Abstract: A method for preparing a sodium super ionic conductor solid electrolyte by low-dimensional crystallization belongs to a field of energy materials. The method is based on the theory of negative ion coordination polyhedron growth unit, and uses low-temperature plasma as a protective gas of a spray drying equipment. While evaporating the solvent in a sodium super ionic conductor solid electrolyte precursor slurry, plasma active groups modify the particle surface of the sodium super ionic conductor solid electrolyte precursor particles in-situ. A free space dimension of crystal growth in the crystallization process is reduced, and directional growth of crystals in the solid phase sintering process is induced. Secondly, the dispersion stability of the sodium super ionic conductor solid electrolyte precursor particles is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sputtering target suitable for producing an amorphous transparent conductive film which can be formed without heating a substrate and without feeding water during the sputtering; which is easily crystallized by low-temperature annealing; and which has low resistivity after the crystallization. An oxide sintered compact containing an indium oxide as a main component, while containing tin as a first additive element, and one or more elements selected from germanium, nickel, manganese, and aluminum as a second additive element, with the content of tin which is the first additive element being 2-15 atom % relative to the total content of indium and tin, and the total content of the second additive element being 0.1-2 atom % relative to the total content of indium, tin and the second additive element.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for production of powder of perovskite compound which comprises: the first step for obtaining an aggregate of perovskite compound which comprises at least one A group element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb and at least one B group element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf and Sn, and which is represented by the general formula ABO3 wherein A is at least one A group element and B is at least one B group element; and the second step for heating the aggregate of perovskite compound obtained in the first step in a solvent at a temperature in a range from 30° C. to 500° C. whereby disintegrating the aggregate.

Abstract: Dry-scrubbing media compositions, methods of preparation and methods of use are provided. The compositions contain activated alumina and magnesium oxide. Optionally, activated carbon and other impregnates, such as hydroxides of group 1A metals, are included. The compositions exhibit improved efficiency and capacity for the removal of compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, from an air-stream. The compositions are particularly useful for reducing or preventing the release of toxic gaseous compounds from the areas such as landfills, petroleum storage areas, refineries, drinking water systems, sewage treatment facilities, swimming pools, hospital morgues, animal rooms, and pulp and paper production sites.

Abstract: A material compound comprising MgO. CaCO3 as a solid solution of MgO and CaCO3. and a method of fabricating the same.

Abstract: A template-free reverse micelle (RM) based method is used to synthesize pyrochlore nanostructures having photocatalytic activity. In one embodiment, the method includes separately mixing together a first acid stabilized aqueous solution including pyrochlore precursor A and a second acid stabilized aqueous solution including pyrochlore precursor B with an organic solution including a surfactant to form an oil-in-water emulsion. Next, equimolar solutions of the first and second acid stabilized oil-in-water emulsions are mixed together. Then, the mixture of the first and second acid stabilized oil-in-water emulsion is treated with a base to produce a precipitate including pyrochlore precursors A and B. After which, the precipitate is dried to remove volatiles. The precipitate is then calcined in the presence of oxygen to form a pyrochlore nanostructure, such as a bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti2O7) pyrochlore nanorod. The method of synthesizing the pyrochlore nanorod is template-free.

Abstract: Catalysts for the decomposition of N2O into nitrogen and oxygen in the gas phase, which comprises a porous support composed of polycrystalline or vitreous inorganic material, a cerium oxide functional layer applied thereto and a layer of oxidic cobalt-containing material applied thereto are described. The catalysts can be used, in particular, as secondary or tertiary catalysts in nitric acid plants.

