Abstract: A high density slurry comprising encapsulated sulfur particles, carbon nanofibers and activated carbon black suitable for use in forming the active material of an electrode. A method for forming the high density sulfur slurry is also provided. A cathode containing the particles and a battery constructed with the cathode as well as methods for their formation are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are thermo-sensitive and light-sensitive polymer compositions including poly(4-vinyl pyridine) and poly(4-vinyl pyridine-co-butyl methacrylate).

Abstract: This invention relates to particles for electrophoretic displays, a process for their preparation, electrophoretic fluids comprising such particles, and electrophoretic display devices comprising such fluids.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a metal nanoparticle dispersion suitable to multiple layered coating by jetting in the form of fine droplets is prepared by dispersing metal nanoparticles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm in a dispersion solvent having a boiling point of 80° C. or higher in such a manner that the volume percentage of the dispersion solvent is selected in the range of 55 to 80% by volume and the fluid viscosity (20° C.) of the dispersion is chosen in the range of 2 mPa·s to 30 mPa·s, and then when the dispersion is discharged in the form of fine droplets by inkjet method or the like, the dispersion is concentrated by evaporation of the dispersion solvent in the droplets in the course of flight, coming to be a viscous dispersion which can be applicable to multi-layered coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode material in which unevenness in a supporting amount of a carbonaceous film is less when using an electrode-active material having a carbonaceous film on a surface thereof as the electrode material, and which is capable of improving conductivity, and a method for producing the electrode material. The electrode material includes an aggregate formed by aggregating an electrode-active material in which a carbonaceous film is formed on a surface. In the electrode material, an average particle size of the aggregate is 0.5 to 100 ?m, a volume density of the aggregate is 50 to 80 vol % of a volume density in a case in which the aggregate is a solid, and 80% or more of the surface of the electrode-active material is covered with the carbonaceous film. Alternatively, the electrode material includes an aggregate formed by aggregating electrode-active material particles in which a carbonaceous film is formed on a surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a composite resin includes a resin component; and a plurality of first powder bodies dispersed in the resin component. Each of the first powder bodies has a nonlinear current-voltage characteristic having a decreasing resistance as a voltage increases. The first powder body is a polycrystalline powder body including a plurality of primary particles bound via a grain boundary. A component different from a major component of the primary particles exists in a higher concentration in the grain boundary than in an interior of the primary particles.

Abstract: Electrically and/or thermally conductive polymer composites and methods of preparing same are provided. In some embodiments, a method for preparing an electrically and/or thermally conductive polymer composite may include (1) mixing a polymer, a conductive particulate filler, and a solvent compatible with the polymer to form a non-conductive polymer solution or melt; (2) processing, the non-conductive polymer solution or melt to form a non-conductive polymer network composition; wherein the presence of solvent during three-dimensional network formation manipulates the polymer network structure; and (3) removing the solvent from the non-conductive polymer network composition to form an electrically and/or thermally conductive polymer composite. The altered polymer chain structure present in the non-conductive polymer network composition is maintained in the composite, and offsets the impact of particulate filler addition including increased modulus, decreased elasticity, and decreased elongation at break.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide an organic EL element including an electron injection and transport layer containing an organic boron compound, which has excellent characteristics such as efficiency and service life. The present invention achieves the object mentioned above by providing an organic EL element including: an anode; a light emitting layer formed on the anode; an electron injection and transport layer that is formed on the light emitting layer, contains an organic boron compound, and has a crystalline structure; and a cathode formed on the electron injection and transport layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion material excellent in thermoelectric performance and flexibility and capable of being produced in a simplified manner and at a low cost, and a method for producing the material. The thermoelectric conversion material has, on a support, a thin film of a thermoelectric semiconductor composition containing thermoelectric semiconductor fine particles and a conductive polymer, and the method for producing a thermoelectric conversion material includes a step of applying the thermoelectric semiconductor composition containing thermoelectric semiconductor fine particles and a conductive polymer onto the support and drying it to forma thin film thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic-coated heater in which the outer surface of a heater rod is coated with ceramic to improve the physical properties thereof including durability, corrosion resistance, and the like, thereby enabling the heater to be used in water or air. The outer surface of the heater rod is coated with a ceramic composition to which an acrylic corrosion resistant wax is added, thereby strengthening the bonding force of the coating layer film, and thus improving the physical properties thereof including durability, corrosion resistance, and the like to enable the heater to be used in water. Therefore, the ceramic-coated heater of the present invention enables high thermal conductivity using less current and reduces energy consumption so that it can be utilized in a wide variety of industrial fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silver-containing aqueous ink formulation for production of electrically conductive structures, wherein the formulation is provided in the form of a two-component system composed of a vehicle component A at least comprising an organic solvent, additives and water, and a silver nanoparticle sol as component B, at least comprising a liquid dispersant, stabilized silver nanoparticles and an electrostatic dispersion stabilizer, and the formulation composed of components A and B comprises at least a) 1-50% by weight of organic solvent, b) 0.005-12% by weight of additives, and c) 40-70% by weight of water, and d) 15-50% by weight of electrostatically stabilized silver nanoparticles, where the sum of the total proportions in the ink formulation adds up to 100% by weight in each case.

