Abstract: A process for production of an alkali metal borohydride. The process comprises three steps. The first step is combining a phenyl ester of a boric acid ester precursor with a compound of formula MAlH4-31 x(OPh)x, where x is from zero to three, M is an alkali metal and Ph is phenyl; to produce an alkali metal borohydride and Al(OPh)3. The second step is separating sodium borohydride from Al(OPh)3. The third step is heating Al(OPh)3 to produce diphenyl oxide.

Abstract: A process of contacting an alkylene oxide with 2-methoxy-1-propanol (PM1) in the presence of an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex catalyst is disclosed. Further, a process involving contacting an alkylene oxide with an alkyl alcohol using an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex as a catalyst is also disclosed. Additionally, novel compositions which can be used as catalysts in processes involving the contacting of an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of contacting an alkylene oxide with 2-methoxy-1-propanol (PM1) in the presence of an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex catalyst is disclosed. Further, a process involving contacting an alkylene oxide with an alkyl alcohol using an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex as a catalyst is also disclosed. Additionally, novel compositions which can be used as catalysts in processes involving the contacting of an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process comprising contacting a polyhydric phenol or a polyaliphatic alcohol with an epihalohydrin in the presence of a catalyst comprising a Schiff base metal complex is disclosed.

Abstract: A process of contacting an alkylene oxide with 2-methoxy-1-propanol (PM1) in the presence of an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex catalyst is disclosed. Further, a process involving contacting an alkylene oxide with an alkyl alcohol using an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex as a catalyst is also disclosed. Additionally, novel compositions which can be used as catalysts in processes involving the contacting of an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of contacting an alkylene oxide with 2-methoxy-1-propanol (PM1) in the presence of an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex catalyst is disclosed. Further, a process involving contacting an alkylene oxide with an alkyl alcohol using an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex as a catalyst is also disclosed. Additionally, novel compositions which can be used as catalysts in processes involving the contacting of an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides strategies for improving the adhesion between a barrier region, a transparent conductive region, and/or an electrically conductive grid through the use of an adhesion promoting region. The adhesion promoting region is optically transmissive and comprises a metal layer, a metal nitride layer, a metal carbide layer, or a combination thereof and preferably comprises at least one of Cr, Ti, Ta, and Zr or a combination thereof. These strategies are particularly useful in the fabrication of heterojunction photovoltaic devices such as chalcogenide-based solar cells. Adhesion is improved to such a degree that grid materials and dielectric barrier materials can cooperate to provide a hermetic seal over devices to protect against damage induced by environmental conditions, including damage due to water intrusion. The adhesion promoting region also serves as a barrier to the migration of Na, Li, and the lanthanoid series of elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides strategies for improving the adhesion among two or more of transparent conducting oxides, electrically conductive grid materials, and dielectric barrier layers. As a consequence, these strategies are particularly useful in the fabrication of heterojunction photovoltaic devices such as chalcogenide-based solar cells. When the barrier is formed and then the grid is applied to vias in the barrier, the structure has improved moisture barrier resistance as compared to where the barrier is formed over or around the grid. Adhesion is improved to such a degree that grid materials and dielectric barrier materials can cooperate to provide a hermetic seal over devices to protect against damage induced by environmental conditions, including damage due to water intrusion. This allows the collection grids to be at least partially exposed above the dielectric barrier, making it easy to make electronic connection to the devices.

Abstract: The invention is directed to catalyst systems for the oligomerization of ethylene. In some embodiments, the catalyst system includes ethylene, a solvent, and a catalyst activated with an aluminoxane co-catalyst. The system may further include an additive. Various modifications to the different reaction parameters may be made to fine-tune the reaction properties, such as productivity, activity and selectivity for a particular oligomer. For example, the solvent may be modified to include a mixture of at least two solvents. Alternatively, the co-catalyst may be modified by aging or partially fluorinating the co-catalyst. In another alternative, an additive may be included in the reaction system. Each modification to the reaction system effects a different reaction outcome, thereby enabling fine-tuning of the reaction properties by varying the modifications to the reaction system.