Abstract: The invention relates to materials for use as electrodes in an alkali-ion secondary (rechargeable) battery, particularly a lithium-ion battery. The invention provides transition-metal compounds having the ordered-olivine, a modified olivine, or the rhombohedral NASICON structure and the polyanion (PO4)3? as at least one constituent for use as electrode material for alkali-ion rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a first positive active material represented by LiaNibCOcMdO2, and a second positive active material represented by LieNifCOgMnhO2. M is selected from Al, B, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, and V, 0.95?a?1.1, 0.5?b?0.9, 0?c?0.3, 0?d?0.1, 0.95?e?1.1, 0.33?f?0.5, 0.15?g?0.33, and 0.3?h?0.35. A rechargeable lithium battery includes the positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention allows production of a battery which not only excels in terms of safety and cost, but also has a long life. A cathode active material of the present invention is represented by the following General Formula (1): LiyKaFe1-xXxPO4??(1), where X is at least one element of groups 2 through 13; 0<a?0.25; 0?x?0.25; and y is (1?a), a volume of a unit lattice for a case in which y in General Formula (1) is (x?a) (when x?a<0, y is 0) having a change ratio of not more than 4% with respect to a volume of a unit lattice for a case in which y in General Formula (1) is (1?a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogen storage alloys, methods for producing the same, and anodes produced with such alloys for nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries. The alloys are useful as electrode materials for nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries, excellent, when used as anode materials, in corrosion resistance or activity such as initial activity and high rate discharge performance, of low cost compared to the conventional alloys with a higher Co content, and recyclable. The alloys are of a composition represented by the formula (1), and has a substantially single phase structure, and the crystals thereof have an average long axis diameter of 30 to 160 ?m, or not smaller than 5 ?m and smaller than 30 ?m. The present anodes for rechargeable batteries contain at least one of these hydrogen storage alloys. RNixCoyMz??(1) (R: rare earth elements etc., M: Mg, Al, etc., 3.7?x?5.3, 0.1?y?5.0, 0.1?z?1.0, 5.1?x+y+z?5.

Abstract: To provide a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery, which is low in gas generation and has high safety and excellent durability for charge and discharge cycles even at a high charge voltage. A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula LipLqNxMyOzFa (wherein L is at least one element selected from the group of B and P, N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than N, 0.9?p?1.1, 1.0?q<0.03, 0.97?x<1.00, 0?y?0.03, 1.9?z?2.1, q+x+y=1 and 0?a?0.

Abstract: An active material for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes first particles and second particles provided to coat the first particles so as to be scattered on the surfaces of the first particles. The circularity of the first particles coated with the second particles is 0.800 to 0.950, and the ratio r1/r2 of the average particle diameter r1 of the second particles to the average particle diameter r2 of the first particles is 1/20 to 1/2.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to certain oxide materials having relatively high energy and/or power densities. Various aspects of the invention are directed to oxide materials having a structure Bi(MjYk)O2, for example, a structure Lij(NijYk)O2 such as Li(Nio.5Mn0.5)02. In this structure, Y represents one or more atoms, each independently selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals, transition metals, Group 14 elements, Group 15, or Group 16 elements. In some cases, Y may have a combined valency of at least about 4. In some embodiments, such an oxide material may have an 03 crystal structure, and/or a layered structure such that the oxide comprises a plurality of first, repeating atomic planes comprising Li, and a plurality of second, repeating atomic planes comprising while another set of atomic planes comprises Ni and/or Y.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive-electrode active material powder, which comprises a granular material (A) capable of doping/dedoping lithium ions and a deposit (B) placed on the surface of the material in a granular or layered form (herein, the material (A) and the deposit (B) are not the same), the percentage of [volumetric sum of particles having a particle diameter of 1 ?m or less]/[volumetric sum of entire particles] being 5% or less.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same. The positive electrode includes a positive active material, a binder, and a conductive material, wherein a weight ratio of the binder and conductive material, and the positive active material, ranges from 3:97 to 5:95 wt %, and a weight ratio of the binder and the conductive material ranges from 1.5 to 3:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of chemically stable solid ion conductors having a garnet-like structure in batteries, accumulators, electrochromic devices and other electrochemical cells, and also novel compounds which are suitable for these uses.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel n-type thermoelectric conversion material which comprises low-toxic and abundant elements, and has excellent heat-resistance, chemical durability and the like, as well as high thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the thermoelectric conversion material comprises a metal oxynitride thermoelectric conversion material which has a composition represented by formula Ti1-xAxOyNz (wherein A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of transition metals of the 4th and 5th periods of the periodic table, and 0?x?0.5, 0.5?y?2.0, 0.01?z?0.6), and has an absolute value of thermoelectric power of at least 30 ?V/K at 500° C. or above, and a novel n-type thermoelectric conversion material, a thermoelectric conversion element and a thermoelectric conversion module comprising the above metal oxynitride can also be provided.

