A polymeric coating can be applied to an overhead conductor. The overhead conductor includes one or more conductive wires, and the polymeric coating layer surrounds the one or more conductive wires. The overhead conductor can operate at a lower temperature than a bare overhead conductor with no polymeric coating layer when tested in accordance with ANSI C119.4 method. Methods of applying a polymeric coating layer to an overhead conductor are also described herein.

A coated overhead conductor having an assembly including one or more conductive wires, such that the assembly includes an outer surface coated with an electrochemical deposition coating forming an outer layer, wherein the electrochemical deposition coating includes a first metal oxide, such that the first metal oxide is not aluminum oxide. Methods for making the overhead conductor are also provided.

Provided are a composite material structure obtained by joining composite materials with resin-impregnated reinforcing fibers, for which appropriate lightning proofing measures are taken, and a method for manufacturing the composite material structure. The composite material structure includes a first composite material, a second composite material, and a low-conductivity material. The first composite material includes a conductive first reinforcing fiber and a first resin impregnated into the first reinforcing fiber. The second composite material is integrated with the first composite material, and has a conductive second reinforcing fiber and a second resin impregnated into the second reinforcing fiber. The low-conductivity material has an electrical resistance that is lower than that of the first resin and the second resin and a low conductivity that is greater than or equal to the first reinforcing fiber and the second reinforcing fiber, and electrically connects the first reinforcing fiber to the second reinforcing fiber.

A multilayer structure comprises a plurality of composite structures in a stacked configuration, each having a copper layer having a thickness of no larger than 25 m, and first and second graphene layers sandwiching the copper layer. The first graphene layer of a first composite structure among the plurality of composite structures directly contacts a second graphene layer of a second composite structure among the plurality of composite structures to form a graphene bi-layer structure. Either the first or second graphene layer of the graphene bi-layer structure comprises silver atoms, but not both. The silver atoms are ring-centered on graphene rings and delocalized inside the graphene rings.

A bonding washer for making electrical connection between two metal pieces that are to be mechanically fastened together. The washer, to be interposed between the two metal pieces, may be constructed so as to fasten to one of the pieces before the two pieces are joined. Teeth on the washer, positioned at right angles to the plane of the washer, are forced into each of the two metal pieces when the fastener is tightened, making electrical connection between the two metal pieces.

At least one embodiment relates to a method fabricating a solid-state battery cell. The method includes forming a plurality of spaced electrically conductive structures on a substrate. Forming the plurality of spaced electrically conductive structures on the substrate includes transforming at least part of a valve metal layer into a template that includes a plurality of spaced channels aligned longitudinally along a first direction. Transforming at least part of the valve metal layer into the template includes a first anodization step, a second anodization step, an etching step in an etching solution, and a deposition step. The method also includes forming a first layer of active electrode material on the plurality of spaced electrically conductive structures, depositing an electrolyte layer over the first layer of active electrode material, and forming a second layer of active electrode material over the electrolyte later.

A bonding washer for making electrical connection between two metal pieces that are to be mechanically fastened together. The washer, to be interposed between the two metal pieces, may be constructed so as to fasten to one of the pieces before the two pieces are joined. Teeth on the washer, positioned at right angles to the plane of the washer, are forced into each of the two metal pieces when the fastener is tightened, making electrical connection between the two metal pieces.

At least one embodiment relates to a method for forming a layer of functional material on an electrically conductive substrate. The method includes depositing an interlayer on the substrate. The interlayer includes a transition metal oxide, a noble metal, or a noble-metal oxide. The interlayer has a thickness between 0.5 nm and 30 nm. The method also includes depositing a functional material precursor layer on the interlayer. Further, the method includes activating the functional material precursor layer by annealing to form the layer of functional material.

At least one embodiment relates to a method for transforming at least part of a valve metal layer into a template that includes a plurality of spaced channels aligned longitudinally along a first direction. The method includes a first anodization step that includes anodizing the valve metal layer in a thickness direction to form a porous layer that includes a plurality of channels. Each channel has channel walls and a channel bottom. The channel bottom is coated with a first insulating metal oxide barrier layer as a result of the first anodization step. The method also includes a protective treatment. Further, the method includes a second anodization step after the protective treatment. The second anodization step substantially removes the first insulating metal oxide barrier layer, induces anodization, and creates a second insulating metal oxide barrier layer. In addition, the method includes an etching step.

A modified conductive structure includes a conductive substrate and a polymer film disposed over a surface of the polymer film. A chemical bond exists between the polymer film and the conductive substrate, and the polymer film includes repeating units as shown below:

##STR00001##

wherein A is an antifouling molecule group; B is a sulfur-containing group or a nitrogen-containing group; R is a single bond or a first linking group; C is -L-E, wherein L is a second linking group, E is an enzyme unit; x and z are each independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 10000, and y is an integer from 1 to 10000; o is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50, and when o is an integer from 1 to 50, m and n are each independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 50.