Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystal structure of a plasma membrane proton pump type ATPase. The invention further describes method for identification of modulators of ATPases as well as uses of such modulators. Based on the provided three dimensional structure of the ATPase, various method, such as computer implemented methods may be used for identification of modulators, such putative modulators may be further analysed using in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm there functionality. Several modulator interaction regions are described as target of regulation by ATPase modulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing electrode catalyst materials for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), and particularly to a high-performance platinum-non-platinum mixed electrode catalyst (Pt—RuOs/C) having a physically mixed structure of RuOs alloy and platinum materials, which is prepared by adding a small amount of platinum (Pt) to RuOs alloy materials highly dispersed on a carbon support, where the amount of platinum used is drastically reduced as compared to the conventional platinum materials, thus lowering the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A spark plug and an alloy for an electrode tip of a spark plug is disclosed herein. The spark plug having: an insulator shell; a center electrode inside the insulator shell such that one end of the center electrode protrudes from the insulator shell; a metal shell exterior to the insulator shell; a side ground electrode having one end coupled to the metal shell and the other end facing the protruding end of the center electrode to form a spark discharge gap between the center electrode and the side ground electrode; and an electrode tip secured to at least one of the side ground electrode or the center electrode, located at the spark discharge gap, the electrode tip comprising a platinum-based alloy comprising 20 to 35% by weight of palladium, from greater than 0 to 15% by weight iridium, and the balance of the alloy being platinum, all % by weight being based on the total weight of the alloy.

Abstract: Particles and manufacturing methods thereof are provided. The manufacturing method of the particle includes providing a precursor solution containing a precursor dissolved in a solution, and irradiating the precursor solution with a high energy and high flux radiation beam to convert the precursor to nano-particles. Particles with desired dispersion, shape, and size are manufactured without adding a stabilizer or surfactant to the precursor solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon-supported PtRu anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) which has a platinum/ruthenium content in the range from 80 to 98 wt. %, preferably in the range from 85 to 98 wt. %, particularly preferably in the range from 85 to 95 wt. % (based on the total weight of the catalyst), on a carbon-based electrically conductive support material and has a mean particle size of less than 3 nm. The catalyst is prepared using a carbon black support material having a specific surface area (measured by the BET method) in the range from 1000 to 2000 m2/g by means of a reduction process using chemical reducing agents with addition of organic acids. Electrodes and membrane-electrode units containing the catalyst according to the invention having a high precious metal loading have an electrode layer thickness of less than 80 ?m at a PtRu loading per unit area of the electrode of from 6 to 12 mg of PtRu/cm2 and lead to improved electric power in direct methanol fuel cells.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method of producing chemically pure and stably dispersed metal and metal-alloy nanoparticle colloids with ultrafast pulsed laser ablation. A method comprises irradiating a metal or metal alloy target submerged in a liquid with ultrashort laser pulses at a high repetition rate, cooling a portion of the liquid that includes an irradiated region, and collecting nanoparticles produced with the laser irradiation and liquid cooling. The method may be implemented with a high repetition rate ultrafast pulsed laser source, an optical system for focusing and moving the pulsed laser beams, a metal or metal alloy target submerged in a liquid, and a liquid circulating system to cool the laser focal volume and collect the nanoparticle products. By controlling various laser parameters, and with optional liquid flow movement, the method provides stable colloids of dispersed metal and metal-alloy nanoparticles. In various embodiments additional stabilizing chemical agents are not required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noble metal particle with an improved methanol-oxidation property. This noble metal particle has a platinum particle and ruthenium particles deposited on only part of the surface of the platinum particle. This noble metal particle suitably can be produced by precipitating the ruthenium particles out of the solution so that the ruthenium particles are deposited on only part of the surface of the platinum particle by further adding a ruthenium salt into the solution and reducing the ruthenium salt after the reduction of the platinum salt in the solution essentially is completed. This noble metal particle is suitable as a catalyst to be supported on an electrode of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell typified by a direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for fabricating nanopowders, nano ink containing the nanopowders and micro rods, and nanopowders containing nanoparticles, nano clusters or mixture thereof, milled from nano fiber composed of at least one kind of nanoparticles selected from a group consisting of metal, nonmetal, metal oxide, metal compound, nonmetal compound and composite metal oxide, nano ink containing the nanopowders and microrods, the method comprising spinning a spinning solution containing at least one kind of precursor capable of composing at least one kind selected from a group consisting of metal, nonmetal, metal oxide, metal compound, nonmetal compound and composite metal oxide, crystallizing or amorphizing the spun precursor to produce nano fiber containing at least one kind of nanoparticles selected from a group consisting of metal, nonmetal, metal oxide, metal compound, nonmetal compound and composite metal oxide, and milling the nano fiber to fabricate nanopowders containing nanoparticles, nano clusters or

