Abstract: Composite materials with thermoelectric properties and devices made from such materials are described. The thermoelectric composite material may comprise a metal oxide material and graphene or modified graphene. It has been found that the addition of graphene or modified graphene to thermoelectric metal oxide materials increases ZT. It has further been found that the ZT of the metal oxide becomes effective over a broader temperature range and at lower temperatures.

Abstract: Composite materials with thermoelectric properties and devices made from such materials are described. The thermoelectric composite material may comprise a metal oxide material and graphene or modified graphene. It has been found that the addition of graphene or modified graphene to thermoelectric metal oxide materials increases ZT. It has further been found that the ZT of the metal oxide becomes effective over a broader temperature range and at lower temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxygen storage components for catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems, particularly for those with petrol-driven engines. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a ceria containing mixed oxide suitable as an oxygen storage material having a ceria content in the range 10 to 80% by weight and at least one metal oxide in an amount of less than 0.5% by weight, wherein the metal is selected from the first row transition elements and the group IVB elements of the periodic table. The inventions also provides an oxygen storage material for catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems comprising an oxide of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing zirconium oxide, in its various forms, including zirconium-based mixed oxides. There is described a process for preparing a zirconium oxide in the absence of a cerium salt which comprises precipitating a zirconium hydroxide from an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt by reaction with an alkali in the presence of a controlled amount of sulphate anions at a temperature not greater than 50° C. and then calcining the hydroxide to form an oxide, wherein the oxide thus formed is essentially sulphate free. Catalysts and ceramics can be produced from the product oxides having improved thermal stability and improved sinterability, respectively. A particular use of the product oxide is as a promoter or catalyst support in automobile exhaust systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxygen storage components for catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems, particularly for those with petrol-driven engines. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a ceria containing mixed oxide suitable as an oxygen storage material having a ceria content in the range 10 to 80% by weight and at least one metal oxide in an amount of less than 0.5% by weight, wherein the metal is selected from the first row transition elements and the group IVB elements of the periodic table. The inventions also provides an oxygen storage material for catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems comprising an oxide of the present invention.

Abstract: A process for preparing zirconium-cerium-based mixed oxides which comprises reacting an alkali with an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt containing 0.42-0.7 mole of sulphate anion (SO42?) per mole of zirconium cation at a temperature of not greater than 50° C., in the presence of a cerium salt to form a cerium-zirconium mixed hydroxide, and then calcining the cerium—zirconium mixed hydroxide to form a mixed oxide. The mixed oxides possess good thermal stability and are essentially single phase and are suitable as promoters and catalyst supports in, particularly, automobile exhaust systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing zirconium oxide, in its various forms, including zirconium-based mixed oxides. There is described a process for preparing a zirconium oxide in the absence of a cerium salt which comprises precipitating a zirconium hydroxide from an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt by reaction with an alkali in the presence of a controlled amount of sulphate anions at a temperature not greater than 50° C. and then calcining the hydroxide to form an oxide, wherein the oxide thus formed is essentially sulphate free. Catalysts and ceramics can be produced from the product oxides having improved thermal stability and improved sinterability, respectively. A particular use of the product oxide is as a promoter or catalyst support in automobile exhaust systems.

Abstract: A process for preparing zirconium-cerium-based mixed oxides which comprises reacting an alkali with an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt containing 0.42-0.7 mole of sulphate anion (SO42?) per mole of zirconium cation at a temperature of not greater than 50° C., in the presence of a cerium salt to form a cerium-zirconium mixed hydroxide, and then calcining the cerium-zirconium mixed hydroxide to form a mixed oxide. The mixed oxides possess good thermal stability and are essentially single phase and are suitable as promoters and catalyst supports in, particularly, automobile exhaust systems.