Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an oxyhydroxy salt related to the family of layered double hydroxides for the design and manufacture of an electrode with a view to storing electrical energy.

Abstract: Carbon nanomaterials are stabilized and uniformly dispersed in a liquid such as water using a simple procedure. Methylcellulose is added to hot water where it separates and expands with a temperature of about 80-90 degree Celsius. Methylcellulose swiftly dissolves when the water cools down. Carbon nanomaterials are dispersed in a solvent and sonicated. This nanomaterial dispersed solvent is then added to the methylcellulose dispersed water and mechanically stirred. The resulting uniform mixture is up to 90% by weight nanomaterials and is stable for months.

Abstract: Compositions of carbon nanoflakes are coated with a low Z compound, where an effective electron emission of the carbon nanoflakes coated with the low Z compound is improved compared to an effective electron emission of the same carbon nanoflakes that are not coated with the low Z compound or of the low Z compound that is not coated onto the carbon nanoflakes. Compositions of chromium oxide and molybdenum carbide-coated carbon nanoflakes are also described, as well as applications of these compositions. Carbon nanoflakes are formed and a low Z compound coating, such as a chromium oxide or molybdenum carbide coating, is formed on the surfaces of carbon nanoflakes. The coated carbon nanoflakes have excellent field emission properties.

Abstract: Metal complexes (“compatibilizers”) having properties particularly useful for treating and compatibilizing nanomaterials (i.e. carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, nanographite) include metal cations and anionic surfactants. The treated nanomaterials can be isolated as solid treated nanomaterial and used in further applications where increased dispersion is desirable.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface of a fuel cell plate is disclosed herein. The method involves forming a sol gel mixture including a metal oxide modified with at least one functional group, where the at least one functional group is configured to improve adhesion; and adding carbon modified with a hydrophilic functional group to the mixture, thereby forming a suspension. The suspension is applied to the surface of the fuel cell plate, and is activated to form a porous, hydrophilic, and conductive film on the surface of the fuel cell plate.

Abstract: The present application is directed to carbon materials comprising an electrochemical modifier. The carbon materials find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, in lead acid batteries. Methods for making the disclosed carbon materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for removing a carbonization catalyst from a graphene sheet, the method includes contacting the carbonization catalyst with a salt solution, which is capable of oxidizing the carbonization catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of general Formula (I) La?bM1bFe1?cM2cPd?eM3eOx (I), wherein Fe has the oxidation state +2 and M1, M2, M3, a, b, c, d, e and x are: M1: Na, K, Rb and/or Cs, M2: Mn, Mg, Al Ca, Ti Co, Ni, Cr, V, M3: Si, S, F a: 0.8-1.9, b: 0-0.3, c: 0-0.9, 15 d: 0.8-1.9, e: 0-0.5, x: 1.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a transparent electroconductive film, which in addition to satisfying each of the requirements of favorable phototransmittance, high electrical conductivity, low refractive index and the like required when using in a multi-junction solar cell, enables running costs to be reduced since the transparent electroconductive film is produced without using a vacuum deposition method. The transparent electroconductive film for a solar cell of the present invention is provided between photoelectric conversion layers of a multi-junction solar cell, a coated film of fine particles formed by coating using a wet coating method is baked, the electroconductive component in the base material that composes the electroconductive film is present within the range of 5 to 95% by weight, and the thickness of the electroconductive film is within the range of 5 to 200 nm.

Abstract: An electrode mix includes an active material, a water soluble binder, a water soluble thickener, and a sufficient amount of a material selected from the group consisting of ZnO, In2O3, SnO2, Y2O3, La2O3, Li2TiO3, CaTiO3, BaTiO3, SrO, CO3(PO4)2, carbon and combinations thereof, to reduce the pH of the mix to between about 7 and about 12. Active material containing low pH can also be used in the electrode process. A method of making an electrode using this material is also provided.

Abstract: A mesoporous carbon material, a fabrication method thereof and a supercapacitor containing the mesoporous carbon material are provided. The mesoporous carbon material includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and/or metal particles and/or metal oxide particles, and a carbon matrix. The mesoporous carbon material has a plurality of mesopores formed by the carbon matrix and the carbon nanotubes and/or the metal particles and/or the metal oxide particles. The plurality of carbon nanotubes, and/or the metal particles and/or the metal oxide particles are formed substantially adjacent to the plurality of mesopores.

