Abstract: A method of making a superfine alloy comprises: incorporating a grain growth inhibitor polymeric precursor into a composition for synthesis of a superfine material; synthesizing the superfine material from the composition comprising the incorporated precursor; incorporating an alloy additive into the composition for synthesis of the superfine material before synthesizing the superfine material, or alternatively, into the as-synthesized superfine material to produce a superfine alloy-grain growth inhibitor polymeric precursor composite; and treating the superfine alloy-grain growth inhibitor polymeric precursor composite to convert the grain growth inhibitor polymeric precursor to a grain growth inhibitor.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell has anode, cathode and electrolyte layers each formed essentially of a multi-oxide ceramic material and having a far-from-equilibrium, metastable structure selected from the group consisting of nanocrystalline, nanocomposite and amorphous. The electrolyte layer has a matrix of the ceramic material, and is impervious and serves as a fast oxygen ion conductor. The electrolyte layer has a matrix of the ceramic material and a dopant dispersed therein in an amount substantially greater than its equilibrium solubility in the ceramic matrix. The anode layer includes a continuous surface area metallic phase in which electron conduction is provided by the metallic phase and the multi-oxide ceramic matrix provides ionic conduction.

Abstract: A superfine material made by incorporation of an inorganic polymer precursor of a grain growth inhibitor into intermediates useful for the production of superfine materials. The precursor/nanostructured material composite is optionally heat treated at a temperature below the grain growth temperature of the superfine material in order to more effectively disperse the precursor. The composites are then heat treated at a temperature effective to decompose the precursor and to form superfine materials having grain growth inhibitors uniformly distributed at the grain boundaries. Synthesis of the inorganic polymer solution comprises forming an inorganic polymer from a solution of metal salts, filtering the polymer, and drying. Alloying additives as well as grain growth inhibitors may be incorporated into the superfine materials.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus is provided which enables a plurality of liquids to be filtered simultaneously. The apparatus basically comprises a tube adapted to be secured to a source of negative pressure, the tube having a plurality of upstanding inlets, each of which is adapted to receive a filtration paper holder. Liquid storage cylinders are adapted for mounting on the upper ends of the filtration paper holders so that liquid contained therein may be withdrawn through the filtration papers and into the tube. At least one filtrate collector is provided for optional removable mounting between at least one of the upstanding inlets and an associated filtration paper holder to collect a predetermined volume of the filtrate before the remainder of the filtrate passes down into the tube.