Abstract: In a varistor element, Ca exists in the grain interior of grains consisting primarily of ZnO in a varistor element body and Ca also exists in a grain boundary. In this crystal structure Ca replaces oxygen defects in the grain interior of grains consisting primarily of ZnO, in the varistor element body to make the ceramic structure denser Such crystal structure also decreases a ratio of an element tending to degrade the stability of the temperature characteristic of the varistor element, e.g., Si as a firing aid, in the grain boundary between grains. As a result, the varistor element has a stable temperature characteristic, which can decrease change in capacitance and tan ? (thermal conversion factor of resistance) against change in temperature.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide for a positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery, which is excellent in the volume capacity density, safety, charge and discharge cycle durability and low temperature characteristics. A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula LipNxMmOzFa (wherein N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than N, 0.9?p?1.2, 0.97?x<1.00, 0<m?0.03, 1.9?z?2.2, x+m=1 and 0?a?0.

Abstract: A method for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by General Formula (1): LixMyMe1?yO2+???(1) where M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co and Mn, Me represents a metal element that is different from M, 0.95?x?1.10 and 0.1?y?1. A lithium compound and a compound that contains M and Me are baked. The thus-obtained baked product is washed with a washing solution that contains one or more water-soluble polar aprotic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N?-dimethylimidazolidinone (DMI) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include chemical compositions, structures, anodes, cathodes, electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, fuel cells, fuel cell membranes, separation membranes, catalytic membranes, sensors, coatings for electrolytes, electrodes, membranes, and catalysts, and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: A ceramic material with a negative temperature coefficient of specific resistance has the general formula: [{(SE1III,SE2III)1?x(M1II,M2II)x}(Cr1?y?zMny(Me1III,Me2III)z)O3] wherein SE1III and SE2III are different rare-earth metal cations, M1II and M2II are selected from CaII, SrII, and Me1III and Me2III are redox-stable, trivalent metal cations, wherein the following applies with respect to the parameters: 0<x<1; 0<z<1; 0<y<1?z.

Abstract: Transition metal hydroxide and oxide, method of producing the same, and cathode material containing the same are disclosed. One method includes coupling an alkaline solution to a transition metal salt solution under an inert gas atmosphere, whereby the alkaline solution includes an additive. A transition metal oxide may be prepared by heating the transition metal hydroxide under an oxygen gas atmosphere. Cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries may be prepared incorporating the transition metal hydroxide and oxide embodiments disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of growing a single crystal from a melt contained in a crucible. The method includes the step of making the temperature of a melt increase gradually to a maximum point and then decrease gradually along the axis parallel to the lengthwise direction of the single crystal from the interface of the single crystal and the melt to the bottom of the crucible. The increasing temperature of the melt is kept to preferably have a greater temperature gradient than the decreasing temperature thereof. Preferably, the axis is set to pass through the center of the single crystal. Preferably, the convection of the inner region of the melt is made smaller than that of the outer region thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to perovskite oxide electrode materials in which one or more of the elements Mg, Ni, Cu, and Zn are present as minority components that enhance electrochemical performance, as well as electrode products with these compositions and methods of making the electrode materials. Such electrodes are useful in electrochemical system applications such as solid oxide fuel cells, ceramic oxygen generation systems, gas sensors, ceramic membrane reactors, and ceramic electrochemical gas separation systems.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, surface and bulk modifications, and methods of making of (1?x)Li[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2.xLi[Mn0.5-yNi0.5-yCo2y]O2 cathode materials having an O3 crystal structure with a x value between 0 and 1 and y value between 0 and 0.5, reducing the irreversible capacity loss in the first cycle by surface modification with oxides and bulk modification with cationic and anionic substitutions, and increasing the reversible capacity to close to the theoretical value of insertion/extraction of one lithium per transition metal ion (250-300 mAh/g).

