Surface tension knowledge of surfactants aqueous solutions is important during amphiphilic molecule manufacturing and new product development, as feedback information to handle synthesis parameters to target performance. Drop counting method is an interesting simplification of drop weight method for surface tension measurements. A simple laboratory measurement device, with capability for temperature control, was assembled to allow investigation of ethoxylated surfactants. The implementation of the method was preceded by a detailed investigation of two factors that may affect the measured surface tension: drop formation velocity and surfactant ethoxylation degree. The limitations of the method are discussed on this basis.

In this work, cathodes employed in secondary lithium batteries are reviewed. These cathodes have great technologic and scientific importance, specifically, materials for cathodes as electronic conductor polymers (ECP), transition metal oxides (TMO) and nanocomposites of ECP/TMO. The use of a specific cathodic material is based in some intrinsic characteristics that improve the performance of the battery. Thus, some vantages and disvantages of these insertion compounds are discussed, as lithium insertion capacity, energy density, and the ciclability of these materials.

Among in situ techniques, the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) is a powerful tool for the study of electrochemical reactions that produce mass changes in the electrode/solution interface. This review present some systems in which the EQCM combined with classical electrochemical techniques, gives relevant information for understanding the charge transport process at a molecular level. The aim of this review is to do a brief description of experimental arrangements, with emphasis on some special cares that must be considered by the users. Secondly, some chosen electrochemical systems where the technique was successfully applied are discussed. Finally, a brief analysis of electroacoustic impedance experiments was done in order to show when the Sauerbrey equation can be used.