e) washing the anolyte compartment with a suitable solvent, and (f) repeating steps (b)-(e).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovery of uranium from a spent nuclear fuel using a carbonate solution, characterized by excellent proliferation resistance of preventing leaching of transuranium element (TRU) nuclides such as Pu, Np, Am, Cm, etc. from the spent nuclear fuel as well as environmental friendliness of minimizing waste generation, wherein a highly alkaline carbonate solution is used to separate uranium alone from the spent nuclear fuel.

Abstract: Animal waste is contacted with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place between zero degrees centigrade and slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte, avoiding formation of either dioxins or furans.

Abstract: Mediated electrochemical oxidation to treats, oxidizes and destroys biological waste, medical, infectious, pathological, animal, sanitary, mortuary, ship, veterinary, pharmaceutical and combined waste. Electrolytes contain oxidized forms of reversible redox couples produced. Oxidized forms of redox couples are produced by anodic oxidation or reaction with oxidized forms of other redox couples. Oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the biological waste molecules and are reduced and reoxidized. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste and intermediate reaction products have undergone oxidation. Temperatures between ambient and 100° C. avoid formation of dioxins or furans.

Abstract: A salt is provided comprised of a polyionic conjugated polymer comprising a plurality of first charges; and a plurality of counterions, each of said plurality comprising a charged moiety electronically linked to at least one charge-distributing moiety, said charged moiety having a charge opposite in sign to that of the first charge. These polyionic conjugated polymers having different electronic and/or optical properties.

Abstract: An ion-exchange membrane having excellent resistance against organic fouling by high molecular weight organic ions etc. and showing low electric resistance is provided. Said ion-exchange membrane is characterized by that a polyether compound containing polyalkylene glycol chain, such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, their derivatives, etc., is fixed on the surface and/or inside of the membrane. As examples of the mode of the fixation there are mentioned fixation by entanglement of the molecules forming the membrane and the molecules of the polyether compound, physical fixation of both molecules by the anchor effect, and chemical fixation of both molecules by the formation of covalent bond or ionic bond. Said ion-exchange membrane can be preferably used in case of removing low molecular weight electrolytes from an aqueous solution containing low molecular weight electrolytes and high molecular weight organic ions etc. through electrodialysis.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an electrochemical process for decreasing high levels of organic contaminants in metal plating baths. The process involves breaking down the organic contaminants in an electrochemical cell by electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising an active material which is stable at low (acid) pH and at the high electrical potential required to break down the organic contaminants by oxidation. Typical examples of such anodes include a valve metal substrate coated with doped tin dioxide, lead dioxide, or platinum-based materials, the latter in some instances being coated on a high surface area valve metal substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the purity of a composition comprising a quaternary ammonium hydroxide comprising the steps of (a) providing an electrolysis cell which comprises an anolyte compartment containing an anode, a catholyte compartment containing a cathode, and at least one intermediate compartment, said at least one intermediate compartment being separated from the anolyte and catholyte compartments by cation selective membranes, (b) charging water, optionally containing a supporting electrolyte, to the anolyte compartment, charging water, optionally containing a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, to the catholyte compartment, and charging the composition comprising the quaternary ammonium hydroxide to be purified to the intermediate compartment, (c) passing a current through the electrolysis cell to produce a purified aqueous quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution in the catholyte compartment, and (d) recovering the purified aqueous quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution from

