Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical method for high-temperature molten salt electrolysis in humid atmosphere. The method involves preparing hydrogen gas, metals/alloys, metal oxide compounds and metal hydrides in humid high-temperature molten salt environment. Hydrogen gas is generated by electrolyzing water in a molten salt electrolyte at above 100° C., and with a working cathode being a solid-state oxide pellet and a voltage applied to the electrolyzing cell being far lower than that in a direct electro-deoxidation process, the hydrogen gas generated reduces solid-state oxide cathodes to produce metals. The hydrogen ions in the molten salt can be prepared by hydrolysis reaction of the molten salt in a water vapor containing atmosphere. Corresponding metals or alloys or metal oxide compounds can be prepared by reducing iron oxide, molybdenum oxide, tantalum oxide, nickel oxide, copper oxide, titanium oxide or corresponding compound oxides and the like.

Abstract: A method for transforming a crystal form of an electrolyte containing lithium for aluminum electrolysis includes the following steps: S1, pulverizing the electrolyte containing lithium; S2, uniformly mixing an additive with the electrolyte powder to obtain a mixture, wherein the additive is one or more selected from the group consisting of an oxide of an alkali metal other than lithium, an oxo acid salt of an alkali metal other than lithium, and a halide of an alkali metal other than lithium; a molar ratio of a sum of alkali metal fluoride contained in the electrolyte, alkali metal fluoride directly added from the additive, and alkali metal fluoride to which the additive is converted under the high-temperature calcination condition in the mixture to aluminum fluoride is greater than 3; S3, calcining the mixture at a high temperature.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for electrolytic reduction of feedstock elements, made from feedstock, in a melt. In addition, the present invention relates to an apparatus for electrolytic reduction of feedstock elements, made from feedstock, and can be used for the reduction of oxides of metals belonging to Groups 3-14 of the Periodic Table. The method is implemented using the apparatus that, according to the invention, comprises an electrolyzer bath; an electrolytic cell; an electrolyzer bath insert plate; a cover with evolved gas outlets. Moreover, the electrolytic cell contains at least one cathode chamber and two anode plates, which are vertically arranged relative to each other, at least one current source, independently connected to the cathode chamber and one or two anode plates, and a device for horizontal reciprocating movement of the said electrolytic cell, which is found outside of the electrolyzer cover.

Abstract: An electrolyte flow regulator device and system that eliminates electrode edge strips, preferably cathodes edge strips, by obstructing the passage of the rich electrolyte to be electrodeposited and by the electrical isolation caused by the side walls of the device in the area where the edge strip was originally arranged, being able to obtain edges of an electrode without electrodeposition.

Abstract: A method for directly writing metal traces on a wide range of substrate materials is disclosed. The method includes writing a pattern of particle-free metal-salt-based ink on the substrate followed by a plasma-based treatment to remove the non-metallic components of the ink and decompose its metal salt into pure metal. The ink is based on a multi-part solvent whose components differ in at least one of evaporation rate, surface tension, and viscosity, which improves the manner in which the ink is converted into its metal constituent via the plasma treatment. In some embodiments, a microplasma is used for post-treatment of the deposited ink, where the plasma properties are controlled to provide different material properties, such as porosity and effective resistivity, in different regions of the metal pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting rare earth elements contained in permanent magnets, which includes the steps of thermal treatment of the permanent magnet, crushing at the end of the thermal treatment in order to obtain particles with a size smaller than 2 mm, treatment by agitation of the particles in a solution containing an organic acid, and separation of the liquid phase from the solid phase.

