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: Provided is a transition metal precursor comprising a composite transition metal compound represented by Formula I, as a transition metal precursor used in the preparation of a lithium-transition metal composite oxide: M(OH1?x)2??(1) wherein M is two or more selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr and transition metals of period 2 in the Periodic Table of the Elements; and 0<x<0.5.

Abstract: Positive electrode active materials are described that have a very high specific discharge capacity upon cycling at room temperature and at a moderate discharge rate. Some materials of interest have the formula Li1+xNi?Mn?CO?O2, where x ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.25, ? ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.4, ? ranges from about 0.4 to about 0.65, and ? ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.3. The materials can be coated with a metal fluoride to improve the performance of the materials especially upon cycling. Also, the coated materials can exhibit a very significant decrease in the irreversible capacity lose upon the first charge and discharge of the cell. Methods for producing these materials include, for example, a co-precipitation approach involving metal hydroxides and sol-gel approaches.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a metal oxide or lithium-metal-oxide electrode comprises contacting a surface of the electrode, prior to cell assembly, with an aqueous or a non-aqueous acid solution having a pH greater than 4 but less than 7 and containing a stabilizing salt, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to etch the surface of the electrode and introduce stabilizing anions and cations from the salt into said surface. The structure of the bulk of the electrode remains unchanged during the acid treatment. The stabilizing salt comprises fluoride and at least one cationic material selected from the group consisting of ammonium, phosphorus, titanium, silicon, zirconium, aluminum, and boron.

Abstract: Process for preparing a lithium-containing mixed oxide powder, wherein a) a stream of a solution containing at least one lithium compound and at least one metal compound of one or more mixed oxide components in the required stoichiometric ratio is atomized by means of an atomizer gas to give an aerosol having an average droplet size of less than 100 ?m, b) the aerosol is reacted in a reaction space by means of a flame obtained from a mixture of fuel gas and air, with the total amount of oxygen being sufficient for at least complete reaction of the fuel gas and of the metal compounds, c) the reaction stream is cooled and d) the solid product is subsequently separated off from the reaction stream.

Abstract: A thermistor based on a composition having the general formula (I): Re2-x-yCraMnbMcEyOz wherein Re is a rare earth metal or a mixture of two or more rare earth metals, M is a metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, copper, magnesium and mixtures thereof, E is a metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, strontium, barium and mixtures thereof, x is the sum of a+b+c and is a number between 0.1 and 1, and the relative ratio of the molar fractions a, b and c is in an area bounded by points A, B, C and D in a ternary diagram, wherein point A is, if y<0.006, at (Cr=0.00, Mn=0.93+10?y, M=0.07?10?y), and, if y?0.006, at (Cr=0?00, Mn=0.99, M=0.01), point B is, if y<0.006, at (Cr=0.83, Mn=0.10+10?y, M=0.07?10?y), and, if y?0.006, at (Cr=0.83, Mn=0.16, M=0.01), point C is at (Cr=0.50, Mn=0.10, M=0.40) and point D is at (Cr=0.00, Mn=0.51, M=0.49), y is a number between 0 and 0.5?x, and z is a number between 2.5 and 3.5.

Abstract: Single crystal and polycrystal oxoruthenates having the generalized compositions (Baz,Sr1?z)FexCoyRu6?(x+y)O11 (1?(x+y)?5; 0?z?1) and (Ba,Sr)M2±xRu4?xO11 (M=Fe,Co) belong to a novel class of ferromagnetic semiconductors with applications in spin-based field effect transistors, spin-based light emitting diodes, and magnetic random access memories.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positive electrode active material comprising a lithium-containing composite oxide containing nickel with an oxidation state of 2.0 to 2.5 and manganese with an oxidation state of 3.5 to 4.0, the oxidation state determined by the shifts of energy at which absorption maximum is observed in the X-ray absorption near-K-edge structures, and to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using the same, the positive electrode active material being characterized in having a high capacity, a long storage life and excellent cycle life.

