Abstract: A process for fluorination of borohydride salts including providing a reaction medium comprising HF and a superacid. A borohydride salt compound is added to the reaction medium. The borohydride salt is reacted with the with the reaction medium under conditions to form a fluorinated borohydride salt. In addition, reactor vessels may be provided for reacting the HF, superacid additive and borohydride that are fabricated from materials resistant to superacid compositions.

Abstract: A dense boron-based or phosphorus-based dielectric material is provided. Specifically, the present invention provides a dense boron-based dielectric material comprised of boron and at least one of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen or a dense phosphorus-based dielectric comprised of phosphorus and nitrogen. The present invention also provides electronic structures containing the dense boron-based or phosphorus-based dielectric as an etch stop, a dielectric Cu capping material, a CMP stop layer, and/or a reactive ion etching mask in a ULSI back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) interconnect structure. A method of forming the inventive boron-based or phosphorus-based dielectric as well as the electronic structure containing the same are also described in the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided a low dielectric constant material, which is excellent in thermal resistance, has low dielectric constant, and is applicable to a semiconductor device or electric appliances, an insulation film between semiconductor layers using the same, and the semiconductor device. The material is the low dielectric constant material having thermal resistance, which contains borazine skeletal molecules shown by the following formula (1) and the like in an inorganic or organic material molecule.

Abstract: An electrode material for an anode of a rechargeable lithium battery, containing a particulate comprising an amorphous Sn.A.X alloy with a substantially non-stoichiometric ratio composition. For said formula Sn.A.X, A indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of transition metal elements, X indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of O, F, N, Mg, Ba, Sr, Ca, La, Ce, Si, Ge, C, P, B, Pb, Bi, Sb, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Zn, Be, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, As, Se, Te, Li and S, where the element X is not always necessary to be contained. The content of the constituent element Sn of the amorphous Sn.A.X alloy is Sn/(Sn+A+X)=20 to 80 atomic %.

Abstract: Methods are described for synthesizing stoichiometric LiBC and hole doped Li1-xBC (lithium borocarbide) according to heating processes, such as by both an arc-melting method and a sealed tantalum ampoule method. The arc-melting method requires forming a pellet of uniformly-mixed elemental lithium, boron, and graphite and subjecting it to an arc-melt process sufficient to trigger a self-propagating exothermic reaction. Alternatively, the titanium ampoule method requires sealing uniformly-mixed elemental lithium, boron, and graphite (Li—B—C) in a tantalum ampoule; and heating under sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time. Hole-doped Li1-xBC (0?x?0.37) can then be produced, such as through vacuum de-intercalation from the LiBC. According to the present invention, the hexagonal crystal lattice remains largely intact, with only slight decreases in lattice parameters upon hole-doping. The samples are intrinsically diamagnetic and are semiconducting in the 2 K to 300 K range studied.

Abstract: A method for preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery is provided. In this method, a lithium source, a metal source, and a doping liquid including a doping element are mixed and the mixture is heat-treated.

Abstract: Device nanotechnology based on silicon wafers and other substrates is described. Methods for preparing such devices are discussed. The teachings allow integration of current semiconductor device, sensor device and other device fabrication methods with nanotechnology. Integration of nanotubes and nanowires to wafers is discussed. Sensors, electronics, biomedical and other devices are presented.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing a non-oxide ceramic formed of a metal constituent and a non-metal constituent. A salt of the metal constituent and a compound of the non-metal constituent and a compound of the non-metal constituent are introduced into a liquid alkali metal or a liquid alkaline earth metal or mixtures to react the constituents substantially submerged in the liquid metal to form ceramic particles. The liquid metal is present in excess of the stoichiometric amount necessary to convert the constituents into ceramic particles to absorb the heat of reaction to maintain the temperature of the ceramic particles below the sintering temperature. Ceramic particles made by the method are part of the invention.

Abstract: A hard film for cutting tools which is composed of

Abstract: A method for treating a gas, which comprises contacting a gas containing a boric acid component in an amount of at least 15 mg/m3 as converted into B2O3 concentration in a standard state, with a solid alkali metal carbonate material comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonates and alkali metal hydrogencarbonates, to remove the boric acid component from the gas.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials and methods of reducing manufacturing and raw material costs through the use of nanostructured materials are provided. Specifically, use of non-stoichiometric materials of oxide, nitride, carbide, chalcogenides, borides, alloys and other compositions are taught.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory hard metal in powder form comprising particles having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 &mgr;m and each formed of an agglomerate of grains with each grain comprising a nanocrystal of a refractory hard metal of the formula (I): AxByXz wherein A is a transition metal, B is a metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, tungsten and cobalt, X is boron or carbon, x ranges from 0.1 to 3, y ranges from 0 to 3 and z ranges from 1 to 6. The refractory hard metal in powder form according to the invention is suitable for use in the manufacture of electrodes by thermal deposition or powder metallurgy.

