Abstract: A balance-spring intended to equip a balance of an horological movement, comprising a core made of Nb—Ti made from an alloy consisting of: niobium: balance to 100% by weight, titanium: between 5 and 95% by weight, traces of elements chosen from the group consisting of O, H, C, Fe, Ta, N, Ni, Si, Cu, Al, each of said elements being present in a quantity between 0 and 1600 ppm by weight, the total quantity formed by all of said elements being between 0% and 0.3% by weight, wherein the core made of Nb—Ti is coated with a layer of niobium, said layer of niobium having a thickness between 20 nm and 10 ?m.

Abstract: Techniques facilitating formation of amorphous superconducting alloys for superconducting circuits are provided. A device can comprise one or more superconducting components that comprise an amorphous superconducting alloy comprising two or more elements. At least one element of the two or more elements is a superconducting element.

Abstract: A magnetic-disk substrate has an average value of squares of inclinations that is 0.0025 or less, and a frequency at which squares of inclinations are 0.004 or more is 15% or less, in a case where samples of inclinations on a main surface are obtained at intervals of 10 nm. The main surface is configured to receive at least a magnetic recording layer thereon. The magnetic-disk substrate includes an outer circumferential end portion and an inner circumferential end portion, and the outer circumferential end portion and the inner circumferential end portion have chamfered portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that can present low-temperature recycling of rare metals from spent electrodes. An exemplary method of recycling a battery comprises: mixing, in a solution, at least an electrode material and a first solvent; reducing the electrode material in the solution to create a metallic material; and extracting the metallic material from the solution.

Abstract: A resonant member for a striking mechanism of a watch or of a music box includes at least one resonant part, such as one or more gongs, arranged to vibrate and resonate once activated, and an attachment part. The resonant part and/or the attachment part is made from an alloy of palladium or platinum with more than 51% of palladium or platinum in the alloy.

Abstract: Methods are provided for activation of catalysts comprising low amounts of a hydrogenation metal, such as low amounts of a Group 8-10 noble metal. The amount of hydrogenation metal on the catalyst can correspond to 0.5 wt % or less (with respect to the weight of the catalyst), or 0.1 wt % or less, or 0.05 wt % or less. Prior to loading a catalyst into a reactor, the corresponding catalyst precursor can be first activated in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere containing 1.0 vppm of CO or less. The thus first-activated catalyst can be transferred to a reactor with optional exposure to oxygen during the transfer, where it can be further activated using a hydrogen-containing atmosphere containing 3.0 vppm of CO or higher, to yield a twice-activated catalyst with high performance. The catalyst can be advantageously a transalkylation catalyst or an isomerization catalyst useful for converting aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes hybrid binary catalysts (HBCs) that can be used as engine aftertreatment catalyst compositions. The HBCs provide solutions to the challenges facing emissions control. In general, the HBCs include a porous primary catalyst and a secondary catalyst. The secondary catalyst partial coats the surfaces (e.g., the internal porous surface and/or the external surface) of the primary catalyst resulting in a hybridized composition. The synthesis of the HBCs can provide a primary catalyst whose entire surface, or portions thereof, can be coated with the secondary catalyst.

Abstract: To provide a single crystal production apparatus that is capable of prolonging the lifetime of a heater, and capable of reducing the cost. A single crystal production apparatus of the present invention is the single crystal production apparatus which produces a single crystal of a metal oxide in an oxidative atmosphere, containing: a base body; a cylindrical furnace body having heat resistance disposed above the base body; a lid member occluding the furnace body; a heater disposed inside the furnace body; a high frequency coil heating the heater through high frequency induction heating; and a crucible heated with the heater, the heater containing a Pt-based alloy and having a zirconia coating on an overall surface of the heater.

Abstract: A platinum wire in which crystal grain growth is slowed in order to prevent damage caused by creep without dispersing a metal oxide, and occurrence of slip at crystal grain boundaries is slowed. A platinum thermocouple wire that is used in a negative electrode of a platinum-based thermocouple and has a nitrogen mass concentration of 10 to 100 ppm, and when structure observation of the cross section of the wire in a longitudinal direction is performed, a structure is observed in which there is a plurality of crystal grains, which have an aspect ratio {(length of major axis)/(length of minor axis perpendicular to major axis)} of 5 or more and elongate in the longitudinal direction of the wire, in a wire thickness direction.