Abstract: Cathodes suitable for use in direct methanol fuel cells are disclosed. A cathode can comprise a composition supported on a conductive substrate, where the composition comprises: reactive nano-particles each consisting essentially of a core of metal and/or metal alloy and a shell of an oxide of the metal and/or metal alloy in the core; platinum and/or platinum alloy particles devoid of an oxide shell; and an ionomer. The metal nanoparticles can comprise one or more of palladium, chromium, manganese, nickel, iron, copper, gold, lanthanum, cerium, tin, sulfur, selenium, cobalt, silver, and alloys thereof. Direct methanol fuel cell incorporating these cathodes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition including graphene; and a dopant selected from the group consisting of an organic dopant, an inorganic dopant, and a combination including at least one of the foregoing.

Abstract: A composite structure and a method of manufacturing the composite structure. The composite structure includes a graphene sheet; and a nanostructure oriented through the graphene sheet and having a substantially one-dimensional shape.

Abstract: There is provided a particulate conductive filler which comprises a conductive metal coating formed over a coarse carbon-based core such as graphite between 350 and 1000 microns in size. The conductive filler is used in conjunction with a polymer matrix such as an elastomer typified by silicone elastomer to form composite materials for conductive and electromagnetic interference shielding applications.

Abstract: A thermoelectric nanocomposite is formed from homogeneous ceramic nanoparticles formed from at least one kind of tellurium compound. The ceramic nanoparticles have an average particle size from about 5 nm to about 30 nm and particularly to about 10 nm. The ceramic nanoparticles are coated with a particle coating in each case. The particle coating is formed from at least one layer of nanostructured, substantially intact carbon material. The nanocomposite may be formed by providing a precursor powder of homogeneous ceramic nanoparticles with at least one kind of a tellurium compound. A precursor coating of nanostructured, substantially intact carbon material is provided for the precursor nanoparticles. Heat treatment of the precursor powder generates the nanocomposite by conversion of the precursor coating into the particle coating.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to organized assemblies of carbon and non-carbon compounds and methods of making such organized structures. In preferred embodiments, the organized structures of the instant invention take the form of nanorods or their aggregate forms. More preferably, a nanorod is made up of a carbon nanotube filled, coated, or both filled and coated by a non-carbon material. This invention is further drawn to the separation of single-wall carbon nanotubes. In particular, it relates to the separation of semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes from conducting (or metallic) single-wall carbon nanotubes. It also relates to the separation of single-wall carbon nanotubes according to their chirality and/or diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulated ultrafine powder containing electrically conductive ultrafine particles coated with an insulation coating, characterized in that the electrically conductive ultrafine particles are formed of a carbon material which is in the form of spherical particles having a diameter of 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less, fibers having a cross-sectional diameter of 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less, or plate-like particles having a thickness of 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less; the insulation coating is formed of an insulating metal oxide or a hydrate thereof; and the thickness of the insulation coating is 0.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube composite includes a free-standing carbon nanotube structure and an amount of reinforcements. The free-standing carbon nanotube structure includes an amount of carbon nanotubes. The reinforcements are located on the carbon nanotubes and combining the carbon nanotubes together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal boride precursor mixture comprising a metal oxide and a boric oxide combined in such a manner so as to produce intimately linked clusters wherein the boric oxide is found within the metal oxide. Furthermore, the invention discloses a carbon composite material made with the metal boride precursor mixture and a carbonaceous component. Finally, the invention also teaches the process for preparing the metal boride precursor mixture comprising steps of providing a metal oxide and a boron oxide, mechanically mixing the metal oxide and the boron oxide at a temperature that liquefies the boron oxide and may impregnate the metal oxide to produce an intimately linked cluster of metal oxide and boric oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing lithium vanadium oxides and also a process for producing mixtures of a lithium vanadium oxide and at least one electrically conductive material. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of lithium vanadium oxides or of mixtures of a lithium vanadium oxide and at least one electrically conductive material for producing cathodes for batteries and in electrochemical cells. In addition, the invention relates to cathodes which comprise a lithium vanadium oxide or a mixture of a lithium vanadium oxide and at least one electrically conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of electrochemical capacitors with a DEL. The proposed electrodes with DEL are based on non-metal conducting materials, including porous carbon materials, and are capable of providing for high specific energy, capacity and power parameters of electrochemical capacitors. P-type conductivity and high concentration of holes in electrode materials may be provided by thermal, ionic or electrochemical doping by acceptor impurities; irradiating by high-energy fast particles or quantums; or chemical, electrochemical and/or thermal treatment. The present invention allows for an increase in specific energy, capacity and power parameters, as well as a reduction in the cost of various electrochemical capacitors with DEL. The proposed electrodes with DEL can be used as positive and/or negative electrodes of symmetric and asymmetric electrochemical capacitors with aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials for use as electrodes in an alkali-ion secondary (rechargeable) battery, particularly a lithium-ion battery. The invention provides transition-metal compounds having the ordered-olivine, a modified olivine, or the rhombohedral NASICON structure and the polyanion (PO4)3? as at least one constituent for use as electrode material for alkali-ion rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I), Lia-bM1bFe1-cM2cPd-eM3eOx, wherein M1, M2, M3, a, b, c, d and e: M1: Na, K, Rb and/or Cs, M2: Mn, Mg, Ca, Ti, Co, Ni, Cr, V, M3: Si, S, a: 0.8-1.9, b: 0-0.3, c: 0-0.9, d: 0.8-1.9, e: 0-0.5, x: 1.

