Abstract: A method of manufacturing a battery electrode material in slurry form to be coated on a sheet-shaped current collector, the battery electrode material containing an electrode active material made of electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) and containing an aqueous binder. The method includes, as a process of mixing and kneading raw materials of the battery electrode material by using water as a solvent, mixing the electrode active material; mixing the binder; and mixing a neutralizing agent, the neutralizing agent being lithium hydroxide (LiOH).

Abstract: A removal method of manganese in which manganese is removed by precipitating manganese selectively from sulfuric acid waste water containing aluminum, magnesium and manganese with inhibiting the precipitation of magnesium. The removal method of manganese from waste water in which manganese is removed by precipitating manganese selectively from the sulfuric acid waste water containing aluminum, magnesium and manganese with inhibiting the precipitation of magnesium, characterized in that said waste water is subjected to the following steps (1) and (2). (1) First, aluminum in said waste water is removed. (2) Subsequently, neutralizing agent is added into the wastewater after removing aluminum, then pH of the waste water is adjusted at 8.0 to 9.0, and oxygen gas is blown.

Abstract: By means of a series of wet multistage oxidation process comprising: Step 1 for adding an alkaline reagent to an aqueous solution of a manganese compound containing a divalent manganese thereby precipitating a manganese hydroxide; Step 2 for adding an aqueous hydrogen peroxide while keeping the temperature of the water of the aqueous solution comprising the manganese hydroxide at room temperature thereby converting into a manganese oxide; and also Step 3 for adding a dilute acid to the manganese oxide in a state where the water is coexisting, a nanometer-sized manganese dioxide having a ramsdellite-type crystal structure is obtained.

Abstract: There is provided manganese oxide having a pore volume fraction of no greater than 20% for pores with diameters of 10 ?m or greater, as measured by mercury porosimetry, and a tap density of 1.6 g/cm3 or greater, and a method for producing it. There is also provided a method for producing a lithium manganese composite oxide using the manganese oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information recording medium that has good enough recording characteristics even without containing Pd. The information recording medium has a recording layer including an oxide of Mn in which Mn atoms are partially or fully present as Mn with a valence of +4.

Abstract: A method for producing high-purity trimanganese tetraoxide from dust containing manganese includes adding sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and a reductant to manganese dust and leaching manganese therefrom; eliminating primary impurities by adding calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)) to the leached manganese solution acquired from the leaching step; eliminating secondary impurities by adding sulfides to the leached manganese solution from which primary impurities have been eliminated; precipitating manganese by using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) so as to control the pH in the leached manganese solution from which secondary impurities have been eliminated, and cleaning and drying the precipitated specimen; and acquiring high-purity trimanganese tetraoxide by injecting the dried specimen with air and heat-treating same under oxidizing conditions. Thus the present invention allows high-purity trimanganese tetraoxide to be produced from dust containing manganese, for use as material for a secondary battery.

Abstract: A method for allowing production of high-purity perrhenic acid from crude rhenium sulfide by applying a dry process is provided. A method for producing an aqueous solution of perrhenic acid includes 1) a step for roasting rhenium sulfide under an oxygen-containing gas to collect gasified rhenium oxide; 2) a step for cooling and solidifying the gasified rhenium oxide while keeping sulfur oxide entrained in the gasified rhenium oxide a gaseous state, and subsequently performing solid-gas separation, thereby improving purity of rhenium oxide; and 3) a step for dissolving the solidified rhenium oxide into water, or heating and gasifying the solidified rhenium oxide and then dissolving the gasified rhenium oxide into water, to obtain the aqueous solution of perrhenic acid.

Abstract: A method allowing production of high-purity perrhenic acid from rhenium sulfide by applying pyrometallurgical process is provided.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite material comprising a functionalization of the substrate, which comprises treatment of said substrate with at least one first alcoholic solvent, functionalization of a first powder and formation of a first colloidal sol of said functionalized first powder in a second solvent, at least one application of a layer of said first colloidal sol of said first powder to the substrate, drying of said layer of said first colloidal sol and formation of a layer of first coating formed by said first colloidal sol, adherent to said substrate, by heating at a temperature above 50° C. and below 500° C.

