Abstract: A rechargeable lithium ion electrochemical cell and/or battery configured to provide improved reversible energy storage capacity is disclosed. The electrochemical cell and/or battery comprising a body of aprotic, non-aqueous electrolyte, first and second electrodes in effective electrochemical contact with the electrolyte, the first electrode comprising a cathode formed by active materials such as a lithiated intercalation compound and the second electrode comprising an anode formed by a carbonaceous material combined with molybdenum carbide. An electrochemical lithium ion cell and/or battery according to the invention is designed to provide improved reversible energy storage capacity characteristics as compared with similar lithium-ion cells having carbon anodes that are not combined with molybdenum carbide.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing molybdenum metal from a precursor material. An embodiment of the apparatus may comprise a furnace having at least two heating zones. A process tube extends through each of the at least two heating zones of the furnace, the process tube having a substantially constant pressure. The precursor material may be introduced into the process tube and moved through each of the at least two heating zones of the furnace. A process gas may be introduced into the process tube, wherein the precursor material reacts with the process gas within the furnace to form molybdenum metal.

Abstract: Novel forms of molybdenum metal, and apparatus and methods for production thereof. Novel forms of molybdenum metal are preferably characterized by a surface area of substantially 2.5 m2/g. Novel forms of molybdenum metal are also preferably characterized by a relatively uniform size. Preferred embodiments of the invention may comprise heating a precursor material to a first temperature in the presence of a reducing gas, and increasing the first temperature at least once to reduce the precursor material and form the molybdenum metal product.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing molybdenum carbide. An embodiment of the invention may comprise heating a precursor material to a first temperature in the presence of a reducing gas and a carbonizing gas, and ramping the first temperature at least once by at least 100° C. to form the molybdenum carbide.

Abstract: Molybdenum oxide nano-particles. The nano-particles may be made by vaporizing the precursor material to produce a vapor; directing the vapor into an isolation chamber; contacting the vapor contained in the isolation chamber with a quench fluid stream to precipitate nano-particles; and removing the nano-particles from the isolation chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing nano-particles comprises a furnace defining a vapor region therein. A precipitation conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end is positioned with respect to the furnace so that the inlet end is open to the vapor region. A quench fluid port positioned within the precipitation conduit provides a quench fluid stream to the precipitation conduit to precipitate nano-particles within the precipitation conduit. A product collection apparatus connected to the outlet end of the precipitation conduit collects the nano-particles produced within the precipitation conduit.

Abstract: Method for producing nano-particles from a precursor material. One embodiment of the method comprises vaporizing the precursor material to produce a vapor, directing the vapor into an isolation chamber, contacting the vapor contained in the isolation chamber with a quench fluid stream, the quench fluid stream cooling the vapor to produce the nano-particles, and removing the nano-particles from the isolation chamber.

Abstract: A nano-particle of MoO3 having a surface area in the range of about 4-55 m2/g as determined by BET analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing nano-particles comprises a furnace defining a vapor region therein. A precipitation conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end is positioned with respect to the furnace so that the inlet end is open to the vapor region. A quench fluid port positioned within the precipitation conduit provides a quench fluid stream to the precipitation conduit to precipitate nano-particles within the precipitation conduit. A product collection apparatus connected to the outlet end of the precipitation conduit collects the nano-particles produced within the precipitation conduit.

Abstract: An isomer of ammonium octamolybdate (“AOM”) and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer (“X-AOM”) is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including &agr; and &bgr;-AOM. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate (“ADM”) is combined with molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and water to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating stage (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity X-AOM.

Abstract: A novel isomer of ammonium octamolybdate ("AOM") and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer ("X-AOM") is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including .alpha. and .beta.-AOM. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate ("ADM") is combined with molybdenum trioxide (MoO.sub.3) and water to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating stage (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity X-AOM.

Abstract: A method for producing purified MoO.sub.3 from MoS.sub.2. MoS.sub.2 is initially oxidized to generate an impure MoO.sub.3 product containing metallic contaminants and molybdenum sub-oxides. This product is then slurried with a primary water supply to yield a first slurry in which part of the contaminants are dissolved. Preferred slurry temperatures are 25.degree.-97.degree. C. The resulting solid intermediate MoO.sub.3 product is removed from the slurry leaving the dissolved contaminants. Next, the intermediate MoO.sub.3 product is slurried with a secondary water supply to yield a second slurry in which the remaining contaminants are dissolved. Second slurry temperatures of 150.degree.-250.degree. C. are employed in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas. These conditions oxidize molybdenum sub-oxides to yield MoO.sub.3. The resulting purified solid MoO.sub.3 product is then removed from the second slurry. This process is highly efficient and avoids using liquid reagents other than water (including acids).