Abstract: A composition comprising: a metal oxide of a first metal ions and second metal ions; an electrically conductive material; and a binder material. The second metal ions have a higher oxidation state than the first metal ions. The presence of the second metal ion increases the number of metal cation vacancies. A method of: dissolving salts of a first metal ion and a second metal ion in water to form a solution; heating the solution to a temperature of about 80-90° C.; and adding a base to the solution to precipitate nanoparticles of a metal oxide of the first metal ion and the second metal ion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoparticulate composition comprising nanoparticles with a particle-size distribution of d90?10 ?m, and optionally a surface-active agent. The present invention further relates to a method for the production of such a nanoparticulate composition.

Abstract: A high performance multifunctional cementitious nanocomposite material is made by adding a nano admixture to the water used in a conventional cementitious material manufacturing process. The nano admixture is made by dispersing nanomaterials in a solvent and sonicating the mixture, adding a hydrophilic emulsifier, thickener, additive or cellulose derived compound to hot water, where it separates and expands, cooling the water, causing the compound to dissolve, and then adding the solvent and nanomaterial mixture to the water and mechanically mixing. The contact between the nanomaterials and the surrounding matrix changes with applied stress, affecting the volume electrical response of the finished nanocomposite material. By measuring the electrical resistance of the material, its structural health, as well as the stress applied to it, can be monitored. A bridge made with the material is monitored for structural integrity and for the weight, speed, and location of traffic over the bridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium manganese phosphate/carbon nanocomposite as cathode material for rechargeable electrochemical cells with the general formula LixMnyM1-y(PO4)z/C where M is at least one other metal such as Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, V, Mg, Ca, Al, B, Zn, Cu, Nb, Ti, Zr, La, Ce, Y, x=0.8-1.1, y=0.5-1.0, 0.9<z<1.1, with a carbon content of 0.5 to 20% by weight, characterized by the fact that it is obtained by milling of suitable precursors of LixMnyM1-y(PO4)Z with electro-conductive carbon black having a specific surface area of at least 80 m2/g or with graphite having a specific surface area of at least 9.5 m2/g or with activated carbon having a specific surface area of at least 200 m2/g. The invention also concerns a process for manufacturing said nanocomposite.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electroconductive material which contains at least a vanadium oxide and a phosphorus oxide, and has a crystalline structure composed of a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase, in which the crystalline phase contains a monoclinic vanadium-containing oxide, and a volume of the crystalline phase is larger than that of the amorphous phase. The electroconductive material has a reduced specific resistance and has improved functions as an electrode material, a solid-state electrolyte, or a sensor such as a thermistor.

Abstract: Provided is a positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery including a positive active material and a conductive agent comprising a plurality of plate-structured carbon particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for preparing a complex oxide particle composition, the so-prepared particle composition and its use as electrode material. This composition comprises complex oxide particles having a non powdery conductive carbon deposit on at least part of their surface. Its method of preparation comprises nanogrinding complex oxide particles or particles of complex oxide precursors, wherein an organic carbon precursor is added to the oxide particles or oxide precursor particles before, during or after nanogrinding, and pyrolysing the mixture thus obtained; a stabilizing agent is optionally added to the oxide particles or oxide precursor particles before, during or after nanogrinding; and the nanogrinding step is performed in a bead mill on particles dispersed in a carrier solvent.

Abstract: Composition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are produced into inks that are dispensable via ink jet deposition processes or others. The CNT ink is dispensed into wells formed in a cathode structure. The inks include carbon nanotubes, binding materials, and possibly other nanoparticles. Such binding materials may include epoxies and silicate materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel photoimageable compositions for improving the emission of electron field emitters. These compositions are comprised of carbon nanotubes and metal resinate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite for Li-ion cells, comprising an active material particle for Li-ion cells and an electronically conductive elastic material bound or attached to the active material particle. According to the present invention, the electronically conductive elastic material bound or attached to the active material particle allows the particle to maintain electronic contact with the electrode laminate matrix despite ongoing movement or expansion and contraction of the active material particles, such that the cycling efficiency and reversible capacity of the Li-ion cells prepared from the composite of the present invention is improved.

