Interface Issue Research Articles

Looking at Patent Law: Patenting an Electrochemically Mediated Oxidation Reaction on Electrode Arrays–A Case Study

In this installment of the “Looking at Patent Law” series, we present a case study of the prosecution of U.S. Patent No. 7,507,837 directed towards “Process for Performing an Isolated Pd(II)-Mediated Oxidation Reaction” assigned to CombiMatrix Corporation of Mukilteo, Washington. This case was chosen to coincide with the focus of this issue of Interface on the Organic and Biological Electrochemistry (OBE) division of the Electrochemical Society (ECS). Notably, Prof. Kevin Moeller, a co-inventor on the subject patent, is a member-at-large of OBE. The case study begins with a brief synopsis of the background of the invention followed by 1) a discussion of the parent and child patent applications associated with the invention, 2) inventor assignment and power of attorney designations, 3) summary of office actions, 4) summary of applicant response to non-final rejection, and 5) allowance of the patent application. The case study discusses double patenting and the applicant’s response by filling a terminal disclaimer to traverse the rejection. With this case study, we hope to de-mystify the patent prosecution process and better prepare electrochemical and solid-state scientists, engineers and technologists to interact with their patent counsel regarding their inventions.

Numerical analysis of the GaN trench MIS barrier Schottky diodes with high dielectric reliability and surge current capability

The commercialization of GaN-based Schottky barrier diodes in middle- and high- voltage applications still faces many challenges, in which the lack of an effective selective area p-type doping method is one of the main obstacles. This paper proposes novel vertical GaN-based Schottky diodes with trench MIS structure and an embedded p-GaN protection layer (junction-trench MIS barrier Schottky diodes, J-TMBS). The trench structure and lateral p-n junctions can be achieved by selectively etching the very thin p-GaN and then regrowing n-GaN. Therefore, the fabrication technology avoids the selective area p-type doping process, and the dry etching damage and poor sidewall regrowth interface issue, which are serious in GaN Merged pn/Schottky (MPS) diodes, can also be alleviated for the proposed J-TMBS. Compared with the optimized GaN trench MIS barrier Schottky (TMBS) diodes, the surge current capability and dielectric reliability of the proposed J-TMBS are significantly improved (the electric field of the dielectric layer and maximum lattice temperature under the surge test can be reduced by 448% and 202%, respectively). In addition, the specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) and breakdown voltage remain basically unchanged compared with TMBS. Compared with the optimized GaN MPS diodes, the proposed structure improves the specific on-resistance by 17.2% benefiting from the reduced area of the JFET region without degrading the reverse I–V characteristics and surge current capability. The proposed J-TMBS exhibits potential in practical high voltage (>600 V) application of GaN Schottky power diodes.

The interfacial engineering of metal electrodes for high-specific-energy and long-lifespan batteries

High-specific-energy batteries with long-lifespan are the development aspiration for energy storage applications. Metal electrodes with high specific capacity and low reduction potential are potential candidates for next-generation high-specific-energy batteries. Nevertheless, the stability of the metal electrode batteries is constantly suffered from the unstable interface issue during the plating/stripping process, such as dendrite formation, dynamic evolution of solid electrolyte interphase, and other accompanied side reactions. To solve these challenges, numerous researches have been intensively studied based on the interfacial engineering of metal electrodes, including electrode configuration optimization, interfacial chemistry regulation and solid-solid interface construction, and the recent progress is elaborately introduced in this paper. Nevertheless, the dendrite issues cannot be entirely prohibited in solid metal electrodes, which motivate the search for potential alternatives. Liquid-metal electrodes with completely reversible structural changes and high mass transfer rate are rendered as an effective approach to solve the dendrite problem. Therefore, the development of liquid metal electrode batteries is reviewed in this paper, in which the interfacial issues are explicated and some commendable achievements are summarized. In the end, the implementation of interfacial engineering and the development roadmap of the metal electrode batteries are prospected.