Abstract: New boron icosahedral ethers and esters formed from Cs2[closo-B12(OH)12],; Cs[closo-1-H-1-CB11(OH)11]; and closo-1,12-H2-1,12-C2B10(OH)10 are disclosed. Also set forth are their preparation by reacting the icosahedral boranes [closo-B12H12]2−, [closo-1-CB11H12]− and closo-1,12-(CH2OH)2-1,12-C2B10H10 with an acid anhdride or acid chloride to form the ester or an alkylating agent to form the ether.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the preparation of LiBF4 by reacting LiBO2 with 10 to 48% HF solution in aqueous solution at ambient temperature, concentrating the product and recrystallizing to obtain high purity LiBF4.

Abstract: Iron based amorphous steel alloy having a high Manganese content and being non-ferromagnetic at ambient temperature. The bulk-solidifying ferrous-based amorphous alloys are multicomponent systems that contain about 50atomic percent iron as the major component. The remaining composition combines suitable mixtures of metalloids (Group b elements) and other elements selected mainly from manganese, chromium, and refractory metals. Various classes of non-ferromagnetic ferrous-based bulk amorphous metal alloys are obtained. One class is a high-manganese class that contains manganese and boron as the principal alloying components. Another class is a high manganese-high molybdenum class that contains manganese, molybdenum, and carbon as the principal alloying components. These bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys can be obtained in various forms and shape for various applications and utlizations. The good processability of these alloys can be attributed to the high reduced glass temperature Trg (e.g., about 0.6 to 0.

Abstract: Highly pure LiBF4 is prepared by preparing a solution of BF3 etherate in diethyl ether, suspending LiF in this solution, reacting to give solid LiBF4, and then separating off the solid LiBF4 formed. The LiBF4 prepared is used for producing lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: The invention relates to structural subunits called “synthons” which are suitable for use in the design and manufacture of molecular nanostructures, machines, and devices. The synthon comprises polyhedra units and other species which exhibit rigid structural frameworks, the availability of stereo- and regiochemically directed substitution patterns, synthetic availability and accessability with substitutional control, diversity of available structural arrangements with said polyhedra units and related species, and connecting means which function to join adjacent synthons.

Abstract: A method of reducing electronic work function, reducing threshold field emission values, converting semiconducting behavior to metallic behavior, increasing the electron density state at the Fermi level, and increasing electron emission site density, of nanostructure or nanotube-containing material, the method including: forming openings in the nanotube-containing material; introducing a foreign species such as an alkali metal into at least some of the openings; and closing the openings, thereby forming capsules filled with the foreign species, and forming field emission cathode and flat panel displays using these capsules.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the preparation of LiBF4 by reacting LiBO2 with 10 to 48% HF solution in aqueous solution at ambient temperature, concentrating the product and recrystallizing to obtain high purity LiBF4.

Abstract: A method of removing water from wet organoborane by dissolving the wet organoborane in an organic solvent in which water is incompletely soluble, decanting any insoluble water, and distilling the organic phase to remove water which may be contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clathrate compound which can be used as a thermoelectric material, a hard material, or a semiconductor material. Silicon or carbon are formed into a clathrate lattice, and a clathrate compound is then formed in which specified doping atoms are encapsulated within the clathrate lattice, and a portion of the atoms of the clathrate lattice are substituted with specified substitution atoms. The clathrate lattice is, for example, a silicon clathrate 34 (Si34) mixed lattice of a Si20 cluster including a dodecahedron of Si atoms, and a Si28 cluster including a hexahedron of Si atoms. Suitable doping atoms are atoms from group 1A, group 2A, group 3A, group 1B, group 2B, group 3B, group 4A, group 5A, group 6A, and group 8, and suitable substitution atoms are atoms from group 1A, group 2A, group 3A, group 1B, group 2B, group 3B, group 5A, group 6A, group 7A, group 5B, group 6B, group 7B, and group 8 of the periodic table.

