Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetron sputtering device and technique for depositing materials onto a substrate at a high production rate in which the deposited films have predictive thickness distribution and in which the apparatus can operate continuously and repeatedly for very long periods. The present invention has realized increased production by reducing cycle time. Increased coating rates are achieved by coupling a planetary drive system with a large cathode. The cathode diameter is greater than the diameter of a planet and less than twice the diameter of the planet. Lower defect rates are obtained through the lower power density at the cathode which suppresses arcing, while runoff is minimized by the cathode to planet geometry without the use of a mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to a partially disposable substrate holder used in magnetic latches for securing substrates on a planetary rotating platform suspended above a coating source in a vacuum chamber of a vapor deposition system, e.g. a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system or a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. The substrate holder includes a reusable base formed, at least partially, from a ferro-magnetic material, which is attracted to the magnetic latch, and a disposable cover formed from a relatively inexpensive, ferromagnetic, easily formable material, which encourages adherence of coating material and has a low vapor pressure at coating temperatures.

Abstract: A sputtering anode is disclosed wherein the anode is in the form of a container or vessel; and, wherein the conducting surface communicating with a cathode is the inside surface of the container or vessel. The anode can be mounted outside of a coating chamber having its opening communicating with the chamber or alternatively may be mounted within the chamber. The anode may be an inlet port for receiving inert gas for use in forming the plasma and for pressurizing the anode.

Abstract: A magnetron sputtering cathode for use in a vacuum deposition process is disclosed wherein the cathode is coated on its sides with an electrically insulating material such as alumina to prevent arcing, and wherein the first end surface of the cathode supports a material to be sputtered. The bottom of the cathode may also be coated with an electrically insulating coating or may be resting upon an insulating platform.

Abstract: A metal bis-triflimide compound having the formula: [Mx]n+[(N(SO2CF3)2)(nx?yz)](nx?yz)?[Ly]z? where M is a metal selected from the metals in groups 5 to 10, 12 and 14 to 16 and Cu, Au, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Y, La, Ac, Hf, Rf, Ga, In, Tl, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu and the actinides; L is a negative or neutral ligand; n is 2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8; x is greater than or equal to 1 y is 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8; and z is 0,1,2,3 or 4.

Abstract: A method for separating a metal from a composition including the metal involves forming an electrolytic cell in which the anode comprises a composition including the metal. The electrolyte is an ionic liquid. A sufficient potential difference is applied between the anode and the cathode to cause the metal to transfer from the anode to the cathode deposited thereon.

Abstract: A process for carrying out a chemical reaction which is catalysed by one or more metal or hydrogen fluoroalkyl-sulfonylated compound which process comprises carrying out said reaction in the presence of an ionic liquid or in solvent-free conditions.

Abstract: A metal bis-triflimide compound having the formula: [Mx]n+[(N(SO2CF3)2)(nx-yz)](nx-yz)−[Ly]z− where M is a metal selected from the metals in groups 5 to 10, 12 and 14 to 16 and Cu, Au, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Y, La, Ac, Hf, Rf, Ga, In, Tl, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu and the actinides; L is a negative or neutral ligand; n is 2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8; x is greater than or equal to 1 y is 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8; and z is 0,1,2,3 or 4.

Abstract: 1

Abstract: A method of removing from a metal salt ionic species contained therein involves contacting the metal salt with an ionic liquid to dissolve the metal salt, the ionic species or both. At least in the case where both the metal salt and the ionic species are dissolved, the resultant ionic liquid composition is treated to separate the ionic species therefrom and subsequently processed to recover the metal salt.

Abstract: A method of dissolving in an ionic liquid a metal in an initial oxidation state below its maximum oxidation state, characterized in that the ionic liquid reacts with the metal and oxidizes it to a higher oxidation state. The initial metal may be in the form of a compound thereof and may be irradiated nuclear fuel comprising UO2 and/or PuO2 as well as fission products. The ionic liquid typically is nitrate-based, for example a pyridinium or substituted imidazolium nitrate, and contains a Bronstead or Franklin acid to increase the oxidizing power of the nitrate. Suitable acids are HNO3, H2SO4 and [NO+]. Imidazolium nitrates and certain pyridinium nitrates form one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The preparation of a mixture comprising branched fatty acids and oligomerised fatty acids comprises contacting a source of unsaturated fatty acids or their derivatives with an ionic liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the branching of fatty acids or derivatives thereof. More in particular, the invention provides a method for branching saturated fatty acids. This is achieved by contacting a source comprising fatty acids or derivatives thereof, with an ionic liquid. The invention also relates to the mixture of branched fatty acids so obtained.

Abstract: The preparation of a mixture comprising branched fatty acids and oligomerised fatty acids comprises contacting a source of unsaturated fatty acids or their derivatives with an ionic liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the alkylation of aromatics by reacting an aromatic hydrocarbon with an olefin in the presence of an ionic liquid comprising (a) a compound of the formula R.sub.n MX.sub.3-n wherein R is a C1-C6 alkyl radical, M is aluminium or gallium, X is a halogen atom and n is 0, 1 or 2 and, (b) a hydrocarbyl substituted imidazolium halide or a hydrocarbyl substituted pyridinium halide wherein at least one of the said hydrocarbyl substituents in the imidazolium halide is an alkyl group having 1-18 carbon atoms. The process allows ready separation of reaction products from the ionic liquid and improves selectivity to alkylated products.