An electrochemical cell 10 is provided that includes first and second electrodes 13, 15, an electrolyte medium 17 in electrolytic communication with the first and second electrodes 13, 15, a chemical substance capable of undergoing an electrochemical reaction, and a voltage source 19 in electrolytic communication with the first and second electrodes 13, 15. The first electrode 13 includes a layer of an active catalyst material 25, and graphene coating 27 at least partially covering the layer of the active catalyst material 25. Methods for making and using the graphene coated electrode are further provided.

The invention relates to an anode for use in electroplating applications for highly alkaline electroplating electrolytes based on sodium hydroxide for depositing zinc and zinc alloys onto steel substrates and die-cast zinc substrates.

Electrochemical cells for the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural are provided. Also provided are methods of using the cells to carry out the oxidation reactions. The electrochemical cells and methods use catalytic copper-based anodes to carry out the electrochemical oxidation reactions.

A symmetrical hydrogen gas generating device comprising a symmetrical hydrogen generating device, a housing encapsulating the symmetrical hydrogen generating device, and a center-point rod residing directly in a center of the symmetrical hydrogen generating device. Together, the housing and the center-point rod improving workability and efficiency of the symmetrical hydrogen generating device. The center-point rod may be a single-piece center-point rod or a multi-piece center-point rod that resides directly at the longitudinal center of the symmetrical hydrogen generating device.

A toothbrush includes a handle, a head at a distal end of the handle comprising a bristle plate, a hole extending through the bristle plate, a plurality of bristles at least partially disposed in the hole and extending from the hole in a direction away from the head, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the hole. Fluid in the reservoir enters the tuft holes and is wicked out of the head of the toothbrushes by capillaries formed between the bristles.

Systems and methods for a hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst are provided. Electrode material includes a plurality of clusters. The electrode exhibits bifunctionality with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction. The electrode with clusters exhibits improved performance with respect to the intrinsic material of the electrode absent the clusters.

Nano structured surfaces and bulk composite materials which exhibit tunable surface morphology, wettability, thermal conductivity, and total thermal resistance properties, and methods of fabrication and uses thereof are described herein. Arrays of vertically-aligned nanostructures produced via a template assisted fabrication approach using nanoporous templates, or alternatively, via an electropolymerization process are described. As a result, control over the surface morphology and wettability can be achieved using the selective template etching process. The composite materials also demonstrate tunable thermal and electrical properties based on the methods of their fabrication. The arrays of polymeric nanostructures are chemically, mechanically, and thermally robust and can serve as soft substrates with heat dissipation capability for use in the fabrication of thermal management materials, tunable wetting for microfluidic applications, and for use in heterojunction organic photovoltaic cells.

In some embodiments, an oral care device includes a flexible base substrate, a power source disposed on the base substrate, and a flexible light source disposed on the base structure or on the power source. The flexible light source is in electrical communication with the power source. Also disclosed are methods of using the same, for example, for whitening the teeth or for treating other conditions in the oral cavity.

According to one embodiment, a system includes an electrochemical cell that includes a crucible having a molten CaCO.sub.3:CaCl.sub.2:CaO mixture therein, where a cathode and an inert anode are positioned in the molten CaCO.sub.3:CaCl.sub.2:CaO mixture, and an inlet for feeding carbon dioxide gas into the molten CaCO.sub.3:CaCl.sub.2:CaO mixture. In addition, the system includes a furnace having an inert atmosphere therein, where the electrochemical cell is sealed in the furnace having the inert atmosphere.

Plating bath and well structures and methods are described to stop the organic compounds present in plating reservoir wells or bath solution from rising, i.e., climbing up the reservoir wall. An electroplating apparatus includes a vessel holding a liquid solution including metal plating material and an organic species, and a method of operating an electroplating apparatus. The apparatus is designed with plating bath and structures and methods to stop the organic compounds present in plating reservoir wells or bath solution from rising, i.e., climbing or wicking up the inner surfaces of reservoir walls, and to wash them back down on a continuous or cyclical basis in order to maintain a concentration of organic compounds in the plating solution within upper and lower specification limits.