Abstract:
A composite membrane suitable for use in an electrochemical cell, comprises layers of a hydrophilic material and of a second material having relatively high conductivity and which is also relatively susceptible to dehydration.
Abstract:
A method of performing an electrochemical reaction in an electrochemical cell comprises electrodes separated by a membrane capable of taking up an electrolyte, the method comprises introducing into the cell a fuel or other oxidisable component and an electrolyte, and oxidising the fuel in the presence of an acid or alkali. Alternatively or in addition, usage of fuel may be monitored by including a reactant that is capable of undergoing or imparting a change in visual appearance on oxidation or reduction; and monitoring any change in visual appearance.
Abstract:
A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.
Abstract:
A hydrophilic polymer or copolymer is produced in an environment free from a chemical initiator and preferably by irradiation of the starting materials, particularly by gamma rays. The product polymer or copolymer is thus free from the residua of chemical initiators and the method permits the production of polymers and copolymers which are particularly suitable for use in contact with living tissue, for example as contact lenses, prosthetic devices, surgical implants, protective corneal fittings and protective membranes or bandages.
Abstract:
A hydrophilic cross-linked polymer obtainable by copolymerisation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers that give a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer on polymerisation; a monomer including a strongly ionic group; and water is useful as the membrane in an assembly that can be used in an electrolyter or fuel cell.More generally, a membrane electrode assembly comprises electrodes and an ion-exchange membrane which comprises a hydrophilic polymer including a strongly ionic group.A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly comprising electrodes and an ion-exchange membrane, comprises introducing between the electrodes a material or materials from which the membrane can be formed, and forming the membrane in situ.
Abstract:
A method of performing an electrochemical reaction in an electrochemical cell comprising electrodes separated by a hydrophilic ion-exchange membrane, comprises conducting the reaction in the presence of an aqueous solution of an electrolyte of which the concentration is controlled.
Abstract:
A membrane electrode assembly in which at least one water content, conductivity, pH, mechanical strength and elasticity of the membrane is graduated across its thickness, between the electrodes.
Abstract:
A method for operating an electrochemical cell, comprises supplying reaction material from a first compartment of, and collecting a reaction product or unreacted material in a second compartment of, a cassette connected to the cell, and controlling the flow of the reaction material and/or of the reaction product/unreacted material. A cassette (1) suitable for use in such a method contains a moveable member (2) and a compartment (3, 4, 5, 6) on each side of the moveable member, and comprises also ports (7, 8, 9, 10) for fluid corresponding to each compartment, wherein the compartments can be respectively expanded and compressed by movement of the member. Such a cassette can be used in connection with a membrane (14) in a cell (13).
Abstract:
An ultrasound probe includes a cross-linked hydrophilic material as an integral couplant, wherein the hydrophilic material is capable of transmitting a frequency in the range of 5 to 20 MHz, and wherein the attenuation of the transmission is less than 1.5 dB.mm−1 at 5 MHz. For example, the invention provides a wheel-type probe, where the hydrophilic material 19 forms the tire.