Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cathode active material which contains small-particle sized and low-crystalline lithium transition metal silicate and which undergoes charge-discharge reaction at room temperature. The cathode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is characterized by containing a lithium transition metal silicate and exhibits diffraction peaks having half widths of 0.175 to 0.6°, the peaks observed through powder X-ray diffractometry within a 2? range of 5 to 50°.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to provide a positive-electrode material, which has high capacity and high output and is inhibited from suffering a decrease in output with repetitions of charge and use. The invention provides a positive-electrode material for lithium secondary battery, which comprises a secondary particle of a lithium/transition metal composite oxide containing boron and/or bismuth, and wherein the atomic ratio of the sum of boron and bismuth to the sum of the metallic elements other than lithium, boron, and bismuth in a surface part of the secondary particle is from 5 times to 70 times the atomic ratio in the whole secondary particle.

Abstract: Metal oxide catalysts comprising various dopants are provided. The catalysts are useful as heterogenous catalysts in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Boronated polyphosphinohydrazide fire retardants are provided having the basic structural unit: wherein, Y is O or S; R can be selected from H, alkyl (e.g., linear, branched, saturated, or unsaturated), aryl, heterocyclic, cycloaliphatic (e.g., saturated or unsaturated), or a metallocene (e.g., ferrocene, zirconocene or the like); and n can be selected from 1 to 500.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to provide a positive-electrode material, which has high capacity and high output and is inhibited from suffering a decrease in output with repetitions of charge and use. The invention provides a positive-electrode material for lithium secondary battery, which comprises a secondary particle of a lithium/transition metal composite oxide containing boron and/or bismuth, and wherein the atomic ratio of the sum of boron and bismuth to the sum of the metallic elements other than lithium, boron, and bismuth in a surface part of the secondary particle is from 5 times to 70 times the atomic ratio in the whole secondary particle.

Abstract: A new method is disclosed for the exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride into mono- and few-layered nanosheets (or nanoplatelets, nanomesh, nanoribbons). The method does not necessarily require high temperature or vacuum, but uses commercially available h-BN powders (or those derived from these materials, bulk crystals) and only requires wet chemical processing. The method is facile, cost efficient, and scalable. The resultant exfoliated h-BN is dispersible in an organic solvent or water thus amenable for solution processing for unique microelectronic or composite applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tricyanoborates of the general formula Catn+[B(CN)3(XR1)]—n, wherein R1 is C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C6-10 aryl or benzyl; X is oxygen or sulfur; and Catn+ is a cation with n being 1 or 2, which is selected from the group consisting of an inorganic cation and an organic cation; and also their preparation and use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of skin disorders, particularly to the prevention and/or treatment of benignant or malignant changes of the epidermis visible in form of e.g. nevus. A pharmaceutical, dermatological and/or cosmetic composition is disclosed comprising as active constituent the boroxine compound. The present invention further provides the respective uses of the boroxine compound in medicine, particularly in the field of skin disorders, and in dermatological and/or cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion material which is obtained through easy processing from a substance containing silicon oxide, which is inexpensive, imposes no burden on the environment, and is stable, as a component. Also provided are a photocell and a secondary photocell both using this material. Any of synthetic quartz, fused quartz glass, soda-lime glass, non-alkali glass, and borosilicate glass, which are compositions containing silicon oxide, is pulverized, immersed in an aqueous solution of halogen acid, washed with water, and dried. The resultant material is deposited on an electrode plate and this electrode plate is placed in water where an appropriate electrolyte is mixed. This electrode plate is electrically connected to an opposite electrode, and is used as a photoelectrode by irradiated with light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barium fluoroborate compound, a nonlinear optical crystal and the preparation method and use thereof. Both of the barium fluoroborate compound and the nonlinear optical crystal have a chemical formula of Ba4B11O20F. The crystal belongs to orthorhombic crystal system, has a space group Cmc21 with unit cell parameters of a=18.802(3) ?, b=10.7143(19) ?, c=8.6113(14) ?, V=1734.7(5) ?3. The crystal has a powder second harmonic generation efficiency of 10 times that of KDP (KH2PO4). The ultraviolet cutoff wavelength is about 170 nm. The barium fluoroborate compound is prepared by a solid-state reaction. The barium fluoroborate nonlinear optical crystal prepared by a high temperature melting liquid method has large hardness and is easy to be cut, polished and stored. This crystal can be used widely in preparing the nonlinear optical devices of the second harmonic generator, the up frequency converter, the down frequency converter or the optical parametric oscillator or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocidal ceramic compositions incorporating a bioactive ionic species that is chemically bound in a substantially single-phase, crystalline, [NZP]-type structure, methods for producing the crystalline structures, and articles of manufacture incorporating the crystalline structures, and uses of the articles of manufacture. Bioactive ionic species can be, but are not limited to, Ag, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Sn, Co, H, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Proppant used to keep open a fissure in a reservoir created by hydraulic or other action is disclosed. The proppant demonstrates a reduced specific gravity controlled by the geometry of the structure of the proppant. Proppant must be capable of withstanding the hydrostatic environment of the hydraulic pumping system, pass through a perforation in the casing of the well, travel into the fissure, and, upon reduction of hydrostatic pressure, withstand the closure pressure of the formation. A proppant having neutral buoyancy or substantial neutral buoyancy yet capable of withstanding the hydraulic and closure pressures is described that has a tubular structure hollow in the center with a wall of material sufficiently strong to withstand the majority of closure pressures.

Abstract: A hair moisturizing topical composition comprising materials that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that affect tertiary structure (breaking of disulfide bonds) in human hair, and that bring about changes in secondary structure of hair proteins. The intensity of the radiation is controlled and sufficient to cause or facilitate altering of protein structure. The invention includes methods of using such topical compositions. Testing indicates that the level of tightly bound water in hair is increased, and there is no damage to hair of the type characteristic of heat and chemical treatments.

Abstract: A hair shaping topical composition comprising materials that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that affect tertiary structure (breaking of disulfide) bonds in human hair, and that bring about changes in secondary structure of hair proteins. The intensity of the radiation is controlled and sufficient to cause or facilitate altering of protein structure. The invention includes methods of using such topical compositions. Testing indicates that the hair reshaping is permanent and there is no damage to hair of the type characteristic of chemical treatments.

Abstract: A hair strengthening topical composition comprising materials that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that affect tertiary structure (breaking of disulfide) bonds in human hair, and that bring about changes in secondary structure of hair proteins. The intensity of the radiation is controlled and sufficient to cause or facilitate altering of protein structure. The invention includes methods of using such topical compositions. Testing indicates that the hair denaturation thermal energy is increased, and there is no damage to hair of the type characteristic of heat and chemical treatments.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an active material including a titanium oxide compound having a monoclinic titanium dioxide crystal structure and satisfying the equation (I). S1/(S2+S3)?1.9??(I). In the above equation, S1 is the peak area of a peak existing in a wavelength range from 1430 cm?1 to 1460 cm?1, S2 is the peak area of a peak existing in a wavelength range from 1470 cm?1 to 1500 cm?1, and S3 is the peak area of a peak existing in a wavelength range from 1520 cm?1 to 1560 cm?1, in the infrared diffusion reflective spectrum of the active material after pyridine is absorbed and then released.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigmented coating composition for an automobile clear coat, to the use of a coating composition of this type, to an automobile clear coat, and to a process for the coating of an automobile with a clear coat.

Abstract: Described are nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, including aluminum-borate NLO crystals, that have low concentrations of contaminants that adversely affect the NLO crystal's optical properties, such as compounds that contain transition-metal elements and/or lanthanides, other than yttrium, lanthanum, and lutetium. Some NLO crystals with low concentrations of these contaminants are capable of second harmonic generation at very short wavelengths. Also described are embodiments of a method for making these NLO crystals. Some embodiments involve growing a single NLO crystal, such as an aluminum-borate NLO crystal, from a mixture containing a solvent that is substantially free of harmful contaminants. The described NLO crystals can be used, for example, in laser devices.

Abstract: [Summary] An object of the present invention is to find a new electrolyte having a characteristics for the electrolyte for an electrochemical device and to provide excellent electrolytic solution for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery and nonaqueous electrolyte battery which use this. [Solving Means] To provide an electrolyte for an electrochemical device, having a chemical structure formula represented by a general formula (1). where M is a group 13 or 15 group element of the periodic table; A+ is an alkali metal ion or an onium ion; m is a number of 1-4 when M is a group 13 element, and is a number of 1-6 when M is a group 15 element; n is a number of 0-3 when M is a group 13 element, and is a number of 0-5 when M is a group 15 element; and R is a halogen atom, a C1-C10 halogenated alkyl group, a C6-C20 aryl group, a C6-C20 halogenated aryl group.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an isomorphously substituted layered silicate comprising (1) providing a mixture containing silica or a precursor thereof, at least one structure directing agent (SDA) allowing for the crystallization of the layered silicate, and water; (2) heating the mixture obtained according to (1) under hydrothermal conditions; (3) adding at least one source at least one element suitable for isomorphous substitution; (4) heating the mixture obtained according to (3) under hydrothermal conditions.

Abstract: An air cathode for a metal-air battery is disclosed which contains a catalyst chosen to make the metal air battery more easily rechargeable. This catalyst is based on cobalt phosphate, cobalt borate mixed metal cobalt phosphates, mixed metal cobalt borates, or mixed metal cobalt phosphate borates.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to provide a positive-electrode material, which has high capacity and high output and is inhibited from suffering a decrease in output with repetitions of charge and use. The invention provides a positive-electrode material for lithium secondary battery, which comprises a secondary particle of a lithium/transition metal composite oxide containing boron and/or bismuth, and wherein the atomic ratio of the sum of boron and bismuth to the sum of the metallic elements other than lithium, boron, and bismuth in a surface part of the secondary particle is from 5 times to 70 times the atomic ratio in the whole secondary particle.

Abstract: A method is provided for the synthesis of a mesoporous lithium transition metal compound, the method comprising the steps of (i) reacting a lithium salt with one or more transition metal salts in the presence of a surfactant, the surfactant being present in an amount sufficient to form a liquid crystal phase in the reaction mixture (ii) heating the reaction mixture so as to form a sol-gel and (iii) removing the surfactant to leave a mesoporous product. The mesoporous product can be an oxide, a phosphate, a borate or a silicate and optionally, an additional phosphate, borate or silicate reagent can be added at step (i). The reaction mixture can comprise an optional chelating agent and preferably, the reaction conditions at steps (i) and (ii) are controlled so as to prevent destabilisation of the liquid crystal phase. The invention is particularly suitable for producing mesoporous lithium cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate.

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: This invention relates to novel compositions of zeolites or microporous metallosilicates characterized by a continuous spatial distribution of the metal and silicon in the crystals and characterized by a crystal surface enriched in silicon relative to the internal part of the same crystals. This invention also relates to a synthesis method of producing these metallosilicates with spatial distribution of the constituting elements. These novel zeolitic compositions can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion reactions. The crystalline metallosilicates can be selected from the group consisting of aluminosilicates, gallosilicates, ferrosilicates, titanosilicates and borosilicates.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions of zeolites or microporous metallosilicates characterized by a continuous spatial distribution of the metal and silicon in the crystals and characterized by a crystal surface enriched in silicon relative to the internal part of the same crystals. This invention also relates to a synthesis method of producing these metallosilicates with spatial distribution of the constituting elements. These novel zeolitic compositions can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion reactions. The crystalline metallosilicates can be selected from the group consisting of aluminosilicates, gallosilicates, ferrosilicates, titanosilicates and borosilicates.

Abstract: The invention relates to amphiphilic, nanoscalar particles comprising lipophilic hydrolyzable groups on their surface. The invention also relates to methods for producing amphiphilic, nanoscalar particles and to compositions containing said particles.

Abstract: A new method is disclosed for the exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride into mono- and few-layered nanosheets (or nanoplatelets, nanomesh, nanoribbons). The method does not necessarily require high temperature or vacuum, but uses commercially available h-BN powders (or those derived from these materials, bulk crystals) and only requires wet chemical processing. The method is facile, cost efficient, and scalable. The resultant exfoliated h-BN is dispersible in an organic solvent or water thus amenable for solution processing for unique microelectronic or composite applications.

Abstract: A composition includes a boron-containing hydrogen silsesquioxane polymer having a structure that includes: silicon-oxygen-silicon units, and oxygen-boron-oxygen linkages in which the boron is trivalent, wherein two silicon-oxygen-silicon units are covalently bound by an oxygen-boron-oxygen linkage therebetween.

Abstract: Described is a method for the production of metal salts, wherein the cationic metal is preferably selected from Group I to IV metals and mixtures thereof and the anionic group is selected from phosphates, silicates, sulfates, carbonates, hydroxides, fluorides and mixtures thereof, and wherein said method comprises forming a mixture of at least one metal source that is a metal carboxylate with a mean carbon value per carboxylate group of at least 3 and at least one anion source into droplets and oxiding said droplets in a high temperature environment, preferably a flame. This method is especially suited for the production of calcium phosphate biomaterials such as hydroxyapatite (HAp,Cal0(P04)6(OH)2) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP,Ca3(P04)2) that exhibit excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity and therefore are widely used for reparation of bony or periodontal defects, coating of metallic implants and bone space fillers.

Abstract: Compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof, for the protection and/or decontamination of contaminants are disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery, which is low in gas generation and has high safety and excellent durability for charge and discharge cycles even at a high charge voltage. A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula LipLqNxMyOzFa (wherein L is at least one element selected from the group of B and P, N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than N, 0.9?p?1.1, 1.0?q<0.03, 0.97?x<1.00, 0?y?0.03, 1.9?z?2.1, q+x+y=1 and 0?a?0.

Abstract: A method of forming hydrogen gas comprises the steps of providing a reactor and providing a hydrogen-generating composition to the reactor. The hydrogen-generating composition consists essentially of a borohydride component and a glycerol component. The borohydride, e.g. sodium borohydride, and glycerol components are present in a generally three (3) to four (4) stoichiometric ratio, prior to reaction. The borohydride component has hydrogen atoms and the glycerol component has hydroxyl groups with hydrogen atoms. The method further comprises the step of reacting the borohydride component with the glycerol component thereby converting substantially all of the hydrogen atoms present in the borohydride component and substantially all of the hydrogen atoms present in the hydroxyl groups of the glycerol component to form the hydrogen gas. The reaction between the borohydride component and the glycerol component is an alcoholysis reaction.

Abstract: Single, acentric, rhombohedral, fluoroberyllium borate crystals of a size sufficient for use in a variety of laser and non-optical applications are formed by a hydrothermal method.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing an electroconductive mayenite type compound with good properties readily and stably at low cost. A production method of an electroconductive mayenite type compound comprising a step of subjecting a precursor to heat treatment, is a method for preparing an electroconductive mayenite type compound, comprising a step of subjecting a precursor to heat treatment; wherein the precursor is a vitreous or crystalline material, which contains Ca and Al, in which a molar ratio of (CaO:Al2O3) is from (12.6:6.4) to (11.7:7.3) as calculated as oxides, and in which a total amount of CaO and Al2O3 is at least 50 mol %, and wherein the heat treatment is heat treatment comprising holding the precursor at a heat treatment temperature T of from 600 to 1415° C. and in an inert gas or vacuum atmosphere with an oxygen partial pressure PO2 in a range of PO2?105×exp [{?7.9×l04/(T+273)}+14.4] in the unit of Pa.

Abstract: A NOX sensor material includes a composition of Ba(1-X)AXFe(12-Y)BYO19. Constituent A and constituent B are doping elements. Constituent A is selected from the group consisting of Bi, La and Pb and X is a real number where 0?X<1. Constituent B is selected from the group consisting of Al, B, Bi, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Er, Ga, In, Mg, Mn, Ni, Nb, Rh, Pb, Si, Sr, Ti, Ta, Zn and Zr and Y is a real number where 0?Y<12. The NOX sensor material may be used in a sensor element of a NOX sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing an electroconductive mayenite type compound with good properties readily and stably at low cost without need for expensive facilities, a reaction at high temperature and for a long period of time, or complicated control of reaction. A method for preparing an electroconductive mayenite type compound comprises a step of subjecting a precursor to heat treatment, wherein the precursor contains Ca and/or Sr, and Al, a molar ratio of (a total of CaO and SrO:Al2O3) is from (12.6:6.4) to (11.7:7.3) as calculated as oxides, a total content of CaO, SrO and Al2O3 in the precursor is at least 50 mol %, and the precursor is a vitreous or crystalline material; and the method comprises a step of mixing the precursor with a reducing agent and performing the heat treatment of holding the mixture at 600-1,415° C. in an inert gas or vacuum atmosphere with an oxygen partial pressure of at most 10 Pa.

Abstract: Novel superhard dielectric compounds useful as gate dielectrics in microelectronic devices have been discovered. Low temperature methods for making thin films of the compounds on substrate silicon are provided. The methods comprise the step of contacting a precursor having the formula H3X—O—XH3, wherein X is silicon or carbon with a compound comprising boron or nitrogen In a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber or with one or more atomic elements in a molecular beam epitaxial deposition (MBE) chamber. These thin film constructs are useful as components of microelectronic devices, and specifically as gate dielectrics in CMOS devices.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to new compositions comprising an, B12FxH12-x? anion that may be prepared chemically or electrochemically by oxidation of B12FxH12-x2? salts. This anion can be generated electrochemically in a voltammetry experiment, or by chemically by treatment of the (2?) anions with powerful oxidants such as XeF2 or NO2(+) salts. The new compositions can be used as 1 electron chemical oxidants and in electrochemical cells such as lithium ion batteries where their fomation at elevated potential can serve to limit the upper limit of voltage during the overcharge of such a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purification method for removing impurities containing oxygen from materials, especially boron, by hydrogen-based plasma treatment. The present procedure allows for efficient removal of oxygen while avoiding a thermal treatment that would substantially change the structure of the treated material, or a treatment leaving a reducing agent within the treated material.

Abstract: Methods of controlled hydrolysis/alcoholysis and regeneration of a borohydride are disclosed. Examples of the present invention show that hydrolysis of sodium borohydride or lithium borohydride with dilute acid provides simultaneous generation of H2 and boric acid for recycling. Other examples of the present invention show methods for regenerating a borohydride by reacting an aluminum hydride to a borate compound to provide a regenerated borohydride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of skin disorders, particularly to the prevention and/or treatment of benignant or malignant changes of the epidermis visible in form of e.g. nevus. A pharmaceutical, dermatological and/or cosmetic composition is disclosed comprising as active constituent the boroxine compound. The present invention further provides the respective uses of the boroxine compound in medicine, particularly in the field of skin disorders, and in dermatological and/or cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cesium-rubidium-borate nonlinear optical crystal, which is represented by the chemical formula CsxRb1?xB3O5 (0<x<1), and belongs to the P212121 space group with the unit cell parameters in the following range: a=8.202-8.514 ?, b=10.075-9.140 ?, c=5.375-6.207 ? and Z=4. A preparation method of the crystal is as follows: a cesium salt, a rubidium salt and a boron-containing compound are mixed pro rata, heated, kept at a temperature, and then cooled down to obtain the cesium-rubidium-borate. The cesium-rubidium-borate and a flux are mixed and heated to form a melt to obtain a mixing melt. Then a seed crystal attached to a seed rod is dipped into the mixing melt and the seed rod is rotated simultaneously. The melt is kept at 620-780° C., and then cooled down slowly at a rate of 0-5° C. per day. The obtained crystal is drawn out of the melt surface and cooled down to room temperature. Thereby, the cesium-rubidium-borate nonlinear optical crystal is obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to an additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte of an electric double layer capacitor comprising a combustion inhibiting substance releasing compound capable of releasing a combustion inhibiting substance having particularly excellent combustion inhibiting effect during combustion, and more particularly to an additive for a non-aqueous electrolyte of an electric double layer capacitor comprising a combustion inhibiting substance releasing compound which releases a combustion inhibiting substance during combustion, characterized in that the combustion inhibiting substance is a phosphine oxide compound having P—F bond and/or P—NH2 bond in its molecule.

Abstract: This invention describes a complete sequestration of carbon (CO2 and CO) from coal burning plants. In this process, hydrogen can be generated which in turn permits the reduction in the cost of hydride synthesis. The hydrides store hydrogen for on-board application for automobiles and fuel cells. Hydrogen generation and synthesis of hydrides is accomplished by using an integrated approach in which coal is used as a fuel and carbon is sequestered in the process. The CO and or CO2 produced in coal burning power plants and the heat is used when available for producing hydrogen and hydrides. Carbon is used both as a reactant and as a fuel. Economically hydrogen production cost is comparable to or less than the current price of hydrogen produced from fossil-fuel with the added benefit of carbon sequestration and reducing global warming. Specific processes for synthesizing important hydrogen storage materials, hydrides are described.

Abstract: A process for preparing nickel hydroxide by alkaline precipitation from nickel salt solutions in the presence of complexing agents, in which the precipitation is carried out at at least two different locations in the same mother liquor with different precipitation kinetics at the different locations and the mother liquor is mixed prior to agglomeration of the precipitated primary crystals, is described.

Abstract: A modified layered metallosilicate material is produced by a process comprising the following first to fifth steps: (First Step) a step of heating a mixture containing a template compound, a boron compound, a silicon-containing compound and water to thereby obtain a precursor (A); (Second Step) a step of acid-treating the precursor (A) obtained in the first step, to thereby obtain a precursor (B); (Third Step) a step of heating the precursor (B) obtained in the second step in the presence of a swelling agent so as to swell the precursor (B) to thereby obtain a precursor (C); (Fourth Step) a step of modifying the manner of the stacking between layers in the precursor (C) obtained in the third step, to thereby obtain a precursor (D); and (Fifth Step) a step of calcining the precursor (D) obtained in the fourth step, to thereby obtain a modified layered metallosilicate material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition, in particular a dispersion, which contains nanofiber material in at least one organic matrix component, said nanofiber material being pre-treated in at least one method step for adjusting the physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: Lithium insertion compound having the following formula (I): Li?M?M1vM2wM3xM4yM5zB?(XO4??Z?)1??(I) M is selected from V2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+ and Ni2+; M1 is selected from Na+ and K+; M2 is selected from Mg2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Ti2+, and Ca2+; M3 is selected from Al3+, Ti3+, Cr3+, Fe3+, Mn3+, Ga3+, and V3+; M4 is selected from Ti4+, Ge4+, Sn4+, V4+, and Zr4+; M5 is selected from V5+, Nb5+, and Ta5+; X is an element in oxidation state m, exclusively occupying a tetrahedral site and coordinated by oxygen or a halogen, which is selected from B3+, Al3+, V5+, Si4+, P5+, S6+, Ge4+ and mixtures thereof; Z is a halogen selected from F, Cl, Br and I; the coefficients ?, ?, v, w, x, y, z, ? and ? are all positive and satisfy the following equations: 0???2??(1); 1???2??(2); 0<???(3); 0???2??(3); 0???2??(4); ?+2?+3?+v+2w+3x+4y+5z+m=8????(5); and 0 < ? ? + v + w + x + y + z ? 0.1 , preferably, 0 < ? ? + v + w + x + y + z ? 0.05 . Methods for preparing these compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to prepare boron carbide nanorods wherein boron oxide is heated in the presence of nickel/boron supported on carbon.