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide for a device that utilizes voltage switchable dielectric material having semi-conductive or conductive materials that have a relatively high aspect ratio for purpose of enhancing mechanical and electrical characteristics of the VSD material on the device.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to prevent the discoloration of an ink even when the ink is printed on a base to be printed and then exposed to a high-temperature environment. An ink comprising a glass composition, wherein the glass composition (1) comprises Ag, V and a vitrescible component.

Abstract: A bio-mineralized composition for use in an electrochemical cell is described. The bio-mineralized composition may comprise a material represented by general formula y[Li1±xMaPOc).(1-y)[Mb(POc)3±d(Ap)1±e].Cz or y[Li1±xMaOc].(1-y)[Mb(POc)3±d(Ap)1±e].Cz or y[Li1±xMaOc].(1-y)[Mb(POc)3±d(Ap)1±e].Cz or y[Li1±xMaOc].(1-y)[Mb(POc)3±d(Ap)1±e].Cz or y[Ma].(1-y)[Mb(POc)3±d(Ap)1=e].Cz or y[Li1±xMaSiaOc].(1-y)[Mb(POc)3=d(Ap)1±e].Cz, or y[Li1±xMaOc].w[Li2±xMaOc].(1-y-w)[Mb(POc)3±d(Ap)1±e].Cz, or y[Li1±xMaBOc].(1-y)[Mb(POc)3±d(Ap)1±e].Cz, or y[MaOx].(1-y)[Mb(POc)3±d(Ap)1±e].Cz where M represents at least one element; Ap represents group of mixtures; C represents Carbon or its allotropes; P represents element phosphorous; Si represents silicon; Li represents lithium; B represents boron; O represents oxygen and x, y, z, w, a, b, c, d and e represent a number.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a polymeric composition and a method for making and using the polymeric composition, more specifically to a polymeric composition and a method for making and using the polymeric composition in the form of a membrane.

Abstract: A nanomaterial can include an outer layer including a ligand. The ligand can include a first monomer unit including a first moiety having affinity for a surface of the nanocrystal, a second monomer unit including a second moiety having a high water solubility, and a third monomer unit including a third moiety having a selectively reactive functional group or a selectively binding functional group. The ligand can be a random copolymer.

Abstract: An object of the invention to provide a water-dispersible acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition capable of forming a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that can prevent static build-up on adherends when peeled off (antistatic properties) and is superior not only in removability and the ability to prevent an increase in peel strength (adhesive strength) over time but also in less-staining properties on adherends and, especially, the ability to prevent white staining on adherends in a high-humidity environment (the ability to prevent white staining). The invention is directed to a removable water-dispersible acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, including: an acrylic emulsion polymer including units derived from raw material monomers including (i) 70 to 99.5% by weight of an alkyl(meth)acrylate and (ii) 0.5 to 10% by weight of a carboxyl group-containing unsaturated monomer; a non-water-soluble crosslinking agent; and an ionic compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising an ethylene copolymer and a solvent wherein the composition is a binder for a lithium ion battery; the ethylene copolymer comprises or is produced from repeat units derived from ethylene and a comonomer selected from the group consisting of an ?, ?-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid or its derivative, an ?, ?-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or its derivative, an epoxide-containing monomer, a vinyl ester, or combinations of two or more thereof; and the composition can further comprises a curing agent to crosslink the ethylene copolymer.