Abstract: A lithium-transition metal complex compound has an nth order hierarchical structure in which n type structures represented by at least one unit of ath order units in a range of 1×10?(a+5) m to 10×10?(a+5) m exist in a complex form, wherein n is a natural number that is 2 or greater, and a is a natural number in a range of 1 to 5. The lithium-transition metal complex may be prepared by heat-treating a mixture including a lithium source, a transition metal source, and solvent in contact with a natural material having a hierarchical structure. A lithium battery includes an electrode including the lithium-transition metal complex compound having the nth order hierarchical structure. The lithium battery can have improved rapid charging characteristics, high power characteristics, and cycle characteristics.

Abstract: A method for producing a lithium alkali transition metal oxide for use as a positive electrode material for lithium secondary batteries by a precipitation method. The positive electrode material is a lithium alkali transition metal composite oxide and is prepared by mixing a solid state mixed with alkali and transition metal carbonate and a lithium source. The mixture is thermally treated to obtain a small amount of alkali metal residual in the lithium transition metal composite oxide cathode material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) for synthesizing cobaltites, in particular Ca3Co4O9. The invention also relates to a thermoelectric material comprising Ca3Co4O9 as obtained from a LDH precursor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lithium manganate particles having a primary particle diameter of 1 to 8 ?m and forming substantially single-phase particles, which have a composition represented by the following chemical formula: Li1+xMn2-x-yY1yO4+Y2 in which Y1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mg, Fe, Al, Cr and Ti; Y2 is P and is present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.6 mol % based on Mn; and x and y satisfy 0.03?x?0.15 and 0.05?y?0.20, respectively, and which lithium manganate particles have a specific surface area of the lithium manganate particles of 0.3 to 0.9 m2/g (as measured by BET method); and have an average particle diameter (D50) of the lithium manganate particles of 3 to 10 ?m. A positive electrode active substance of a lithium ion secondary battery using the lithium manganate particles of the present invention has a high output and is excellent in high-temperature stability.

Abstract: Provided is a cathode active material which is lithium transition metal oxide having an ?-NaFeO2 layered crystal structure, wherein the transition metal is a blend of Ni and Mn, an average oxidation number of the transition metals except lithium is +3 or higher, and lithium transition metal oxide satisfies the Equation m(Ni)?m(Mn) (in which m (Ni) and m (Mn) represent an molar number of manganese and nickel, respectively). The lithium transition metal oxide has a uniform and stable layered structure through control of oxidation number of transition metals to a level higher than +3, thus advantageously exerting improved overall electrochemical properties including electric capacity, in particular, superior high-rate charge/discharge characteristics.

Abstract: A method for producing a secondary cell according to the present invention includes step (A) of putting a solution having an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable/reducible organic compound and a supporting electrolyte dissolved therein into contact with a positive electrode active material, thereby oxidizing or reducing the positive electrode active material; and step (B) of accommodating the oxidized positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material in a case in the state of facing each other with a separator being placed therebetween, and filling the case with an electrolyte solution. By oxidizing or reducing the positive electrode active material, lithium ions or anions as the support electrode are incorporated into the positive electrode active material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fabrication method for an electrode active material, and a lithium battery comprising an electrode active material fabricated therefrom. The fabrication method for an electrode active material comprises preparing an aqueous solution by dissolving a precursor that can simultaneously undergo positive ion substitution and surface-reforming processes in water; mixing and dissolving raw materials for an electrode active material with a composition ratio for a final electrode active material in the aqueous solution, thereby preparing a mixed solution; removing a solvent from the mixed solution, thereby forming a solid dry substance; thermal- processing the solid dry substance; and crushing the thermal-processed solid dry substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium-containing metal composite oxide comprising paramagnetic and diamagnetic metals, which satisfies any one of the following conditions: (a) the ratio of intensity between a main peak of 0±10 ppm (I0ppm) and a main peak of 240±140 ppm (I240ppm), (I0ppm/I240ppm), is less than 0.117·Z wherein z is the ratio of moles of the diamagnetic metal to moles of lithium; (b) the ratio of line width between the main peak of 0±10 ppm (I0ppm) and the main peak of 240±140 ppm (I240ppm), (W240ppm/W0ppm), is less than 21.45; and (c) both the conditions (a) and (b). The peaks of the lithium-containing metal composite oxide are obtained according to the 7Li—NMR measurement conditions and means disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are lithium-containing compounds and methods of utilizing the same. The disclosed compounds may be used to deposit alkali metal-containing layers using vapor deposition methods such as chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition. In certain embodiments, the lithium-containing compounds include a ligand and at least one aliphatic group as substituents selected to have greater degrees of freedom than the usual substituent.