Abstract: A method of forming composition-modified barium titanate ceramic particulate includes mixing a plurality of precursor materials and a precipitant solution to form an aqueous suspension. The plurality of precursors include barium nitrate, titanium chelate, and a metal or oxometal chelate. The precipitant solution includes tetraalkylammonium hydroxide and tetraalkylammonium oxalate. The method further includes treating the aqueous suspension at a temperature of at least 150° C. and a pressure of at least 200 psi, and separating particulate from the aqueous suspension after treating.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing lithium manganate having a high output and an excellent high-temperature stability. The above aim can be achieved by lithium manganate particles having a primary particle diameter of not less than 1 ?m and an average particle diameter (D50) of kinetic particles of not less than 1 ?m and not more than 10 ?m, which are substantially in the form of single crystal particles and have a composition represented by the following chemical formula: Li1+xMn2-x-yYyO4 in which Y is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg and Co; x and y satisfy 0.03?x?0.15 and 0.05?y?0.20, respectively, wherein the Y element is uniformly dispersed within the respective particles, and an intensity ratio of I(400)/I(111) thereof is not less than 33% and an intensity ratio of I(440)/I(111) thereof is not less than 16%.

Abstract: A method for preparing nanotubes by providing nanorods of a piezoelectric material having an asymmetric crystal structure and by further providing hydroxide ions to the nanorods to etch inner parts of the nanorods to form the nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetoelectric material in which an electric property is capable of being controlled by a magnetic field or a magnetic property is capable of being controlled by an electric field, and a method of manufacturing the same. Particularly, the present invention provides a magnetoelectric material in which a distance between magnetic ions interacting with each other is controlled by using non-magnetic ions or alkaline earth metal ions, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of fine barium titanate (BaTiO3) powders. The process comprises introducing an aqueous solution (I) containing salts of barium and titanium, and an aqueous basic solution (II) containing an inorganic or organic base separately and simultaneously into a high-gravity reactor with the high-gravity level of 1.25G to 12,500G and performing the reaction of the solution (I) with the solution (II) at a temperature of from 60 to 100° C. The solution (I) is preheated to a temperature ranging from 60° C. to 65° C. and the solution (II) is preheated to a temperature ranging from 60° C. to 100° C. respectively prior to the reaction, in which the Ba/Ti molar ratio in the solution (I) is more than 1 and the concentration of the base in the solution (II) is such that the reaction mixture is maintained at a constant OH? concentration, preferably a pH value of about 14.

Abstract: With the object of providing a positive electrode active material for lithium battery that can increase the filling density, can increase the output characteristics, and furthermore, with a small voltage decrease during conservation at high temperature in a charged state, a positive electrode active material for lithium battery is proposed, containing a spinel type (Fd3-m) lithium transition metal oxide represented by general formula Li1+xM2?xO4?? (where M represents a transition metal including Mn, Al and Mg, x represents 0.01 to 0.08 and 0??) and a boron compound, the inter-the atomic distance Li—O of the spinel type lithium transition metal oxide being 1.971 ? to 2.006 ?, and the amount of magnetic substance measured for the positive electrode active material for lithium battery being 600 ppb or less.

Abstract: The binder for monolithic refractories according to the present invention includes SrAl2O4; SrAl2O4 and 5 mass % or less of the remainder; or a mixture of SrAl2O4 and Al2O3.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is disclosed of making a material, the method including synthesizing a composition Sr2RuO4-ySy where y is in the range of, e.g., 0.1-1.2. In some embodiments y is in the range of 0.1-0.6. In some such embodiments, the material may exhibit a strong diamagnetic signal, e.g. of up to 5% of absolute diamagnetism (?=?¼?) or more (e.g., at temperatures ranging from 4K-300K). In some embodiments, the material may exhibit high temperature superconductivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Mg—Ti—Al composite metal hydroxide and to production method therefor. Mg—Ti—Al composite hydroxide particles can be obtained by subjecting a solution containing a magnesium salt and a titanium salt to ultrasound processing and carrying out a high-temperature and high-pressure reaction with a solution containing an aluminum salt in the proportions of the metal elements comprised in the Mg—Ti—Al composite metal hydroxide, thereby giving the advantageous effects that the halogen capturing ability is excellent and, when used in a polymer, degradation and early-staining prevention properties and transparency are outstanding.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composite electrode active material and a supercapacitor using the same, and more particularly, an electrode active material having M1-xRuxO3 (M=Sr, Ba, Mg) and a supercapacitor using the same, wherein the electrode active material is characterized by comprising M1-xRuxO3, where M is at least one selected from a group consisting of strontium, barium and magnesium, and a method for fabricating a composite electrode active material comprises (a) preparing a spinning solution containing a precursor of M oxide, a precursor of Ru oxide, a polymer and a solvent, (b) spinning the spinning solution on a collector to fabricate a nanofiber web having M1-xRuxO3 precursor, and (c) performing heat treatment for the nanofiber web to remove the polymer so as to make an electrode active material in the structure of porous nanofiber web having M1-xRuxO3, wherein the M comprises at least one selected from a group consisting of strontium, barium and magnesium.