Abstract: A droplet generation system includes a first nozzle configuration structured to receive a liquid and a gas under pressure in a controllable feed ratio, and to merge the liquid and gas to form an intermediate stream that is a mixture of the gas and of a dispersed phase of the liquid. A second nozzle configuration is connected to receive the intermediate stream from the first nozzle configuration and has a valve mechanism with one or more controllable operating parameters to emit a stream of droplets of the liquid. The mean size of the droplets is dependent on the controllable feed ratio of the liquid and gas and the flow rate of the stream of droplets is dependent on the controllable operating parameter(s) of the valve mechanism. A corresponding method is disclosed, as is the application of the system and method to the production of nanoparticles in a thermochemical reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed is manganese dioxide having a peak intensity ratio between a peak intensity I? in a vicinity of 525 cm?1 and a peak intensity I? in a vicinity of 580 cm?1: I?/I? of 0.62 or less, when measured by Raman scattering spectroscopy. Also disclosed is an alkaline dry battery comprising: a cylindrical positive electrode having a hollow, the positive electrode including the foregoing manganese dioxide; a gelled negative electrode including a negative electrode active material filled in the hollow of the positive electrode; a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the gelled negative electrode; a negative electrode current collector inserted in the gelled negative electrode; a negative terminal plate electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector; and an electrolyte.

Abstract: A system and method thereof are provided for multi-stage processing of one more precursor compounds into a battery material. The system includes a mist generator, a drying chamber, one or more gas-solid separators, and one or more in-line reaction modules comprised of one or more gas-solid feeders, one or more gas-solid separators, and one or more reactors. Various gas-solid mixtures are formed within the internal plenums of the drying chamber, the gas-solid feeders, and the reactors. In addition, heated air or gas is served as the energy source within the processing system and as the gas source for forming the gas-solid mixtures to facilitate reaction rate and uniformity of the reactions therein. Precursor compounds are continuously delivered into the processing system and processed in-line through the internal plenums of the drying chamber and the reaction modules into final reaction particles useful as a battery material.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for forming monodisperse particles. In one embodiment, the monodisperse particles can be formed by first spraying a nanoparticle-containing dispersion into aerosol droplets and then heating the aerosol droplets in the presence of a shell precursor to form core-shell particles. By removing either the shell layer or the nanoparticle core of the core-shell particles, monodisperse nanoparticles can be formed.

Abstract: A process for preparing a mesoporous metal oxide, i.e., transition metal oxide, Lanthanide metal oxide, a post-transition metal oxide and metalloid oxide. The process comprises providing an acidic mixture comprising a metal precursor, an interface modifier, a hydrotropic ion precursor, and a surfactant; and heating the acidic mixture at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to form the mesoporous metal oxide. A mesoporous metal oxide prepared by the above process. A method of controlling nano-sized wall crystallinity and mesoporosity in mesoporous metal oxides. The method comprises providing an acidic mixture comprising a metal precursor, an interface modifier, a hydrotropic ion precursor, and a surfactant; and heating the acidic mixture at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to control nano-sized wall crystallinity and mesoporosity in the mesoporous metal oxides. Mesoporous metal oxides and a method of tuning structural properties of mesoporous metal oxides.

Abstract: A process for preparing a mesoporous metal oxide, i.e., transition metal oxide, Lanthanide metal oxide, a post-transition metal oxide and metalloid oxide. The process comprises providing a micellar solution comprising a metal precursor, an interface modifier, a hydrotropic ion precursor, and a surfactant; and heating the micellar solution at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to form the mesoporous metal oxide. A mesoporous metal oxide prepared by the above process. A method of controlling nano-sized wall crystallinity and mesoporosity in mesoporous metal oxides. The method comprises providing a micellar solution comprising a metal precursor, an interface modifier, a hydrotropic ion precursor, and a surfactant; and heating the micellar solution at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to control nano-sized wall crystallinity and mesoporosity in the mesoporous metal oxides. Mesoporous metal oxides and a method of tuning structural properties of mesoporous metal oxides.