Time-keeping and decision-making in living cells: Part I

To survive and reproduce, a cell must process information from its environment and its own internal state and respond accordingly, in terms of metabolic activity, gene expression, movement, growth, division and differentiation. These signal–response decisions are made by complex networks of interacting genes and proteins, which function as biochemical switches and clocks, and other recognizable information-processing circuitry. This theme issue of Interface Focus (in two parts) brings together articles on time-keeping and decision-making in living cells—work that uses precise mathematical modelling of underlying molecular regulatory networks to understand important features of cell physiology. Part I focuses on time-keeping: mechanisms and dynamics of biological oscillators and modes of synchronization and entrainment of oscillators, with special attention to circadian clocks.

Looking at Patent Law: Patenting an Electrochemical Invention for Eradication of Microbes from the Surfaces of Implants—A Case Study

In this installment of the “Looking at Patent Law” series, we present a case study of the prosecution of U.S. Patent No. 9,616,142 directed towards “Electrochemical Eradication of Microbes on Surfaces of Objects” jointly assigned to The Research Foundation for the State University of New York and Syracuse University. This case was chosen to coincide with the focus of this issue of Interface on diversity and inclusion in electrochemical technology, science and engineering. Notably, several of the inventors are female, including Dr. Esther S. Takeuchi who is a prolific inventor with numerous awards, honors and recognitions. The case study begins with a brief synopsis of the background of the invention followed by 1) a discussion of the patent applications associated with the invention, 2) inventor assignment and power of attorney designations, 3) submission of an information disclosure statement and duty of candor, 4) summary of office actions, 5) summary of applicant response to non-final rejection, and 6) allowance of the patent application. With this case study, we hope to de-mystify the patent prosecution process and better prepare electrochemical and solid-state scientists, engineers and technologists to interact with their patent counsel regarding their inventions.

From the Editor: Starting the Next 30 Years

As noted in the Winter 2021 issue of Interface, we have now wrapped up three decades of bringing ECS members and the outside world insights into the wonderful world of electrochemical and solid state science. To calibrate, thirty years ago I had a full head of hair. More or less (less). In going through the archives—a reminder that ALL issues are available in pdf in our archive—one can follow the major changes that have taken place in scientific publishing.

The interface issue in second language acquisition research: An interdisciplinary perspective

The interface issue concerning the nature of interactions between explicit and implicit linguistic knowledge in second language acquisition (SLA) has been a focus of widespread academic interest for almost four decades. However, despite intense debate at the theoretical level and emerging methodologically rigorous studies related to the topic, the issue remains unresolved. With this overview paper, we hope to offer a contribution to the pending theoretical and methodological topics related to the interface in acquiring L2 syntax. First, the paper discusses the definitions and operationalization criteria of implicit and explicit knowledge, as well as their interface. Then, we review the methods and findings of representative studies on domain-general learning and second language acquisition that have explored the interactions between implicit and explicit learning systems. Specifically, we identify the types of interactions that are tenable according to the literature in cognitive psychology and seek evidence for those interactions in the results of published state-of-the-art research. Finally, we compile methodological recommendations for further SLA studies exploring the interface. Following other scholars, throughout the discussion, we argue that bringing the field closer to resolving the interface issue requires an interdisciplinary approach that combines insights and methods from linguistic, psychological and neurocognitive research traditions.

Fabrication of asymmetric bilayer solid-state electrolyte with boosted ion transport enabled by charge-rich space charge layer for ‐20~70°C lithium metal battery

Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO), a typical oxidizing ceramic solid electrolyte of excellent lithium-ion conductivity, is considered as a promising candidate for next-generation high-energy-density solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, great challenges, such as the unexpected growth of lithium dendrites and the excessive resistance of electrolyte/electrode interface, need to be well addressed through their commercialization. Here, a local conjugated polymer solid-state electrolytes nanolayer was formed onto ceramic oxide particles via selective adsorption through an in-situ polymerization process. Li solid NMR spectra and TEM (ex-situ and in-situ) characterizations suggest that optimized layer provided effective pathways for Li+ conduction between SSEs and ceramic oxide. Consequently, this composite electrolyte possesses a high ionic conductivity of 0.69 mS cm−1 at 25 °C. Lithium symmetrical batteries exhibit a reduced charge voltage polarization and the critical current density could be increased up to 2.4 mA cm−2. Moreover, lithium metal batteries based on CPE show an excellent cycle stability over a broad temperature range from −20 to 70 °C, and super-long cycling performance (> 600 cycles) at 0.5 C under 0 °C. This new strategy creates a new route to resolve the LLZTO/electrode interface issue by constructing rich-large space charge layer and promoting Li+ conduction, it will be helpful for the commercialization and application of wide-temperatures SSLMBs.