Abstract: An alloy for use in jewelry applications is provided that has a composition comprising about 45 to about 55 platinum by weight and about 55 to about 45 percent palladium by weight. The alloy possesses favorable characteristics as compared to pure platinum and pure palladium. Due to these characteristics, the alloy is attractive for use in jewelry applications.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a platinum alloy comprising (a) 63.01 to 69.99 wt. % of platinum, (b) 1.5 to 10 wt. % of cobalt, and (c) 20.01 to 35.49 wt. % of copper. The platinum alloys have excellent mechanical and optical properties for use in the production of ornamental articles such as rings, necklaces, earrings, watch bands, watch bodies and other jewelry. The disclosure further relates to a method of preparing the platinum alloys and their use in the production of ornamental articles. Still further the disclosure relates to ornamental articles comprising the platinum alloy and a method of production thereof.

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: The present teachings are directed toward electrocatalyst composition of an alloy of platinum and tungsten for use in fuel cells. The alloy consists essentially of platinum metal present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 20 percent and about 50 percent, and tungsten metal present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 50 percent and about 80 percent.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ heap leaching or lixiviants that include one or more blinding agents.

Abstract: Multicomponent nanoparticles include two or more dissimilar components selected from different members of the group of noble metals, base transition metals, alkali earth metals, and rare earth metals and/or different groups of the periodic table of elements. The two or more dissimilar components are dispersed using a polyfunctional dispersing agent such that the multicomponent nanoparticles have a substantially uniform distribution of the two or more dissimilar components. The polyfunctional dispersing agent may include organic molecules, polymers, oligomers, or salts of these. The molecules of the dispersing agent bind to the dissimilar components to overcome same-component attraction, thereby allowing the dissimilar components to form multicomponent nanoparticles. Dissimilar components such as iron and platinum can be alloyed together using the dispersing agent to form substantially uniform multicomponent nanoparticles, which can be used alone or with a support.

Abstract: The invention relates to platinum-metal oxide composite particles and their use as electrocatalysts in oxygen-reducing cathodes and fuel cells. The invention particularly relates to methods for preventing the oxidation of the platinum electrocatalyst in the cathodes of fuel cells by use of these platinum-metal oxide composite particles. The invention additionally relates to methods for producing electrical energy by supplying such a fuel cell with an oxidant, such as oxygen, and a fuel source, such as hydrogen. The invention also relates to methods of making the metal-metal oxide composites.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed toward electrocatalyst compositions of platinum, titanium and at least a third metal for use in fuel cells. The electrocatalyst composition is composed essentially of platinum present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 50 percent and about 85 percent, titanium present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 5 percent and about 30 percent, and at least a third metal present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 1 percent and about 30 percent. The third metal can be at least one member selected from the group consisting of cobalt, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium and gold.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed toward electrocatalyst compositions of platinum, titanium and at least a third metal for use in fuel cells. The electrocatalyst composition is composed essentially of platinum present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 55 percent and about 95 percent, titanium present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 1 percent and about 30 percent, and at least a third metal present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 1 percent and about 30 percent. The third metal can be at least one member selected from the group consisting of copper, manganese and iron.

Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst comprising platinum, chromium, and copper, nickel or a combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of platinum is less than 50 atomic percent, and/or the concentration of chromium is less than 30 atomic percent, and/or the concentration of copper, nickel, or a combination thereof is at least 35 atomic percent.