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparation of precursors of Group III-V compounds, i.e., nitrides, phosphides, arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides of boron, aluminum, gallium and indium. The precursors are easily converted, e.g., by thermal decomposition, to the Group III-V compounds which are useful as thin-film coatings for aerospace components or as powders which may be shaped as desired.

Abstract: Linear backbone phosphorus-boron polymers of the general formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4, are the same or different and selected from H, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl and phenyl; and n is at least 2, and particularly high molecular weight polymers of absolute weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000. The polymers are of use as fire retardants.

Abstract: The invention provides crystalline nanoscale particles and tubes made from a variety of stoichiometries of BxCyNz where x, y, and z indicate a relative amount of each element compared to the others and where no more than one of x, y, or z are zero for a single stoichiometry. The nanotubes and nanoparticles are useful as miniature electronic components, such as wires, coils, schotky barriers, diodes, etc. The nanotubes and nanoparticles are also useful as coating that will protect an item from detection by electromagnetic monitoring techniques like radar. The nanotubes and nanoparticles are additionally useful for their mechanical properties, being comparable in strength and stiffness to the best graphite fibers or carbon nanotubes. The inventive nanoparticles are useful in lubricants and composites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of fluoboric electrolyte resulting from the processes of electro-extraction of metals such as copper and lead comprising a leaching stage with fluoboric acid, in order to recycle said fluoboric acid to be recirculated to said leaching stage devoid of impurities of metals such as Me=Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Cd, characterized in that it comprises the stages of: a) treating said fluoboric electrolyte comprising Cu(BF4)2 or Pb(BF4)2 with H2S in order to precipitate CuS or PbS respectively in accordance with the reactions Cu(BF4)2+H2S=>CuS+2HBF4  (1) Pb(BF4)2+H2S=>PbS+2HBF4  (2) thus obtaining a solution of HBF4 containing the fluoborates of said metals Me, said solution being separated, b) treating said Me fluoborates with H2SO4 in accordance with the reaction 2 Me(BF4)n+n H2SO4=>Me(SO4)n+2n HBF4  (3) (where Me=Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Cd) it being possible for said sulp

Abstract: Process for the preparation of undecahydrododecaborate anions [B.sub.12 H.sub.(12-n) (XCN).sub.n ].sup.2- or [B.sub.12 H.sub.11 XH].sup.2- or a nonahydrodecaborate anions [B.sub.10 H.sub.(12-n) (XCN).sub.n ].sup.2- or [B.sub.10 H.sub.9 XH].sup.2- or anions of formula [B.sub.12 H.sub.11 SC(NR.sup.1 R.sup.2).sub.2 ].sup.-1 wherein X=O, S, or Se.

Abstract: Molecular silylalkylboranes, a process for their preparation, oligo- or polyborocarbosilazanes, a process for their preparation and their use and silicon carbonitride ceramics and a process for their preparation.

Abstract: Boron is effectively removed from brine, including lithium-containing brines, by acidifying the brine to a pH of 0.1 to 6.0 and then contacting the brine with an extraction medium comprising at least a diol having 6 to 20 carbon atoms in an aromatic solvent. The extraction medium may also contain high aliphatic alcohols and/or a phase modifier. The boron can be stripped from the boron rich extractant medium by a re-extraction stage utilizing an aqueous alkaline solution.

Abstract: A non-oxide, transition metal based ceramic material has the general formula A.sub.y M.sub.2 Z.sub.x, wherein A is a group IA element, M is a transition metal and Z is selected from the group consisting of N, C, B, Si, and combinations thereof, and wherein x.ltoreq.2 and y.ltoreq.6-x. In these materials, the group IA element occupies interstitial sites in the metallic lattice, and may be readily inserted into or released therefrom. The materials may be used as catalysts and as electrodes. Also disclosed herein are methods for the fabrication of the materials.

Abstract: In order to produce a new substance having a diamond crystal structure, the following steps are taken in order. First, a graphite-like substance is prepared which contains boron (B), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) as main elements. Then, the graphite-like substance is mixed with a metal powder to produce a mixture. Then, a pressure is applied to the mixture to produce a molded body, and then an explosion pressure is applied to the molded body.

Abstract: A method for performing boron neutron capture therapy for the treatment of tumors is disclosed. The method includes administering to a patient an iodinated sulfidohydroborane, a boron-10-containing compound. The site of the tumor is localized by visualizing the increased concentration of the iodine labelled compound at the tumor. The targeted tumor is then irradiated with a beam of neutrons having an energy distribution effective for neutron capture. Destruction of the tumor occurs due to high LET particle irradiation of the tissue secondary to the incident neutrons being captured by the boron-10 nuclei. Iodinated sulfidohydroboranes are disclosed which are especially suitable for the method of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, a compound having the formula Na.sub.4 B.sub.12 I.sub.11 SSB.sub.12 I.sub.11, or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound, may be administered to a cancer patient for boron neutron capture therapy.