Abstract: A lithium nickel manganese cobalt composite oxide used as a cathode active material for a lithium rechargeable battery, the composite oxide shown by the below general formula (1): LixNi1-y-zMnyCozO2??(1) (wherein 0.9?x?1.3, 0<y<1.0, and 0<z<1.0; and wherein y+z<1), the lithium nickel manganese cobalt composite oxide having an average particle size of 5-40 ?m, a BET ratio surface area of 5-25 m2/g, and a tap density of equal to or higher than 1.70 g/ml.

Abstract: The present invention provides for Ni-based lithium transition metal oxide cathode active materials used in lithium ion secondary batteries. The cathode active materials are substantially free of Li2CO3 impurity and soluble bases.

Abstract: A composite lithium compound having a mixed crystalline structure is provided. Such compound can be formed by heating lithium, iron, phosphorous and carbon sources with a lithium metal compound. The resulting mixed metal crystal can exhibit superior electrical property and is a better cathode material for lithium secondary batteries.

Abstract: Provided is a cathode active material including a lithium metal oxide of Formula 1 below: Li[LixMeyMz]O2+d ??<Formula 1> wherein x+y+z=1; 0<x<0.33; 0<z<0.1; 0?d?0.1; Me is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Mg, Zr, and B; and M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Ir, Ni, and Mg.

Abstract: Therefore the invention provides a hydrogen-absorbing alloy comprising at least one A5B19 type crystalline phase having the formula R1-yMgyNi3.8±0.1-zMz, in which R represents one or more elements chosen from La, Ce, Nd or Pr; M represents one or more elements chosen from Mn, Fe, Al, Co, Cu, Zr, Sn and M does not contain Cr; 0?y?0.30; z?0.5. The invention extends to an electrode comprising an active ingredient comprising said alloy. It also extends to a nickel metal hydride alkaline storage battery the negative electrode of which comprises said alloy. The invention also relates to the process for the manufacture of said alloy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel complex oxide capable of achieving high performance as a p-type thermoelectric material. The complex oxide comprises a layer-structured oxide represented by the formula BiaPbbM1cCOdM2eOf wherein M1 is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Y, and lanthanoids; M2 is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Mo, W, Nb, Ta, and Ag; 1.8?a?2.5; 0?b?0.5; 1.8?c?2.5; 1.6?d?2.5; 0?e?0.5; and 8?f?10; and at least one interlayer component selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, HgF2, HgCl2, HgBr2, HgI2, TlF3, TlCl3, TlBr3, TlI3, BiF3, BiCl3, BiBr3, BiI3, PbF2, PbCl2, PbBr2, and PbI2. The interlayer component being present between layers of the layer-structured oxide.

Abstract: A process for preparing lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide used as a positive electrode material for the lithium ion battery, comprising subjecting a mixture containing a lithium compound and nickel-manganese-cobalt hydroxide to a first-stage sintering and a second-stage sintering, wherein said process further comprises adding a binder and/or binder solution after the first-stage sintering, and the mixture of the binder and/or binder solution and the product of first-stage sintering is sintered in said second-stage sintering. The tap density and volume specific capacity of the positive electrode material lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide prepared by the present process, come up to 2.4 g/cm3 and 416.4 mAh/cm3, respectively. Besides, the positive electrode material lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide prepared by the present process possesses the advantages of high specific capacity and good cycle stability.

Abstract: A secondary battery electrode, which is formed by stacking an electrode active material layer (I) containing spinel-structured lithium manganate as an electrode active material and an electrode active material layer (II) containing, as an electrode active material, a composite oxide represented by the following Chemical formula (1) in a thickness direction of the electrode, in which the electrode active material layer (I) is disposed in contact with a current collector, and an average particle diameter of the composite oxide is smaller than an average particle diameter of the spinel-structured lithium manganate. In such a way, it is possible to provide a secondary battery electrode capable of realizing a secondary battery excellent in both of a volumetric energy density and a volumetric output density.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a composition of a single-phase solid solution of LiMnO2 and LiMO3 having a Li2MnO3-type crystallographic structure and the general formula Lii+y/3Mn2y/3M(1?y)O2, wherein 0<y<1, manganese is in the 4+ oxidation state, M is one or more transition metal or other cations which have an appropriate ionic radii to be inserted into the structure without unduly disrupting it, but not solely Ni or Cr, e.g. one or more the first row transition metals: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni or Cu, or other specific other cations: Al, Mg, Mo, W, Ta, Si, Sn, Zr, Be, Ca, Ga, and P, and M has an average oxidation state of +3. Also disclosed are compositions and structures of the materials e.g in the form of a positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell or battery.