Abstract: Nanocomposites of conductive, nanoparticulate polymer and electronically active material, in particular PEDOT and LiFePO4, were found to be significantly better compared to bare and carbon coated LiFePO4 in carbon black and graphite filled non conducting binder. The conductive polymer containing composite outperformed the other two samples. The performance of PEDOT composite was especially better in the high current regime with capacity retention of 82% after 200 cycles. Further improvement can be obtained if the porosity of the nanocomposites is enhanced. Hence an electrode produced from a composite made of conductive, nanoparticulate polymer, electronically active material, and sacrificial polymer, wherein the sacrificial polymer has been removed leaving pores has improved electrolyte and ion diffusion properties allowing the production of thicker electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I): Lia?bM1bV2-cM2c(PO4)x; wherein M1, M2, a, b, c and x have the following meanings: M1: Na, K, Rb and/or Cs, M2: Ti, Zr, Nb, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Al, Mg and/or Sc, a: 1.5-4.5, b: 0-0.6, c: 0-1.98 and x: number to equalize the charge of Li and V and M1 and/or M2, if present, wherein a?b is >0, to a compound according to general formula (I) as defined above, to spherical agglomerates and/or particles comprising at least one compound of general formula (I) as defined above, to the use of such a compound for the preparation of a cathode of a lithium ion battery or an electrochemical cell, and to a cathode for a lithium ion battery, comprising at least one compound as defined above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a carbon-treated complex oxide having a very low water content and to its use as cathode material. The carbon-treated complex oxide is composed of particles of a compound AMXO4 having an olivine structure which carry, on at least a portion of their surface, a film of carbon deposited by pyrolysis. A represents Li, alone or partially replaced by at most 10% as atoms of Na or K. M represents Fe(II), alone or partially replaced by at most 50% as atoms of one or more other metals chosen from Mn, Ni and Co, and/or by at most 10% as atoms of one or more aliovalent or isovalent metals other than Mn, Ni or Co, and/or by at most 5% as atoms of Fe(III). X4 represents PO4, alone or partially replaced by at most 10 mol % of SO4 and SiO4. Said material has a water content <1000 ppm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising carbon nanotubes and a protective material that protects the carbon nanotubes from damage or degradation such as by oxidation upon exposure to high temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) Lia-bM1bV2-cM2c(PO4)x (I) with M1: Na, K, Rb and/or Cs, M2: Ti, Zr, Nb, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Al, Mg and/or Sc, a: 1.5-4.5, b: 0-0.6, c: 0-1.98 and x: number to equalize the charge of Li and V and M1 and/or M2, if present, wherein a?b is >0, by providing an essentially aqueous mixture comprising at least one lithium-comprising compound, at least one vanadium-comprising compound in which vanadium has the oxidation state +5 and/or +4, and at least one M1-comprising compound, if present, and/or at least one M2-comprising compound, if present, and at least one reducing agent which is oxidized to at least one compound comprising at least one phosphorous atom in oxidation state +5, drying and calcining.

Abstract: A chrome-free coating composition for surface-treating a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet that includes carbon nanotubes and has excellent electric conductivity, comprising, based on the total solid weight of the composition: (a) 40 to 60 parts by weight of a water-soluble or water-borne organic resin; (b) 20 to 40 parts by weight of an inorganic metallic sol; (c) 2 to 5 parts by weight of a carbon nanotube paste including carbon nanotube (CNT); (d) 2 to 5 parts by weight of a metal oxide/phosphate-based anti-corrosion agent; (e) 5 to 15 parts by weight of an organic metal complex; (f) 3 to 7 parts by weight of a carbodimide cross-linking agent; and (g) the balance of water, ethanol or a mixture thereof. The steel sheet surface-treated with the composition may be useful to secure corrosion resistance without including a chrome component and shows its electric conductivity even when the coating composition is used at a coating amount of 1000 mg/m2 or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing carbon or HV graphite electrodes, in which a carbon carrier is mixed with a hydrocarbon-containing binder, and the mixture is subjected to a coking process and/or graphitization process, and one or more synthetic titanium compounds are additionally added to the raw materials. The titanium compound is preferably comprised of TiO2. Iron oxide can be added as an accompanying substance.