Abstract: Provided is a method for efficiently separating and recovering tungsten and other valuable(s) from at least one valuable containing tungsten. The present invention relates to a method for recovering at least one valuable containing tungsten, comprising subjecting a raw material mixture comprising at least one valuable containing tungsten to electrolysis using an electrolytic solution containing at least one alcohol amine to dissolve tungsten in the electrolytic solution, electrodeposit a part of the valuable(s) onto a cathode used for the electrolysis and separate at least one valuable other than the valuable(s) electrodeposited onto the cathode as a residue in the electrolytic solution, and then separating and recovering each of the residue and the valuable(s) electrodeposited onto the cathode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bubble collector guide for use in an electrolysis process, which comprises a plurality of guide members arranged at a distance from each other, the guide members comprising a lower side. The guide members can be arranged horizontally on the vertical surface of an electrode so that the lower side of the guide member forms a downwards facing surface that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical surface of the electrode, so as to collect bubbles of gas generated at the electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste treatment method in which waste is subjected to a first screening process (4). The fraction of waste passing through the screening is subjected to a pre-fermentation treatment in a rotating tube (1) and the material leaving the pre-fermentation treatment tube is subjected to mixing in a mixing hopper, and, subsequently, to a methanization treatment in a digester (2). The organic materials are separated from the undesirable products in the material leaving the pre-fermentation treatment tube before it enters the digester. The digester (2) is horizontal and mechanically stirred, and a fraction of the digestate leaving the digester is recirculated at least in the mixing hopper, the recirculation rate being sufficiently high to ensure complete mixing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium by reducing alumina. The cell may comprise a sidewall including at least one side block. The side block may comprise an aluminous material having an apparent porosity of less than about 10% and a composition, as a weight percentage on the basis of the aluminous material and for a total of about 100%, such that: Al2O3>about 50%, beta-alumina being less than about 20% of the weight of the aluminous material, oxides that are less reducible than alumina at 1000° C.<about 50%, Na2O<about 3.9%, and other components<about 5%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium recovery device and recovery method. The lithium recovery device of the present invention includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a power supply device. In the lithium recovery device of the present invention, since lithium is attached to an adsorbent of the first electrode by applying a current to the first and second electrodes in a state in which the first and second electrodes are immersed in a lithium-containing fluid, the first electrode including a carrier made of a stainless steel material in a form of an iron mesh or perforated sheet and having a surface coated with the adsorbent containing a manganese oxide, and the second electrode facing the first electrode, it is possible to increase a size of the device and have excellent energy efficiency and economic feasibility.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are certain embodiments of a novel chemical synthesis route for lithium ion battery applications. Accordingly, various embodiments are focused on the synthesis of a new active material using NMC (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) as the precursor for a phosphate material having a layered crystal structure. Partial phosphate generation in the layer structured material stabilizes the material while maintaining the large capacity nature of the layer structured material.

Abstract: A novel carbon absorption material is described which is formed from anaerobic digestate. The material has a hollow tubular structure and is particularly advantageous in converting hydrogen sulfide in biogas and in absorbing the converted sulfur and sulfur compounds from biogas into its structure. The material after use as a hydrogen sulfide absorbent has value as a horticultural or agricultural product or as a sulfur impregnated activated carbon. The process for producing this novel carbon absorption material is described. In an embodiment, the process described uses in particular, a humidified inert gas over a temperature range of between about 500° C. to 900° C. to convert anaerobic digestate to an active carbon absorbent. The thermal treatment is relatively mild and retains the fibrous structure of the source material while removing cellulosic and hemicellulosic components from the anaerobic digestate.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of selectively removing lithium from various liquids, methods of producing high purity lithium carbonate, methods of producing high purity lithium hydroxide, and methods of regenerating resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell, particularly useful in electrochemical processes carried out with periodic reversal of polarity. The cell is equipped with concentric pairs of electrodes arranged in such a way that, in each stage of the process, the cathodic area is equal to the anodic area.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for recovering metals from bottom ash from incineration plants, such as municipal waste incineration plants. The process includes directing a feed containing ash into an oxidizing unit, wherein at least part of the metals is oxidized in the presence of one or more acids and at least one oxygen donor, thus producing a stream comprising metal ions. From this stream the metals of interest are selected and converted into metallic form.

