Abstract: Novel intermetallic materials are provided that are composed of tin and one or more additional metal(s) having a formula M(1-x)-Sn5, where ?0.1?x?0.5, with 0.01?x?0.4 being more preferred and the second metallic element (M) is selected from iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and a combination of two or more of those metals. Due to low concentration of the second metallic element, the intermetallic compound affords an enhanced capacity applicable for electrochemical cells and may serve as an intermediate phase between Sn and MSn2. A method of synthesizing these intermetallic materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: Amorphus germanium oxide materials are provided that are composed of germanium and oxygen having a formula GeOx, where 0.01?x?1.99. The germanium oxide forms nanoscale hierarchical porous agglomerates that have high capacity, high diffusivity of lithium, and enhanced cycling stability. The enhanced or superior performance (structural stability and reactivity) of these materials is due to the formation of ultrafine primary nanoparticles, amorphization, pore formation, preferably of nanoscale nature, and the incorporation of oxygen. These amorphous germanium oxide materials may serve as high-capacity anode materials and afford an enhanced capacity applicable for electrochemical cells such as Li-ion batteries.

Abstract: Novel intermetallic materials are provided that are composed of tin and one or more additional metal(s) having a formula M(1-x)-Sn5, where ?0.1?x?0.5, with 0.01?x?0.4 being more preferred and the second metallic element (M) is selected from iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt(Co), nickel (Ni), and a combination of two or more of those metals. Due to low concentration of the second metallic element, the intermetallic compound affords an enhanced capacity applicable for electrochemical cells and may serve as an intermediate phase between Sn and MSn2. A method of synthesizing these intermetallic materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of metal oxide nanoparticles having regular polyhedral nanocavities, where the metal oxide can be titania, and where the nanoparticles be nanorods. Also disclosed are titania nanoparticles with nanocavities that are doped with dopants. Methods of making metal oxide nanoparticles with nanocavities are also disclosed. Also disclosed are ultraviolet-blocking compositions including metal oxide nanoparticles with nanocavities, as well as methods of enhancing ultraviolet absorbance efficiency of an ultraviolet blocking composition. Additional uses of metal oxide nanoparticles with nanocavities include solar energy conversion systems and lithium-ion batteries.