Abstract: Provided is a cathode material for a lithium secondary battery composed of an aggregate of Li-A-O composite oxide particles (wherein A represents one or more metal elements selected from Mn, Fe, Co and Ni), wherein the lithium composite oxide contains 20 to 100 ppm (by mass) of P, and the total content of impurity elements excluding essential components is 2000 ppm or less. Also provided is a manufacturing method of such a cathode material for a lithium secondary battery including the steps of suspending lithium carbonate in water and thereafter introducing a metallic salt solution of one or more metal elements selected from Mn, Fe, Co and Ni in the lithium carbonate suspension, adding a small amount of phosphoric acid so that the P content in the Li-A-O composite oxide particles will be 20 to 100 ppm (by mass), and forming an aggregate of Li-A-O composite oxide particles containing 20 to 100 ppm (by mass) of P by filtering, cleansing, drying and thereafter oxidizing the obtained carbonate.

Abstract: In a positive electrode of a non-aqueous electrolyte battery, at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, alumina, zinc oxide, chromium oxide, lithium oxide, nickel oxide, copper oxide and iron oxide is dispersed between particles of an active substance for the positive electrode, whereby a discharge capacity or a discharge-recharge capacity of the non-aqueous electrolyte battery is improved.

Abstract: A positive active material according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an internal bulk part and an external bulk part surrounding the internal bulk part and has a continuous concentration gradient of the metal composition from an interface between the internal bulk part and the external bulk part to the surface of the active material. The provided positive active material in which the metal composition is distributed in a continuous concentration gradient has excellent electrochemical characteristics such as a cycle life, capacity, and thermal stability.

Abstract: A lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula 1: LixNi1-y-z-v-wCoyAlzM1vM2wO2 is used as a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The element M1 is at least one selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ti, Y, Nb, Mo, and W. The element M2 includes at least two selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, and the element M2 includes at least Mg and Ca. The formula 1 satisfies 0.97?x?1.1, 0.05?y?0.35, 0.005?z?0.1, 0.0001?v?0.05, and 0.0001?w?0.05. The primary particles have a mean particle size of 0.1 ?m or more and 3 ?m or less, and the secondary particles have a mean particle size of 8 ?m or more and 20 ?m or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is metal composite oxides having the new crystal structure. Also disclosed are ionic conductors including the metal composite oxides and electrochemical devices comprising the ionic conductors. The metal composite oxides have an ion channel formed for easy movement of ions due to crystallographic specificity resulting from the ordering of metal ion sites and metal ion defects within the unit cell. Therefore, the metal composite oxides according to the present invention are useful in an electrochemical device requiring an ionic conductor or ionic conductivity.

Abstract: A number of materials with the composition Li1+xNi?Mn?Co?M??O2?zFz (M?=Mg,Zn,Al,Ga,B,Zr,Ti) for use with rechargeable batteries, wherein x is between about 0 and 0.3, ? is between about 0.2 and 0.6, ? is between about 0.2 and 0.6, ? is between about 0 and 0.3, ? is between about 0 and 0.15, and z is between about 0 and 0.2. Adding the above metal and fluorine dopants affects capacity, impedance, and stability of the layered oxide structure during electrochemical cycling. Another aspect of the invention includes materials with the composition Li1+xNi?Co?Mn?M??OyFz (M?=Mg,Zn,Al,Ga,B,Zr,Ti), where the x is between 0 and 0.2, the ? between 0 and 1, the ? between 0 and 1, the ? between 0 and 2, the ? between about 0 and about 0.2, the y is between 2 and 4, and the z is between 0 and 0.5.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a process for making a solid part designed to form all or part of an anode for the production of aluminium by fused bath electrolysis, containing a cermet formed from at least one metallic oxide such as a mixed oxide with spinel structure, and at least one metallic phase, in which a mixed oxide is used containing a metal R in the form of a cation in its chemical structure, the said metal R being fully or partly reducible by a reduction operation during the manufacturing process, so as to form all or part of the said metallic phase. This process can provide a cermet with a uniform distribution of fine metallic particles.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods of making cation-substituted and fluorine-substituted spinel cathode compositions by firing a LiMn2-y-zLiyMzO4 oxide with NH4HF2 at low temperatures of between about 300 and 700° C. for 2 to 8 hours and a ? of more than 0 and less than about 0.50, mixed two-phase compositions consisting of a spinel cathode and a layered oxide cathode, and coupling them with unmodified or surface modified graphite anodes in lithium ion cells.

