Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising a mixture or a fired product of a material of the general formula Sr.sub.(1+x)/2 La.sub.(1-x)/2 Co.sub.1-x Me.sub.x O.sub.3-.delta. (wherein Me: at least one of Fe, Mn, Cr and V; O.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1; .delta.: loss of oxygen) and SrMeO.sub.3 (wherein Me: at least one of Ti, Zr and and Hf), and a catalyst and a multi-functional sensor using such composition. With this composition it is possible to improve the catalytic performance for cleaning exhaust gas grom combusters or internal combustion engines and to improve sensitivity or response characteristics of the sensors for detecting stoichiometric composition.

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical cells comprising a positive electrode comprised of an n-type conductive semiconductor and a compound capable of reversibly intercalating or deintercalating metal atoms or ions, an ion conductive solid electrolyte layer, a negative electrode, and current collectors for the positive and negative electrodes. The intercalating or deintercalating compound is a Chevrel compound or vornite. The photoelectrochemical cell serves as both solar and secondary cells. Various cell constructions are also described including a multi-layered structure and a two-cell construction.

Abstract: A multi-layered dielectric element serving as a capacitor or actuator which comprises a dielectric unit including a plurality of dielectric layers made of a perovskite oxide and a plurality of internal electrode layers sandwiched between the respective dielectric layers. The internal electrodes are each made of at least one conductive composite oxide of La, Ba and Cu having a perovskite-like structure wherein the atomic ratios of the metals are such that (La+Ba)/Cu=1 and La/Ba=4, or at least one conductive composite oxide of La, Sr and Cu having a perovskite-like structure wherein the atomic ratios of the metals are such that (La+Sr)/Cu=1 and La/Sr=3 or 4. The unit is sintered at a temperature of from 900.degree. to 1100.degree. C., so that interdiffusion of metal ions between the dielectric layers and the internal electrode layers is suppressed to a significant extent.

Abstract: An air/fuel ratio sensor to be used for controlling the ratio between the air and fuel through the detection of the air and the fuel in the exhaust gas of gas and oil combustion appliances, automobile engines or the like. The air/fuel ratio sensor has a first electrode on one face having porous zirconia electrolytic plate of through-holes, a second electrode containing at least electron -O.sup.2- ion mixed conductor on the other face. The controlling of the air/fuel ratio from the excessive fuel to the excessive air may be performed with a high S/N ratio under conditions ranging from excessive fuel to excessive air, through the measurement of the changes in the electric resistance of the second electrode by the third electrode provided on the second electrode. The sensor is simple in construction and is small and thin.

Abstract: A solid-electrolyte secondary cell comprising a positive and a negative electrode composed of a copper chevrel compound (Cu.sub.x Mo.sub.6 S.sub.8), and copper ion conductive solid electrolyte is provided. This secondary cell is capable of charging with a current as high as about 1 mA/cm.sup.2, can stand high temperatures of up to 100.degree. C. and maintains its initial performance even after long-time charging and discharging. A cell small in voltage drop during dicharge is also provided by using a heat treated mixture of a copper chevrel compound and a copper ion conductive solid electrolyte represented by the formula K.sub.q Rb.sub.1-q Cu.sub.4 I.sub.2-p Cl.sub.3+3 (0.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.0.5, 0.25.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.1.0) for both positive and negative electrodes.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising a mixture or a fired product of a material of the general formula Sr.sub.(1+x)/2 La.sub.(1-x)/2 Co.sub.1-x Me.sub.x O.sub.3-.delta. (wherein Me: at least one of Fe, Mn, Cr and V; 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1; .delta.: loss of oxygen) and SrMeO.sub.3 (wherein Me: at least one of Ti, Zr and and Hf), and a catalyst and a multi-functional sensor using such composition. With this composition it is possible to improve the catalytic performance for cleaning exhaust gas from combusters or internal combustion engines and to improve sensitivity or response characteristics of the sensors for detecting the stoichiometric composition.

Abstract: A sensor element comprising a substrate made of a compound oxide of the perovskite type, the compound oxide having the formula A.sub.1-x A'.sub.x B.sub.1-y B'.sub.y O.sub.3 in which A represents a trivalent element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr and Nd, A' represents a divalent element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Ba, B represents equal amounts of trivalent and tetravalent Co, B' represents a tetravalent element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, V and Ti, x has a value ranging from (0.6) to (0.95) and y has a value ranging from (0.2) to (0.9) with the proviso that x must equal 1/2(1+y).

Abstract: A catalyst for converting harmful reductive and oxidative gases in exhaust gases into innoxious gases is provided. The catalyst essentially consists of a perovskite oxide represented by the general formulaLa.sub.(1-x)/2 Sr.sub.(1+x)/2 Co.sub.1-x Me.sub.x O.sub.3in which Me is an element such as Fe, Mn, Cr, V or Ti and x is a number of from 0.15 to 0.90. In order to fabricate durable catalysts, the catalytic component is supported on heat-resistant expanded metal or inorganic fiber meshworks or hollows cylinders of heat-resistant anti-corrosion metals or refractory materials with or without catalyst-bearing pellets.

