Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Cathode materials that contain manganese are emphasized. Representative materials include LixNi1?y?zMnyCozO2 (NMC) (where x is in the range from 0.80 to 1.3, y is in the range from 0.01 to 0.5, and z is in the range from 0.01 to 0.5), LixMn2O4 (LM), and LixNi1?yMnyO2 (LMN) (where x is in the range from 0.8 to 1.3 and y is in the range from 0.0 to 0.8). The process includes reactions of carboxylate precursors of nickel, manganese, and/or cobalt and lithiation with a lithium precursor. The carboxylate precursors are made from reactions of pure metals or metal compounds with carboxylic acids. The manganese precursor contains bivalent manganese and the process controls the oxidation state of manganese to avoid formation of higher oxidation states of manganese.

Abstract: A method for storing and delivering hydrogen gas is described. The method includes reacting a chemical hydride with water in the presence of a synergist. The synergist advances the extent of reaction of the chemical hydride with water to increase the yield of hydrogen production. The synergist reacts with byproducts formed in the reaction of the chemical hydride with water that would otherwise inhibit progress of the reaction. As a result, a greater fraction of hydrogen available from a chemical hydride is released as hydrogen gas.

Abstract: High-yield synthesis of higher germanes and higher silanes includes the hydrolysis of a germanium- or silicon-containing alloy with chemical formula AxByGe(Si), wherein A=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and rare earth metals; B=Al, Si, Sn, Ga, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag; x=0-10, y=0-10. The hydrolysis reaction is promoted by an acidic substance such as boron oxide (B2O3), citric acid, hydrochloric acid (HCl), or sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The present invention provides an efficient method of drying higher germanes and higher silanes to prevent their further hydrolysis. Another synthetic process involves the reaction of germanium oxide, borohydride and boron oxide with water. Still another process comprises hydrolyzing the Si1-xGex alloy with a very dilute base solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Cathode materials that contain manganese are emphasized. Representative materials include LixNi1-y-zMnyCozO2 (NMC) (where x is in the range from 0.80 to 1.3, y is in the range from 0.01 to 0.5, and z is in the range from 0.01 to 0.5), LixMn2O4(LM), and LixNi1-yMnyO2 (LMN) (where x is in the range from 0.8 to 1.3 and y is in the range from 0.0 to 0.8). The process includes reactions of carboxylate precursors of nickel, manganese, and/or cobalt and lithiation with a lithium precursor. The carboxylate precursors are made from reactions of pure metals or metal compounds with carboxylic acids. The manganese precursor contains bivalent manganese and the process controls the oxidation state of manganese to avoid formation of higher oxidation states of manganese.

Abstract: A method for the production of germane includes reacting an oxide of germanium and/or a non-oxide of germanium compound with a borohydride in a base solution. The method permits production of germane from impure germanium-containing starting materials. Catalysts for the reaction include transition metal elements, as well as oxides, hydroxides, halides, and other complexes or compounds of transition metals. Application of heat increases the efficiency of the catalyst. The methods also include production of germane through oxidation of a pure or impure oxide or non-oxide of germanium. The oxidation is effected by contacting the germanium-containing solid phase starting material with an oxidizing solution. The oxidizing solution may be a basic solution comprising a hydroxide or an acidic solution. The oxidation product of the germanium-containing solid phase starting material is converted to germane through an electrochemical or chemical reduction process.