Abstract: A conductive material includes metal nanowires and an extensible copolymer having an N—C?O structure and combined with the metal nanowires. The conductive material has excellent elongation properties and has an electrical resistance that is unlikely to increase even when the conductive material is extended. A method for producing a conductive material includes: a copolymer production step of polymerizing a plurality of monomers including a growth direction control monomer that has an N—C?O structure and controls a growth direction of metal nanowires to produce an extensible copolymer; a reaction step of reacting a metal compound in a solvent containing the copolymer to grow metal nanowires in a longitudinal direction; and an extraction step of extracting a product from the solution after the reaction.

Abstract: Identifying a stable phase of a binary alloy comprising a solute element and a solvent element. In one example, at least two thermodynamic parameters associated with grain growth and phase separation of the binary alloy are determined, and the stable phase of the binary alloy is identified based on the first thermodynamic parameter and the second thermodynamic parameter, wherein the stable phase is one of a stable nanocrystalline phase, a metastable nanocrystalline phase, and a non-nanocrystalline phase.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of identifying a stable phase of an ordering binary alloy system comprising a solute element and a solvent element, the method comprising: determining at least three thermodynamic parameters associated with grain boundary segregation, phase separation, and intermetallic compound formation of the ordering binary alloy system; and identifying the stable phase of the ordering binary alloy system based on the first thermodynamic parameter, the second thermodynamic parameter and the third thermodynamic parameter by comparing the first thermodynamic parameter, the second thermodynamic parameter and the third thermodynamic parameter with a predetermined set of respective thermodynamic parameters to identify the stable phase; wherein the stable phase is one of a stable nanocrystalline phase, a metastable nanocrystalline phase, and a non-nanocrystalline phase.

Abstract: A mechanical structure is provided with a crystalline superelastic alloy that is characterized by an average grain size and that exhibits a martensitic phase transformation resulting from a mechanical stress input greater than a characteristic first critical stress. A configuration of the superelastic alloy is provided with a geometric structural feature of the alloy that has an extent that is no greater than about 200 micrometers and that is no larger than the average grain size of the alloy. This geometric feature undergoes the martensitic transformation without intergranular fracture of the geometric feature.

Abstract: A dental alloy contains palladium (Pd) and indium (In) for CAD/CAM machining. The dental alloy can further include one component selected from the group consisting of gold (Au), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and platinum (Pt). The dental alloy has a yield strength of 250 MPa to 450 MPa, breaking elongation of 2% to 8%, metal-ceramic adhesion of 20 MPa to 70 MPa, coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 14.0×10?6/K to 17.0×10?6/K, or density of 8 g/cm3 to 15 g/cm3.

Abstract: Hydrogen sensor including a substrate (S) on which there is deposited an active layer of material comprising a first element selected from the rare earth family, a second element selected from the platinum group metals (PGMs) and a third element selected from the alkaline earth metal family.

Abstract: A platinum plus chromium coating applied to the roots and firtrees of turbine blades where the inclusion of chromium creates a single phase outer zone which minimises diffusion paths for sulphur which can preferentially diffuse down phase boundaries and enables a chromium rich outer oxide scale to form on top of the coating.

Abstract: A method for producing highly pure platinum on an industrial scale, as well as the use of said highly pure platinum. According to the method, a hexahalogenoplatinate is reduced to platinum in acidic conditions.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to shaped transition metal particles, in particular in the form of a dispersion in an aqueous and/or organic medium, the manufacture thereof and their use as an infrared (IR) absorbing agent, an IR curing agent for coatings, an additive in conductive formulations, an antimicrobial agent or for sensoring organic and/or inorganic compounds. Further, the invention relates to dispersions comprising said shaped particles and an aqueous and/or organic medium, such as a thermoplastic or crosslinkable polymer, as well as to antimicrobial compositions and products.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are a fine crystallite high-function metal alloy member, a method for manufacturing the same, and a business development method thereof, in which a crystallite of a metal alloy including a high-purity metal alloy whose crystal lattice is a face-centered cubic lattice, a body-centered cubic lattice, or a close-packed hexagonal lattice is made fine with the size in the level of nanometers (10?9 m to 10?6 m) and micrometers (10?6 m to 10?3 m), and the form thereof is adjusted, thereby remedying drawbacks thereof and enhancing various characteristics without losing superior characteristics owned by the alloy.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of forming an inorganic nanowire, comprising: providing an elongated organic scaffold; providing a plurality of inorganic nanoparticles attached to the organic scaffold along a length of the organic scaffold; and fusing the nanoparticles attached to the organic scaffold to form an inorganic nanowire.