Abstract: A solid state electric double layer capacitor comprisinga polarization electrode,a non-polarization electrode, anda solid electrolyte disposed at least between the polarization electrode and the non-polarization electrode,the polarization electrode being a mixture of carbon and the solid electrolyte, mixed with each other in a predetermined ratio,the non-polarization electrode being another mixture of the solid electrolyte and a composition containing Cu and a substance selected from a group consisting of Cu.sub.2 S and TiS.sub.2, andthe solid electrolyte having a chemical composition of K.sub.x Rb.sub.1-x Cu.sub.4 I.sub.y Cl.sub.5-y (0.1.ltoreq.x .ltoreq.0.25, 1.25.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1.67).

Abstract: A photocell comprising a solid electrolyte film or layer and a pair of electrodes sandwiching therebetween the electrolyte film. The solid electrolyte is AgBr, AgI and silver halide-containing double salts and mixed salts. One of the electrodes is optically transparent and the other electrode is made of a material capable of forming a charge transfer complex with the halogen generated on photodissociation of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A gas sensing device comprises a gas sensing element comprising a gas-sensitive resistive film formed of an aggregate of ultrafine particles of a suitable material deposited on the surface of a substrate of an electrical insulator formed with electrodes. In a method of manufacturing such a gas sensing device, a gas-sensitive material is evaporated in a gas atmosphere to provide the gas-sensitive resistive film of ultrafine particles of the material.

Abstract: A solid state double layer capacitor comprising at least a polarization electrode and a counter electrode comprising cuprous sulfide and a solid electrolyte, and being superior in potential linearity of the polarization electrode with respect to a supplied charge amount and also in charge storage capability.

Abstract: A process for producing a solid electrolyte primary cell comprising a lithium anode and an iodine containing cathode. In the process the cell undergoes preliminary cell discharge of at least 2 mAh per cm.sup.2 of the lithium anode surface immediately after its fabrication. Alternatively, the cell may be stored at a relatively low temperature to undergo preliminary self-discharge of at least 3 mAh per cm.sup.2 of the anode surface.

Abstract: A solid-state primary cell comprising a lithium anode, a cathode comprising iodine particles not more than 77 .mu.m in diameter and a charge transfer complex of iodine with an aromatic heterocyclic compound, and a lithium iodide based solid electrolyte. The cell has an anode current collector which can be coated with a polyimide film on part of its surface for giving improved discharge characteristics to the cell.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor element comprising a substrate made of a compound oxide of the perovskite type and a pair of electrodes electrically connected to the substrate. The compound oxide has a formula ABO.sub.3 in which A represents an element of the lanthanum family, an alkaline earth metal or a mixture thereof and B is a transition metal.

Abstract: A gas sensing device comprises a gas sensing element comprising a gas-sensitie resistive film formed of an aggregate of ultrafine particles of a suitable material deposited on the surface of a substrate of an electrical insulator formed with electrodes.

Abstract: A solid-state primary cell comprising a lithium anode, an iodine cathode containing a charge transfer complex and a solid lithium iodide electrolyte doped with a 1-normal-alkyl-pyridinium iodide. The anode surface can be coated with LiOH or Li.sub.3 N. The iodine cathode comprises a complex of iodine and 1-normal-alkyl-pyridinium iodide and preferably contains titanium dioxide powder, alumina gel powder or silica gel powder admixed with the complex.

Abstract: A coulomb memory element having an electric current breaking action at a high allowable maximum voltage in which an electrolyte consisting mainly of a lead salt or a mixture of lead salts is charged between one or more inactive electrodes consisting of tungsten or tungsten plated with gold and one or more active electrodes consisting of pure lead which may be dissolved or deposited according to Faraday's law.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery which comprises a nickel positive electrode, a zinc negative electrode, a separator which wraps the negative an electrode and comprises from inside to outside in sequence: non-woven cellulose disposed on the negative electrode, a semipermeable membrane of cellulose and micro-porous plastic film which is in contact with the positive electrode, an electrolyte consisting of aqueous solution of KOH which is held on the positive and negative electrodes and in the separator and is controlled in an amount such that free electrolyte does not exist in places other than at the three elements mentioned above, and a gas phase reaction catalyst which is provided in a space in the storage battery to promote the reaction between oxide and hydrogen evolved at the end of charging.

Abstract: A solid-state primary cell comprising a lithium anode, an iodine cathode containing a charge transfer complex and a solid lithium iodide electrolyte doped with a 1-normal-alkyl-pyridinium iodide. The anode surface can be coated with LiOH or Li.sub.3 N. The iodine cathode comprises a complex of iodine and 1-normal-alkyl-pyridinium iodide and preferably contains titanium dioxide powder, alumina gel powder or silica gel powder admixed with the complex.