Abstract: Although nanoparticles capable of providing an extremely large active surface area have highly marked advantages, when a PEFC electrode utilizing nanoparticles is used for a prolonged period of time, the catalyst nanoparticles on carrier of the PEFC electrode because of the nano-size thereof migrate and aggregate together to result in a rapid loss of activity. Thus, there is a demand for inhibition of the above aggregation so as to prevent any drop of catalytic activity. According to the present invention the aggregation of nanoparticles can be inhibited by catalyst nanoparticles containing Pt wherein a porous matter containing an inorganic oxide is disposed on the surface of the catalyst nanoparticles. When use is made of nanoparticles whose surface has undergone specific modification, excellent activity can be realized. Therefore, there are provided surface-modified nanoparticles and catalyst and further a PEFC electrode utilizing these nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing a single-stage production method that enables the production of ultra fine metal nanoparticles and ordered alloy nanoparticles within solution. The production method includes irradiating a solution of a salt or complex of a metal element, thereby decomposing and/or reducing the salt or complex within the solution and generating metal nanoparticles having an average particle size within a range from 0.3 to 100 nm within the solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanoparticles formed from a plurality of two or more different components. The two or more components are dispersed using a dispersing agent such that the nanoparticles have a substantially uniform distribution of the two or more components. The dispersing agents can be poly functional small organic molecules, polymers, or oligomers, or salts of these. The molecules of the dispersing agent bind to the particle atoms to overcome like-component attractions, thereby allowing different and/or dissimilar components to form heterogeneous nanoparticles. In one embodiment, dissimilar components such as iron and platinum are complexed using the dispersing agent to form substantially uniform heterogeneous nanoparticles. Methods are also disclosed for making the multicomponent nanoparticles. The methods include forming suspensions of two or more components complexed with the dispersing agent molecules. The suspensions can also be deposited on a support material and/or anchored to the support.

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: A fuel cell catalyst comprising platinum, titanium and tungsten. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of platinum is less than 60 atomic percent, and/or the concentration of titanium is at least 20 atomic percent, and/or the concentration of tungsten is at least 25 atomic percent.

Abstract: Pt-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and methods of forming articles from Pt-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided. The Pt-based alloys of the current invention are based on Pt—Ni—Co—Cu—P alloys.

Abstract: A metal nanoparticle composition includes a thermally decomposable or UV decomposable stabilizer. A method of forming conductive features on a substrate, includes providing a solution containing metal nanoparticles with a stabilizer; and liquid depositing the solution onto the substrate, wherein during the deposition or following the deposition of the solution onto the substrate, decomposing and removing the stabilizer, by thermal treatment or by UV treatment, at a temperature below about 180° C. to form conductive features on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for recovering a catalyst for a fuel cell includes a collection step in which a catalyst is collected by attracting, using a magnetic force, a magnetic material contained in at least one of the catalyst and a carrier on which the catalyst is supported. A system for recovering a catalyst for a fuel cell includes a collection device that attracts, using a magnetic force, a magnetic material contained in at least one of a catalyst and a carrier on which the catalyst is supported.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, system and method for screening and making one or more electrocatalysts, electrocatalyst arrays, electrodes and catalysts for an oxygen reduction reaction with a Group VIII noble metal in contact with a component-M o form a Group VIII noble metal-M alloy, wherein component-M is one or more metals selected from Groups IIIA, IVA, VIII, IB, IIB, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIIIB of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxide-dispersion-strengthened platinum material in which dispersed particles made from a metallic oxide of an additive metal are dispersed in a matrix made from platinum or a platinum alloy, characterized in that the concentration of oxygen in the material except oxygen bound to the additive metal is 100 ppm or lower. The platinum material according to the present invention has preferably an average diameter of the dispersed particles of 0.2 ?m or smaller, and an average interparticle distance of 0.01 to 2.7 ?m. The platinum material also preferably has the concentration of the dispersed particles in an amount of 0.01 to 0.5 wt %, and an oxidation rate of the additive metal of 50 to 100%.

Abstract: Stable atomic quantum clusters, AQCs, characterized by being composed of at least 500 metal atoms, its production process characterized by having a kinetic control and by maintaining a low concentration of reagents in the reaction medium, as well as the uses of these clusters as sensors (fluorescent, magnetic or chemical), electrocatalysts and as cytostatics and/or cytotoxics.

