University of Southern California

Other

Florian B Mansfeld

You Wang

James David Weiland

John J Whalen, Iii

Artin Petrossians

Simon H Lin

Artak Arakelian

Kenneth H Nealson

Dennis L Dull

Hong Shih

Zhen He

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to electrochemical approaches for synthesis of platinum-iridium alloys with selected platinum-iridium ratio content and subsequently predetermined mechanical properties and electrochemical impedance properties. Such can provide a simple and cost-effective process for preparing these electrodes, as compared to conventional thin film processing techniques. A three-electrode electrochemical electrodeposition system is described including an electrochemical cell with a working electrode on which the electrodeposited film is deposited, a counter electrode to complete the electrochemical circuit and a reference electrode to measure and control surface potential. Mixed layers of platinum atoms and iridium atoms can be deposited from electrolyte solution onto the working electrode surface to create an electrically conductive surface with material properties related to the composition of the as-deposited film. The mechanical properties and electrochemical properties of the film can be tuned by adjusting the electrodeposition parameters.

Electrodeposition of platinum/iridium (Pt/Ir) on Pt microelectrodes with improved charge injection properties

A microbial fuel cell for generating electricity. The microbial fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode electrically coupled to the anode. The anode is in contact with a first fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the oxidation of ammonium. The anode is in contact with a second fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the reduction of nitrite. The anode and the cathode may be housed in a single compartment, and the cathode may rotate with respect to the anode. The microbial fuel cell can be used to remove ammonium from wastewater, to generate electricity, or both.

Electricity generation using microbial fuel cells

Use of rare earth metal salt solutions for sealing or anodized aluminum for corosion protection and paint adhesion

A method for treating the surface of aluminum alloys hang a relatively high copper content is provided which includes the steps of removing substantially all of the copper from the surface, contacting the surface with a first solution containing cerium, electrically charging the surface while contacting the surface in an aqueous molybdate solution, and contacting the surface with a second solution containing cerium. The copper is substantially removed from the surface in the first step either by (i) contacting the surface with an acidic chromate solution or by (ii) contacting the surface with an acidic nitrate solution while subjecting the surface to an electric potential. The corrosion-resistant surface resulting from the invention is excellent, consistent and uniform throughout the surface. Surfaces treated by the invention may often be certified for use in salt-water services.

Method for creating a corrosion-resistant surface on an aluminum-copper

A method for treating the surface of aluminum alloys having a relatively high copper content is provided which includes the steps of removing substantially all of the copper from the surface, contacting the surface with a first solution containing cerium, electrically charging the surface while contacting the surface in an aqueous molybdate solution, and contacting the surface with a second solution containing cerium. The copper is substantially removed from the surface in the first step either by (i) contacting the surface with an acidic chromate solution or by (ii) contacting the surface with an acidic nitrate solution while subjecting the surface to an electric potential. The corrosion-resistant surface resulting from the invention is excellent, consistent and uniform throughout the surface. Surfaces treated by the invention may often be certified for use in salt-water services.

Method for creating a corrosion-resistant surface on aluminum alloys

A method for treating the surface of an aluminum-based material so as to make the surface resistant to corrosion includes the steps of contacting the surface with an aqueous cerium non-halide solution and then contacting the surface with an aqueous cerium halide solution. These steps may optionally be followed by a step of positively charging the metal surface while in contact with an aqueous molybdenum solution.

Growing community of inventors

Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Florian B Mansfeld