Optimized Interfaces in Anti-Perovskite Electrolyte-Based Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries for Enhanced Performance.

Solid-state lithium metal batteries have attracted broad interest as a promising energy storage technology because of the high energy density and enhanced safety that are highly desired in the markets of consumer electronics and electric vehicles. However, there are still many challenges before the practical application of the new battery. One of the major challenges is the poor interface between lithium metal electrodes and solid electrolytes, which eventually lead to the exceptionally high internal resistance of the cells and limited output. The interface issue arises largely due to the poor contact between solid and solid, and the mechanical/electrochemical instability of the interface. In this work, an in situ “welding” strategy is developed to address the interfacial issue in solid-state batteries. Microliter-level of liquid electrolyte is transformed into an organic–inorganic composite buffer layer, offering a flexible and stable interface and promoting enhanced electrochemical performance. Symmetric lithium–metal batteries with the new interface demonstrate good cycling performance for 400 h and withstand the current density of 0.4 mA cm−2. Full batteries developed with lithium–metal anode and LiFePO4 cathode also demonstrate significantly improved cycling endurance and capacity retention.

Best of the Blogs Winter 2021

Learn which ECS blogs have been the most popular since the last issue of Interface.

From the Editor: Who’s a Good Boy?

This issue of Interface represents the completion of 30 years of publication. As a beginning to the celebration, we have included a list of 30 articles published in the last 30 years from Journal of the Electrochemical Society and the Journal of Solid State Science and Technology. They are listed as “pearls” because the 30th anniversary is the “pearl anniversary.”

Looking at Patent Law: Patenting an Electrochemical Invention for Recycling Electronic Waste – A Case Study

In this installment of the “Looking at Patent Law” series, we present a case study of the prosecution of U.S. Patent No. 9,777,346 directed towards “Methods for Recovering Metals from Electronic Waste, and Related Systems” assigned to Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC of Idaho Falls, ID. This case was chosen to coincide with the focus of this issue of Interface on electrochemical recycling. The case study begins with a brief synopsis of the background of the invention followed by 1) a discussion of the patent applications associated with the invention, 2) inventor assignment and power of attorney designations, 3) submission of an information disclosure statement and duty of candor, 4) summary of office actions, 5) summary of applicant response to non-final rejection, and 6) allowance of the patent application. The applicants made substantial use of continuation applications. The continuation applications resulted in the issuance of two additional patents, U.S. Patent No. 10,378,081 and U.S. Patent No. 11,035,023. These additional patents added both broader and focused claims for the subject invention. With this case study, we hope to de-mystify the patent prosecution process and better prepare electrochemical and solid-state scientists, engineers and technologists to interact with their patent counsel regarding their inventions.

Looking at Patent Law: Patenting an Electrochemical Invention for Recycling Electronic Waste – A Case Study

In this installment of the Looking at Patent Law series, we present a case study of the prosecution of U.S. Patent No. 9,777,346 directed towards Methods for Recovering Metals from Electronic Waste, and Related Systems assigned to Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC of Idaho Falls, ID. This case was chosen to coincide with the focus of this issue of Interface on electrochemical recycling. The case study begins with a brief synopsis of the background of the invention followed by 1) a discussion of the patent applications associated with the invention, 2) inventor assignment and power of attorney designations, 3) submission of an information disclosure statement and duty of candor, 4) summary of office actions, 5) summary of applicant response to non-final rejection, and 6) allowance of the patent application. The applicants made substantial use of continuation applications. The continuation applications resulted in the issuance of two additional patents, U.S. Patent No. 10,378,081 and U.S. Patent No. 11,035,023. These additional patents added both broader and focused claims for the subject invention. With this case study, we hope to de-mystify the patent prosecution process and better prepare electrochemical and solid-state scientists, engineers and technologists to interact with their patent counsel regarding their inventions.