Abstract: An odor filtration media having a chemical reagent which removes odor causing fluid contaminants from a fluid stream through the use of granular or shaped media have a chemical composition including permanganate is provided. A method of producing the odor absorbing media having a chemical reagent is also provided and comprises the steps of mixing H2O, KMnO4, and at least one salt adding ions or ionic compounds selected from the group consisting of Na+, Li+, K+, NH4+, Cl?, SO42?, BO32?, CO32?, PO43?, NO3? and combinations thereof, or from the group consisting of Na+, Li+, K+, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl?, BO32?, NO3? and combinations thereof, forming an impregnating solution. The impregnating solution is heated and combined with a support material to form a coherent mass.

Abstract: An adsorbent for carbon dioxide may include a structure that includes composite metal oxide including a first metal (M1) and a second metal (M2) linked through oxygen (0). The first metal (M1) may be selected from an alkali metal, an alkaline-earth metal, and a combination thereof. The second metal (M2) may have a trivalent oxidation number or greater. The composite metal oxide may include mesopores inside or in the surface thereof. The adsorbent may be included in a capture module for carbon dioxide. A method of reducing emissions may include adsorbing carbon dioxide using the adsorbent for carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A cathode material for a solid oxide fuel cell comprising a complex oxide having a perovskite structure expressed by the general formula ABO3 with a standard deviation value of no more than 10.3 for the atomic percentage of respective elements in the A site measured using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy at 10 spots in a single field.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing strontium cerate (SrCeO3) nanoparticles is disclosed. Initially, ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate ((NH4)2Ce(NO3)6) and n-butanol (C4H10O) are reacted to synthesize cerium-n-butoxide (Ce(OBu)4). Next, the cerium-n-butoxide, strontium acetate (Sr(CH3COO)2), and stearic acid (C18H36O2) are reacted to form a homogenous product including the strontium cerate nanoparticles. Finally, the strontium cerate nanoparticles are isolated from the homogenous product.

Abstract: An adsorbent for carbon dioxide may include a composite metal oxide including a divalent first metal (M1), a trivalent second metal (M2), and an element (A) with an electronegativity of about 2.0 to about 4.0. The composite metal oxide may have an amorphous structure. A method of manufacturing the adsorbent for carbon dioxide and a capture module for carbon dioxide including the adsorbent for carbon dioxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanowires useful as heterogeneous catalysts are provided. The nanowire catalysts are prepared by polymer templated methods and are useful in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to ethane and/or ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for desulfurization comprising first and second metal oxides; a walled enclosure having an inlet and an exhaust for the passage of gas to be treated; the first and second metal oxide being combinable with hydrogen sulfide to produce a reaction comprising a sulfide and water; the first metal oxide forming a first layer and the second metal oxide forming a second layer within the walled surroundings; the first and second layers being positioned so the first layer removes the bulk amount of the hydrogen sulfide from the treated gas prior to passage through the second layer, and the second layer removes substantially all of the remaining hydrogen sulfide from the treated gas; the first metal oxide producing a stoichiometrical capacity in excess of 500 mg sulfur/gram; the second metal oxide reacts with the hydrogen sulfide more favorably but has a stoichometrical capacity which is less than the first reactant; whereby the optimal amount by weight of the first and second metal oxides is achieved

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing lithium manganate having a high output and an excellent high-temperature stability. The above aim can be achieved by lithium manganate particles having a primary particle diameter of not less than 1 ?m and an average particle diameter (D50) of kinetic particles of not less than 1 ?m and not more than 10 ?m, which are substantially in the form of single crystal particles and have a composition represented by the following chemical formula: Li1+xMn2?x?yYyO4 in which Y is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg and Co; x and y satisfy 0.03?x?0.15 and 0.05?y?0.20, respectively, wherein the Y element is uniformly dispersed within the respective particles, and an intensity ratio of I(400)/I(111) thereof is not less than 33% and an intensity ratio of I(440)/I(111) thereof is not less than 16%.

