Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for preparing particles of rare earth sulfide comprising the steps of:—preparing a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound comprising at least one rare earth element (A) and at least one alkali metal sulfide (B),—submitting said reaction mixture to a mechanical stress so as to cause a chemical reaction that produces the particles of rare earth sulfide.

Abstract: A negative electrode active material for a lithium-ion battery has the following formula (I): Li1-xOHFe1+xS (I). x varies from 0.00 to 0.25, preferably from 0.05 to 0.20.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to manufacture a chip to detect the direct conversion of X-rays. It also relates to a direct conversion detector for X-rays using such a chip and dental radiology equipment using at least one such detector. The method to manufacture the wafer comprises a step for applying pressure (3, 4, 4 a) to a powdered polycrystalline semiconductor material and a step for heating (5-9) during a set time period. It comprises a preliminary step for providing an impurity level of at least 0.2% in the polycrystalline semiconductor material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for preparing particles of rare earth sulfide comprising the steps of:—preparing a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound comprising at least one rare earth element (A) and at least one alkali metal sulfide (B),—submitting said reaction mixture to a mechanical stress so as to cause a chemical reaction that produces the particles of rare earth sulfide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising at least one compound having formula Bi1-xMxAg1-y-?M?yOS1-zM?z, the methods for producing said material and the use thereof as a semiconductor, such as for photovoltaic or photochemical use and, in particular, for supplying a photocurrent. The invention further relates to photovoltaic devices using said compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising at least one compound having formula Bi1?xMxAg1?y??M?yOS1?zM?z, the methods for producing said material and the use thereof as a semiconductor, such as for photovoltaic or photochemical use and, in particular, for supplying a photocurrent. The invention further relates to photovoltaic devices using said compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising at least one compound having formula Bi1-xMxCu1-y-?M?yOS1-zM?z, the methods for producing said material and the use thereof as a semiconductor, such as for photovoltaic or photochemical use and, in particular, for supplying a photocurrent. The invention further relates to photovoltaic devices using said compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocidal granules composed of a mineral core coated with at least one porous inorganic layer including at least one organic compound capable of limiting or preventing the growth of microorganisms, in particular of algae. The invention also relates to a sol-gel process for the preparation of the biocidal granules and to the use of these biocidal granules in building materials, in particular shingles and siding coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a material comprising at least one compound of formula (I): BiCu1?zOaSbSecTed (I), where 0?z?0.2; 0?a?2; 0?b?2; 0?c?2; 0?d?2; and a+b+c+d=2, as a p-type semiconductor, for providing a photocurrent. The invention also relates to the photovoltaic devices using these semiconductors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to manufacture a chip to detect the direct conversion of X-rays. It also relates to a direct conversion detector for X-rays using such a chip and dental radiology equipment using at least one such detector. The method to manufacture the wafer comprises a step for applying pressure (3, 4, 4a) to a powdered polycrystalline semiconductor material and a step for heating (5-9) during a set time period. It comprises a preliminary step for providing an impurity level of at least 0.2% in the polycrystalline semiconductor material.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocidal granules composed of a mineral core coated with at least one porous inorganic layer including at least one organic compound capable of limiting or preventing the growth of microorganisms, in particular of algae. The invention also relates to a sol-gel process for the preparation of said biocidal granules and to the use of these biocidal granules in building materials, in particular shingles and siding coatings.

Abstract: Methods are described for the low temperature preparation of the spinel LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 and layered LiCoO.sub.2 phases which are intercalable compounds of interest for use in lithium secondary batteries. These phases can be prepared in bulk or thick film form at temperatures less than 400.degree. C. using acetate precursors.

Abstract: Method is described for the low temperature preparation of the spinel LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 phase which is an intercalable compound of interest for use in lithium secondary batteries. This phase can be prepared in bulk or thick film form at temperatures less than 400.degree. C. using acetate precursors.

Abstract: Techniques for the preparation of superconducting perovskites in the MBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y system wherein M represents yttrium of a rare earth element and y is an integer ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 are described. The techniques involve the use of either a sol-gel or controlled precipitation process in which a barium solution in acetic acid is reacted with copper acetate and either a rare earth hydroxide or rare earth nitrate to form a colloid which is subsequently heated and fired to yield the desired composition. In the embodiment in which the nitrate is employed, the resultant colloid is freeze dried. In both the sol-gel and controlled precipitation processes, heating and firing are required to yield the desired characteristics.