Abstract: A platinum-free chelate catalyst material consisting of at least one unsupported transition metal, a nitrogen-containing organo-metallic transition complex, a further transition metal other than the unsupported transition metal and a chalcogenic compound.

Abstract: An economical, flexible, breathable polymer film composite modified in at least one of its surfaces by the formation of pores opening out in a funnel shape at the surface thereof, with a nanoscale particle system and which is particularly suitable for packaging purposes. The modification further includes at least one composite layer construction made from a binding agent layer of chemically inert inorganic nanoparticles and a lining layer of hydrophilic non-toxic metal oxide particles which are photocatalytically active under short wave light radiation and which have an anti-bacterial and self-cleaning effect.

Abstract: Platinum-free chelate catalyst materials for the selective reduction of oxygen have application in hydrogen and methanol fuel cells. Conventional catalyst material comprises an unsupported transition metal and a nitrogen- and a carbon-donor, which are polymerized to give a carbon matrix under pyrolytic conditions, in which the unsupported transition metal, functioning as electron donor and a nitrogen-coordinated transition metal chelate are bonded. The achievable porosity, catalytic activity, and stability are, however, not adequate for commercial applications. Said chelate catalyst material comprises, in addition to the at least one unsupported transition metal, a nitrogen-containing organo-metallic transition complex, with a further transition metal different from the said transition metal and a chalcogenic component. The advantages of various transition metals and the chalcogens as electrically conducting bridge-formers can thus be combined.

Abstract: The invention relates to an effective and environmentally safe process for the microbial leaching of sulfidic materials, particularly of sulfide ores such as pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, bornite, or covelline, which process is characterized in that the aqueous leaching fluid is added with sulfur-containing amino acids or derivatives thereof. The invention is also directed to the use of sulfur-containing amino acids or derivatives thereof in the microbial leaching of sulfidic materials, particularly in pyrite leaching.

Abstract: Variations in parameters of a waveguide system caused by an excitation of charge carriers of a specimen to be measured and positioned in a microwave field, give definite information on the material properties of the specimen without having to destroy, or even contact the specimen. Irradiation with a sharply focused photon or electron beam of a surface spot having a diameter of about 0.1 to 10.0 micrometers, and displacing of this light spot across the surface of the specimen, with the displacement increments of the specimen within the cross sectional area of a waveguide being of the order of magnitude of micrometers, surface structures such as ground boundaries, steps in stratified-lattice crystals, formation defects, destroyed surface areas, etc., can be detected in photosensitive semiconductor layers with a high resolution.

Abstract: Materials and systems substantially having photoactive properties are produced with a high quality output and without time losses in the fabrication process. To determine the quality of the photoactive material in situ, conductivity is induced in the material by exciting charge carriers through irradiation, and an electromagnetic field influenced thereby is measured, with the result of the measurement being evaluated by a computer with a corresponding control of actuating members such as valves and controllers. Optimum process parameters are thus found and used for the process.

Abstract: Photoactive pyrite layers, whose preparation and use represent a commercially highly interesting alternative to materials hitherto in common use. The semiconductor material chiefly used until now, e.g. for solar cells, is silicon. However, its costs of manufacture are too high to allow solar cells to be made at favorable cost. The significance of the disclosure and development of pyrite as a semiconductor material, especially for solar cells, lies in the fact that it is plentifully occurring and cheap, as well as environmentally compatible. Pyrite (iron pyrites, FeS.sub.2) can be used as a photoactive material in solar cells and in optoelectronic components. It is possible to use both naturally occurring pyrite, after a material treatment to improve the photosensitivity, as well as synthetically produced, single-crystal and polycrystalline pyrite.