Abstract: A process for treatment of hazardous liquid waste comprising trace amounts of hazardous elements in solution as oxyanions by oxyanion fixation within ettringite and related minerals. In accordance with the disclosed process, reagents for forming ettringites are mixed with the waste stream resulting in the formation of oxyanion-substituted ettringite and related materials. The resulting ettringite and related minerals are separated by filtration from the liquid. Thereafter, the liquid, having an elevated pH, is neutralized by carbon dioxide sparging resulting in precipitation of excess reagents in the liquid. Thereafter, the precipitates are filtered, producing a clean liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of colorless aqueous solutions of fluoboric acid from colored effluents of boron trifluoride hydrate. The process essentially consists of treating the colored effluent with an aqueous solution of HF, and then placing the solution obtained in contact with an activated carbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to ternary element compounds in a novel Al-B-P system, to a process for their production and to their use.

Abstract: Highly iodinated borane and carborane cage molecules, having from 60% to 90% w/w iodine, are disclosed as new and useful X-ray contrast media when combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The inclusion of appropriate functional group substituents, such as hydrophilic moieties, increases solubility and lowers toxicity.

Abstract: A method for performing boron neutron capture therapy for the treatment of tumors is disclosed. The method includes administering to a patient an iodinated sulfidohydroborane, a boron-10-containing compound. The site of the tumor is localized by visualizing the increased concentration of the iodine labelled compound at the tumor. The targeted tumor is then irradiated with a beam of neutrons having an energy distribution effective for neutron capture. Destruction of the tumor occurs due to high LET particle irradiation of the tissue secondary to the incident neutrons being captured by the boron-10 nuclei. Iodinated sulfidohydroboranes are disclosed which are especially suitable for the method of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, a compound having the formula Na.sub.4 B.sub.12 I.sub.11 SSB.sub.12 I.sub.11, or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound, may be administered to a cancer patient for boron neutron capture therapy.

Abstract: The isotopes of boron, .sup.10 B and .sup.11 B, are separated by means of a gas-liquid chemical exchange reaction involving the isotopic equilibrium between gaseous BF.sub.3 and a liquid BF.sub.3 . donor molecular addition complex formed between BF.sub.3 gas and a donor chosen from the group consisting of: nitromethane, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, or diisobutyl ketone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boride material for electronic elements, which is represented by a chemical formula of A.sub.1-x E.sub.x B.sub.12 (where A is Zr of Hf, E is Sc or Y, and 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.9) and the crystal system of which is a cubic one at a temperature not lower than its phase transition temperature and is a hexagonal one at a temperature not higher than its phase transition temperature. The boride material is prepared by mixing oxide powders or sulfate powders of the constitutive elements A and E and a boron powder followed by shaping the powder mixture and then sintering the shaped body.

Abstract: There is provided a process for recovering boron trifluoride catalyst from an oligomerization mixture, which comprises introducing an oligomerization mixture containing catalyst comprising boron trifluoride and a complex of boron trifluoride and cocatalyst into a copper-nickel-made recovery reactor, heating the oligomerization mixture at or above a decomposition temperature of the complex, and separating and recovering boron trifluoride from the oligomerization mixture. According to the process, the boron trifluoride can be recovered effectively from the oligomerization mixture without causing the corrosion problem of the recovery reactor.

Abstract: A method of making pure fibers from a parent material utilizing laser energy. A short wavelength laser is used to achieve a diffraction limited focal spot diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the growing fiber. Focused laser beam convergence is used to obtain a fiber growth rate that depends on the fiber tip portion such that the fiber growth rate achieves a value equal to the controlled fiber pulling rate. The present invention achieves vapor-liquid-solid growth of single crystal silicon fibers and whiskers from silane gas and permits the use of other materials in the production of fibers by the vapor-liquid-solid process. The method provides an increase in the allowable ambient pressure and growth temperature and a large and more energy efficient growth velocity as compared to carbon dioxide based laser beam technology.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy matrix composite containing alumina or aluminum silicate reinforcement whereby said composite material exhibits wetting between said reinforcement and said aluminum alloy. The composite comprises (a) alumina or aluminosilicate reinforcement; (b) a matrix of aluminum or aluminum alloy; and (c) an intelayer of mixed oxides of aluminum and boron wherein the interlayer of mixed oxides of aluminum and boron includes but is not limited to the following oxides, B.sub.2 O.sub.3, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 2Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 9Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 2B.sub.2 O.sub.3 at the interface between said reinforcement and said matrix.

