Abstract: Various embodiments include a device for generating plasma and for directing an flow of electrons towards a specific target; the device comprises a hollow cathode; a main electrode at least partially placed inside the cathode; a resistor, electrically earthing the main electrode; a substantially dielectric tubular element extending through a wall of the cathode; a ring-shaped anode placed around the tubular element and earthed; and an activation group which is electrically connected to the cathode and is able to reduce the electric potential of the cathode of at least 8 kV in about 10 ns.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solar cell comprising a support, a layer of cadmium sulfide (CdS), a layer of cadmium telluride (CdTe), a layer of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), a conductive metallic layer and optionally a layer of buffer material, the CdS layer and the CdTe layer being deposited by means of a pulsed plasma deposition (PPD) method, a solar cell obtainable by means of the described process being also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a device for generating plasma and for directing an flow of electrons towards a specific target; the device comprises a hollow cathode; a main electrode at least partially placed inside the cathode; a resistor, electrically earthing the main electrode; a substantially dielectric tubular element extending through a wall of the cathode; a ring-shaped anode placed around the tubular element and earthed; and an activation group which is electrically connected to the cathode and is able to reduce the electric potential of the cathode of at least 8 kV in about 10 ns.

Abstract: A method for depositing a metal oxide film on a surface of a supporting body for the film, comprising the steps of: —providing a deposition chamber; —providing a pulsed beam of electrons and plasma in the deposition chamber; —supplying a supporting body in the deposition chamber, the supporting body having a deposition surface; —providing a target body made of a material which comprises the metal oxide in the deposition chamber, the target body having a target surface; —forming a plume of metal oxide ablated from the target surface by means of the impact of the pulsed beam of electrons and plasma against the target surface; and —depositing a metal oxide film on the deposition surface by means of the contact of the plume with the deposition surface.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solar cell comprising a support, a layer of cadmium sulfide (CdS), a layer of cadmium telluride (CdTe), a layer of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), a conductive metallic layer and optionally a layer of buffer material, the CdS layer and the CdTe layer being deposited by means of a pulsed plasma deposition (PPD) method, a solar cell obtainable by means of the described process being also provided.

Abstract: A catalyst for the full oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particularly hydrocarbons, and of CO to CO2, comprising: a non-stoichiometric crystalline compound conventionally designated by a formula which corresponds to A14Cu24O41 (I), where A is Sr or a solid solution of Sr with alkaline-earth metals, alkaline metals, lanthanides; or a non-stoichiometric crystalline compound conventionally designated by a formula which corresponds to B4Cu5O10 (II), where B is Ca or a solid solution of Ca with alkaline-earth metals, alkaline metals, lanthanides; or mixtures thereof; and in that it is prepared in a form which has a large specific surface area, preferably larger than 25 m2/g; a method for preparing the catalysts; their use in methods for the full oxidation of VOC and of CO to CO2; and the oxidation methods.

Abstract: A catalyst for the full oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particularly hydrocarbons, and of CO to CO2, comprising: a non-stoichiometric crystalline compound conventionally designated by a formula which corresponds to A14Cu24O41 (I), where A is Sr or a solid solution of Sr with alkaline-earth metals, alkaline metals, lanthanides; or a non-stoichiometric crystalline compound conventionally designated by a formula which corresponds to B4Cu5O10 (II), where B is Ca or a solid solution of Ca with alkaline-earth metals, alkaline metals, lanthanides; or mixtures thereof; and in that it is prepared in a form which has a large specific surface area, preferably larger than 25 m2/g; a method for preparing the catalysts; their use in methods for the full oxidation of VOC and of CO to CO2; and the oxidation methods.

Abstract: A method for absorbing formaldehyde from gaseous mixtures that contain it, and a method for regenerating the absorption compound used.

Abstract: A method for absorbing formaldehyde from gaseous mixtures that contain it, and a method for regenerating the absorption compound used.

Abstract: A catalyst for the full oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particularly hydrocarbons, and of CO to CO2, comprising:

Abstract: A catalyst for the full oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particularly hydrocarbons, and of CO to CO2, comprising:

Abstract: A catalyst for the full oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particularly hydrocarbons, and of CO to CO2, comprising: a non-stoichiometric crystalline compound conventionally designated by a formula which corresponds to A14Cu24O41 (I), where A is Sr or a solid solution of Sr with alkaline-earth metals, alkaline metals, lanthanides; or a non-stoichiometric crystalline compound conventionally designated by a formula which corresponds to B4Cu5O10 (II), where B is Ca or a solid solution of Ca with alkaline-earth metals, alkaline metals, lanthanides; or mixtures thereof; and in that it is prepared in a form which has a large specific surface area, preferably larger than 25 m2/g; a method for preparing the catalysts; their use in methods for the full oxidation of VOC and of CO to CO2; and the oxidation methods.

Abstract: A process for absorbing nitrogen oxides, comprising the step of placing gas mixtures containing nitrogen oxides in contact with absorbent compounds constituted by mixed copper oxides chosen among CaCuO2, Sr14Cu24O41, derivatives thereof obtained by isovalent and/or heterovalent substitutions, and mixtures thereof.