Abstract: A cathode contains: a lithium cobalt composite oxide expressed by LixCoaM1bM2cO2, where M1 denotes the first element; M2 indicates the second element; x, a, b, and c are set to values within ranges of 0.9?x?1.1, 0.9?a?1, 0.001?b?0.05, and 0.001?c?0.05; and a+b+c=1; a first sub-component element of at least one kind selected from a group containing Ti, Zr, and Hf, and a second sub-component element of at least one kind selected from a group containing Si, Ge, and Sn. 0.01 mol %?(content of the first sub-component element)?10 mol % as a ratio to cobalt in the lithium cobalt composite oxide. 0.01 mol %?(content of the second sub-component element)?10 mol % as a ratio to cobalt in the lithium cobalt composite oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium-containing composite oxide for a positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery, which has a large volume capacity density and high safety, and excellent durability for charge and discharge cycles and charge and discharge rate property, and its production method. The lithium-containing composite oxide is represented by the general formula LipNxMyOzFa (where 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, Sn, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than Co, Mn and Ni, 0.9?p?1.2, 0.965?x<2.00, 0<y?0.035, 1.9?z?4.2, and 0?a?0.

Abstract: A positive-electrode active material for a lithium-ion secondary battery has an average composition expressed by the following formula (1): LixCo1-y-zMyCezOb-aXa ??(1) wherein M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron B, magnesium Mg, aluminum Al, silicon Si, phosphorous P, sulfur S, titanium Ti, chromium Cr, manganese Mn, iron Fe, cobalt Co, nickel Ni, copper Cu, zinc Zn, gallium Ga, yttrium Y, zirconium Zr, molybdenum Mo, silver Ag, tungsten W, indium In, tin Sn, lead Pb, and antimony Sb, X represents a halogen element, and x, y, z, a, and b satisfy 0.2<x?1.2, 0?y?0.1, 0.5<z?5.0, 1.8?b?2.2, and 0?a?1.0, respectively, and the concentration of cerium Ce is higher in the vicinity of the surface than in the inside.

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 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: A method for manufacturing a cathode active material for a lithium rechargeable battery, including: selecting a first metal compound from a group consisting of a halide, a phosphate, a hydrogen phosphate and a sulfate of Mg or Al; selecting a second metal compound from a group consisting of an oxide, a hydroxide and a carbonate of Mg or Al; combining the first metal compound and the second metal compound to obtain a metal compound, the metal compound containing either Mg or Al atoms; mixing a lithium compound, a transition metal compound and the metal compound to obtain a mixture; and sintering the mixture.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide positive electrode material in which a discharge rate characteristic and battery capacity are hardly deteriorated in the environment of low temperature of ?30° C., its manufacturing method and a lithium secondary battery using the positive electrode material. The invention is characterized by the positive electrode material in which plural primary particles are flocculated and a secondary particle is formed, and the touch length of the primary particles is equivalent to 10 to 70% of the length of the whole periphery on the section of the touched primary particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clean method for preparing layered double hydroxides (LDHs), in which hydroxides of different metals are used as starting materials for production of LDHs by atom-economical reactions. The atom efficiency of the reaction is 100% in each case because all the atoms of the reactants are converted into the target product since only M2+(OH)2, M3+(OH)3, and CO2 or HnAn? are used, without any NaOH or other materials. Since there is no by-product, filtration or washing process is unnecessary. The consequent reduction in water consumption is also beneficial to the environment.