Abstract: A positive electrode mixture for nonaqueous batteries, is formed by adding 0.5 to 10 wt. parts of an organic acid per 100 wt. parts of an electroconductive additive, to a mixture of a composite metal oxide as a positive electrode active substance, a higher order-structured carbon black as the electroconductive additive, a binder of a fluorine-containing copolymer of at least three comonomers including vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene and a flexibility-improving fluorine-containing monomer, and an organic solvent. Further, the mixture is applied on at least one side of an electroconductive sheet, and then dried and compressed to form a positive electrode mixture layer. As a result, it is possible to provide a positive electrode structure having a thick and sound positive electrode mixture layer of a high energy density.

Abstract: The present invention concerns electrode materials capable of redox reactions by electrons and alkali ions exchange with an electrolyte. The applications are in the field of primary (batteries) or secondary electrochemical generators, super capacitors and light modulating system of the super capacitor type.

Abstract: Described is an anode material which is a transition metal nitride or carbide in form of nanoparticles, preferably a nitride or carbide with one nitrogen or carbon per metal, and especially a nitride or carbide having rock salt structure. A preferred anode material is vanadium nitride, in particular carbon coated vanadium nitride having a mean particle size of <500 nm. Embedded in an electrically conducting environment, such nanoparticulate material, in particular the vanadium nitride shows exceptional good charging-discharging cycle stability.

Abstract: A new ramming paste for aluminum reduction cell cathodes is a high swelling cold ramming paste made of a blend of pitch, light oil diluent and an aggregate comprising a mixture of anthracite and crushed anode butts or calcined coke. The presence of the crushed anode butts or calcined coke increases the sodium swelling index of the paste by about four times higher than that of regular ramming pastes. This new high swelling cold ramming paste may also contain an amount of a refractory hard material, such as TiB2.

Abstract: This invention provides a fine particle composite comprising fine particles of a sulfide or sulfide complex comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), and rhenium (Re) and conductive fine particles via a step of preparing a solvent mixture from a compound containing conductive carbon powder, at least one compound containing an element selected from among molybdenum (Mo), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (R), and rhenium (Re), and sulfur (S) and a step of conducting a hydrothermal or solvothermal reaction at a pressure and temperature that convert the solvent mixture into a supercritical or subcritical water or solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing composite materials comprising an electrode active compound of formula AaDdMmZzOoNnFf, such as an alkali metal ion, such as a lithium ion, insertion compound, and an electronically conducting compound, such as carbon, in which a homogeneous mixed precursor containing all the elements A, D, M, Z, O, N and F forming the electrode active compound and also one or more organic and/or organometallic compounds are thermally decomposed, in a short period of time, so as to obtain the composite material. These composite materials in particular find their application in devices containing said compounds and/or active materials, such as electrochemical devices and batteries, in particular lithium batteries.

Abstract: A soft agglomerate of copper oxide ultrafine particles which has an average primary particle diameter of not more than 100 nm and an average secondary particle diameter of not less than 0.2 ?m and of producing the soft agglomerate by (1) forming ultrafine copper oxide by reducing a cuprous carboxyl compound in an aqueous solution, with hydrazine and/or a hydrazine derivative, optionally with a base and optionally with organic compounds, such as alcohol (e.g., ethylene glycol or ethanol), ether, ester or amide; and simultaneously or separately applying an agglomerating force, e.g., agglomerating agent; to produce copper oxide soft agglomerate. Alternatively (2), forming a colloidal dispersion of cuprous oxide ultrafine particles by heating and reducing at least one copper compound (e.g., copper carboxyl, copper alkoxy and copper diketonate compound) at a temperature of not lower than 160 ° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal-graphite brush material for a motor, which allows high-density formation of copper particles on the surfaces of graphite particles. The method: attaches copper complex to graphite particles; heat-treats the graphite particles attached with the copper particles, thereby to pyrolyze the copper complex to form copper particles on the surfaces of the graphite particles; forms the graphite particles having the copper particles formed thereon, together with a resin, into a formed product; and reduction-sinters the formed product under a reducing atmosphere to pyrolyze the resin, thereby to form a sintered body and also to reduce copper oxide formed in surface layers of the copper particles during the heat-treating.

Abstract: In a method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube surface, the nanotube surface is exposed to at least one vapor including at least one functionalization species that non-covalently bonds to the nanotube surface, providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a functionalized nanotube surface. A functionalized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one vapor stabilization species that reacts with the functionalization layer to form a stabilization layer that stabilizes the functionalization layer against desorption from the nanotube surface while providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a stabilized nanotube surface. The stabilized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one material layer precursor species that deposits a material layer on the stabilized nanotube surface.