Abstract: A metal-supported porous carbon film wherein metal fine particles with a mean particle diameter of 0.7-20 nm are dispersed and supported on pore surface walls, fuel cell electrodes employing the metal-supported porous carbon film, a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the fuel cell electrodes bonded on both sides of a polymer electrolyte film, and a fuel cell comprising the fuel cell electrode as a constituent element. The support structure is such that metal fine particles having a controlled particle size are uniformly supported to allow effective utilization of the metal-based catalyst, and the fabrication steps are simple.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a platinum alloy comprising (a) 55 to 63 wt. % of platinum, (b) 2 to 10 wt. % of cobalt, and (c) 27 to 43 wt. % of copper. The disclosure further relates to a platinum alloy comprising (a) 70 to 79.5 wt. % of platinum, 2 to 10 wt. % of cobalt, and (c) 10.5 to 28 wt. % of copper. The platinum alloys have excellent mechanical and optical properties for use in the production of ornamental articles such as rings, necklaces, earrings, watch bands, watch bodies and other jewelry. The disclosure further relates to a method of preparing the platinum alloys and their use in the production of ornamental articles. Still further the disclosure relates to ornamental articles comprising the platinum alloy and a method of production thereof.

Abstract: A method for processing CoPt alloys with improved magnetic properties. The method includes sealing a sample of a CoPt alloy in an evacuated quartz tube, and heating the alloy to a temperature of approximately 1000 degrees C. to homogenize the alloy for approximately 3 hours. The sample is then cooled at a controlled cooling rate of 120-150 degrees C. per minute to 600 degrees C. The sample is then held at 600 degrees C. for 10 hours to promote isothermal ordering. Finally, the sample is quenched in mineral oil.

Abstract: An alloy for use in jewelry applications is provided that has a composition comprising about 45 to about 55 platinum by weight and about 55 to about 45 percent palladium by weight. The alloy possesses favorable characteristics as compared to pure platinum and pure palladium. Due to these characteristics, the alloy is attractive for use in jewelry applications.

Abstract: A composition for use as a catalyst in, for example, a fuel cell, the composition comprising platinum, copper and tungsten, or an oxide, carbide and/or salt of one or more of platinum, copper and tungsten, wherein the sum of the concentrations of platinum, copper and tungsten, or an oxide, carbide and/or salt thereof, is greater than 90 atomic percent.

Abstract: It is aimed at creating noble metal nanoparticles having novel shapes, sizes, and arrangements usable for catalysts, electrodes, and the like. Micelles made into rod-like shapes having semicylindrical cross-sections are formed on a carrier substrate in a self-creating manner and immobilized thereon; noble metal ions are added and diffused in the micelles to complex the micelles with noble metal ions; and a reducing agent is subsequently caused to act thereon to progress a reductive reaction of noble metal within the immobilized micelles as reaction fields, thereby growing single crystalline noble metal ultrathin-film nanoparticles on the carrier substrate by utilizing the fixed micelles having the shapes as templates, respectively.

Abstract: Raman-active nanoclusters comprised of a metal and a Raman-active organic molecule incorporated therein that are capable of self-assembly are described. The Raman-active nanoclusters are capable of acting as sensitive reporters for analyte detection. A metal that enhances the Raman signal from the organic Raman-active compound is inherent in the nanocluster. A variety of organic Raman-active compounds and mixtures of compounds can be incorporated into the nanocluster.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. The endoprostheses comprise a tubular member capable of maintaining patency of a bodily vessel. The tubular member includes a mixture of at least two compositions, where the presence of the second composition gives the mixture a greater hardness than that of the first composition alone. The first composition includes less than about 25 weight percent chromium, less than about 7 weight percent molybdenum, from about 10 to about 35 weight percent nickel, and iron. The second composition is different from the first and is present from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of the mixture.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions have backbones with first and second divalent saturated aliphatic moieties, a divalent saturated aliphatic secondary alcohol moiety, and a trivalent saturated aliphatic moiety. Hydrolytically labile ester bonds joined together these moieties. These polyesters may be polycondensation reaction products of a diol, a triol and a diacid. A molar ratio of the first divalent saturated aliphatic moiety, the divalent saturated aliphatic secondary alcohol moiety, and the trivalent saturated aliphatic moiety to the second divalent saturated aliphatic moiety is in the range of about 0.85 to about 1.5. Preferably, these polyesters are non-cytotoxic, biocompatible, bioabsorbable, or exhibit shape memory behavior with at least one transition temperature of greater than about 30° C. and less than about 100° C. and most preferably exhibit each of these qualities. The compositions may be adapted for a wide variety of uses, including medical applications.