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7), said cathode (3) comprising a metal complex, ML, where M represents a metal and L represents an organic or inorganic ligand, said complex being capable of forming the hydroxyl radical by a reaction wherein the metal in the complex is oxidised and acquires an additional positive charge, said anode (5) creating positive ions and electrons, said electrolyte (7) allowing the transfer of a positive charges, said cathode being arranged such that the fluid to be purified can come into contact with the metal complex on the cathode. The invention also provides a related electrode and a related electrochemical cell as well as a corresponding method for purifying fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovery of cyanide and metals from a liquor containing complexes of cyanide and metal typically generated by a metallurgical or industrial process. The process involves electrochemical dissociation of the metal-cyanide complex and electrowinning of the metal while free cyanide generated in the process is recovered in a membrane treatment step for re-use in a metallurgical process utilising it. An electrochemical apparatus, which may be used in the process, forms a further aspect of the invention. A membrane process alone, for separation of cyanide, from liquors containing cyanide complexes is a further aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an electrochemical process for decreasing high levels of organic contaminants in metal plating baths. The process involves breaking down the organic contaminants in an electrochemical cell by electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising an active material which is stable at low (acid) pH and at the high electrical potential required to break down the organic contaminants by oxidation. Typical examples of such anodes include a valve metal substrate coated with doped tin dioxide, lead dioxide, or platinum-based materials, the latter in some instances being coated on a high surface area valve metal substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a composite type thin-film magnetic head with a reading head element and an inductive writing head element, includes a step of forming the reading head element and its lead conductor layers on a first insulation layer, a step of forming a second insulation layer to cover the reading head element and the lead conductor layers, a step of forming a second shield layer on the second insulation layer, a step of forming a third insulation layer, and a step of forming via holes and a back gap hole. The via holes and back gap hole forming step is executed by reactive ion etching (RIE) for simultaneously removing the second insulation layer and the third insulation layer located at the via holes and the third insulation layer located at the back gap hole.

Abstract: A novel photoresist stripping process is disclosed. Specifically, it has been found that if a printed wiring board panel having photoresist on its surface is used as a cathode during electrolysis in an alkaline solution, the result is a rapid and complete photoresist removal with minimal sheeting of removed photoresist and no evidence of chemical attack upon metallic traces on the printed wiring board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the purity of a composition comprising a quaternary ammonium hydroxide comprising the steps of (a) providing an electrolysis cell which comprises an anolyte compartment containing an anode, a catholyte compartment containing a cathode, and at least one intermediate compartment, said at least one intermediate compartment being separated from the anolyte and catholyte compartments by cation selective membranes, (b) charging water, optionally containing a supporting electrolyte, to the anolyte compartment, charging water, optionally containing a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, to the catholyte compartment, and charging the composition comprising the quaternary ammonium hydroxide to be purified to the intermediate compartment, (c) passing a current through the electrolysis cell to produce a purified aqueous quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution in the catholyte compartment, and (d) recovering the purified aqueous quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution from

Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat, oxidize and dispose of biological waste materials. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte, which comprises one or more oxidizing species in their higher valence states in aqueous solution. The electrolyte, which can be regenerated, is used to oxidize specific molecules of the waste materials, breaking them down and preventing the formation of dioxins. The waste treatment process takes place at a temperature range from room temperature up to a temperature slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte solution (usually the temperature will be below 100° C.), and can be altered by adding ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7),

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering one of an onium hydroxide and onium salt from a solution containing an onium compound involving the steps of charging the solution containing the onium compound to an electrochemical cell comprising at least two compartments, a cathode, an anode, and a divider, wherein at least one compartment comprises an ion exchange material; passing a current through the electrochemical cell whereby the onium hydroxide or the onium salt is produced; and recovering the onium hydroxide or the onium salt from the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Wastewater containing a surfactant and an oil content that has been emulsified by the action of the surfactant can be freed of the oil content by a method including feeding the wastewater into the anode compartment, for electrolysis, of a diaphragm electrolyzer having an anode and a cathode provided in the anode compartment and a cathode compartment, respectively, which are spaced apart by a porous diaphragm and which are supplied with a dc voltage between the anode and the cathode, passing part of the electrolyzed wastewater through the diaphragm so that it enters the cathode compartment, discharging the influent from the cathode compartment, discharging the remainder of the electrolyzed wastewater from the anode compartment and introducing the same into the intermediate portion of a gas-liquid separator, withdrawing part of the influent from the top of the gas-liquid separator and introducing the same into a layer packed with an adhering material, where it is brought into contact with the adhering material,