Abstract: A process comprises (a) combining (1) at least one base and (2) at least one metal carboxylate salt comprising (i) a metal cation selected from metal cations that form amphoteric metal oxides or oxyhydroxides and (ii) a lactate or thiolactate anion, or metal carboxylate salt precursors comprising (i) at least one metal salt comprising the metal cation and a non-interfering anion and (ii) lactic or thiolactic acid, a lactate or thiolactate salt of a non-interfering, non-metal cation, or a mixture thereof; and (b) allowing the base and the metal carboxylate salt or metal carboxylate salt precursors to react.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for reducing a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of a gas comprising a manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst. The manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst is capable of catalyzing formaldehyde at room temperature, with complete conversion, to CO2 and water vapor. The manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst itself is not consumed by the reaction of formaldehyde into CO2 and water vapor. The present invention also provides for a device for reducing or removing a particle, a VOC and/or ozone from a gas comprising an activated carbon filter (ACF) on a media that is capable of being periodically regenerated.

Abstract: Mixed oxides catalysts usable in particular in the full oxidation to CO2 and H2O of volatile organic compounds (VOC), in the decomposition of nitrogen protoxide to nitrogen and oxygen and the combustion of CO, H2 and CH4 off gases in fuel cells, comprising oxides of manganese, copper and La2O3 and/or Nd2O3, having a percentage composition by weight expressed as MnO, CuO, La2O3 and/or Nd2O3 respectively of 35-56%, 19-31% and 20-37%. The oxides are supported on inert porous inorganic oxides, preferably alumina.

Abstract: A cyclical system that uses a metal hydroxide to produce a metal carbonate, remove carbon dioxide from a waste gas source, and produce more metal hydroxide needed for the beginning of the cycle. Initially, the metal hydroxide is mixed with waste gases in a carbon dioxide scrubber. The scrubber reacts the carbon dioxide with the metal hydroxide to produce a metal carbonate. Some of the metal carbon is removed, therein removing carbon dioxide from the environment. Some of the metal carbonate is heated to produce metal oxide and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is drawn away. Oxygen is introduced into the reaction chamber. The oxygen reacts with the metal oxide to produce an oxidized metal oxide and heat. The oxidized metal oxide is reduced with an acid and volatile base to produce metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide is recycled. The acid is regenerated. The volatile base is recovered and recycled.

Abstract: A catalyst for removing nitrogen protoxide from gas mixtures which contain it, comprising mixed oxides of cobalt, manganese and rare earth metals having composition expressed as percentage by weight of CoO, MnO and transition metal oxide in the lowest state of valence as follows: MnO 38-56%, CoO 22-30%, rare earth metal oxide 22-32%.

Abstract: Bisphenol A (BPA) has been the subject of public and regulatory attention, primarily because of concerns about its endocrine activity. BPA typically is used as an intermediate in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy and other specialty resins. A process by which Bisphenol A can be oxidatively attacked and removed by manganese dioxide is discovered. Specifically, it relates to the process by which individuals could use manganese dioxide coated cooking utensils to remove the organic compound Bisphenol A (BPA) from canned foods and bottled beverages including, but not limited to, soft drinks, Cola-type beverages, juices and bottled drinking water.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing magnetic and/or radioactive metal nanoparticles, the process comprising: preparing an electrolyte solution including metal ions and a stabilizer; generating a plasma at an interface of the electrolyte solution at atmospheric pressure; and recovering magnetic and/or radioactive metal nanoparticles. The magnetic metal nanoparticles can comprise magnetoradioactive nanoparticles. The magnetic metal nanoparticles can be used as MRI contrast agents and the magnetoradioactive nanoparticles can also be used as contrast agents and for dual PET/MRI applications. It also relates to a multi-plasma apparatus for synthesizing nanoparticles.

Abstract: A lithographic process includes the use of a silicon-containing polymer or a compound that includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of: Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Ni, Cu or Zn in a resist material for an EUV lithographic process. The wavelength of the EUV light used in the process is less than 11 nm, for example 6.5-6.9 nm. The invention further relates to novel silicon-containing polymers.