Abstract: A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes Si active particles, and a 3-component to 7-component metal matrix that surrounds the active fine particles without reacting therewith. The negative active material shows high capacity and improved cycle-life characteristics.

Abstract: A nanocrystallised tape-wound core without a localised airgap, consisting of a nanocrystalline material with the following atomic composition: [Fe1-aNia] 100xyza??CuxSiyBzNbaM??M??, wherein a?0.3, 0.6?x?1.5, 10?y?17, 5?z?14, 2?a?6, ??7, ??8, M? is at least one of the elements V, Cr, Al and Zn, M? is at least one of the elements C, Ge, P, Ga, Sb, In and Be, with a permeability ? of 200 to 4000, a saturation of more than 1 T, an induction range, in which the permeability does not vary by more than 5%, of more than 0.9 T, a remanent induction of less than 0.02 T and a cut-off frequency higher than 1 MHz, such that ? varies by less than 1% when the core is aged for 100 h at more than 100° C., ? varies by less than 5% when the core is coated, ? varies by less than 15% when the temperature is in the range of ?25° C. and +60° C., and by less than 25% when the temperature is in the range of ?40° C. and +120° C., and ? varies in a monotonic and substantially linear manner with a temperature of ?40° C. to +120° C.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a raw material powder for stably obtaining a dense sinter that is prevented from cracking, and a method for manufacturing this powder, and a method for manufacturing a lanthanum-based oxide ion conductor in which this raw material powder is used. The raw material powder manufacturing method of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a raw material powder for forming an oxide ion conductor composed of a multi-component metal oxide including lanthanum or lanthanide, wherein a mixed powder blended such that all of the elements constituting said multi-component metal oxide are included is prefired, after which this prefired powder is exposed to water or moist gas so as to expand at least some of the particles in said powder. Alternatively, two types of mixed powder with different components are prefired separately, after which the prefired powders are blended in a specific ratio.

Abstract: A composite oxide suitable for an active material of a positive electrode for a lithium secondary cell which can be used in a wide range of voltage, has a large electric capacity and excellent low temperature performance and is excellent in the durability for charge-discharge cycles and highly safe, a process for its production, and a positive electrode and a cell employing it, are presented. The composite oxide is a lithium-cobalt composite oxide which is represented by the formula LiCo1-xMxO2, (wherein 0?x?0.02 and M is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Ta, Ti, Nb, Zr and Hf), and which has a half-width of the diffraction peak for (110) face at 2?=66.5±1°, of from 0.070 to 0.180°, as measured by the X-ray diffraction using CuK? as a ray source.

Abstract: Positive electrode-active materials for use in lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries contain quaternary composite oxides of manganese, nickel, cobalt and aluminum where one of the four is present at levels of over 70 mol percent. The composite oxides can be lithiated to form positive electrode-active materials that are stable over at least ten charge/discharge cycles at voltage levels over 4.8 volts, and have capacities of over 200 mAh/g. Methods for producing the materials and electrochemical cells and batteries that include the materials are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal alloy particles containing substantially no lead, each exhibiting a plurality of different melting points including an original lowest melting point (a) and a highest melting point, wherein, when the metal alloy particles are subjected to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), at least one exothermic peak is observed in the DSC, wherein each of the metal alloy particles exhibits the original lowest melting point (a) at least at a surface portion thereof, and wherein, when each metal alloy particle is heated at a temperature equal to or higher than the original lowest melting point (a) to melt at least a surface portion of each metal alloy particle, followed by cooling to room temperature to thereby solidify the melted portion of each metal alloy particle, the resultant solid metal alloy particle having experienced the melting and solidification exhibits an elevated lowest melting point (a?) higher than the original lowest melting point (a).

