Abstract: Valve metal suboxides having a primary suboxide phase and optionally a secondary suboxide phase, a valve metal phase, and/or at least one tertiary suboxide phase can be present in varying amounts. Also disclosed is anodes and capacitors containing the valve metal suboxides of the present invention. Also, a method to prepare a valve metal suboxide is further described which includes granulating one or more of the starting materials individually or together and/or granulating the final product.

Abstract: Disclosed are niobium oxide having a high catalytic activity and high performance niobium phosphate. Niobium oxide is prepared by reacting a niobium compound, a chelating agent and a catalyst in a solvent in an inert gas atmosphere. Niobium oxide thus prepared is added phosphoric acid for phosphorylation in order to prepare niobium phosphate.

Abstract: Anisotropically shaped ceramic particles are represented by the general formula {(K1?x?yNaxLiy)4(Nb1?zTaz)6O17+aMeOb} (where Me is at least one element selected from the group consisting of antimony, copper, manganese, vanadium, silicon, titanium, and tungsten; and b is a positive number determined by the valence of Me), where x, y, z, and a satisfy 0?x?0.5, 0?y?0.3, 0?z?0.3, and 0.001?a?0.1, respectively. The anisotropically shaped ceramic particles have a plate-like shape. The average particle size is 1 to 100 ?m, and the ratio D/t of the maximum diameter D of a main surface to the thickness t in a direction perpendicular to the main surface is 2 or more, preferably 5 or more. Thus, anisotropically shaped ceramic particles suitable as a reactive template for preparing a crystal-oriented alkali metal niobate-based ceramic can be produced at relatively low production costs without the need for a complicated production process.

Abstract: Increased lithium capacity of defective oxide materials and methods for preparation are described herein. Point defects may be introduced into a metal oxide to increase its lithium ion capacity. Defective metal oxides can be prepared by heating the metal oxide under O2/H2O at elevated temperatures. These increased lithium capacity metal oxides may be suitable for use as high specific energy cathodes in lithium metal and lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A niobium suboxide powder comprising 100 to 600 ppm of magnesium is described. The niobium suboxide powder may (alternatively or in addition to 100 to 600 ppm of magnesium) further include 50 to 400 ppm of molybdenum and/or tungsten. The niobium suboxide powder is suitable for the production of: capacitors having an insulator layer of niobium pentoxide; capacitor anodes produced from the niobium suboxide powder; and corresponding capacitors.

Abstract: An ammonium metavanadate is heat-treated to 500° C. or less at a predetermined rate of temperature rise, whereby a microcrystal particle of a vanadium pentoxide can be formed. According to the production method described above, a crystal of a nano-vanadium having a layer length of 100 nm or less can be formed. The nano-vanadium formed by the production method described above can effectively be used for an electrode of an electric storage device such as a battery. The production method according to the present invention can be linked to a conventional production method in which an ammonium metavanadate can be formed in the course of the method, whereby the present invention can smoothly be embodied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vapor-deposition materials comprising Ta2Ox, where x=4.81 to 4.88, to processes for the preparation of the vapor-deposition materials, and to the use thereof for the production of layers of high refractive index.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes mixing the niobium oxide and niobium powder to form a powder mixture that is then heat treated to form heat treated particles which then undergo reacting in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the niobium powder, and at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Oxygen reduced niobium oxides having high porosity are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the oxygen reduced niobium oxides.

Abstract: A physical property of a suspension into which plural lithium materials, such as a lithium sulfide, lithium hydroxide, etc., and a vanadium material are dissolved is adjusted by using the plural lithium materials. According to the adjustment, the valence of pentavalent vanadium ions is controlled to be a desired ratio. A material having the obtained layered crystal particles and an amorphous part is used as a starting material, and this material is subject to a heat treatment. With this process, the layered crystal particles grow, while the amorphous part is decreased. Consequently, it is confirmed that the rate of capacity deterioration is improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-purity niobium monoxide powder (NbO) produced by a process of combining a mixture of higher niobium oxides and niobium metal powder or granules; heating and reacting the compacted mixture under controlled atmosphere to achieve temperature greater than about 1945° C., at which temperature the NbO is liquid; solidifying the liquid NbO to form a body of material; and fragmenting the body to form NbO particles suitable for application as capacitor anodes. The NbO product is unusually pure in composition and crystallography, and can be used for capacitors and for other electronic applications. The method of production of the NbO is robust, does not require high-purity feedstock, and can reclaim value from waste streams associated with the processing of NbO electronic components. The method of production also can be used to make high-purity NbO2 and mixtures of niobium metal/niobium monoxide and niobium monoxide/niobium dioxide.

