Abstract: A Ni/Cd or Ni/hydride storage battery of the button cell type has a positive electrode tablet based on a nickel hydroxide powder having an active mass comprised of spherical particles with a high pycnometric density (d>3.5 g/cm.sup.3). In contrast to conventional nickel hydroxide powders having irregular particles, a better space utilization is achieved during dry pressing due to a narrow particle-size distribution having a maximum in a range of from 5 to 20 .mu.m, and due to the rounded particle surfaces. The specific volumetric capacity of the resulting button cell electrode is consequently approximately 25% higher than that of a conventional positive button cell electrode. A microporous separator having pore sizes smaller than the mean diameter of the spherical particles prevents the danger of short circuits.

Abstract: To provide an improved high-temperature cycle lifetime, an alloy for use as active material for the negative electrode of an alkaline, rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery has the compositionMm.sub.1-u E.sub.u Ni.sub.v Co.sub.w Al.sub.x Mn.sub.y M.sub.z, whereMm is a misch metal including La and Ce, and which can further include Pr, Nd and/or other lanthanides,E is Ti and/or Zr, with 0.01.ltoreq.u.ltoreq.0.1, andM is Fe and/or Cu, with 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.4, wherein0.2.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.4,0.3.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5,0.2.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.4, and4.9.ltoreq.v+w+x+y+z.ltoreq.5.1.

Abstract: As an active material for its negative electrode, a hydrogen storage alloy for a Ni/H battery has the compositionMmNi.sub.v Al.sub.w Mn.sub.x Co.sub.y M.sub.z,where Mm is a misch metal, M is Fe, Cu, or a mixture of Fe and Cu, and where0.1.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.4,0.2.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.4,0.3.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.5,0.2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.4, and4.9.ltoreq.v+w+x+y+z.ltoreq.5.1.The partial substitution of Co by M, in conjunction with a special production method including the steps of atomizing the molten alloy, followed by heat-treatment and pulverization, leads to an alloy having a particularly high cycle lifetime and discharge capability.

Abstract: The positive electrode of a Ni/metal hydride accumulator is formed from a mass mixture of Ni(OH).sub.2 and an oxidation-resistant graphite. The stable graphite is notable for a high degree of crystallinity and a low ash content. In conventional Ni/metal hydride accumulators, cobalt compounds play an essential part in developing a conductive matrix within their positive nickel hydroxide electrodes, leading to reductive destruction of the matrix by severe high temperature short circuit testing. In contrast, the same accumulators, with positive electrodes produced according to the present invention, survive the test with only a temporary and slight decline in capacity.

Abstract: These superconducting circuit elements, namely SNS heterostructures, such as, e.g. Josephson junctions and field-effect transistors, have a sandwich structure consisting of at least one layer of high-T.sub.c superconductor material arranged adjacent to a metallic substrate, possibly with an insulating layer in between, the substrate, the superconductor and--if present--the insulator all consisting of materials having at least approximately matching molecular structures and lattice constants. Electrical contacts, such as source, drain and gate electrodes are attached to the superconductor layer and to the substrate, respectively. The electrically conductive substrate consists of a metallic oxide such as strontium ruthenate Sr.sub.2 RuO.sub.4, whereas the superconductor layer is of the copper oxide type and may be YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta., for example. The insulator layer (10) may consist of SrTiO.sub.3.