Abstract: A laser based method for forming a superconducting oxide layer on various substrates is disclosed. The method comprises applying a dry salt precursor to the surface of a substrate and the heating the substrate by a laser beam which causes a superconducting oxide layer to be formed on the substrate without post annealing. An alternative embodiment comprises application of a salt solution precursor on the substrate surface. After the solution evaporates, the substrate is heated through laser energy and a superconducting oxide layer is formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A process for dehalogenating halogenated organic compounds comprising:(1) combining in an electrochemical cell(a)(i) a halogenated organic compound or (ii) a solid or fluid containing a halogenated organic compound with(b) a compound capable of forming an iminium ion having the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein X represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, each represents an alkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may combine and form a carbocyclic ring or a heterocyclic ring, andR.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group or a halogen atom, and(2) applying an electrical voltage and an electrical current to an electrode of the electrochemical cell as a working electrode; which voltage is such that a reaction occurs and the halogenated organic compound is partially or completely dehalogenated.

Abstract: A process for dehalogenating halogenated organic compounds comprising:(1) combining in an electrochemical cell(a)(i) a halogenated organic compound or (ii) a solid or fluid containing a halogenated organic compound with(b) a compound capable of forming an iminium ion having the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein X represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom,R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, each represents an alkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may combine and form a carbocyclic ring or a heterocyclic ring, andR.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group or a halogen atom, and(2) applying an electrical voltage and an electrical current to an electrode of the electrochemical cell as a working electrode; which voltage is such that a reaction occurs and the halogenated organic compound is partially or completely dehalogenated.

Abstract: An improved metal-halogen electrochemical cell, particularly a zinc bromide cell, contains a water soluble tetraorgano-substituted amino acid, ester or betaine salt in the electrolyte which forms a substantially water insoluble liquid complex with cathodic halogen thereby reducing self-discharge of the cell.

Abstract: An improved metal-halogen electrochemical cell, particularly a zinc bromide cell, contains a water soluble tetraorgano-substituted ammonium salt in the electrolyte which forms a substantially water insoluble liquid complex with cathodic halogen thereby reducing self-discharge of the cell.

Abstract: The disclosed electrode includes an electroconductive substrate and an electron-transfer catalyst immobilized on the conductive support surface by being covalently bonded thereto via a linking ligand. The link (ligand) used to covalently bond the catalyst to the support surface can be either electrically conductive or non-conductive.

Abstract: In a lithium oxyhalide battery having an anode containing lithium, calcium or a combination thereof, a non-aqueous electrolyte containing an oxyhalide such as thionyl chloride, sulfuryl chloride or phosphorous oxychloride and a cathode, the improvement comprising:(a) addition of a tetraaza-[14]-annulene complex to the cathode.