Abstract: A method for preparing treated electrolytic manganese dioxide and a battery including the treated electrolytic manganese dioxide as an electrode are provided. The method for treating the electrolytic manganese dioxide includes suspending milled electrolytic manganese dioxide in an aqueous solution heated to a temperature between ambient and boiling, and adjusting an acidity of the aqueous solution to a pH of less than 3.3. The method further includes agitating the suspended milled electrolytic manganese dioxide in the aqueous solution for a predetermined amount of time to dissolve metal-containing particulates in the milled electrolytic manganese dioxide.

Abstract: A negative electrode active substance for lithium battery is an oxide containing Re at least.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic manganese dioxide having an alkali potential of at least 310 mV, a full width at half maximum of the (110) plane in the XRD measurement using the CuK? line as the light source of from 2.2° to 3.0°, and a (110)/(021) peak intensity ratio in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of from 0.5 to 0.80. Also disclosed is a method for producing electrolytic manganese dioxide by electrolysis in an aqueous solution of a sulfuric acid/manganese sulfate mixture.

Abstract: Manganese oxide nanoparticles having a chemical composition that includes Mn3O4, a sponge like morphology and a particle size from about 65 to about 95 nanometers may be formed by calcining a manganese hydroxide material at a temperature from about 200 to about 400 degrees centigrade for a time period from about 1 to about 20 hours in an oxygen containing environment. The particular manganese oxide nanoparticles with the foregoing physical features may be used within a battery component, and in particular an anode within a lithium battery to provide enhanced performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic manganese dioxide having an alkali potential of at least 310 mV, a full width at half maximum of the (110) plane in the XRD measurement using the CuK? line as the light source of from 2.2o to 3.0o, and a (110)/(021) peak intensity ratio in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of from 0.5 to 0.80. Also disclosed is a method for producing electrolytic manganese dioxide by electrolysis in an aqueous solution of a sulfuric acid/manganese sulfate mixture.

Abstract: An improved catalytic process for the production of pyridine carboxylic acid amides, by catalytic hydration reaction of pyridine nitriles with solid heterogeneous catalyst wherein the process involve effective utilization and recycling of the catalytic components, and reactants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermal insulation materials made of hollow oxide particles. Use of hollow oxide particles having an overall thermal conductivity of less than 0.026 W/(mK) is for example suitable for the building sector or other areas where thermal insulation is required.

Abstract: Porous metal oxides are provided. The porous metal oxides are prepared by heat treating a coordination polymer. A method of preparing the porous metal oxide is also provided. According to the method, the shape of the particles of the metal oxide can be easily controlled, and the shape and distribution of pores of the porous metal oxide can be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing trimanganese tetroxide with low BET specific surface area and methods for controlling particle size of trimanganese tetroxide and trimanganese tetroxide product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spherical trimanganese tetroxide with low BET specific surface area and preparation method thereof. The preparation method of the present invention comprises: (1) pre-treatment process, adding MnS and peroxide to MnSO4 solution whose concentration is 130˜200 g/L to remove impurities, and then, neutralizing and separating by solid-liquid separation to obtain manganese sulfate filtrate; (2) oxidation reaction process, putting the filtrate in a reactor, maintaining the temperature of the solution at 25˜30° C., spraying the filtrate through the spray nozzle, mixing the sprayed manganese sulfate filtrate with a mixture gas of oxygen and ammonia gas to carry out reaction on the spraying interface at under a pressure of 500˜1000 mm H2O, reacting until [Mn2+]?1.