Abstract: A liquid mixture is efficiently separated using a separating membrane against which the liquid is sprayed, the membrane being intermittently heated to increase separation without subjecting the liquid mixture to high heat. The method is suited to flammable, toxic and temperature sensitive liquid mixtures.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus using high cerium concentration in the anolyte of an electrochemical cell to oxidize organic materials. The method and apparatus further use an ultrasonic mixer to enhance the oxidation rate of the organic material in the electrochemical cell. A reaction vessel provides an advantage of independent reaction temperature control and electrochemical cell temperature control. A separate or independent reaction vessel may be used without an ultrasonic mixer to oxidize gaseous phase organic materials.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering an onium hydroxide from a solution containing an onium compound, including contacting the solution with a cation exchange material so that at least a portion of onium cations from the onium compound are adsorbed by the cation exchange material; contacting an acid with the cation exchange material to elute an onium salt; charging the onium salt to an electrochemical cell containing at least three compartments, a cathode, an anode, and in order from the anode to the cathode, a bipolar membrane and a cation selective membrane, and passing a current through the cell whereby the onium hydroxide is regenerated; and recovering the onium hydroxide from the cell.

Abstract: Electrochemically regenerated RuO.sub.4 (or corresponding oxides of Os, Ir, Rh) is used in the decomposition of matter, especially matter containing organic material. The method has particular advantage in dealing with compounds containing chlorine and, in a development, provides for the removal of heteroatoms N, Cl P, As, S, avoiding contamination with unoxidised organics and/or Ru (or Os, Ir, Rh as the case may be).

Abstract: Electrolyte ionized water production device wherein voltage is produced or an electrical current is passed, between anode and cathode of an electrolytic cell to which various electrolytes and raw water are supplied after being mixed, and wherein various electrolytes are delivered to an electrolytic cell by use of quantitative pumps and raw water is delivered to said electrolytic cell by use of mechanisms including quantitative pumps or pressure reducing valves, and constant flow valves.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a Co(III) mediator and neutral pH anolyte provides efficient destruction of organic and mixed wastes. The organic waste is concentrated in the anolyte reservoir, where the cobalt mediator oxidizes the organics and insoluble radioactive species and is regenerated at the anode until all organics are converted to carbon dioxide and destroyed. The neutral electrolyte is non-corrosive, and thus extends the lifetime of the cell and its components.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a Co(III) mediator and nitric acid electrolyte provides efficient destruction of organic and mixed wastes. The organic waste is concentrated in the anolyte reservoir, where the mediator oxidizes the organics and insoluble transuranic compounds and is regenerated at the anode until the organics are converted to CO.sub.2. The nitric acid is an excellent oxidant that facilitates the destruction of the organic components. The anode is not readily attacked by the nitric acid solution, thus the cell can be used for extended continual operation without electrode replacement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering organic hydroxide from contaminated solutions containing the organic hydroxide and impurities including charging the contaminated solution to a first electrochemical cell containing at least two compartments, a cathode, an anode and a size selective divider and passing a current through the first electrochemical cell whereby impurities migrate through the size selective divider; recovering a second solution containing organic ions from the first electrochemical cell and charging the second solution to a second electrochemical cell containing at least two compartments, a cathode, an anode and a divider and passing a current through the second electrochemical cell whereby the organic hydroxide is purified; and recovering the organic hydroxide from the second electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A radioactive waste stream (12) is of high pH and contains a wide variety of different fission products and also organic materials which act as complexants. Technetium and/or ruthenium are removed by first electrolytically oxidising the organic materials at an anodically stable anode (26), and then electrolytically reducing the technetium and/or ruthenium at a porous fluid-permeable cathode (42). The cathode (42) might for example be of lead wool.

Abstract: An electrochemical leaching system for cleaning contaminated fines. The system has a waste vessel for receiving and holding a contaminated fines and lixiviant mixture. On a side of the waste vessel is an anolyte vessel holding an anolyte fluid. An anolyte barrier separates the waste and anolyte vessels. On an opposite side of the waste vessel is a catholyte vessel holding a catholyte fluid. A catholyte barrier separates the waste and catholyte vessels. A potential between an anode in the anolyte vessel and a cathode in the catholyte vessel ionizes the fines contaminants into anionic and cationic contaminants in the lixiviant. The anolyte and catholyte barriers allow the anionic and cationic contaminants, respectively, to flow from the lixiviant and into the anolyte and catholyte fluids in their respective vessels without allowing bulk transfer therebetween. The anionic and cationic contaminants are then removed from the anolyte and catholyte fluids. A cleaner lixiviant and fines exits the system.