Abstract: A high-fidelity dopant paste is disclosed. The high-fidelity dopant paste includes a solvent, a set of non-glass matrix particles dispersed into the solvent, and a dopant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compatibilized polyamide-poly(arylene ether) thermoplastic resin compositions, comprising: (a) about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether); (b) about 5 percent to about 20 percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene and a copolymer of ethylene; (c) about 30 to about 60 percent of a biopolyamide; and wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; and wherein the biomass carbon content of the resin composition is at least 13 percent as measured by ASTM D6866. Also disclosed are methods for making such resins and articles derived therefrom.

Abstract: There is disclosed various devices and articles comprising phosphors for converting electromagnetic energy to radiation having a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength (A) to an electromagnetic radiation having a shorter wavelength (B) comprising UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength. There is also a method of sterilizing such devices and articles by exposing it to UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when the composition is in an implantable medical device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processing techniques and systems of metal fluoride based material, including but not limited to nickel difluoride, copper difluoride, manganese fluoride, chromium fluoride, bismuth fluoride, iron trifluoride, iron difluoride, iron oxyfluoride, metal doped iron fluorides, e.g., FexM1-xFy (M=metals, which can be Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn, Bi and Ti) materials. An exemplary implementation involves mixing a first compound comprising a metal material, nitrogen, and oxygen to a second compound comprising hydrogen fluoride. The mixed compound is milled to form metal fluoride precursor and a certain byproduct. The byproduct is removed, and the metal fluoride precursor is treated to form iron trifluoride product. There are other embodiments as well.

Abstract: The conductive polymer solution of the present invention contains a ?-conjugated conductive polymer, polyanions and a solvent, at least one of specific metal ions, silver halide, conductive carbon black and conductive metal oxide particles, and a reducing agent and/or neutralizing agent as necessary. The conductive polymer solution of the present invention can be used a conductive coating film having both superior transparency and being suitable for use a transparent electrode of a touch panel electrode sheet. In addition, the conductive coating film of the present invention has superior transparency that enables it to be used as a transparent electrode of a touch panel electrode sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are coated beads made of a primary matrix material and containing a population of quantum dot nanoparticles. Each bead has a multi-layer surface coating. The layers can be two or more distinct surface coating materials. The surface coating materials may be inorganic materials and/or polymeric materials. A method of preparing such particles is also described. The coated beads are useful for composite materials for applications such as light-emitting devices.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of elastomeric conductive material, involving combining at least one conductive polymer with rubber latex, at least one organic acid, at least one oxidant, a pH stabilizer, optionally an organic solvent, and optionally at least one surfactant. Also disclosed are elastomeric conductive materials produced by such processes, which exhibit excellent strength, elasticity, and conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising the following components: a) 76,6-99,9 mass % of aromatic polycarbonate, b) 0,5-20 mass % of laser direct structuring additive, c) 0-2,4 mass % of rubber like polymer, and d) 0,01-1 mass % of acid and/or acid salt wherein the mass % is calculated relative to the sum of a), b), c) and d). The invention also relates to a moulded part containing this composition, to a circuit carrier containing such moulded part and to a process for producing such circuit carrier.

Abstract: An organic composition for a semiconductor device includes a compound for an organic semiconductor device including a structural unit; and a metal-containing compound selected from a transition element-containing compound, a lanthanide-containing compound, and a combination thereof, which results in improved charge mobility due to a reduced grain boundary.

Abstract: A p-type transparent conductive material can comprise a thin film of BCSF on a substrate where the film has a conductivity of at least 1 S/cm. The substrate may be a plastic substrate, such as a polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, or some other suitable plastic or polymeric substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a device capable of having an easy production process and achieving a long lifetime. A device comprising a substrate, two or more electrodes facing each other disposed on the substrate and a positive hole injection transport layer disposed between two electrodes among the two or more electrodes, wherein the positive hole injection transport layer comprises a transition metal-containing nanoparticle containing at least a transition metal compound including a transition metal oxide, a transition metal and a protecting agent, or at least the transition metal compound including the transition metal oxide, and the protecting agent.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described related to a composite material with dielectric properties and the preparation method thereof. One example composite material may include a core having a first polymer and an ionic salt and a shell having a second polymer, where the core is electrically conductive and the shell electrically insulates and substantially surrounds the core, wherein the first polymer has a first polarity and the second polymer has a second polarity, and the first polarity is greater than the second polarity.