Abstract: Alkali metals and sulfur may be recovered from an oil desulfurization process which utilized alkali metal in an electrolytic process that utilizes an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane. An anolyte solution includes an alkali monosulfide, an alkali polysulfide, or a mixture thereof and a solvent that dissolves elemental sulfur. A catholyte includes molten alkali metal. Applying an electric current oxidizes sulfide and polysulfide in the anolyte compartment, causes alkali metal ions to pass through the alkali ion conductive membrane to the catholyte compartment, and reduces the alkali metal ions in the catholyte compartment. Liquid sulfur separates from the anolyte solution and may be recovered. The electrolytic cell is operated at a temperature where the formed alkali metal and sulfur are molten.

Abstract: A biomining enhancement method for metal sulfide ores using sulfurous acid for microbial leaching of heavy metals into solution for subsequent removal via electro winning, ion exchange, or precipitation with alkaline and nutrient reagents for filtration removal.

Abstract: The present disclosure related to an economic and environmental safe process for obtaining one or more metals from the red mud slag, bauxite, karst bauxite, lateritic bauxite, clay and the like. The present disclosure also related to a process for obtaining elemental aluminum by electrolyzing AlCl3 in the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method for electrowinning a variety of multivalent metals including titanium is described. In one aspect, the invention provides an electrochemical cell comprising an anolyte chamber comprising an anode and configured for containing an anolyte, a catholyte chamber comprising a cathode and configured for containing a catholyte comprising a metal to be electrolytically produced, and a diaphragm separating the anolyte chamber and the catholyte chamber, the diaphragm configured to control the potential drop across the diaphragm so that it is below the potential difference required for inducing bipolarity at the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting lithium with high purity from a lithium bearing solution by electrolysis. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of economical extraction of lithium from the lithium bearing solution by adding a phosphorous supplying material to the solution to prepare a lithium phosphate aqueous solution subject to electrolysis.

Abstract: A electrolytic process for continuous production of lithium metal from lithium carbonate or other lithium salts by use of an aqueous acid electrolyte and a lithium producing cell structure which includes: a cell body with a cathode within the cell body; an electrolyte aqueous solution within the cell body, the solution containing lithium ion and an anion; and a composite layer intercalated between the cathode and the electrolyte aqueous solution, the composite layer comprising a lithium ion conductive glass ceramic (LI-GC) and a lithium ion conductive barrier film (LI-BF) that isolates cathode-forming lithium from the electrolyte aqueous solution.

Abstract: An electrochemical deposition system is described. The electrochemical deposition system includes one or more electrochemical deposition modules arranged on a common platform for depositing one or more metals on a substrate, and a chemical management system coupled to the one or more electrochemical deposition modules. The chemical management system is configured to supply at least one of the one or more electrochemical deposition modules with one or more metal constituents for depositing the one or more metals. The chemical management system can include at least one metal enrichment cell and at least one metal-concentrate generator cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device for electrowinning europium and a method thereof. The device for electrowinning europium using a channeled cell including a cathode cell includes a channel having an inlet and an outlet; an anode cell including a channel having an inlet and an outlet; and an ion-exchange membrane tightly interposed between the cathode and anode cells, wherein reduced europium is exhausted from the outlet of the cathode cell.