Abstract: The invention provides for A method for producing pure phase strontium ruthenium oxide films, the method comprising solubilizing ruthenium-containing and strontium-containing compounds to create a mixture; subjecting the mixture to a first temperature above that necessary for forming RuO2 while simultaneously preventing formation of RuO2; maintaining the first temperature for a time to remove organic compounds from the mixture, thereby forming a substantially dry film; and subjecting the film to a second temperature for time sufficient to crystallize the film. Also provided is pure phase material comprising strontium ruthenium oxide wherein the material contains no RuO2.

Abstract: Provided is a transition metal precursor comprising a composite transition metal compound represented by Formula I, as a transition metal precursor used in the preparation of a lithium-transition metal composite oxide: M(OH1?x)2??(1) wherein M is two or more selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr and transition metals of period 2 in the Periodic Table of the Elements; and 0<x<0.5.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods for preparing alkaline earth ferrates and the preparation of hemostatic compositions from alkaline earth ferrates. In one embodiment, the alkaline earth ferrate is strontium ferrate. In one embodiment, methods of the invention comprise heat treating mixtures of alkaline earth oxides and/or peroxides with iron oxides, such as hematite or magnetite. The subject invention also concerns hemostatic compositions produced using metallic oxides that are reacted with alkaline earth oxides and/or peroxides and the methods used to produce the hemostatic compositions.

Abstract: Single crystal and polycrystal oxoruthenates having the generalized compositions (Baz,Sr1?z)FexCoyRu6?(x+y)O11 (1?(x+y)?5; 0?z?1) and (Ba,Sr)M2±xRu4?xO11 (M=Fe,Co) belong to a novel class of ferromagnetic semiconductors with applications in spin-based field effect transistors, spin-based light emitting diodes, and magnetic random access memories.

Abstract: Compositions and methods suitable for removing poisonous metals from hydrocarbons are provided. The compositions comprise hydrotalcite having one or more trapping metals dispersed on the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A catalyst for reforming a hydrocarbon gas using carbon dioxide and/or water vapor to react while restraining the deposition of carbon contains a NiO—Sr2TiO4 solid solution in which NiO is dissolved in Sr2TiO4. The ratio of NiO in the NiO—Sr2TiO4 solid solution is preferably of 2.2 to 13.5 parts by mol relative to 100 parts by mol of Sr2TiO4. A catalyst which can contain SrTiO3, SrCO3, and fine grains of Ni and/or NiO are also described. A method of manufacturing the same, and a method of manufacturing a synthesized gas.

Abstract: An in-situ method for nanomixing magnesium aluminate spinel nanoparticles with a uniformly distributed controlled concentration of nanoparticles of an inorganic sintering aid, such as LiF, to produce ready-to-sinter spinel powder. The spinel-sintering aid nanomixture is formed by induced precipitation of the sintering aid nanoparticles from a dispersion of the spinel nanoparticles in an aqueous solution of the sintering aid, followed by separation, drying and deagglomeration of the spinel-sintering aid nanomixed product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (i) a plant growth-improving agent containing a growth-improving component that increases a concentration of an oxoanion in an area around a plant, the oxoanion being heavier than a sulfate ion and containing four oxygen atoms, (ii) a seed to which such a plant growth-improving agent has been applied, and (iii) a plant growth-improving method including a cultivating step of growing a plant in the presence of such a growth-improving component.