Abstract: Nanocrystals comprising organic ligands at surfaces of the plurality of nanocrystals are provided. The organic ligands are removed from the surfaces of the nanocrystals using a solution comprising a trialkyloxonium salt in a polar aprotic solvent. The removal of the organic ligands causes the nanocrystals to become naked nanocrystals with cationic surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and a process for the deposition of conductive polymers on dielectric substrates. In particular, the invention relates to a composition for the formation of electrically conductive polymers on the surface of a dielectric substrate, the composition comprising at least one polymerizable monomer which is capable to form a conductive polymer, an emulsifier and an acid, characterized in that the composition comprises at least one metal-ion selected from the group consisting of lithium-ions, sodium-ions, aluminum-ions, beryllium-ions, bismuth-ions, boron-ions, indium-ions and alkyl imidazolium-ions.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. A compound may contain repeating units {MB(ER)(ER)} and {MB(ER)(ER)}, wherein MA is Ag, each MB is In or Ga, each E is S, Se, or Te, and each R is independently selected, for each occurrence, from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, silyl, and inorganic and organic ligands.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices. This invention provides a range of compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds, precursor materials and methods for preparing photovoltaic layers and thin films thereof.

Abstract: Processes for making a photovoltaic layer on a substrate by depositing a first layer of an ink onto the substrate, wherein the ink contains one or more compounds having the formula MB(ER)3, wherein MB is In, Ga, or Al, E is S or Se, and depositing a second layer of one or more copper chalcogenides or a CIGS material.

Abstract: The system for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of this present invention comprises a detecting material made by blending a nano-material and a conductive polymer. The system for detecting VOCs presents the property of high sensitivity, high sensing accuracy, quick response, and real-time VOC detecting, and is demonstrated in the present work for commercialization usage. The system for detecting VOCs can be easily operated to detect VOC without electronic detecting method, and hence this invention can reduce a lot of operation energy and procedure. Furthermore, when adding inorganic nanoparticles, the area of VOC exposure of this invention is increased and the molecular morphology variation of the detecting material is enhanced, and hence the detecting activity of the system for detecting VOCs is improved.

Abstract: A practical and environmentally-friendly method, i.e. the high temperature-mechanical mixing by using an internal mixing device and a two-roll open milling device is used to produce the carbon blacks-free electrically conductive sulfur-vulcanised rubber blends of solid poly(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile) and solid sulfonic acid doped polyaniline. The addition of sulfur vulcanization system does not affect the electrical properties of the vulcanised blends. All vulcanised blends prepared by using this method show useful electrical conductivities up to the order of 10?2 S/cm, good tensile strengths up to 18.0 MPa and colorable with the addition of a whitening agent. As a result, they have good potential to be used for manufacturing any antistatic products, electrostatic discharge or dissipative products and electromagnetic or radio frequency interferences shielding products.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a device capable of having an easy production process and achieving a long lifetime. A device comprising a substrate, two or more electrodes facing each other disposed on the substrate and a positive hole injection transport layer disposed between two electrodes among the two or more electrodes, wherein the positive hole injection transport layer comprises a transition metal-containing nanoparticle containing at least a transition metal compound including a transition metal oxide, a transition metal and a protecting agent, or at least the transition metal compound including the transition metal oxide, and the protecting agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transferring phases of nanoparticles, which use a polymer with a molecular weight greater than 5,000 as a dispersant. The first step of the method of the present invention is to synthesize nanoparticles in the polymer aqueous solution. Next, an amphiphilic phase-transfer agent is added into the solution to coat the surface of nanoparticles with bipolar molecules, and then the mixture is added into an organic solvent to form a homogeneous solution. Finally, a salt and an alcohol are added into the homogeneous solution, and then an organic phase layer and an aqueous phase layer through a centrifugal method. The method of the present invention combines the advantages of aqueous process for preparing nanoparticles and transfers the same with a simple phase transferring process to obtain oil-phase nanoparticles, which can be applied to various fields.

Abstract: A process for making a corrosion-resistant metal component. The process having the steps of: combining water, at least one zinc phosphate compound and at least one chromium compound, being chromium (III) or chromium (IV) compounds, to form a first solution; separately combining at least one silicate compound with water to form a second solution; combining the first solution with the second solution such as to form a mixed aqueous solution; optionally combining the mixed aqueous solution with at least one acrylic resin to form a coating mixture; and, applying the coating mixture to a metal substrate having a zinc or zinc-alloy surface to form a coating on the metal substrate, the coating providing chemical resistance for at least 150 hours in accordance with ASTM B 117 standards where the zinc or zinc-alloy coating of the metal substrate has a weight of 0.04 oz/ft2 (12.20 g/m2).