Abstract: Process for preparing a mixed metal oxide powder, in which oxidizable starting materials are evaporated and oxidized, the reaction mixture is cooled after the reaction and the pulverulent solids are removed from gaseous substances, wherein as starting materials, at least one pulverulent metal and at least one metal compound, the metal and the metal component of the metal compound being different and the proportion of metal being at least 80% by weight based on the sum of metal and metal component from metal compound, together with one or more combustion gases, are fed to an evaporation zone of a reactor, where metal and metal compound are evaporated completely under nonoxidizing conditions, subsequently, the mixture flowing out of the evaporation zone is reacted in the oxidation zone of this reactor with a stream of a supplied oxygen-containing gas whose oxygen content is at least sufficient to oxidize the starting materials and combustion gases completely.

Abstract: A positive electrode material for a lithium secondary battery, which is high in safety, high in capacity, excellent in cycle performance, and high in charge/discharge efficiency, is provided. The positive electrode material for a lithium secondary battery is a powder containing a Li—Ni—Co—O or Li—Ni—Co—Ba—O system component as a main component and having an amorphous phase of an oxide mixed in each of particles or formed at the surface of the particle.

Abstract: A sintered lithium complex oxide characterized in that the sintered lithium complex oxide is constituted by sintering fine particles of a lithium complex oxide, the peak pore size giving the maximum differential pore volume is 0.80-5.00 ?m, the total pore volume is 0.10-2.00 mL/g, the average particle size is not less than the above-specified peak pore size but not more than 20 ?m, there is a sub-peak giving a differential pore volume not less than 10% of the maximum differential pore volume on the smaller pore size side with respect to the above-specified peak pore size, the pore size corresponding to the sub-peak is more than 0.50 ?m but not more than 2.00 ?m, the BET specific surface area of the sintered lithium complex oxide is 1.0-10.0 m2/g, and the half width of the maximum peak among X-ray diffraction peaks in an X-ray diffraction measurement is 0.12-0.30 deg.

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: A positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery containing a lithium-cobalt composite oxide is produced by firing, as a cobalt source, a mixture of substantially spherical cobalt hydroxide or tricobalt tetraoxide having such a sharp particle size distribution that the average particle size D50 is from 7 to 20 ?m, and cobalt oxyhydroxide having an average particle size of secondary particles formed by agglomeration of primary particles of from 7 to 20 ?m, in a proportion of from 5:1 to 1:5 as the cobalt atomic ratio, at a temperature of from 700° C. to 1050° C. in an oxygen-comprising atmosphere.

Abstract: A method is provided for the synthesis of a mesoporous lithium transition metal compound, the method comprising the steps of (i) reacting a lithium salt with one or more transition metal salts in the presence of a surfactant, the surfactant being present in an amount sufficient to form a liquid crystal phase in the reaction mixture (ii) heating the reaction mixture so as to form a sol-gel and (iii) removing the surfactant to leave a mesoporous product. The mesoporous product can be an oxide, a phosphate, a borate or a silicate and optionally, an additional phosphate, borate or silicate reagent can be added at step (i). The reaction mixture can comprise an optional chelating agent and preferably, the reaction conditions at steps (i) and (ii) are controlled so as to prevent destabilisation of the liquid crystal phase. The invention is particularly suitable for producing mesoporous lithium cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate.

Abstract: Thin-film lithium-based batteries and electrochromic devices (10) are fabricated with positive electrodes (12) comprising a nanocomposite material composed of lithiated metal oxide nanoparticles (40) dispersed in a matrix composed of lithium tungsten oxide.