Abstract: The present invention provides catalysts, reactors, and methods of steam reforming over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described. For example, a coated catalyst was demonstrated to be highly stable under steam reforming conditions (high temperature and high pressure of steam). Methods of making steam reforming catalysts are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinel article. The article comprises a spinel material, wherein the spinel material has a monomodal grain size distribution with average grain sizes of less than or equal to about 15 micrometers, and a biaxial flexural strength of greater than or equal to about 300 megapascals when measured by a ring-on-ring flexural test as per ASTM Standard C1499-08. Disclosed herein too is a spinel article manufactured by a method comprising calcining a spinel powder; milling the powder in a milling medium; granulating the powder; screening the powder to a mesh size of about 40 to about 200 mesh; pressing the powder to form an article; burning out organics from the article; sintering the article; and hot isostatically pressing the article.

Abstract: There are provided a method of manufacturing a ceramic powder having a perovskite structure and a ceramic powder having a perovskite structure manufactured by the same. The method includes: mixing a compound of an element corresponding to site A in an ABO3 perovskite structure as well as a compound of an element corresponding to site B in the same structure, with supercritical water in a continuous mode to form seed crystals; and mixing the seed crystals in a batch mode to conduct grain growth thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing nanotubes by providing nanorods of a piezoelectric material having an asymmetric crystal structure and by further providing hydroxide ions to the nanorods to etch inner parts of the nanorods to form the nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative active material for a lithium ion battery and a lithium ion battery including the negative active material. The negative active material for a lithium ion battery includes a hexagonal lithium vanadium composite oxide including lithium, vanadium, and magnesium. The lithium and the vanadium are included in a mole ratio within a range of 1.15?Li/V?1.35, and the magnesium and the vanadium are included in a mole ratio within a range of 0.01?Mg/V?0.06. The present invention provides a negative active material for a lithium ion battery having a stable crystal structure, excellent high rate of charge and discharge, and good charge and discharge cycle characteristics.

Abstract: A method for making a mono-dispersed metal titanate includes the steps of: (a) mixing titanate ester, metal salt, and rare earth metal salt in a molar ratio of 1:1:x in a reaction medium comprised of ethanol and water to form a solution, wherein x is in the range from 0 to 0.1; (b) heating the solution, under an alkaline condition to form a white sediment; (c) filtering out liquid part of the solution to obtain the white sediment, (d) washing the white sediment, and (e) drying the white sediment to obtain mono-dispersed metal titanate.

Abstract: Dielectric materials comprising nanocrystalline or nanoparticulate metal oxides or metal carbonates having enhanced dielectric constant values are provided. Specifically, the dielectric materials exhibit high dielectric constant values at low frequencies approaching the DC limit. The dielectric materials also exhibit low dielectric loss factors and high voltage breakdown limits making them well suited for use in capacitors, particularly high energy density capacitors.

Abstract: Calco-magnesian aqueous suspension having particles of solid matter with, before being put into suspension, a specific surface area, calculated according to the BET method, which is less than or equal to 10 m2/g, and its method of preparation. Such an aqueous suspension of calco-magnesian solid matter can achieve a very low viscosity, making it possible to greatly increase the solid matter concentration of the suspension, or again to reduce the size of the particles in suspension, thus obtaining a concentrated and reactive milk of lime.

Abstract: Ceramic catalyst carriers that are mechanically, thermally and chemically stable in a ionic salt monopropellant decomposition environment, high temperature catalysts for decomposition of liquid high-energy-density monopropellants and ceramic processing techniques for producing spherical catalyst carrier granules are disclosed. The ceramic processing technique is used to produce spherical catalyst carrier granules with controlled porosities and desired composition and allows for reproducible packing densities of catalyst granules in thruster chambers. The ceramic catalyst carrier has excellent thermal shock resistance, good compatibility with the active metal coating and metal coating deposition processes, melting point above >2300° C., chemical resistance to steam, nitrogen oxides and nitric acid, resistance to sintering to prevent void formation, and the absence of phase transition associated with volumetric changes at temperatures up to and beyond 1800° C.