Abstract: Alloy compositions, including devices and instruments that include the compositions, are disclosed. The compositions have high hardness, strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. The compositions can be used to manufacture, for example, medical devices and products.

Abstract: A precious metal sputter target has a composition selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, osmium and single-phase alloys thereof. The sputter target's grain structure is at least about 99 percent recrystallized and has a grain size of less than about 200 ?m for improving sputter uniformity. The cryogenic method for producing these sputter targets is also effective for improving sputter performance for silver and gold sputter targets.

Abstract: A manganese alloy sputtering target characterized in that oxygen is 1000 ppm or less, sulfur is 200 ppm or less and a forged texture is provided, and a method for producing a forged manganese alloy target stably by eliminating the drawbacks of manganese alloy that it is susceptible to cracking and has a low rupture strength. A manganese alloy sputtering target which can form a thin film exhibiting high characteristics and high corrosion resistance while suppressing generation of nodules or particles is thereby obtained.

Abstract: A method for producing a copper/palladium colloid catalyst useful for Suzuki couplings.

Abstract: Electrically resistive material including platinum and from about 5 and about 70 molar percent of iridium, ruthenium or mixtures thereof, calculated based on platinum as 100%, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for combining sodium and aluminum into a single, substantially homogeneous alloy without the need to use potentially dangerous, toxic mercury compounds. The present invention also provides a catalytic alloy that is capable of dissociating water into hydrogen and oxygen, thereby allowing the hydrogen to be utilized as fuel.

Abstract: A hard precious metal alloy member is constituted of a gold alloy, which has a gold Au content of from 37.50 to 98.45 wt %, and contains a hardening additive in a range of not less than 50 ppm but less than 15,000 ppm, wherein the hardening additive is constituted of gadolinium Gd only, or gadolinium Gd and at least one element selected from the group consisting of rare-earth elements other than Gd, alkaline-earth elements, silicon Si, aluminum Al, and boron B.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a precious metal sputtering target having a columnar crystallographic microstructure such that crystals are grown in a direction normal to the sputtering surface in order to solve conventional problems. The high-purity sputtering target of the present invention prevents chipping of a minute cluster mass that occurs in a sputtering target produced through casting or powder metallurgy; produces thin film of excellent quality; and has considerably reduced internal defects.

Abstract: A new jewelry component alloy and articles of jewelry formed therefrom wherein the components and articles include precious metal alloys of platinum and cobalt that have magnetic properties and high hardnesses so that the various forms of fine jewelry that possess new and unusual visual and functional properties. When these alloys are formed into jewelry articles or components, the magnetic properties enable the components to either be attracted to or repelled by other components of different or like polarities. The jewelry designer is thus able to create pieces with levitating or suspended components, or to make magnetically connected components. The high hardness imparts exceptional durability to these components.

Abstract: Electrically resistive material including platinum and from about 5 and about 70 molar percent or iridium, ruthenium or mixtures thereof, calculated based on platinum as 100%, are disclosed.

Abstract: Electrically resistive material including platinum and from about 5 and about 70 molar percent of iridium, ruthenium or mixtures thereof, calculated based on platinum as 100%, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supermagnetostrictive alloy capable of providing a larger shift (lager magnetostriction) with excellent workability, which is applicable to an actuator in response to advances in downsizing of electronic devices and upgrading of medical instruments and production apparatuses. The supermagnetostrictive alloy has a degree of order of 0.6 to 0.95 achieved by subjecting Fe3−xPt1+x(−0.02≦×≦0.2) to a heat treatment. The present invention also provides a method for the preparation of a supermagnetostrictive alloy having a magnetostriction of 0.3% or more, particularly 0.5% or more, comprising the steps of subjecting the Fe3−xPt1+x alloy of a raw material to a homogenization annealing, and then subjecting the resulting product to a heat treatment at 700 to 1000 K for 0.5 to 600 hours.