Abstract: Modular cathode assemblies are useable in electrolytic reduction systems and include a basket through which fluid electrolyte may pass and exchange charge with a material to be reduced in the basket. The basket can be divided into upper and lower sections to provide entry for the material. Example embodiment cathode assemblies may have any shape to permit modular placement at any position in reduction systems. Modular cathode assemblies include a cathode plate in the basket, to which unique and opposite electrical power may be supplied. Example embodiment modular cathode assemblies may have standardized electrical connectors. Modular cathode assemblies may be supported by a top plate of an electrolytic reduction system. Electrolytic oxide reduction systems are operated by positioning modular cathode and anode assemblies at desired positions, placing a material in the basket, and charging the modular assemblies to reduce the metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention teaches the method to use the sulfate or sulfites based raw materials, such as magnesium, calcium and other alkative earth sulfates or sulfites to produce the respective oxides in a carbon five basis, by using sulfur as the fuel and the reductant. The invention also utilizes renewable energy such as solar thermal or green electricity wherever possible. This approach provides a green process, of ultra-low carbon dioxide emission, for the production of magnesium, other alkaline earth metals and other material which requires alkaline earth oxide, such as in the production of carbon free Portland cement requiring lime. The invention also provides a useful outlet for waste streams leading to sustainable processes. The cost of the production of these precursors are kept low by concurrently producing a saleable by-product—sulfuric-acid.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal containing inorganic ion exchanger in an electrochemical cell is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: (a) adding the inorganic ion exchanger to the electrochemical cell, wherein the electrochemical cell comprises a conductive electrolyte solution having a liquid phase and a solid phase; (b) depositing metal ions electrochemically into the liquid phase; (c) allowing the metal ions to deposit onto the inorganic ion exchanger during an electrochemical reaction to obtain a metal containing inorganic ion exchanger; (d) collecting the solid phase comprising the metal containing inorganic ion exchanger obtained in step (c); (e) removing remaining metal ions from the liquid phase; and (f) obtaining a substantially metal free liquid phase.

Abstract: A room temperature method and electrode for producing sodium metal in situ is disclosed. The electrode has a sodium hydroxide, or another easily electrolyzible sodium containing material, solution on the anode side, a membrane which permits sodium ions to pass through to the cathode where the sodium ions are reduced to sodium metal. This sodium metal is then available to react with other components of the solution on the cathode side.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing metal-containing (e.g., non-oxide, oxide, or elemental) nano-objects, which may be nanoparticles or nanowires, the method comprising contacting an aqueous solution comprising a metal salt and water with an electrically powered electrode to form said metal-containing nano-objects dislodged from the electrode, wherein said electrode possesses a nanotextured surface that functions to confine the particle growth process to form said metal-containing nano-objects. The invention is also directed to the resulting metal-containing compositions as well as devices in which they are incorporated.

Abstract: A method for recycling of thin film Cadmium Telluride photovoltaic modules at the end of their life, and manufacturing scrap, has been developed. This method allows for minimum glass fine generation, requires little or no acid compared to other methods, and generates a pure cadmium and tellurium product at recoveries in excess of about 80 percent. In addition, the process allows for the recovery of a clean soda-lime plate glass product.

Abstract: The present invention related to a contact bar or contact bar segment, a contact bar and insulating capping board assembly and a method for operating an electrolytic cell including electrodes for refining metal. Embodiments of the contact bar include support sections with multiple support surfaces for lying against the insulating capping board, thereby distributing weight of the electrodes hanging on the contact bar; and contact sections for receiving the electrodes while providing good electrical contact and precise positioning thereof. While following the steps of the method for operating the electrolytic cell, lifetime of the contact bar and insulating capping board may be increased.

Abstract: A method is provided for the electrochemical synthesis of selenium (Se) nanoparticles (NPs). The method forms a first solution including a Se containing material and a stabilizing first ligand, dissolved in a first solvent. The first solution is exposed to an electric field, and in response to the electric field, a second solution is formed with dispersed SeNPs. The Se containing material has either a nonzero or positive oxidation state. In one particular aspect, the first solution is formed by dissolving Se dioxide (SeO2) in water to form selenosis acid (H2SeO3).

Abstract: A process for upgrading an oil feedstock includes reacting the oil feedstock with a quantity of an alkali metal, wherein the reaction produces solid materials and liquid materials. The solid materials are separated from the liquid materials. The solid materials may be washed and heat treated by heating the materials to a temperature above 400° C. The heat treating occurs in an atmosphere that has low oxygen and water content. Once heat treated, the solid materials are added to a solution comprising a polar solvent, where sulfide, hydrogen sulfide or polysulfide anions dissolve. The solution comprising polar solvent is then added to an electrolytic cell, which during operation, produces alkali metal and sulfur.

