Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a microcellular foam of a curable material by replicating a dissolvable particle preform and leaching away the dissolvable particle preform to yield the microcellular foam. The foam can be a preceramic polymer microcellular foam which can be pyrolyzed to form a ceramic microcellular foam. A method for making a composite including steps of producing a ceramic microcellular foam which is subsequently infiltrated to form the composite is also provided as are microcellular foams, ceramic microcellular foams and composites prepared according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: An electrochemical device including a solid electrolyte and solid electrode composed of materials having different chemical compositions and characterized by different electrical properties but having the same crystalline phase is provided. A method for fabricating an electrochemical device having a solid electrode and solid electrolyte characterized by the same crystalline phase is provided.

Abstract: Oxidation and sulfidation resistant alloys and mixtures including chromium and niobium as well as oxidation and sulfidation resistant articles including chromium and niobium present as either an alloy or a mixture are provided. A method for preparing an oxidation and sulfidation resistant article by preparing a material including chromium and niobium and either forming an article directly from the chromium and niobium containing material or forming the article from a base material and coating the material with a coating including a chromium and niobium-containing material is provided.