Abstract: A procedure for obtaining mixed multimetallic oxides derived from hydrotalcite type compounds, characterized in that the laminar metallic hydroxides obtained are constituted by three or four metallic cations, forming part of the sheets of the hydrotalcite type material represented by the formula: [M(II)1?x?y?zM(II)?xM(III)yM(III)?z(OH)2](An?y+z/n).mH2O. by a process comprising: (1) preparing an aqueous or organic solution containing three or more cations; (2) preparing an alkaline solution; (3) slowly combining solutions (1) and (2) to cause the co-precipitation of the cations in the form of hydroxides; (4) washing the precipitate containing the hydrotalcites with water, until removal of the non-precipitated ions; (5) drying; and (6) calcining the hydrotalcites.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process of making a 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: There is provided Lithium-manganese oxides expressed as the following chemical formula 1, Li1+xMn1?x?yMyO2+z,??[Chemical Formula 1] wherein 0.01?x?0.5, 0?y?0.3, ?0.2?z?0.2, and M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Mn, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, W, Ag, Sn, Ge, Si, Al, and alloy thereof.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery, in particular, including a lithium transition metal oxide with a layered crystalline structure in which the transition metal includes a transition metal mixture of Ni, Mn and Co, and an average oxidation number of all transition metals other than lithium is more than +3, and specific conditions represented by the following formulae (1) and (2), 1.1<m(Ni)/m(Mn)<1.5 and 0.4<m(Ni2+)/m(Mn4+)<1, are satisfied. The inventive cathode active material has a more uniform and stable layered structure by controlling the oxidation number of transition metals contained in a transition metal oxide layer to form the layered structure, compared to conventional substances. Accordingly, the active material exhibits improved overall electrochemical characteristics including battery capacity and, in particular, excellent high rate charge-discharge features.

Abstract: In a lithium transition metal oxide having a layered structure, one is provided, which is particularly excellent as a positive electrode active material of a battery on board of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle in particular. A lithium transition metal oxide having a layered structure is proposed, wherein the ratio of the crystallite diameter determined by Measurement Method 1 according to the Rietveld method with respect to the mean powder particle diameter (D50) determined by the laser diffraction/scattering-type particle size distribution measurement method is 0.05 to 0.20.

Abstract: An after-treatment system architecture and method for oxidizing the nitric oxide component of a gas stream.

Abstract: A lithium mixed metal oxide containing Li, Mn and M (M represents at least one metal element, and is free from Li or Mn), and having a peak around 1.5 ? (peak A), a peak around 2.5 ? (peak B), and the value of IB/IA is not less than 0.15 and not more than 0.9 in a radial distribution function obtained by subjecting an extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectrum at K absorption edge of Mn in the oxide to the Fourier transformation, wherein IA is the intensity of peak A and IB is the intensity of peak B.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making a complex metal oxide comprising the formula AxByOz. The process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting in solution at a temperature of between about 75° C. to about 100° C. at least one water-soluble salt of A, at least one water-soluble salt of B and a stoichiometric amount of a carbonate salt or a bicarbonate salt required to form a mole of a carbonate precipitate represented by the formula AxBy(CO3)n, wherein the reacting is conducted in a substantial absence of carbon dioxide to form the carbonate precipitate and wherein the molar amount of carbonate salt or bicarbonate salt is at least three times the stoichiometric amount of carbonate or bicarbonate salt required to form a mole of the carbonate precipitate; and (b) reacting the carbonate precipitate with an oxygen containing fluid under conditions to form the complex metal oxide.