Abstract: The manufacturing method for high-purity Zirconium is characterized by self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) of a raw material having zirconium raw ore containing ZrO2, ZrSiO4, KZr2(PO4)3, or a mixture thereof and a reducing agent that is metal powder, to prepare zirconium intermetallic compound or zirconium nitride, followed by the recovery of high-purity Zr by electrolytic refining the reaction product of the SHS.

Abstract: A cell having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment is used to electrolyze an alkali metal polysulfide into an alkali metal. The cell includes an anode, wherein at least part of the anode is housed in the anode compartment. The cell also includes a quantity of anolyte housed within the anode compartment, the anolyte comprising an alkali metal polysulfide and a solvent. The cell includes a cathode, wherein at least part of the cathode is housed in the cathode compartment. A quantity of catholyte is housed within the cathode compartment. The cell operates at a temperature below the melting temperature of the alkali metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing lithium alloy or lithium metal from lithium carbonate or its equivalent lithium ion source such as spudomene ore without creating toxic byproducts such as halogen gases and a system adopted for such a process.

Abstract: Provided are carbon fibers with low metal ion elution amount without subjecting to high-temperature heat treatment, in which the metal ion may be sometimes precipitated on an electrode of electrochemical devices such as batteries and capacitors to cause short-circuit. The carbon fibers comprises Fe, at least one catalyst metal selected from the group consisting of Mo and V, and a carrier; wherein the carbon fibers have an R value (ID/IG) as measured by Raman spectrometry of 0.5 to 2.0 and have an electrochemical metal elution amount of not more than 0.01% by mass.

Abstract: Provided is an anode for electrowinning in a sulfuric acid based electrolytic solution. The anode produces oxygen at a lower potential than a lead electrode, lead alloy electrode, and coated titanium electrode, thereby enabling electrowinning to be performed at a reduced electrolytic voltage and the electric power consumption rate of a desired metal to be reduced. The anode is also available as an anode for electrowinning various types of metals in volume with efficiency. The anode is employed for electrowinning in a sulfuric acid based electrolytic solution and adopted such that a catalyst layer containing amorphous ruthenium oxide and amorphous tantalum oxide is formed on a conductive substrate.

Abstract: An electrode mask for electrowinning a metal is provided. An example technique forms openings in a solid nonconductive sheet, such as vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other plastic and adheres the sheet as a solid to a cathode surface as a mask. The mask protects the cathode surface from electrical interaction with an electrolyte, while the openings allow controlled electrodeposition of a metal in harvestable rounds, which can be stripped from the cathode. The electrode mask is reusable, and easily removed for recycling and replacement. A matrix design engine calculates pattern and sizes for the openings in the mask to optimize electrodeposition of the metal based on multiple parameters including the metal to be deposited, ions present in an electrolyte, electrolyte concentration, pH level, voltage, electrical current density, solution temperature, electrode temperature, or plating time.

Abstract: A method and electrochemical cell for recovery of metals is provided, where the electrochemical cell includes an anode disposed in an anodic chamber, a cathode disposed in a cathodic chamber, an ion-conducting separator disposed between the anode and the cathode to physically separate the anodic and cathodic chambers, a basic pH anolyte containing a sacrificial reductant disposed within the anodic chamber, an acidic pH catholyte containing metal ions disposed within the cathodic chamber, and an electrical connection between the anode and the cathode. The method includes applying a voltage or an electrical current to an electrolytic cell across the cathode and the anode and is sufficient to reduce the metal ions to form an elemental metal species at the cathode, and to oxidize the sacrificial reductant at the anode.

