Abstract: In one aspect, methods of purifying WC compositions are described herein. A method of purifying a WC composition comprises contacting the WC composition with an electrolyte solution comprising a cationic metal oxidant and oxidizing one or more metal impurities of the WC composition with the cationic metal oxidant to solubilize the one or more metal impurities in the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing metal-containing (e.g., non-oxide, oxide, or elemental) nano-objects, which may be nanoparticles or nanowires, the method comprising contacting an aqueous solution comprising a metal salt and water with an electrically powered electrode to form said metal-containing nano-objects dislodged from the electrode, wherein said electrode possesses a nanotextured surface that functions to confine the particle growth process to form said metal-containing nano-objects. The invention is also directed to the resulting metal-containing compositions as well as devices in which they are incorporated.

Abstract: In an apparatus for surface-treating a carbon fiber, wherein the carbon fiber is heated by resistive heating, a carbon-containing gas is disposed on the carbon fiber, and carbon nanotubes are grown on a surface of the carbon fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for breaking the electrical continuity of the stream of caustic soda produced in mercury-cathode chlor-alkali plants.

Abstract: A new class of polymers with a highly ordered state having unique electrical, electronic, optical, ferromagnetic, piezoelectric, ionic, or superconducting properties are achieved. The polymers are highly crystalline, exhibiting both long and short range order, and an associated nanoscale lattice parameter. The polymers are fabricated by forming a conductive set of nanoscale waveguides (composed of functional molecules and charge carriers, i.e., polarons, bipolarons, superpolarons, spins, ions, copper pair electrons) throughout a polymer lattice. These “molecular waveguides” are characterized by a width or diameter comparable to the size of the lattice cell.

Abstract: A method of producing magnetic metal-filled carbon nanocapsules. An arc chamber comprising a graphitic anode and a composite graphitic cathode containing at least one kind of magnetic metal or it's derivatives is provided, before introducing an inert gas into the arc chamber, applying a voltage across the cathode and the anode by a pulse current, the voltage sufficient, to generate a carbon arc reaction between the cathode and the anode, and finally collecting a deposit formed on the cathode.

Abstract: The invention of present application relates to a method for enabling a hybrid carbon nanotube having an arbitrary composition ratio to be readily manufactured, and the hybrid carbon nanotube. A method for manufacturing a hybrid carbon nanotube, which comprises immersing a carbon nanotube having open pores in a solution having a dopant substance dissolved therein to effect a doping reaction, thereby preparing a hybrid carbon nanotube comprising a carbon nanotube and a dopant substance introduced therein.

Abstract: Washing items are washed simultaneously with softening washing water comprising alkali metal ion and at least one of carbonate ion and bicarbonate ion. The washing water before being softened is obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate having a pH of 9.5 or more and an electric conductivity of 150 mS/m or more. The softened washing water has a total hardness of 40 ppm or less.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the electrolytic production of metal containing solutions and in particular a high concentration low impurity low alpha lead methane sulfonate solution using a specially designed electrolytic membrane cell. The process electrolytically dissolves low alpha lead in the anode compartment of the electrolytic cell using an anion exchange membrane that separates the anode compartment from the cathode compartment. The specially designed electrolytic cell can also be used to electrolytically dissolve other metals such as tin, copper, etc. in a suitable electrolyte and membrane. The cell utilizes a two-part membrane holder having a female member and a male member, one of which is attached to the cell walls and base with a water tight seal. The membrane holder effectively minimizes contamination between the anode and cathode compartments and allows the use of inexpensive materials such as stainless steel for the cathode.

Abstract: Process and equipment for manufacturing salts of metals, particularly nickel hypophosphite, are disclosed.

Abstract: A ZnCl.sub.2 -graphite intercalation compound is synthesised by an electrochemical process in an aqueous solution. Flexible graphite is manufactured by exfoliating and then compressing the ZnCl.sub.2 -graphite intercalation compound into a sheet form. This processing is suitable for mass production. As no sulphuric acid is used in this method, the method reduces environmental pollution and corrosion during use.