Abstract: An insulating target material for obtaining a conductive complex oxide film represented by a general formula ABO3. The insulating target material includes: an oxide of an element A; an oxide of an element B; an oxide of an element X; and at least one of an Si compound and a Ge compound, the element A being at least one element selected from La, Ca, Sr, Mn, Ba, and Re, the element B being at least one element selected from Ti, V, Sr, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Ir, Pb, and Nd, and the element X being at least one element selected from Nb, Ta, and V.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive electrode active material for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having at least a lithium-transition metal composite oxide of a layer structure, in which an existence ratio of at least one selected from the group consisting of elements which may become tetravalent and magnesium is 20% or more on a surface of the lithium-transition metal composite oxide. By use of this positive electrode active material, a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having excellent battery characteristics, specifically, having excellent high rate characteristics, cycle characteristics, low-temperature characteristics, thermal stability, and the like, under the even more harsh environment for use can be realized.

Abstract: Anitrate-nitrogen-reducing agent for a farm product, comprising as an active ingredient a hydroxide solid solution represented by the formula (1), [(M12+)1-x(M22+)x]1-z(M3+)z(OH)2(An?)z/n·mH2O??(1) wherein M12+ represents Ca and/or Mg, M22+ represents at least one essential mineral selected from Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni and Co, M3+ represents at least one trivalent metal, An? represents an anion having a valence of n, x is a positive number in the range of 0<x<0.5, m is 0 or a positive number in the range of 0?m<10, z is a positive number in the range of 0<z<0.4, and n is a positive number in the range of 1?n?10, and/or the formula (2), (M12+)1-x(M22+)x(OH)2??(2) wherein M12+, x and M22+ are as defined in the formula (1).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a lithium composite oxide for use as a positive electrode active material for lithium secondary batteries by a spray pyrolysis process. The method comprises the steps of: subjecting an inorganic acid salt solution of metal elements constituting a final composite oxide other than lithium to a spray pyrolysis process to obtain an intermediate composite oxide powder; and solid state-mixing the intermediate composite oxide powder and a hydroxide salt of lithium, followed by thermally treating the mixture.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material is produced by firing, as a cobalt source, a mixture of a) substantially spherical large particle size cobalt hydroxide or tricobalt tetraoxide having a sharp particle size distribution, and b) small particle size cobalt hydroxide or tricobalt tetraoxide, in a proportion of from 9:1 to 1:2 as the cobalt atomic ratio, at a temperature of from 700° C. to 1050° C. in an oxygen-comprising atmosphere.

Abstract: A flame retardant includes magnesium-hydroxide particles that contain at least one transitional metal compound. The at least one transitional metal compound is at least one compound selected from a group consisting of copper compound, cobalt compound, nickel compound, zinc compound and titanium compound. The at least one transitional metal compound is contained in the magnesium-hydroxide particles with the content of 100 to 1000 mass ppm in terms of metals. In addition, the total content of the copper compound, the cobalt compound and the nickel compound is 1000 mass ppm in terms of metals or less while the total content of the zinc compound and the titanium compound is 1000 mass ppm or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a secondary battery cathode material by calcining raw materials. The process is characterized by calcining the raw materials together with one or more substances, which are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, water and water vapor, and conductive carbon and/or a substance, which can form conductive carbon by pyrolysis, added thereto. As crystals of the secondary battery cathode material obtained by this process have been controlled fine sizes, the secondary battery cathode material promotes movements of ions of an alkali metal led by lithium between the interiors of grains of the cathode material and an electrolyte to suppress polarization in an electrode reaction, and further, increases an area of contact between the positive material and a conductivity-imparting material to provide improved conductivity so that improvements are assured in voltage efficiency and specific battery capacity.

Abstract: Oxygen is reduced in the presence of a catalyst at the cathode of an alkaline-electrolyte fuel cell. Catalysts of the formula Sr3?xA1+xCo4?yByO10.5?z wherein ?0.6?x?1.0; 0?y?3; and ?1.5?z?0.5; wherein A represents Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, or Y; and wherein B represents Fe, Ga, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Cr, demonstrate high catalytic activity and high chemical stability when used as the oxygen-reduction catalyst in alkaline fuel cells.