Abstract: The invention provides electrolytic a manganese dioxide with a BET specific surface area of 20 to 60 m2/g, and a volume of at least 0.023 cm3/g for pores with pore diameters of 2 to 200 nm. Also provided is a method for producing an electrolytic manganese dioxide including a step of suspending a manganese oxide in a sulfuric acid-manganese sulfate mixed solution to obtain the electrolytic manganese dioxide, wherein a manganese oxide particles are continuously mixed with a sulfuric acid-manganese sulfate mixed solution, for a manganese oxide particle concentration of 5 to 200 mg/L in the sulfuric acid-manganese sulfate mixed solution. Still further provided is a method for producing a lithium-manganese complex oxide, including a step of mixing the electrolytic manganese dioxide with a lithium compound and heat treating the mixture to obtain a lithium-manganese complex oxide.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material for lithium batteries includes secondary particles having primary particles and an amorphous material. A method of manufacturing the positive electrode active material includes mixing a lithium composite oxide and a lithium salt, and heat treating the mixture. A positive electrode includes the positive electrode active material, and a lithium battery includes the positive electrode.

Abstract: Provided are a preparation method and use of manganese dioxide nano-rod. The preparation method comprises the following steps: mixing manganese salt solution and hydrogen peroxide solution to prepare a mixed solution, and adjusting the pH value of the mixed solution to 4-6; subjecting the mixed solution to hydrothermal reaction at 150-190° C. to produce manganese dioxide precipitate; cooling the product of the hydrothermal reaction, and collecting the manganese dioxide precipitate after solid-liquid separating; washing and drying the manganese dioxide precipitate to obtain the manganese dioxide nano-rod. The method is simple, does not need high temperature calcination, and consumes little energy and oxidant, while the purity of the manganese dioxide is high. The manganese dioxide nano-rod has a high catalytic effect on decomposing hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to insulation components and their use, e.g., in regenerative reactors. Specifically, a process and apparatus for managing temperatures from oxidation and pyrolysis reactions in a reactor, e.g., a thermally regeneratating reactor, such as a regenerative, reverse-flow reactor is described in relation to the various reactor components.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a method of making metal oxide nanoparticles comprising the reaction of—at least one metal oxide precursor (P) containing at least one metal (M) with—at least one monofunctional alcohol (A) wherein the hydroxy group is bound to a secondary, tertiary or alpha-unsaturated carbon atom—in the presence of at least one aliphatic compound (F) according to the formula Y1—R1—X—R2—Y2, wherein—R1 and R2 each are the same or different and independently selected from aliphatic groups with from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, —Y1 and Y2 each are the same or different and independently selected from OH, NH2 and SH, and —X is selected from the group consisting of chemical bond, —O—, —S—, —NR3—, and CR4R5, wherein R3, R4 and R5 each are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic group with from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which optionally carries functional groups selected from OH, NH2 and SH.

Abstract: A manganese oxide particle having a hexagonal crystal structure or an analogous hexagonal crystal structure with an a-axis length of 8.73±1 ? and a c-axis length of 14.86±1 ?. The manganese oxide particle is preferably produced by a process including mixing an aqueous solution containing manganese (II) and an organic compound having a hydroxyl group while in a heated state with an alkali.

Abstract: There is provided manganese oxide having a pore volume fraction of no greater than 20% for pores with diameters of 10 ?m or greater, as measured by mercury porosimetry, and a tap density of 1.6 g/cm3 or greater, and a method for producing it. There is also provided a method for producing a lithium manganese composite oxide using the manganese oxide.

Abstract: A recirculated-suspension pre-calciner system is disclosed, comprising: a vortex cyclone dust collecting equipment including a plurality of devices, wherein a top device of the vortex cyclone dust collecting equipment is used as a feed system; a vertical combustion kiln; a blower; and a powder purge system, wherein powders in the feed system fall into the vortex cyclone dust collecting equipment and pass through a plurality of the devices to mix and exchange heat with flue gas comprising CO2, generating calcination reaction and releasing CO2 into the flue gas. and the steam is separated and transported to the feed system by the blower and acts as a carrier gas of powders.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst material comprising aggregates of nanoneedles of mainly R-type manganese dioxide and having a mesoporous structure. With this, water can be oxidatively decomposed under visible light at room temperature to produce oxygen gas, proton and electron. Also provided is a catalyst material comprising aggregates of nanoparticles of mainly hydrogenated manganese dioxide. With this, acetic acid or an inorganic substance can be synthesized from carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: Methods for treating water to remove radium include contacting the water with a magnetic adsorbent comprising manganese oxide(s), and applying a magnetic field to separate the magnetic adsorbent from the water, whereby radium is removed from the water. The methods may additionally include regenerating the magnetic adsorbent, and contacting the water with regenerated magnetic adsorbent. Alternately, calcium and/or strontium may be precipitated as carbonate salts from lime-treated water containing radium and barium without precipitating a significant fraction of the barium or radium; and removing radium from calcium- and strontium-free water by precipitating the barium and radium as carbonate salts. The barium- and radium carbonate precipitate may be redissolved in hydrochloric acid and disposed of by deep-well injection.

