Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preparing colloidal dispersions of precious metal nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of Pt, Au, Pd, Ag, Rh, Ru and mixtures or alloys thereof, and to a method for isolating such precious metal nanoparticles from these colloidal dispersions. The colloidal dispersions are prepared by reducing suitable precious metal precursor compounds in aqueous alkaline solutions at reaction temperatures between 40 and 70° C. and a pH?12.0 in the presence of polysaccharides with average molecular weights (Mw) in the range of 300,000 to 1,000,000. The precious metal nanoparticles are isolated after decomposing the polysaccharide by heating the colloidal dispersions to temperatures >80° C. The nanoparticles can be used for the manufacture of core/shell-type catalyst materials and for electronic, decorative and medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preparing colloidal dispersions of precious metal nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of Pt, Au, Pd, Ag, Rh, Ru and mixtures or alloys thereof, and to a method for isolating such precious metal nanoparticles from these colloidal dispersions. The colloidal dispersions are prepared by reducing suitable precious metal precursor compounds in aqueous alkaline solutions at reaction temperatures between 40 and 70° C. and a pH?12.0 in the presence of polysaccharides with average molecular weights (Mw) in the range of 300,000 to 1,000,000. The precious metal nanoparticles are isolated after decomposing the polysaccharide by heating the colloidal dispersions to temperatures >80° C. The nanoparticles can be used for the manufacture of core/shell-type catalyst materials and for electronic, decorative and medical applications.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat can be programmed and configured using a set up selector keys or pushbuttons to enter set up modes and to move from screen to screen on the thermostat display, and using up and down selector keys to change the time and temperature settings within each screen or mode. The thermostat can be set into a master mode be depressing two of the selector keys simultaneously, and then the programmed settings of the thermostat can be electronically transferred to each of a batch of similar thermostats using a thermostat conductor in a multi-conductor thermostat wire such as the fan conductor. The thermostat can be toggled back to a normal or target mode for thermostat operation.

Abstract: A wall plate for a wall thermostat blocks intrusion air from the thermostat. The wall plate has a wire passage aligned with the wall penetration through which the thermostat wires emerge. The wall plate member directs any intrusion air that flows out the penetration away from the cavity of said thermostat. An insulating layer, e.g., a closed-cell foam sheet, in the wall plate insulates the thermostat from direct thermal contact with the wall. The closed-cell material closes around the thermostat wires. Bosses or feet on the thermostat back plate create a standoff between the wall plate and the thermostat.