The area of the contact surface for various types of electrolytic treatment has always been one of the most important parameters

The increase in contact area was always the main goal is the formation of the electrolytic processing systems

With the development of technologies for production of composites made of graphite, it is possible to create a body-porous electrodes in which, while maintaining the same overall dimensions of the contact surface area of the active working area has increased a hundredfold

As the need for such electrodes has become more acute in recent times have been set up manufacturing of electrochemical systems in which a core base of novelty and effectiveness of the electrochemical process are the different variations of the volume-porous electrodes and the associated contact elements

As an example, the following quote of the invention, virtually defining and meeting all requirements and conditions inherent in modern efficient electrochemical systems or electrochemical reactors:

United States Patent Application 20100224497
Kind Code A1
Livshits; David; et al. September 9, 2010
________________________________________
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE EXTRACTION OF METALS FROM LIQUIDS
Abstract
A volume-porous electrode is provided which increases effectiveness and production of electrochemical processes. The electrode is formed of a carbon, graphitic cotton wool, or from carbon composites configured to permit fluid flow through a volume of the electrode in three orthogonal directions. The electrode conducts an electrical charge directly from a power source, and also includes a conductive band connected to a surface of the electrode volume, whereby a high charge density is applied uniformly across the electrode volume. Apparatus and methods which employ the volume-porous electrode are disclosed for removal of metals from liquid solutions using electroextraction and electro-coagulation techniques, and for electrochemical modification of the pH level of a liquid.
________________________________________
Inventors: Livshits; David; (San Francisco, CA); Teichner; Lester; (Chicago, IL)
Correspondence Address: VEDDER PRICE P.C.
222 N. LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO
IL
60,601
US
Serial No.: 682 174
Series Code: 12
Filed: October 9, 2008
PCT Filed: October 9, 2008
PCT NO: PCT/US08/79312
371 Date: April 8, 2010

United States Patent Application 20100224506
Kind Code A1
Livshits; David; et al. September 9, 2010
________________________________________
PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR COMPLEX TREATMENT OF LIQUIDS
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for complex treatment of contaminated liquids are provided, by which contaminants are extracted from the liquid. The substances to be extracted may be metallic, non-metallic, organic, inorganic, dissolved, or in suspension. The treatment apparatus includes at least one mechanical filter used to filter the liquid solution, a separator device used to remove organic impurities and oils from the mechanically filtered liquid, and an electroextraction device that removes heavy metals from the separated liquid. After treatment within the treatment apparatus, metal ion concentrations within the liquid may be reduced to their residual values of less than 0.1 milligrams per liter. A Method of complex treatment of a contaminated liquid includes using the separator device to remove inorganic and non-conductive substances prior to electroextraction of metals to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment and provide a reusable liquid.
________________________________________
Inventors: Livshits; David; (San Francisco, CA); Teichner; Lester; (Chicago, IL)
Correspondence Address: VEDDER PRICE P.C.
222 N. LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO
IL
60,601
US
Serial No.: 682 180
Series Code: 12
Filed: October 9, 2008
PCT Filed: October 9, 2008
PCT NO: PCT/US08/79324
371 Date: April 8, 2010

These inventions can already be achieved through the use of different types of carbon-carbon composite materials created before, but scientists continue to search for in the technological field of nano-technology to create conditions for improving the quality of electrochemical technologies

Here is another proof of such research:

Scientists have created nanotubes that can selectively ignore certain ions. In their selectivity, they are able to compete with the natural protein ion channels. The paper was published in the journal Nature Communications, a summary of its results in the site of the University at Buffalo.
Created by the authors of the nanotube are very different from the most famous of these structures - single-walled carbon nanotubes, resembling a folded graphene. Unlike the latter, the new nanotubes are assembled from many individual molecules bonded together by hydrogen bonds. These links help structures spontaneously assemble from solution.
Another difference is that in the inner cavity of the tube there is a kind of molecular "probes" that affect the mobility of ions. The inner tube diameter is slightly smaller than a nanometer, and the movement of ions in it is totally dependent on the nature of chemical groups located there. For example, if these groups carry a positive charge, the movement of cations in the tube becomes impossible.
According to the principle of nanotubes resemble the natural protein ion channels. Their structure is usually similar to an hourglass in the middle of which is the narrowest place of the charged group. It determines the ion channel of preference, because the charge and determines the size of the ion, which can penetrate through it.
Ion channels are made on the basis of the nanotubes may be useful for the creation of ion sensors, purification and desalination of water.

Another message also applies to new materials:

The German chemists have created a new material called airbrushing. A distinctive feature of the new material is very low density - less than a microgram per cubic centimeter. Article scientists describing the technology of new material and some of its properties appeared in the journal Advanced Materials.
The material is a network of carbon nanotubes. For material scientists first produced a base of zinc oxide by special technology. Then, the base was placed in a quartz tube, which at high temperatures it was grown on the airbrushing. Scientists have described the relationship among other properties of the material obtained from the parameters that determine its production - such as temperature.
According to the authors of the new material features unique mechanical and electrical properties. In particular, it can be used to create MEMS devices, as well as the manufacture of electrodes. Especially such material may be required to create tools that must withstand high acceleration.
The new material was named by analogy with airgel. So we call a material whose structure is reminiscent of the gel where the liquid phase is replaced by a gaseous phase. Such materials, having a very low density, may be at this very hard and durable. At the same time they are almost transparent, and what else they are called "solid smoke."
In November 2011 an article in Science, which has been described by way of producing ultra-light metallic sponge. First, scientists created a polymer base, which was doing a lot of cylindrical channels. Later on this substrate alloy of nickel and phosphorus. According to the creators of the new material can be used to create insulation, sound insulation, more efficient electrodes for batteries and more.