Abstract: Nanocrystals comprising organic ligands at surfaces of the plurality of nanocrystals are provided. The organic ligands are removed from the surfaces of the nanocrystals using a solution comprising a trialkyloxonium salt in a polar aprotic solvent. The removal of the organic ligands causes the nanocrystals to become naked nanocrystals with cationic surfaces.

Abstract: A Pt—Al—Hf/Zr aluminide coating that can be used as a bond coat for TBC and improve TBC spallation life in service at elevated temperatures is provided. The aluminide coating can include a metastable ternary or higher X—Pt/Pd—Ni phase where the phase and other elements in the alloy system are present in a NiAl ? phase of the coating. The metastable phase can be present and observable in the as-deposited condition of the bond coating; e.g. in an as-CVD deposited condition of the bond coating.

Abstract: An article made of an alloy of the general formula Pt1-a-bMa(B1-xMdx)b in which i) M stands for one or a mixture of metallic element(s) of the group Zr, Ti, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Ag, Al; ii) Md stands for one or a mixture of several metalloids of the group Si, P, C, S, As, Ge; iii) a is smaller than 0.2; iv) b is comprised between 0.2 and 0.5; v) x is comprised between 0 and 0.8; vi) the overall P content, if present, is less than 10 atomic percent the proportions of the elements forming the alloy having been selected to confer a hardness of at least 400 HV, a melting point below 1000° C. and improved processibility to the alloy.

Abstract: A multimetallic nanoscale catalyst having a core portion enveloped by a shell portion and exhibiting high catalytic activity and improved catalytic durability. In various embodiments, the core/shell nanoparticles comprise a gold particle coated with a catalytically active platinum bimetallic material. The shape of the nanoparticles is substantially defined by the particle shape of the core portion. The nanoparticles may be dispersed on a high surface area substrate for use as a catalyst and is characterized by no significant loss in surface area and specific activity following extended potential cycling.

Abstract: A catalyst for diesel particle filter includes a platinum (Pt)-neodymium (Nd) alloy that is carried in silica, a preparation method thereof and a soot reduction device for diesel engine including the same, wherein the catalyst for diesel particle filter can maintain high catalyst activity and implement high nitrogen monoxide (NO) conversion efficiency even though it is used under the high temperature or vulcanization condition for a long time.

Abstract: The present invention is a metallic wire rod comprising iridium or an iridium-containing alloy and, the wire rod has in the cross section thereof biaxial crystal orientation of 50% or more of abundance proportion of textures in which crystallographic orientation has preferred orientation to <100> direction. In the present invention, crystal orientation in the outer periphery from semicircle of the cross section which is the periphery of the wire rod is important, and in this zone, abundance proportion of textures in which crystallographic orientation has preferred orientation to <100> direction is preferably not less than 50%.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process to prepare metal nanoparticles or metal oxide nanoparticles by applying a cathodic potential as an alternating current (ac) voltage to a solid starting metal object which solid metal object is in contact with a liquid electrolyte comprising a stabilising cation. The invention is also directed to the use of the nanoparticles as a catalyst.

Abstract: A magnetic material includes a main alloy having a rhombohedral crystal structure and a composition represented by CoyCuxPtz, wherein x ranges from 3 to 32, y ranges from 18 to 47, and z ranges from 40 to 60, with the proviso that x+y+z=100. The rhombohedral crystal structure of the main alloy includes a magnetic Co—Pt alloy region and a nonmagnetic Cu—Pt alloy region.

Abstract: A catalyst for diesel particle filter includes a platinum (Pt)-neodymium (Nd) alloy that is carried in silica, a preparation method thereof and a soot reduction device for diesel engine including the same, wherein the catalyst for diesel particle filter can maintain high catalyst activity and implement high nitrogen monoxide (NO) conversion efficiency even though it is used under the high temperature or vulcanization condition for a long time.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing biodiesel fuel having an excellent oxidative stability and fluidity at low temperature, wherein the method provides selective hydrogenation of a poly-unsaturated fatty acid alkyl ester to the mono-unsaturated fatty acid alkyl ester while inhibiting the formation of the trans-isomer, and a biodiesel fuel composition. In the method for producing biodiesel fuel, a fatty acid alkyl ester prepared from fat and/or waste edible oil by transesterification reaction, and/or (2) a fatty acid alkyl ester treated by esterification reaction of a fatty acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst containing at least one of noble metals selected from those of Groups 8-10 in the periodic table under low hydrogen pressure.

