Abstract: A nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter which is operated for a relatively long time at low exhaust-gas temperatures in the range between 120 and 250° C. exhibits a decreasing storage capacity as a result of incomplete regeneration at said temperatures. In order to re-establish the original storage capacity of the catalytic converter which is operated in this way, two-stage regeneration is proposed, wherein the storage catalytic converter is initially partially regenerated at the low exhaust gas temperature by means of a switch from the lean mode to the rich mode, and wherein subsequently, with rich exhaust gas again, the exhaust-gas temperature of the engine is raised into a range of between 300 and 400° C. for complete regeneration.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) or (I?), where R1 is a hydrogen atom or C1-C4-alkyl and R?1 is C1-C4-alkyl; X1 and X2 are each, independently of one another, a secondary phosphine group; R2 is hydrogen, R01R02R03Si—, C1-C18.

Abstract: A catalyst substrate comprises a substrate material having an inlet, an outlet, an opening therebetween to allow for the passage of exhaust gas therethrough, and further comprises a catalyst and a layer of zirconium phosphate. Catalyst substrates coated with zirconium phosphate exhibit improved thermal durability, improved thermal shock resistance, and improved alkali and acidic corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Nitrogen oxide storage catalysts are used for removing the nitrogen oxides present in the lean-burn exhaust gas of lean-burn engines. Here, the purifying action is based on the nitrogen oxides being stored in the form of nitrates by the storage material of the storage catalyst during a lean-burn operating phase of the engine and the previously formed nitrates being decomposed in a subsequent rich-burn operating phase of the engine and the nitrogen oxides which are being liberated again being reacted with the reducing exhaust gas constituents over the storage catalyst to form nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water. Storage catalysts are thermally aged by high temperatures. The aging is due to sintering of the catalytically active noble metal components of the catalyst and to formation of compounds of the storage components with the support materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cathode active material and a method to produce the same at low cost. The cathode powder comprises modified LiCoO2, and possibly a second phase which is LiM?O2 where M?is Mn, Ni, Co with a stoichiometric ratio Ni:Mn?1. The modified LiCoO2 is Ni and Mn bearing and has regions of low and high manganese content, where regions with high manganese content are located in islands on the surface. The cathode material has high cycling stability, a very high rate performance and good high temperature storage properties.

Abstract: The invention provides a new route for the synthesis of carbon-coated powders having the olivine or NASICON structure, which form promising classes of active products for the manufacture of rechargeable lithium batteries. Carbon-coating of the powder particles is necessary to achieve good performances because of the rather poor electronic conductivity of said structures. For the preparation of coated LiFePO4, sources of Li, Fe and phosphate are dissolved in an aqueous solution together with a polycarboxylic acid and a polyhydric alcohol. Upon water evaporation, polyesterification occurs while a mixed precipitate is formed containing Li, Fe and phosphate. The resin-encapsulated mixture is then heat treated at 700° C. in a reducing atmosphere. This results in the production of a fine powder consisting of an olivine LiFePO4 phase, coated with conductive carbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a palladium(0) compound, comprising the reaction of a palladium compound with one or more compounds of the general formula I, II or III in the presence of a base: Term-O—{[Si(R16)(CR19CR17R18)O]v[Si(R20)2O]w}-Term ??(III). The Palladium(0) compounds are suitable as homogeneous catalysts, as a precursor for preparing homogeneous catalysts, as a precursor for preparing homogeneous catalysts in situ or as a precursor for preparing heterogeneous catalysts.

Abstract: A method for removing impurities from at least one semiconductor device layer during manufacturing of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device layer has a compound semiconductor material and/or germanium. Each heating process performed during the manufacturing of the semiconductor device after provision of the semiconductor device layer has a low thermal budget determined by temperatures equal to or lower than about 900° C. and time periods equal to or lower than about 5 minutes. In one aspect, the method includes providing a germanium gettering layer with a higher solubility for the impurities than the semiconductor device layer. The germanium gettering layer is provided at least partly in direct or indirect contact with the at least one semiconductor device layer, such that impurities can diffuse from the at least one semiconductor device layer to the germanium gettering layer.

Abstract: A method for preparing an exhaust gas catalyst includes preparing a washcoat comprising a catalytically effective amount of at least one catalytically active metal disposed upon an oxide support; disposing the catalytically active metal-oxide support washcoat upon a catalyst substrate; drying the washcoated catalyst substrate using microwave energy to affix the precious metals to the oxide support; and conventionally calcining the dried washcoated catalyst substrate. The catalysts comprising a substrate having dispersed thereon an inorganic oxide washcoat, the washcoat having been affixed to the substrate by microwave drying, exhibit high exhaust gas purifying performance and long durability. The catalysts thus produced further provide a long in-service lifetime for reforming organic fuel species into hydrogen, carbon monoxide and light hydrocarbons used in the nitrogen oxides reduction process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation and recovery of non-ferrous metals from zinc-bearing residues, in particular from residues produced by the zinc manufacturing industry. The process allows for the valorisation of metal values in a Zn-, Fe- and Pb-bearing residue, and comprises the steps of: subjecting the residue to a direct reduction step, thereby producing a metallic Fe-bearing phase and Zn- and Pb-bearing first fumes; extracting the Zn- and Pb-bearing first fumes and valorising Zn and Pb; subjecting the metallic Fe-bearing phase to an oxidising smelting step, thereby producing an Fe-bearing slag and second metals-bearing fumes; extracting the second metals-bearing fumes and valorising at least part of their metallic content. The main advantage of this process is that an environmentally acceptable output for Fe is obtained.