Abstract: Power distribution systems are useable in electrolytic reduction systems and include several cathode and anode assembly electrical contacts that permit flexible modular assembly numbers and placement in standardized connection configurations. Electrical contacts may be arranged at any position where assembly contact is desired. Electrical power may be provided via power cables attached to seating assemblies of the electrical contacts. Cathode and anode assembly electrical contacts may provide electrical power at any desired levels. Pairs of anode and cathode assembly electrical contacts may provide equal and opposite electrical power; different cathode assembly electrical contacts may provide different levels of electrical power to a same or different modular cathode assembly.

Abstract: A process of producing metal that includes adding a quantity of a alkoxide (M(OR)x) or another metal salt to a cathode compartment of an electrolytic cell and electrolyzing the cell. This electrolyzing causes a quantity of alkali metal ions to migrate into the cathode compartment and react with the metal alkoxide, thereby producing metal and an alkali metal alkoxide. In some embodiments, the alkali metal is sodium such that the sodium ions will pass through a sodium ion selective membrane, such as a NaSICON membrane, into the cathode compartment.

Abstract: An electrowinning method of metals through electrolysis of a metal chloride solution uses an anode comprising a substrate comprising titanium or titanium alloy, and a coating layer comprising a plurality of a unit layer, provided on the surface of the substrate. The unit layer comprises the first coating layer comprising a mixture of iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide and titanium oxide and the second coating layer comprising a mixture of platinum and iridium oxide. The first coating layer contacts with the surface of said substrate and an outer coating layer of the unit layer formed on the outermost layer of said coating layer is the second coating layer. The coating layer is formed by thermal decomposition baking, which followed by post-baking at a higher baking temperature.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the continuous manufacture of nanop?rticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) are disclosed. The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e. g., created) in a liquid (e.g., water) by utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. The continuous process causes at least one liquid to flow into, through and out of at least one trough member, such liquid being processed, conditioned and/or effected in said trough member(s).

Abstract: A system is submitted here that permits superimposing an alternating current in the process of electrolytic refining of metals based on the use of power semiconductors without requiring an external source and which minimizes the utilization of passive elements, achieving a high efficiency solution applicable to high power industrial processes. The invention consists of the division of the cells involved in the metals electrolysis process in two groups of cells (3a) and 3b, both comprising a similar number of anode-cathode pairings, and with both groups linked by a common point for electrical connection (6), and interconnected by means of a bidirectional power converter (7). Said power converter (7) is connected to the common point for electrical connection 6 of the groups of cells (3a, 3b) and to the other two connection points of each group of cells, so that its operation permits transferring power from one group to the other.

Abstract: A mobile energy carrier with which energy in the form of materials from zones distributed widely throughout the world, for example with a large amount of solar energy, wind energy or other CO2-neutral energy, for example the equator, can be transported to zones where there is a high energy requirement, for example Europe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially inert environment within a cathode chamber that is capable of generating a metallic element M from a metal ion Mz+.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a container at atmospheric pressure comprising a liquid electrolyte and a first electrode at least partially immersed in the electrolyte. A plasma source is spaced apart from a surface of the electrolyte by a predetermined spacing, and a plasma spans the predetermined spacing to contact the surface of the electrolyte. A method of operating the electrochemical cell entails providing a first electrode at least partially immersed in a liquid electrolyte and producing a plasma in contact with a surface of the electrolyte at atmospheric pressure. The plasma acts as a second electrode, and a current is generated through the electrolyte. Electrochemical reactions involving at least the second electrode are initiated in the electrolyte.

Abstract: There is provided a mixture having a freezing point of up to 50° C., formed by reaction between: (A) one molar equivalent of a salt of formula I (Mn+)(X?)n I or a hydrate thereof; and (B) from one to eight molar equivalents of a complexing agent comprising one or more uncharged organic compounds, each of which compounds has (i) a hydrogen atom that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the anion X?; and (ii) a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, S, N and P that is capable of forming a coordinative bond with the metal ion Mn+, which reaction is performed in the absence of extraneous solvent, wherein M, X? mind a have meaning given in the description.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit.