Abstract: The membrane electrode assemblies of fuel cells are recycled to recover the catalyst precious metals from the assemblies. The assemblies are cryogenically embrittled and pulverized to form a powder. The pulverized assemblies are then mixed with a surfactant to form a paste which is contacted with an acid solution to leach precious metals from the pulverized membranes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of synthesizing an aluminophosphate or metalloaluminophosphate molecular sieve comprising an AEI structure type material, in which the rate of heating to the crystallization temperature is controlled, either alone or in combination with the H2O:Al2O3 molar ratio of the synthesis mixture, so as to enhance the yield of the desired molecular sieve product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for catchment of platinum group metals (PGM) in a gaseous stream, where the method comprises using a catalyst comprising a porous ceramic body in which at least a part of the surface area is covered by one or more PGM-catching metal(s)/alloy(s), and where the device comprises the porous ceramic body in which at least a part of the surface area is covered by one or more PGM-catching metal(s)/alloy(s). In a further aspect, the invention also relates to a method for producing the inventive device.

Abstract: A recovering method is provided, which includes contacting a solid component containing Ru with an aqueous solution to create a Ru compound, and causing the Ru compound to selectively elute in the aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of aqueous solutions A, B, C, D, and E. The aqueous solution A comprises an acid and formic acid, alcohols, aldehydes, a compound having a hemiacetal structure or a compound having an acetal structure. The aqueous solution B comprises an acid and a compound which creates, in the coexistence thereof with the acid, formic acid, alcohols, aldehydes, a compound having a hemiacetal structure or a compound having an acetal structure. The aqueous solution C comprises an acid and sugars. The aqueous solution D comprises formic acid, and the aqueous solution E comprises oxalic acid.

Abstract: There is provided a novel extractant for palladium capable of improving an extraction speed in comparison with a case of utilizing a DHS being a conventional extractant, and a method for separation and recovery of palladium utilizing the same.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for recovering noble metal, which includes providing a carbon-supported catalyst containing a noble metal and a carbonaceous material and separating the noble metal and the carbonaceous material by using various oxidizing solutions to dissolve the noble metal stepwise from the carbon-supported catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of gold from a potassium iodide-iodine solution is provided. The gold is precipitated from the solution using a weak acid, (e.g. ascorbic acid), a buffer, (e.g. sodium bicarbonate), and a dye. The precipitate is then removed from the solution resulting in the recovery the gold precipitate and the potassium iodide-iodine solution.

Abstract: A new method for recovering a catalytic metal and carbon nanotubes from a supported catalyst is provided. The carbon nanotube, including carbon nanotube structures, may serve as the support for the catalytic metal. The valence state of the catalytic metal, if not already in the positive state, is raised to a positive state by contacting the supported catalyst with a mild oxidizing agent under conditions which does not destroy the carbon nanotube. The supported catalyst is simultaneously or subsequently contacted with an acid solution to dissolve the catalytic metal without dissolving the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Processes for the recovery of ruthenium from materials containing ruthenium or ruthenium oxides or from ruthenium-containing noble metal ore concentrates, with the steps of A. the introduction of the material into a highly alkaline alkali hydroxide melt in the presence of nitrate as oxidising agent with the formation of an oxidised melt residue with water-soluble ruthenate (RuO4)2?, B. the dissolution of the oxidised melt residue obtained in water, C. the addition of a reducing agent, D. the precipitation of the metals formed, can also be used for separating off selenium. Optionally, ruthenium is separated off by distillation, instead of precipitation, following step B, with the steps of 5C the treatment of the ruthenate-containing solution with an oxidising agent, 5D distilling off of the RuO4 obtained, 5E taking up of the RuO4 from step 5D in hydrochloric acid. By way of further subsequent purification steps, processes for the recovery of ruthenium targets are obtained.

Abstract: In processes for removing ruthenium by distilling RuO4 from ruthenate-containing solutions with these steps of the treatment of the ruthenate-containing solution with an oxidising agent, distilling off of the RuO4 formed, absorbing the RuO4 from step II in hydrochloric acid, the oxidising agent is recycled into step I following step III. The processes can be carried out in reactor modules with A a reactor with a stirrer, gas inlet and gas outlet, B at least one scrubber connected in series downstream with the gas outlet via a line, C one or several gas absorbers connected in series downstream with the at least one scrubber via lines, E at least one line from the optionally last absorber for recycling into the gas inlet of the reactor or into a further module or into a facility for off-gas treatment.

Abstract: A mixing reactor for mixing efficiently streams of fluids of differing densities. In a preferred embodiment, one of the fluids is supercritical water, and the other is an aqueous salt solution. Thus, the reactor enables the production of metal oxide nanoparticles as a continuous process, without any risk of the reactor blocking due to the inefficient mixing inherent in existing reactor designs.

Abstract: Object: This invention provides a method of refining an Rh-containing solution also containing at least one type of impurities of heavy metals, alkaline earth metals, and Ag. Means for solving the problems: The invention provides a method of refining an Rh-containing hydrochloric acid solution also containing Ag and at least one other impurity of heavy metals and alkaline earth metals, the method comprising the steps of: (a) adding an alkali to the solution to adjust pH of the solution to 7-12, whereby generating a neutralized precipitate containing Rh and other components; (b) filtrating and separating the neutralized precipitate; (c) adding a first hydrochloric acid for redissolving the neutralized precipitate in an amount such that the mole ratio of Cl to Rh (mole ratio Cl/Rh) of a resulting solution becomes 3-4; (d) filtering the resulting solution to remove Ag as precipitate, and (e) extracting the solution obtained by the previous step as an aqueous phase with DEHPA.

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: Processes and systems for recovering promoter-containing compounds, for example, perrhenates, from promoter-containing catalyst substrates, for example, substrates containing precious metals, such as silver, are disclosed. The processes include contacting the substrates with a first solution adapted to remove at least some of the catalyst promoter from the substrates, for example, an oxidizing agent, to produce a second solution containing catalyst promoter, passing the second solution through a porous medium adapted to capture at least some of the catalyst promoter, for example, a ion exchange resin; and passing a third solution, for example, a base solution, through the porous medium to remove at least some of the catalyst promoter from the porous medium and produce a fourth solution containing compounds having a catalyst promoter. Systems adapted to practice these processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for extraction a metal from a mineral ore including a refractory ore contained in a metal. The method includes concentration of refractory ore followed by micronization of the concentrate until gold is liberated by the extraction solution and mixing of micronized concentrate with concentration rejects or by-products to facilitate recovery of the treatment solution.

Abstract: This patent is an improvement of the well known process outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,235. The current invention is unique in the fact that it applies this well-known manufacturing technique to the recovery of precious metals locked in natural quartz complexes. The desired products of the process described herein are the precious metals and their compounds, which are not recoverable in appreciable yields by standard mining recovery techniques from the natural quartz ore complexes. In the aforementioned patent the application as a viable mining recovery operation is not obvious, nor is the invention presented herein covered in the claims of the aforementioned patent.

Abstract: A general, reproducible, and simple synthetic method that employs readily available chemicals permits control of the size, shape, and size distribution of metal oxide nanocrystals. The synthesis entails reacting a metal fatty acid salt, the corresponding fatty acid, and a hydrocarbon solvent, with the reaction product being pyrolyzed to the metal oxide. Nearly monodisperse oxide nanocrystals of Fe3O4, Cr2O3, MnO, Co3O4, NiO, ZnO, SnO2, and In2O3, in a large size range (3-50 nm), are described. Size and shape control of the nanocrystals is achieved by varying the reactivity and concentration of the precursors.

Abstract: A catalyst for the production of an oxygen-containing compound, comprising palladium, tungsten and zirconium, a production process thereof, and a production process of an oxygen-containing compound using the catalyst. The catalyst can provide an oxygen-containing compound from a lower olefin and oxygen with high productivity and high selectivity.

Abstract: A sample preparation method for characterization of nanoparticles embedded in the supports of heterogeneous catalysts, with improved particle dispersion, is introduced. The supported catalyst is first ground or milled into fine powder. Then, the powder is mixed into an organic solvent, and an etchant is added to the solvent to digest the supports and release metallic nanoparticles. The resulting solution is then placed in an ultrasonic bath where ultrasonic waves are generated and applied to the solution. The ultrasonic waves suppress agglomeration of the particles and also break up those particle clusters resulting from agglomeration during the prior steps. Subsequently, a sample is extracted from the solution and prepared for analysis.

Abstract: A layered ruthenic acid compound is converted to a protonic layered ruthenic acid hydrate, which is then converted to a layered alkylammonium-ruthenic acid intercalation compound to obtain a colloid containing ruthenic acid nanosheets having a thickness of 1 nm or smaller. Thereby, a ruthenic acid nanosheet is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for controlled leaching and sequential recovery of two or more metals from metal-bearing materials. In one exemplary embodiment, recovery of metals from a leached metal-bearing material is controlled and improved by providing a high grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) and a low grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) to a single solution extraction plant comprising at least two solution extractor units, at least two stripping units, and, optionally, at least one wash stage.

Abstract: Techniques associated with surface treatments for photomasks, semiconductor wafers, and/or optics are generally described. In one example, a method includes preparing a surface of a photomask or semiconductor wafer for cleaning, and removing ionic contamination from a surface of a photomask or semiconductor wafer using radical or atomic hydrogen, or suitable combinations thereof, to reduce the ionic contamination, wherein removing ionic contamination reduces the number of defects and increases semiconductor product yields accordingly.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a separation process that enables the efficient separation of selenium, tellurium, and platinum group elements from a material containing selenium/tellurium and platinum group elements. In order to achieve this object, the invention provides a separation process for platinum group elements comprising: a step (A) for treating a material containing selenium/tellurium and platinum group elements with alkali, a step (B) for leaching selenium/tellurium, and a step (C) for separating the platinum group element-containing leaching residue and the selenium/tellurium leachate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the recovery of palladium from spent catalyst. The present invention particularly relates to a suitable method of catalyst recovery of precious metals from spent catalysts or inorganic waste and more specifically the process concerns with the recovery of palladium that is anchored on carbon and is used as catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitro aromatics or as a catalyst for many other organic transformations.

Abstract: Method for industrial manufacture of pure MgCO3 comprising providing an olivine containing species of rock, to comminute the olivine containing species of rock to increase its surface, to contact the comminuted olivine containing species of rock with water and CO2. The process is conducted in at least two steps, namely a first step (R1) at a first pH where a dissolving reacting as represented by the equation: Mg2SiO4(S)+4H+=2Mg2++SiO2(aq)+2H2O, takes place. Then a precipitation takes place in the second step (R2) at a higher pH as represented by the equations: Mg2++HCO3?=MgCO3(S)+H+, and Mg2++CO32?=MgCO3(S), the presence of HCO3? and H+ ions mainly provided by the reaction between CO2 and water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing metal sulfide nanocrystals using a thiol compound as a sulfur precursor. The method comprises reacting the thiol compound and a metal precursor in a solvent to grow metal sulfide crystals to the nanometer-scale level. Further disclosed is a method for manufacturing metal sulfide nanocrystals with a core-shell structure by reacting a metal precursor and a thiol compound in a solvent to grow a metal sulfide layer on the surface of a core. The metal sulfide nanocrystals prepared by these methods can have a uniform particle size at the nanometer-scale level, selective and desired crystal structures, and various shapes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recycling and purification of an inorganic metallic precursor. A first gaseous stream containing ruthenium tetroxide is provided, and transformed into a solid phase lower ruthenium oxide. This lower phase ruthenium oxide is reduced with hydrogen to form ruthenium metal. The ruthenium metal is contacted with an oxidizing mixture to produce a stream containing ruthenium tetroxide, and any remaining oxidizing compounds are removed from this stream through a distillation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for recovering a catalyst from a catalyst body comprising a carrier having a catalyst layer formed on at least a part of the surface thereof, which comprises (a) a step of forming an overcoat layer on the surface of the catalyst layer, and (b) a step of allowing the catalyst body having the overcoat layer formed thereon to stand under the condition to result in a difference in expansibility or contractility exhibited by the overcoat layer from that exhibited by the carrier, wherein exfoliation of the catalyst layer from the carrier is permitted by means of the resulting difference in expansibility or contractility under the condition.

Abstract: An aqueous seeding solution of palladium acetate, acetic acid and chloride.

Abstract: An iridium precursor, and an iridium layer from the precursor is described. The Ir(I) in the precursor becomes Ir(III) in a reduction pathway before forming an Ir(0) layer.

Abstract: A process for the chromatographic interseparation of rhodium in admixture with at least one base metal from a feed solution comprising complexes of these metals. The process comprises contacting the solution with at least one chromatographic medium, and eluting one or more fractions such that at least one fraction comprises rhodium complex substantially free from base metal contamination. The at least one chromatography medium comprises a support functionalised with substituted amine groups which further comprise at least one hydrophilic group. Other platinum group metals can also be separated, both from one another and from base metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials using controlled, super-fine grinding and medium temperature pressure leaching. Processes embodying aspects of the present invention may be beneficial for recovering a variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, rhenium, zinc, uranium, and platinum group metals, from metal-bearing materials, and find particular utility in connection with the extraction of copper from copper sulfide ores and concentrates.

Abstract: A chromatographic medium including thioether ligands bound to a cross-linked polymer matrix. The polymer is an organic polymer and the medium is hydrophilic. A method of manufacturing the media is also described. The media are useful in the chromatographic separation of components from solution, and in particular for the interseparation of platinum group metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles, more particularly, to a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles, the method comprising: forming a mixture by dissociating a metal precursor in fatty acid; and adding a metallic salt of a metal selected from the group consisting of Sn, Mg and Fe as a metallic catalyst into the mixture and mixing the mixture and the metallic salt. According to the present invention, metal nanoparticles have a uniform particle size distribution and a high yield by performing in a non-aqueous environment without using any organic solvent, and may be environment-friendlily due to no use of a reducing agent.

Abstract: Precious metal-containing mineral material is subjected to an acidic thiocyanate leach to dissolve the precious metal as a precious metal-thiocyanate complex. A feed of the thiocyanate leach solution may include a large molar ratio of ferric iron to thiocyanate. Precious metal may be removed from pregnant thiocyanate leach solution, such as by transferring precious metal from precious metal-thiocyanate complex to precious metal-cyanide complex and then loading the precious metal-cyanide complex onto an adsorbent material. Remaining cyanide in the thiocyanate leach solution may be converted to thiocyanate for additional leaching of precious metal.

Abstract: A method for recovering and recycling catalyst coated fuel cell membranes includes dissolving the used membranes in water and solvent, heating the dissolved membranes under pressure and separating the components. Active membranes are produced from the recycled materials.

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

Abstract: Selective extraction of one or more metal anions from an aqueous solution, by contacting the aqueous solution with an organic solution including a diquaternary amine, wherein the diquaternary amine has two diquaternary nitrogens spaced at a distance of less than about 10 ?, selectively binding the metal anions to the diquaternary amine, and then separating the organic solution from the aqueous solution, wherein the diquaternary amines having the selectively bound metal anions are concentrated in the organic solution. Alternatively, the diquaternary amines may be adsorbed or chemically bonded to a solid, and the metal anion-containing aqueous solution passed over the solid having the diquaternary amines. Palladium may be selectively extracted by contacting the acidic solution with an iodide and an organic solvent, allowing the palladium to bind to the iodide, and then separating the organic solution from the aqueous solution, concentrating the bound palladium ions in the organic solution.

Abstract: Selective extraction of a metal anion complex, such as a platinum-group metal halide, from an aqueous solution containing other metal anions or anion complexes, by contacting the solution with a diquaternary ammonium salt having two quaternary nitrogens spaced at a distance less than about 10 ?, selectively binding the metal anion complex to the diquaternary ammonium salt to form an organo-metallic complex, and separating the organo-metallic complex from the solution. Alternatively, the diquaternary ammonium salts may be adsorbed or chemically bonded to a substrate, and the metal anion complex-containing solution passed over the substrate. Preferably, the two quaternary nitrogens are spaced a distance apart that is complementary to the ionic diameter of the target metal anion complex.

Abstract: A class of anionic and neutral complexes of ruthenium (II) containing nitrogen oxide (NO) and optionally a nitrogen ligand is described; a process for their preparation is also described. The preparation process includes the use of starting complexes of ruthenium (III) which are reacted with suitable reagents so as to obtain complexes containing NO coordinated to ruthenium (II). Additional substitution reactions allow the introduction of new groups that coordinate to the ruthenium atom, among which some nitrogen ligands.

Abstract: Nanoparticle compositions of noble metals, and methods of making them, are described. The nanoparticle compositions are made by reacting a salt or complex of a noble metal, such as Au, Ag, Cu or Pt, with a weak ligand, and a reducing agent, in a single liquid phase. The noble metal is typically provided as a halide or carboxylate. The ligand is preferably a fatty acid or aliphatic amine. The reducing agent is preferably a borohydride reagent, hydrazine, or a mixture thereof. Nanocrystals in the size range of 1 nm to 20 nm are produced, and can be made in substantially monodisperse form.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing cerium oxide nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. The cerium oxide nanoparticles obtained by the method of the invention are nearly all crystalline. The method comprises providing a first aqueous solution comprising cerium nitrate and providing a second aqueous solution comprising hexamethylenetetramine. The first and second aqueous solutions are mixed to form a mixture, and the mixture is maintained at a temperature no higher than about 320° K to form nanoparticles. The nanoparticles that are formed are then separated from the mixture. A further aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for preparing cerium oxide nanoparticles. The apparatus comprises a mixing vessel having a first compartment for holding a first aqueous solution comprising cerium nitrate and a second compartment for holding a second aqueous solution comprising hexamethylenetetramine. The mixing vessel has a retractable partition separating the first and second compartments.

Abstract: Improved methods for the extraction or dissolution of metals, metalloids or their oxides, especially lanthanides, actinides, uranium or their oxides, into supercritical solvents containing an extractant are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments specifically include enhancing the extraction or dissolution efficiency with ultrasound. The present methods allow the direct, efficient dissolution of UO2 or other uranium oxides without generating any waste stream or by-products.

Abstract: In a metal oxide nanoparticle and a synthetic method thereof, and in particular to maghemite (?-Fe2O3) nanoparticles usable as a superhigh density magnetic recording substance by having good shape anisotropy and magnetic characteristics, hematite (?-Fe2O3) nanoparticles usable as a precursor to the maghemite or a catalyst, maghemite and hematite-mixed nanoparticles and a synthetic method thereof, the method for synthesizing metal oxide nanoparticles includes forming a reverse micelle solution by adding distilled water, a surfactant and a solvent to metallic salt not less than trivalent, precipitating and separating gel type amorphous metal oxide particles by adding proton scavenger to the reverse micelle solution; adjusting a molar ratio of metal oxide to the surfactant by washing the gel type amorphous metal oxide particles with a polar solvent; and crystallizing metal oxide nanoparticles through heating or reflux after dispersing the gel type amorphous metal oxide particles in a non-polar solvent having a h

Abstract: A supercritical oxidation process carried out in water is capable of oxidizing “organics” in precious metal organic compositions such as heterogeneous (Pt/C) or homogeneous precious metal catalysts and producing a precious metal oxide with few by-products and low losses of precious metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing particles, such as oxide nanoparticles, in a substantially water-free environment. The process involves mixing at least one metal compound of the formula MX(m?n) with at least one surfactant and at least one solvent, wherein M is an electropositive element of Groups 1–15; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of O1/2, F, Cl, Br, I, OR, O2CR, NR2, and R; each R is independently a hydrocarbyl group; n is equal to ½ the oxidation state of the metal M in the product particle; and m is equal to the oxidation state of the element M. The components are typically combined to form a mixture which is thermally treated for a time period sufficient to convert the metal compound into particles of the corresponding oxide, having sizes in a range between about 0.5 nanometer and about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a provides a process for the recovery of precious metals from spent catalysts or adsorbent or inorganic waste, more specifically the process relates to recovery of Pd from silica, which is used as an adsorbent in column chromatography or as a catalyst support in many catalysts.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for removing palladium, which method is characterized by contacting a solution containing a palladium complex containing a phosphorus-type ligand in an organic solvent with a layered clay compound or a zeolite having a pore diameter of 0.6 to 2 nm.

Abstract: This invention relates to the recovery of platinum group metals and, more particularly, to the recovery of platinum group metals from various sources by roasting the source material with one or more of sulfuric acid, a sulfate and/or a bi-sulfate and with one or more halogen salt. The roasted product is put in contact with a leaching solution to dissolve at least a portion of the platinum group metals, which then may be separated and recovered.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting or quantifying a biological substance coupled with a colloidal metal particle by electrochemical detection, characterised in that it comprises a step which consists in dissolving by chemical treatment of said colloidal metal particle, prior to detection.