Electrochemistry for Recycling

This current issue of Interface focuses on the crosscutting topic of Electrochemistry for Recycling, highlighting the critical role that electrochemical processes and electrochemical products play in achieving a circular economy.

Electrochemistry for Recycling

This current issue of Interface focuses on the crosscutting topic of “Electrochemistry for Recycling," highlighting the critical role that electrochemical processes and electrochemical products play in achieving a circular economy.

Improving Na/Na3 Zr2 Si2 PO12 Interface via SnOx /Sn Film for High-Performance Solid-State Sodium Metal Batteries.

Sodium (Na) metal batteries have attracted much attention due to their rich resources, low cost, and high energy density. As a promising solid electrolyte, Na3 Zr2 Si2 PO12 (NZSP) is expected to be used in solid-state Na metal batteries addressing the safety concerns. However, due to the poor contact between NZSP and the Na metal, the interfacial resistance is too large to gain proper performance for practical solid-state batteries (SSBs) application. Here, a SnOx /Sn film is successfully introduced to improve the interface between Na and NZSP for enhancing the electrochemical performance of SSBs. As a result, the Na/NZSP interfacial resistance is dramatically reduced from 581 to 3 Ω cm2 . The modified Na||Na symmetric cell keeps cycling over 1500 h with an overpotential of 40mV at 0.1mA cm-2 at room temperature. Even at current densities of 0.3 and 0.5mA cm-2 , the cell still maintains an excellent cyclability. When coupled with NaTi2 (PO4 )3 and a Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 cathode, the full-cell demonstrates a good performance at 0.2 C and 1 C, respectively. The present work provides an effective way to solve the interface issue of SSBs.

High-Temperature Corrosion in Advanced Energy Systems

Our energy demands will be increasing for the near future due to factors such as population growth, improved standards of living, increased automation, and increased mobility. New power generation systems are being designed to meet this growing demand efficiently. These designs are also being influenced by our desire to meet more of our energy needs using sustainable sources. One of the primary goals of these advanced designs is to improve operational efficiency, which is low at ∼35% for thermal power plants. A straightforward method to improve efficiency is by operating the thermal power cycles at higher temperatures of up to 1000°C. Higher temperature operations, in turn, require newer heat transfer fluids such as molten salts, molten metals, or gases. The design criteria for these newer power systems are often limited by the choice of materials that can operate under these harsh environments. All of these demands mean that corrosion scientists need to study, understand, and develop strategies to control corrosion in these newer and harsher environments. This issue of Interface aims to provide an overview of some of these corrosion issues, identify promising materials, and highlight the research needs.

The Chalkboard: A Positive Spin on Corrosion Measurements: The Rotating Ring-Disk Electrode

Within the inventory of highly sensitive, selective, and broadly useful electroanalytical techniques available nowadays resides a very clever approach to the measurement of reaction rates, including those of certain non electrochemical reactions, and the simultaneous quantitative identification of reaction products, including short-lived intermediates. Conceived by Alexander Frumkin in 1958 and first built by Lev Nekrasov, the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) was a spin-off of the rotating disk electrode (RDE) for which Benjamin Levich developed the hydrodynamic equations defining the electrochemical response. A fascinating account of the development of the RRDE technique by Soviet, American, and British electrochemists during and despite the Cold War can be found in an earlier issue of Interface.

High-Temperature Corrosion in Advanced Energy Systems (Summer 2021)

In the summer issue of Interface we highlight features discussing high-temperature corrosion.

Looking at Patent Law: Patenting an Electrochemical Nondestructive Corrosion Evaluation System for Ships, Buildings, and Bridges – A Case Study

In this installment of the “Looking at Patent Law” articles, we present a case study of a system for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of corrosion on ships, buildings, and bridges. We have chosen this invention to align with the focus of this issue of Interface on the ECS Corrosion Division.