Abstract: A covering system for roofs and for the outside of building walls is provided in which, on top, a high range of various decorative materials and elements can be fixed without penetrating the watertight layer. The system contains protruding elements connected to the support and flexible watertight membranes arranged so as to cover and contact essentially the complete support surface, including the protruding elements. Panels, preferably rigid insulation panels with excellent resistance to water, are arranged so as to hold down the watertight membranes onto the support, thus protecting the membrane from thermal cycling, UV rays and physical damage. The panels can be fixed with non-penetrating fastening means to secure the complete system to the protruding elements and to the support.

Abstract: A catalyst member formed of a substrate configured for gas flow therethrough, a base metal catalytic component disposed in a base metal catalytic layer on the substrate, and a rhodium catalytic material disposed in a rhodium layer. The base metal catalytic component is formed of a base metal; namely, nickel, cobalt, or a combination of at least one of the foregoing base metals. The catalyst member is made by depositing a base metal catalytic component on a substrate configured for gas flow therethrough, and depositing a rhodium catalytic material over the base metal catalytic component.

Abstract: A catalyst can comprise rhodium and zirconia. The zirconia can have a morphology parameter of greater than or equal to about 800. The method for making the catalyst can comprise: combining rhodium and a zirconium compound, wherein the zirconium compound has a morphology parameter of greater than or equal to about 800, to form a mixture, and disposing the mixture onto a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacture of silver-based composite powders for electrical contact materials. The invention relates also to electrical contact materials made from such composite powders. The process comprises a high energy dispersing process of wet silver oxide (Ag2O) with additional second oxide components in aqueous suspension. The high energy dispersing process can be conducted by high shear mixing or by high energy milling. Preferably high speed dispersing units working at rotating speeds in the range of 5,000 to 30,000 rpm or high energy mills such as attritor mills are used. The new process is versatile, economical and offers access to a broad spectrum of contact materials. The silver-based composite powders made according to the new process yield contact materials with a highly dispersed microstructures and superior material characteristics.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a composition can comprise combining a Type II aluminum hydroxide gel with a Type II oxygen storage gel prior to calcination to form a combined gel, and spray drying the combined gel to form a dried composite. A composition can comprise a composite comprising a Type II aluminum oxide component and about 5 wt % to about 70 wt % Type II oxygen storage component, based upon a total weight of the composite. The oxygen storage component can comprises a cluster of primary oxygen storage particles having a particle size, measured along a major axis, of about 50 ? to about 100 ?.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for the purification of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, which comprises a catalytically active coating on an inert ceramic or metal honeycomb body, said coating comprising at least one platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium and iridium on a fine, oxidic support material. As an oxidic support material, the catalyst comprises a low-porosity material on the basis of silicon dioxide that comprises aggregates of essentially spherical primary particles having an average particle diameter of between 7 and 60 nm.

Abstract: Methods of manufacture and use of phosphates of transition metals are described as positive electrodes for secondary lithium batteries, including a process for the production of LiMPO4 with controlled size and morphology, M being FexCoyNizMnw, where 0?x?1, 0?y?1, 0?w?1, and x+y+z+w=1. According to an exemplary embodiment, a process is described for the manufacture of LiFePO4 including the steps of providing an equimolar aqueous solution of Li1+, Fe3+ and PO43?, evaporating water from the solution to produce a solid mixture, decomposing the solid mixture at a temperature of below 500° C. to form a pure homogeneous Li and Fe phosphate precursor, and annealing the precursor at a temperature of less than 800° C. in a reducing atmosphere to produce the LiFePO4 powder. The obtained powders can have a particle size of less than 1 ?m, and can provide superior electrochemical performance when mixed for an appropriate time with an electrically conductive powder.

Abstract: A reformer comprises a housing; a substrate disposed in the housing, wherein the substrate comprises a stabilized aluminate and a stabilized zirconate; and a catalyst disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a new route for the synthesis of carbon-coated powders having the olivine or NASICON structure, which form promising classes of active products for the manufacture of rechargeable lithium batteries. Carbon-coating of the powder particles is necessary to achieve good performances because of the rather poor electronic conductivity of said structures. For the preparation of coated LiFePO4, sources of Li, Fe and phosphate are dissolved in an aqueous solution together with a polycarboxylic acid and a polyhydric alcohol. Upon water evaporation, polyesterification occurs while a mixed precipitate is formed containing Li, Fe and phosphate. The resin-encapsulated mixture is then heat treated at 700° C. in a reducing atmosphere. This results in the production of a fine powder consisting of an olivine LiFePO4 phase, coated with conductive carbon.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides a refining chamber for glass production, made of platinum group metal materials, with improved refining effectiveness. The refining chamber according has the shape of a tube with a cross section (1), with the cross section of the tube being shaped, in at least one segment, so that in the operating position the length (10) of a horizontal line (12) which divides the surface of the cross section into essentially a lower and an upper segment of the surface, both of which have essentially the same area, is greater than twice the maximum vertical extent (30) of the lower segment of the surface. The cross section of the refining chamber can, for example, have the shape of an oval, an ellipse, a slot, a rounded triangle or a polygon, and the stiffness of the shape of the refining chamber can be increased by forming radially peripheral creases, corners, waves or folds.