Abstract: The process of making the glass-ceramic includes ceramicizing a starting glass at a heating or cooling rate during the ceramicization of at least 10 K/min, so that the glass-ceramic contains at least 50% by volume of ferroelectric crystallites with a maximum diameter of from 20 to 100 nm and not more than 10% by volume of nonferroelectric crystallitesis. The glass ceramic produced by the process contains no pores or not more than 0.01% by volume of the pores and a value of e?·V2max of the glass-ceramic is at least 20 (MV/cm)2, wherein e? is the dielectric constant at 1 kHz and Vmax is the breakdown voltage per unit thickness. The ferroelectric crystallites preferably have a perovskite structure and are composed of substantially pure or doped BaTiO3 and/or BaTi2O5.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cathode active material for a lithium rechargeable battery, including: selecting a first metal compound from a group consisting of a halide, a phosphate, a hydrogen phosphate and a sulfate of Mg or Al; selecting a second metal compound from a group consisting of an oxide, a hydroxide and a carbonate of Mg or Al; combining the first metal compound and the second metal compound to obtain a metal compound, the metal compound containing either Mg or Al atoms; mixing a lithium compound, a transition metal compound and the metal compound to obtain a mixture; and sintering the mixture.

Abstract: To produce fluorescent bodies providing high brightness and high energy efficiency, a method of preparing a fluorescent body precursor is provided to enable an activator having a large ionic radius to be doped arbitrarily. The problems described above are solved by a method of preparing a fluorescent body precursor, which method is characterized by comprising applying a shock pressure of 0.1 GPa or higher to a mixture consisting essentially of a fluorescent body base, an activator and a co-activating particle-growth promoter to dope the activator into the fluorescent body base in the presence of the co-activating particle-growth promoter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clean method for preparing layered double hydroxides (LDHs), in which hydroxides of different metals are used as starting materials for production of LDHs by atom-economical reactions. The atom efficiency of the reaction is 100% in each case because all the atoms of the reactants are converted into the target product since only M2+(OH)2, M3+(OH)3, and CO2 or HnAn? are used, without any NaOH or other materials. Since there is no by-product, filtration or washing process is unnecessary. The consequent reduction in water consumption is also beneficial to the environment.

Abstract: A sputtering target including an oxide sintered body, the oxide sintered body containing indium (In) and at least one element selected from gadolinium (Gd), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er) and ytterbium (Yb), and the oxide sintered body substantially being of a bixbyite structure.

Abstract: A barium titanate powder and a method for producing the same are provided. The barium titanate powder comprises a perovskite structure having a ratio c/a of 1.008 or more and ratio d/D of from 1 to 1.5, wherein “c” is a length of the c axis, “a” is a length of the a axis in the perovskite structure, “d” is an average particle diameter and “D” is a equivalent specific surface area diameter. The method of producing a barium titanate powder, comprises the steps of: (1) heating a mixture containing a titanium compound and a barium compound under a gas atmosphere containing a halogen at a temperature of not less than about 200° C. and less than the temperature for generation of barium titanate, (2) calcining the obtained mixture under an atmosphere containing substantially no halogen at a temperature of not lower than the temperature for generation of barium titanate.

Abstract: Process for preparing a mixed metal oxide powder, in which oxidizable starting materials are evaporated and oxidized, the reaction mixture is cooled after the reaction and the pulverulent solids are removed from gaseous substances, wherein as starting materials, at least one pulverulent metal and at least one metal compound, the metal and the metal component of the metal compound being different and the proportion of metal being at least 80% by weight based on the sum of metal and metal component from metal compound, together with one or more combustion gases, are fed to an evaporation zone of a reactor, where metal and metal compound are evaporated completely under nonoxidizing conditions, subsequently, the mixture flowing out of the evaporation zone is reacted in the oxidation zone of this reactor with a stream of a supplied oxygen-containing gas whose oxygen content is at least sufficient to oxidize the starting materials and combustion gases completely.

Abstract: A particulate inorganic mixed oxide comprising: aluminum; zirconium; cerium; lanthanum and an additional element selected from the group consisting of neodymium and praseodymium, wherein the inorganic mixed oxide has at least 80% of primary particles with article diameters of 100 nm or less, and at least a part of the primary particles have an enriched surface region where the additional element is locally increased in a surface layer portion thereof.