Abstract: A process for preparing lithium aluminate of at least 95% gamma phase with surface areas greater than 10 m.sup.2 /g by homogeneously mixing a gamma lithium aluminate with surface area of less than 8 m.sup.2 /g with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of 5 to 70% for at least 1/2 hour at a temperature greater than 0.degree. C. and less than 120.degree. C., the treated gamma lithium aluminate is dried by heating to a temperature greater than 200.degree. C. until dry and ground to produce a gamma-lithium aluminate with surface area greater than 10 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: A method for removing 99% of the sodium ions from a natural or industrial brine containing dissolved salts of metals of Group 1A of the periodic chart and in which brine sodium ions are not the predominant metal ions by contacting the brine at pH 11 to 12 with an ion exchanger selected from crystalline antimonic acid and polyantimonic acid, and removing from contact with the ion exchanger the brine with greater than 99% of the sodium ions removed.

Abstract: A method for removing 99% of the sodium ions from a natural or industrial brine containing dissolved salts of metals of Group 1A of the periodic chart and in which brine sodium ions are not the predominant metal ions by contacting the brine at pH 11 to 12 with an ion exchanger selected from crystalline antimonic acid and polyantimonic acid, and removing from contact with the ion exchanger the brine with greater than 99% of the sodium ions removed.

Abstract: A process for the substantial removal of calcium or other divalent ions from natural or industrial brines containing high levels of another ion comprising (a) adjusting the pH of the brine to an alkaline pH of 9 to 11 with an alkaline material; and (b) contacting the brine for at least 5 minutes with an ion exchanger consisting essentially of a hydrous oxide selected from hydrous oxides of zirconium, titanium, tin, molybdenum, tungsten, thorium, niobium or tantalum and mixed hydrous oxides of these aforementioned metals at a temperature between ambient and about the boiling point of the brine being treated.

Abstract: A process for the removal of lithium nitride from lithium metal by adding to liquid lithium metal containing lithium nitride, at a temperature between the melting point of lithium and 300.degree. C., with agitation, a stochiometric quantity of aluminum to react with the lithium nitride, in an inert, nitrogen free atmosphere, continuing the agitation for at least one hour to form aluminum nitride and separating the aluminum nitride from the liquid lithium metal.