Abstract: A porous catalyst layer formed from discrete particles of unsupported metal, wherein at least 80%, suitably at least 90%, of the discrete particles have a mass of from 1 to 1000 zeptograms, and wherein the catalyst layer has a metal volume fraction of less than 30% and a metal loading of less than 0.09 mg/cm2 is disclosed. The catalyst layer is suitable for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical applications.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an amorphous alloy includes at least Pt, P, Si and B as alloying elements, and has a Pt weight fraction of about 0.925 or greater. In some embodiments, the Pt weight fraction is about 0.950 or greater.

Abstract: A novel multiband absorption based solar cell is disclosed by using the europium chalcogenides (EuX, X?O, S, Se, Te) and related magnetic semiconductor materials, in which an intermediate band is formed by the localized Eu 4f electrons between p-states of chalcogen ions and Eu s-d states. The energy gaps among the multibands can be in the spectral range of the sunlight, thus they can serve as better sunlight absorbers in solar cells than the conventional single band-gap semiconductors such as Si and GaAs. With these multiband semiconductors, the bottleneck in current power conversion efficiency can be potentially overcome in single junction photovoltaics.

Abstract: Methods of the invention allow rapid production of high-porous, large-surface-area nanostructured metal and/or metal oxide at attractive low cost applicable to a wide variety of commercial applications such as sensors, catalysts and photovoltaics.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to shaped transition metal particles, in particular in the form of a dispersion in an aqueous and/or organic medium, the manufacture thereof and their use as an infrared (IR) absorbing agent, an IR curing agent for coatings, an additive in conductive formulations, an antimicrobial agent or for sensoring organic and/or inorganic compounds. Further, the invention relates to dispersions comprising said shaped particles and an aqueous and/or organic medium, such as a thermoplastic or crosslinkable polymer, as well as to antimicrobial compositions and products.

Abstract: It is found that alloys including amorphous phase comprising at least a first element selected from the group consisting of Pt and Ru, at least a second element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Hf, Si, Ir, Ru, Pd and Ni, and at least a third element selected from the group consisting of Si, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mo, Co, Al, Zr, Hf, Ni and Ru have excellent machining characteristics, heat-resistant characteristics, corrosion resistance and adhesion resistance. Using the alloys as the molding surface of a die, a heat resistant molding die for forming glass optical device having fine structure for performing high definite functions became possible to manufacture with excellent machining characteristics.

Abstract: A material for a plug electrode having not only excellent oxidation wear resistance but also excellent spark wear, and also having adequately-considered discharge properties in use is provided. The present invention relates to a material for a plug electrode, comprising 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less of Cu, 0.1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of Ir, with the balance being Pt. Alloying by combining two metals of Cu and Ir can reduce discharge voltages and improve durability against spark wear. With addition of only one of them, the effect of improving spark wear properties is poor and the effect of reducing discharge voltages cannot be expected.

Abstract: A magnetic material includes a main alloy having a rhombohedral crystal structure and a composition represented by CoyCuxPtz, wherein x ranges from 3 to 32, y ranges from 18 to 47, and z ranges from 40 to 60, with the proviso that x+y+z=100. The rhombohedral crystal structure of the main alloy includes a magnetic Co—Pt alloy region and a nonmagnetic Cu—Pt alloy region.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of FePt or CoPt nanoparticles in ionic liquids, which in certain embodiments constitutes a direct method for the preparation of such nanoparticles having the face-centred tetragonal (fct) crystalline form. The invention also provides FePt or CoPt nanoparticles obtainable by a method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a precious metal recovery process in which an acid sulfidic feed material is subjected to acid pressure oxidation and an alkaline sulfidic feed material is subjected to alkaline pressure oxidation, with the discharge slurries from the pressure oxidation processes being combined to reduce neutralization requirements prior to precious metal recovery.

