Abstract: A method for preparing methyl methacrylate from methacrolein and methanol; said method comprising contacting in a reactor a mixture comprising methacrolein, methanol and oxygen with a catalyst bed of heterogeneous catalyst comprising a support and a noble metal, wherein base is added to the reactor while maintaining time to reach 95% homogeneity at no greater than 10 minutes.

Abstract: A method for preparing methyl methacrylate from methacrolein and methanol; said method comprising contacting in a reactor a mixture comprising methacrolein, methanol and oxygen with a catalyst bed of heterogeneous catalyst comprising a support and a noble metal, wherein base is added to the reactor while maintaining time to reach 95% homogeneity at no greater than 10 minutes.

Abstract: Methods for the recovery and/or reuse of palladium catalyst after a Suzuki coupling reaction in which two molecules are coupled are described.

Abstract: A method of doping elements (particularly those that do not have stable divalent oxidation states) into lithium rich metal oxides useful in lithium ion batteries is comprised of the following steps. A dopant metal is dissolved in a liquid, which includes being present as a colloid, to form a solution. The solution is added to a particulate lithium rich metal oxide precursor while agitating said precursor to form a mixture. The solution is added in an amount that is at most that amount which would make the mixture a paste. The liquid is removed to form a doped lithium rich metal oxide precursor. A source of lithium is added. The doped lithium rich metal oxide precursor is heated to form the lithium rich metal oxide.

Abstract: A method for activating lithium ion batteries related to the initial formation cycle (initial battery break in prior to use) is used to improve battery performance. The method involves charging the battery for the first time after being fabricated, to an initial voltage Vi that is above 4.25 Volts vs Li/Li+, but less than 5 Volts. The battery is discharged to a base voltage Vb that is from 4.15 to 4.25 Volts and held at Vb for a period of time that is at least one minute to at most several weeks. The battery is then charged to a final voltage Vf that is greater than Vb. The batteries activated by the method may have one or more improved properties such as longer cycle life, greater capacity at higher charge/discharge rates or consistent performance from battery to battery.