Abstract: A method of preparing one-dimensional trimanganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) nanoparticles from an exfoliated two-dimensional manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheet using a solid-state decomposition method, and Mn3O4 nanoparticles prepared according to the method are provided. The Mn3O4 nanoparticles can be prepared at a very low temperature without using an organic solvent or a chemical additive, compared to conventional synthesis methods.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Metal oxide may be deposited over a first electrode, with the deposited metal oxide having a relatively low degree of crystallinity. The degree of crystallinity within the metal oxide may be increased after the deposition of the metal oxide. A dielectric material may be formed over the metal oxide, and a second electrode may be formed over the dielectric material. The degree of crystallinity may be increased with a thermal treatment. The thermal treatment may be conducted before, during, and/or after formation of the dielectric material.

Abstract: By means of a series of wet multistage oxidation process comprising: Step 1 for adding an alkaline reagent to an aqueous solution of a manganese compound containing a divalent manganese thereby precipitating a manganese hydroxide; Step 2 for adding an aqueous hydrogen peroxide while keeping the temperature of the water of the aqueous solution comprising the manganese hydroxide at room temperature thereby converting into a manganese oxide; and also Step 3 for adding a dilute acid to the manganese oxide in a state where the water is coexisting, a nanometer-sized manganese dioxide having a ramsdellite-type crystal structure is obtained.

Abstract: There is provided on-demand, oxygen generating topical compositions having a built-in indicator specifically to indicate a color change upon the complete mixing of the oxygen precursor and catalyst. The first part of the composition contains a carrier and manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles. The second part of the composition comprises the oxygen precursor; hydrogen peroxide. When the two parts, one with manganese dioxide nanoparticles and exhibiting a characteristic color, (e.g. yellow brown) and the second part with hydrogen peroxide are mixed together, the color imparted by the manganese dioxide nanoparticles essentially disappears and the final composition (enriched with oxygen) either appears colorless or takes on the original color of the catalyst. Thus, the manganese dioxide catalyst nanoparticles themselves serve as the colorimetric indicator of peroxide decomposition to oxygen, precluding the need for an external colorant.

Abstract: An oxyfiring system and method for capturing carbon dioxide in a combustion process is disclosed. The oxyfiring system comprises (a) an oxidation reactor for oxidizing a reduced metal oxide; (b) a decomposition reactor wherein a decomposition fuel is combusted and oxidized metal oxide sorbents are reduced with oxygen being released and a flue gas with an oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream is produced; (c) a fuel combustion reactor for combusting a primary fuel and the oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream into a primary flue gas; and (d) separation apparatus for separating a portion of the primary flue gas so that a carbon dioxide enriched stream can be prepared. The method comprises providing a primary fuel and an oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream to a fuel combustion reactor. The primary fuel and oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream are combusted into a primary flue gas stream which is split into a first flue gas portion and a second flue gas portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for removing heavy metals and heavy metal-containing compounds from fluid streams. The invention also provides new uses and methods for removing heavy metals and heavy metal-containing compounds from a natural gas stream, or a gas stream produced during the combustion or gasification of a fossil fuel, such as coal or petroleum fuels or oil.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods of forming a metal oxide composite and a porous metal oxide, which can be used for applications including catalysis, sensors, energy storage, solar cells, heavy metal removal and separations, etc. In one embodiment, a one-step solvothermal process can be used to form the metal oxide phase with high crystallinity and high surface area.