Abstract: A multimetallic nanoscale catalyst having a sore portion enveloped by a shell portion and exhibiting high catalytic activity and improved catalytic durability. In various embodiments, the core/shell nanoparticles comprise a gold particle coated with a catalytically active platinum bimetallic material. The shape of the nanoparticles is substantially defined by the particle shape of the core portion. The nanoparticles may be dispersed on a high surface area substrate for use as a catalyst and is characterized by no significant loss in surface area and specific activity following extended potential cycling.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided and includes fine catalyst particles of a composition represented by formula (1): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Hf, W, Ni, and V; u, x, y, and z are 10 to 98.9 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 35 atm %, and 0.5 to 35 atm %, respectively, or formula (2): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ct, Mo, Nb, Zr, and T; u, x, y, and z are 40 to 70 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 15 atm %, and 0.5 to 15 atm %, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic thin films, sputtering targets and vapor deposition materials, each of which is composed of 40-60 at % of Pt, 40-60 at % of Fe, 0.05-1.0 at % of P and furthermore depending on the occasions, 0.4-19.5 at % of Cu and/or Ni.

Abstract: Provided is a conductive material to be used for a resistor and a sensor, which is enhanced its mechanical strength while maintaining a stable resistance ratio. In the conductive material used for the resistor and the sensor, 400 to 10,000 ppm of Sr is contained in Pt, and the balance is an inevitable impurity. An intermetallic compound phase formed of Pt and Sr is precipitated and dispersed in Pt.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catalyst including platinum phosphide having a cubic structure, a method of making the catalyst, and a fuel cell utilizing the catalyst. The present disclosure also relates to method of making electrical power utilizing a PEMFC incorporating the catalyst. Also disclosed herein is a catalyst including a platinum complex wherein platinum is complexed with a nonmetal or metalloid. The catalyst with the platinum complex can exhibit good electro-chemically active properties.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for preparing a PtCo nanocube catalyst, the method comprising dissolving a platinum (Pt) precursor, a cobalt (Co) precursor, a surface stabilizer and a reducing agent in a solvent to prepare a solution; heating the solution under an inert gas atmosphere; maintaining the temperature of the solution to obtain PtCo alloy nanocubes; adsorbing the PtCo alloy nanocubes on a carbon support to obtain a catalyst; and removing the surface stabilizer from the catalyst. The disclosed method for preparing a PtCo nanocube catalyst enables preparation of nanocubes with uniform size and cubic shape through a simple process and application for development of high-efficiency fuel cells by preventing change in shape, surface area and composition caused by agglomeration of the nanocubes.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst, suitable for use in a fuel cell, comprises an alloy having a single crystalline phase, wherein the alloy consists of 5-95 at % palladium, 5-95 at % ruthenium and less than 10 at % of other metals, provided that the alloy does not consist of 50 at % palladium and 50 at % ruthenium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic thin film containing a L11 type Co—Pt—C alloy in which atoms are orderly arranged, and can realize an order degree excellent in regard to the L11 type Co—Pt—C alloy to achieve excellent magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic thin film. Therefore, in the various application devices using the magnetic thin film, it is possible to achieve a large capacity process and/or a high density process thereof in a high level.

Abstract: A method of producing a finely divided ruthenium-platinum alloy catalyst comprising: (i) forming a mixture of platinum ?-diketone and ruthenium ?-diketone on a carbon support, (ii) both, platinum ?-diketone and ruthenium ?-diketone having a decomposition temperature within 20° C. of each other, (iii) decomposing said platinum ?-diketone and ruthenium ?-diketone on a carbon support at a temperature of at least 260° C. in the absence of a reducing agent (iv) followed by a reduction effected with a hydrogen containing gas mixture and a method from oxidizing methanol.

Abstract: To provide a production process of an electrode catalyst for fuel cell whose initial voltage is high and whose endurance characteristics, especially, whose voltage drop being caused by high-potential application is less. A production process according to the present invention of an electrode catalyst for fuel cell is characterized in that: it includes: a dispersing step of dispersing a conductive support in a solution; a loading step of dropping a platinum-salt solution, a base-metal-salt solution and an iridium-salt solution to the resulting dispersion liquid, thereby loading respective metallic salts on the conductive support as hydroxides under an alkaline condition; and an alloying step of heating the conductive support with metallic hydroxides loaded in a reducing atmosphere to reduce them, thereby alloying them.