Abstract: The invention relates to perovskite oxide electrode materials in which one or more of the elements Mg, Ni, Cu, and Zn are present as minority components that enhance electrochemical performance, as well as electrode products with these compositions and methods of making the electrode materials. Such electrodes are useful in electrochemical system applications such as solid oxide fuel cells, ceramic oxygen generation systems, gas sensors, ceramic membrane reactors, and ceramic electrochemical gas separation systems.

Abstract: A highly accurate reduction resistant thermistor exhibiting stable resistance characteristics even under conditions where the inside of a metal case of a temperature sensor becomes a reducing atmosphere, wherein when producing the thermistor comprised of a mixed sintered body (M1 M2)O3.AOx, the mean particle size of the thermistor material containing the metal oxide, obtained by heat treating, mixing, and pulverizing the starting materials, is made smaller than 1.0 ?m and the sintered particle size of the mixed sintered body, obtained by shaping and firing this thermistor material, is made 3 ?m to 20 ?m so as to reduce the grain boundaries where migration of oxygen occurs, suppress migration of oxygen, and improve the reduction resistance.

Abstract: Grain oriented ceramics constituted of a polycrystalline body of a layered cobaltite in which a {001} plane of each grain constituting the polycrystalline body has an average orientation degree of 50% or more by the Lotgering's method. In this case, the layered cobaltite is preferably a layered calcium cobaltite expressed by the following general formula: {(Ca1−xAx)2CoO3+&agr;} (CoO2+&bgr;)y (where A represents one or more elements selected among an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal and Bi, 0≦×≦0.3, 0.5≦y≦2.0, and 0.85≦{3+&agr;+(2+&bgr;)y}/(3+2y)≦1.15). Such grain oriented ceramics are obtained by molding a mixture of the first powder constituted of a Co(OH)2 platelike powder and the second powder constituted of CaCO3 and the like such that a developed plane of the platelike powder is oriented, and by heating the green body at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a superconducting colloid prepared by an exfoliating multi-layered superconductor, represented by the formula Bi2Sr2Cam−1CumO2m+4+&dgr; (wherein, m is 1, 2 or 3 and &dgr; is a positive number greater than 0 and less than 1) in which a mercuric halide-organic complex is intercalated, a process thereof, a superconducting thin layer prepared using the above superconducting colloid, and a process thereof.

Abstract: A cathode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell having a c-axis length of lattice constant of 14.080 to 14.160 Å, an average particle size of 0.1 to 5.0 &mgr;m, and a composition represented by the formula: LiCo(1−x−y)MnxMgyO2 wherein x is a number of 0.008 to 0.18; and y is a number of 0 to 0.18. This cathode active material is capable of maintaining an initial discharge capacity required for secondary cells and showing improved charge/discharge cycle characteristics under high temperature conditions.

Abstract: A method of making an electron emissive material using combinatorial chemistry techniques is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of pixels of the electron emissive material, each pixel having at least one different characteristic from any other one of the plurality of pixels, and measuring at least one property of each pixel. The measurement may include a measurement of the electron emissive material work function using a Kelvin probe or other work function measurement systems.

Abstract: This invention provides a complex oxide comprising the features of : (i) being represented by the formula:(A0.4B0.1M0.1)x/0.6Co2Oy wherein A and B are elements differing from each other, each represents Ca, Sr or Ba, M represents Bi, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb or Lu, 1.7≦x≦2, and 3.8≦y≦5, (ii) having a Seebeck coefficient of 100 &mgr;V/K or more at a temperature of 100 K (absolute temperature) or higher and (iii) having an electrical resistivity of 10 m&OHgr;cm or less at a temperature of 100 K (absolute temperature) or higher. The complex oxide of the invention is a material composed of low-toxicity elements existing in large amounts, the material having superior heat resistance and chemical durability and a high thermoelectric conversion efficiency in a temperature range of 600 K or higher which falls in the temperature range of waste heat.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer phase locked loop includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) providing a variable frequency signal, a reference frequency oscillator providing a reference frequency signal, a phase comparison circuit for comparing the phases of the variable frequency and reference frequency signals and providing an output signal to a loop filter, the output of the loop filter providing a frequency control signal to the VCO. The phase comparison circuit includes a digital phase detector providing an output signal on an output line coupled to a charge pump for providing a first output signal to the loop filter; and an analog phase detector including a sample and hold circuit, and a control circuit responsive to the variable and reference frequency signals for providing a signal for sampling to the sample and hold circuit, the sample and hold circuit providing a second output signal to the loop filter.