Abstract: A nanocrystal described herein comprises a semiconductor material MX, wherein M is a group II or a group III element and X is a group V or a group VI element to provide a II/VI compound or a III/V compound, the nanocrystal having lateral dimensions and a vertical dimension having the shortest axis, wherein surfaces of the nanocrystal normal or substantially normal to the axis of the vertical dimension comprise a layer of M ions passivated by a counter ion chemical species.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices. This invention provides a range of compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a range of compounds, inks and compositions used to make materials for photovoltaics, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to inks containing precursor compounds, as well as the precursor compounds, and materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. The precursor compounds and inks contain compounds having the formula MB(ER)3 wherein MB is In, Ga or Al, which can be deposited and converted to a material form.

Abstract: A battery capable of improving the cycle characteristics and the swollenness characteristics is provided. The battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution is impregnated in a separator provided between the cathode and the anode. The anode has a coat on an anode active material layer provided on an anode current collector. The coat contains a metal salt. The metal salt has a hydroxyl group and at least one of a sulfonic acid group and a carboxylic acid group. Thereby, lithium ions are easily inserted in the anode and extracted from the anode, and decomposition of the electrolytic solution is prevented.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and articles using a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials for photovoltaic applications including devices and systems for energy conversion and solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. A compound may contain repeating units {MA(ER)(ER)} and {MB(ER)(ER)}, wherein each MA is Cu, each MB is In or Ga, each E is S, Se, or Te, and each R is independently selected, for each occurrence, from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, silyl, and inorganic and organic ligands.

Abstract: This invention includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by depositing a precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry onto the substrate and converting the deposited precursor into a photovoltaic absorber material. This invention further includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by (a) providing a polymeric precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry; (b) providing a substrate; (c) depositing the precursor onto the substrate; and (d) heating the substrate.

Abstract: A process for making a corrosion-resistant metal component. The process having the steps of: combining water, at least one zinc phosphate compound and at least one chromium compound, being chromium (III) or chromium (IV) compounds, to form a first solution; separately combining at least one silicate compound with water to form a second solution; combining the first solution with the second solution such as to form a mixed aqueous solution; optionally combining the mixed aqueous solution with at least one acrylic resin to form a coating mixture; and, applying the coating mixture to a metal substrate having a zinc or zinc-alloy surface to form a coating on the metal substrate, the coating providing chemical resistance for at least 150 hours in accordance with ASTM B117 standards where the zinc or zinc-alloy coating of the metal substrate has a weight of 0.04 oz/ft2 (12.20 g/m2).

Abstract: A fabrication line includes a texturizing module configured to texture a substrate, an emitter module configured to form an emitter region, a passivation layer module configured to form a passivation layer, a barrier contact module configured to form a barrier contact region, a firing module configured to anneal the barrier contact region, a top metal contact module configured to form a top metal contact region, and a soldering module configured to solder the barrier contact region to the top metal contact region. The modules are integrated by one or more automated substrate handlers into a single fabrication line. A method for fabricating a solar cell includes sequentially, in an automated fabrication line: doping a dopant in a substrate; disposing a passivation layer; disposing and annealing a barrier metal paste to form a barrier contact; and disposing and annealing a metal contact paste to form a top metal contact region.

Abstract: Provided are a mussel adhesive protein-mimetic dispersion stabilizing agent to disperse nanoparticles in an aqueous medium, a colloidal solution including nanoparticles dispersed and stabilized by the dispersion stabilizing agent, and a contrast agent including the colloidal solution. More particularly, the mussel adhesive protein-mimetic dispersion stabilizer is a polyethyleneimine-graft-(poly-ethyleneglycol;polyDOPA) PEI-graft-(PEG;PDOPA). The graft polymer is formed of two parts. One is polyethyleneglycol grafted with a polyethyleneime which has an affinity to an aqueous medium, and the other is polyDOPA which has an affinity to the surface of nanoparticles. Because of those characteristics, the stabilizer shows a stable dispersion of nano particles in the aqueous medium.