Abstract: Geothermal brines are passed through a bed of an anionic resin selective to the removal of boron while maintaining a pH value between about 4 to 5.5 to load the boron on the resin from which the boron is thereafter recovered. If the brine contains large quantities of constituents have Lewis acidities greater than boric acid, these constituents are preferably removed before the boron is recovered. The invention is particularly applicable to geothermal brines of temperature above ambient, e.g., 90.degree. C. and above, such as 95.degree. C. and above.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aluminum borate ceramic having a high porosity and a tightly controlled pore size distribution, while maintaining good mechanical strength. The ceramic body can be formed by decomposing boric acid-stabilized aluminum acetate to form an aluminum borate powder, and sintering the powder to form a ceramic body.

Abstract: The invention encompasses unsintered and sintered compositions comprising boride and alumina. A sintered material containing boride and alumina may be produced by a method comprising:a) combining sources of borate glass frit and aluminum to form a mixture;b) compacting the mixture to form a shape;c) heating the shape, whereby the sources react to form boride and alumina; andd) densifying the reacted shape.Specific embodiments of the invention include the use of rare earth borate glasses such as La.sub.2 O.sub.3. 6 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 glass to form compositions containing rare earth boride.

Abstract: A process for producing fibers of a transition metal boride, which comprises reacting a mixture of a vapor of an evaporable boron compound an a vapor of an evaporable transition metal compound in the presence of a catalyst composed of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Cu, Au and Ni.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy efficient method for the production of boron nitride materials at temperatures of from about 100 degrees to about 230 degrees Centigrade. The boron nitride materials produced by the present invention are carbon-free and are prepared by combining at reduced pressure an alkali metal, such as potassium, rubidium, cesium, or mixtures thereof, or a potassium/sodium mixture, with a boron-, nitrogen-, and halogen-containing material, such as a haloborazine, haloborazane, or haloaminoborane. The preferred boron-, nitrogen-, and halogen-containing materials are trihalogenated, the preferred halogen is chlorine, and the preferred alkali metal is cesium.

Abstract: Preceramic polymers formed by reacting B.sub.10 H.sub.14-n R.sub.n, (where R is a lower alkyl group having from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group having from 3 to about 8 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted lower alkenyl group having from 2 to about 8 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted lower aryl group having from 6 to about 10 carbon atoms, and n is a number from zero to about six) with a diamine of the formulaR.sup.1 R.sup.2 N--(E).sub.q --NR.sup.4 R.sup.5,where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.4 and R.sup.

Abstract: Highly pure boron nitride ceramic material, devoid of silicon values and having low carbon content, is prepared by pyrolyzing, under an atmosphere of ammonia, the product of the reaction between (i) at least one B-trihalogeno-borazole having the formula: ##STR1## and (ii) at least one primary amine having the formula:H.sub.2 N--Rin which formulae X is a halogen atom and R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for the production of a refractory compound, e.g. a carbide or nitride, of a metallic or non-metallic element, by reacting a mixture of a compound of the metallic or non-metallic element having at least two groups reactive with hydroxyl groups and an organic compound having at least two hydroxyl groups to produce an oxygen-containing polymeric product, and pyrolysing the polymeric product, e.g. in an inert atmosphere to produce a carbide or in an atmosphere of reactive nitrogen compound to produce a nitride, in which the reaction mixture contains an aluminium compound containing at least one group reactive with hydroxyl groups.The presence of the aluminium compound in the reaction mixture leads to an increase in the proportion of carbon in the product initially produced by pyrolysis, and to a higher purity in the refractory compound which is ultimately produced.

Abstract: A process is described for producing crystalline copper aluminum borate by forming an aqueous composition comprising a volatile organic liquid having at least partial miscibility with water, a source of copper(II) ions, a source of alumina, and a source of boria at a pH in range from about 4 to about 12 to form a homogeneous gel, drying the gel to form a superficially dry solid, and calcining the dry solid at a sufficiently high temperature to form crystalline copper aluminum borate. Also described is a method for producing a copper aluminum borate precursor which when dried and/or calcined to a sufficiently high temperature forms crystalline copper aluminum borate.