Abstract: Wastewater containing a surfactant and an oil content that has been emulsified by the action of the surfactant can be freed of the oil content by a method including feeding the wastewater into the anode compartment, for electrolysis, of a diaphragm electrolyzer having an anode and a cathode provided in the anode compartment and a cathode compartment, respectively, which are spaced apart by a porous diaphragm and which are supplied with a dc voltage between the anode and the cathode, passing part of the electrolyzed wastewater through the diaphragm so that it enters the cathode compartment, discharging the influent from the cathode compartment, discharging the remainder of the electrolyzed wastewater from the anode compartment and introducing the same into the intermediate portion of a gas-liquid separator, withdrawing part of the influent from the top of the gas-liquid separator and introducing the same into a layer packed with an adhering material, where it is brought into contact with the adhering material,

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering an organic hydroxide from waste solutions containing the organic hydroxide and impurities including the steps of precipitating the organic hydroxide from the waste solution as an insoluble salt; removing the salt from the waste solution and placing the salt in a liquid to form a second solution; charging the second solution to an electrochemical cell containing at least two compartments, a cathode, an anode and a divider and passing a current through the cell whereby the organic hydroxide is regenerated; and recovering the organic hydroxide from the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (20) which is effectively leakproof and can be incorporated into an easily serviceable cell pack (80). Within the cell are a plurality of parallel electrode plates (44, 46, 56) which act as anode and cathode reaction surfaces for processing chemicals. The electrochemical cell housing (33) is preferably formed of durable plastic with all fluid inlets (36, 38) and outlets (40, 42) on its upper face (30). One or more input manifolds (48, 50) are provided to route process chemicals to the bottom of the cell and then distribute them upward across the electrode plates. The housing is formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure with an opening left on top for fitting the top face. At the end of cell assembly, the top face is attached to the remainder of the cell housing so as to form a sealed cell.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a process for purifying solutions containing a hydroxide compound, including the steps of: (A) providing an electrochemical cell containing an anode, a cathode, a cation selective membrane and a bipolar membrane, the bipolar membrane having an anion selective side facing the anode and a cation selective side facing the cathode, wherein the cation selective membrane is positioned between the anode and the bipolar membrane, and the bipolar membrane is positioned between the cation selective membrane and the cathode, thereby defining a feed compartment between the cation selective membrane and the anode, a recovery compartment between the bipolar membrane and the cation selective membrane, and a water compartment between the bipolar membrane and the cathode; (B) charging a solution of an ionic compound at a first concentration to the water compartment, and water to the recovery compartment; (C) charging a solution containing the hydroxide compound at a second concentra

Abstract: An electric current is passed through a mixed solution containing a saccharide(s) and an organogermanium compound, in a compartment whose anode side is defined by an anion exchange membrane and whose cathode side is defined by a cation exchange membrane, to separate and remove said organogermanium compound. In the present invention, an organogermanium compound can be very effectively separated and recovered from a mixed solution containing a saccharide(s) and said organogermanium compound. The present invention is particularly effective for separation and recovery of an organogermanium compound from a reaction mixture obtained when a compound having an aldose structure is isomerized into a compound having a ketose structure in the presence of said organogermanium compound.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a process for purifying solutions containing a hydroxide compound, including the steps of: (A) providing an electrochemical cell containing an anode, a cathode, a cation selective membrane and an anion selective membrane, wherein the cation selective membrane is positioned between the cathode and the anion selective membrane, and the anion selective membrane is positioned between the cation selective membrane and the anode, thereby defining a feed compartment between the cation selective membrane and the anion selective membrane, a recovery compartment between the cathode and the cation selective membrane, and a water compartment between the anion selective membrane and the anode; (B) charging a solution of an ionic compound at a first concentration to the water compartment, and water to the recovery compartment; (C) charging a solution of the hydroxide compound at a second concentration to the feed compartment; (D) passing a current through the cell to produce the

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.