Abstract: Process for preparing mixed metal oxide powders Abstract Process for preparing a mixed metal oxide powder, in which oxidizable starting materials are evaporated in an evaporation zone of a reactor and oxidized in the vaporous state in an oxidation zone of this reactor, the reaction mixture is cooled after the reaction and the pulverulent solids are removed from gaseous substances, wherein at least one pulverulent metal, together with one or more combustion gases, is fed to the evaporation zone, the metal is evaporated completely in the evaporation zone under nonoxidizing conditions, an oxygen-containing gas and at least one metal compound are fed, separately or together, in the oxidation zone to the mixture flowing out of the evaporation zone, the oxygen content of the oxygen-containing gas being at least sufficient to oxidize the metal, the metal compound and the combustion gas completely.

Abstract: A method for producing a film of vanadium pentoxide nanowires having improved alignment is provided.

Abstract: The powder of an Nb compound has a composition represented by NbxOy, NbxNz or NbxOyNz. The powder of the Nb compound has an electric conductivity which is not less than 1/10 of that of Nb. A porous sintered body used for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor is formed using the powder of the Nb compound. The solid electrolytic capacitor achieves both of a reduction in size and an increase in capacitance.

Abstract: A method capable of easily producing a nanostructured material having regular nanoscale arrangement. The method comprises a raw material solution preparation step of preparing a raw material solution by dissolving, in a solvent, a block copolymer comprising a polymer block component “A” and a polymer block component “B” which are immiscible to each other, and an inorganic precursor which coordinates with the polymer block component “A” but does not coordinate with the polymer block component “B”; and a nanostructure-forming step of forming a nanophase-separated structure “10” in which a polymer phase “1A” comprising the polymer block component “A” with which the inorganic precursor is coordinated, and a polymer phase “1B” comprising the polymer block component “B” are regularly arranged by self-assembly. A nanostructured material can be obtained by this method.

Abstract: A solid material is presented for the partial oxidation of natural gas. The solid material includes a solid oxygen carrying agent and a hydrocarbon activation agent. The material precludes the need for gaseous oxygen for the partial oxidation and provides better control over the reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fabrication method for an electrode active material, and a lithium battery comprising an electrode active material fabricated therefrom. The fabrication method for an electrode active material comprises preparing an aqueous solution by dissolving a precursor that can simultaneously undergo positive ion substitution and surface-reforming processes in water; mixing and dissolving raw materials for an electrode active material with a composition ratio for a final electrode active material in the aqueous solution, thereby preparing a mixed solution; removing a solvent from the mixed solution, thereby forming a solid dry substance; thermal-processing the solid dry substance; and crushing the thermal-processed solid dry substance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing vanadium oxide nanoparticles, which can prepare vanadium oxide particles having a size of tens of nanometers with high yield by using a simple, low-cost process. The method of manufacturing vanadium oxide nanoparticles includes preparing a solution containing a vanadium salt; impregnating an organic polymer including a nanosized pore with the prepared solution; and heating the organic polymer impregnated with the vanadium salt solution until the organic polymer is fired.

Abstract: Self-organized niobium oxide nanocones with nano-sized tips are prepared by anodization of niobium in the presence of an electrolyte such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) (aq.). Dimensions and integrity of the bulk nanostructures formed are strongly dependent on potential, temperature, electrolyte composition, and anodization times. Accordingly, the morphology, topology, uniformity and bioactivity of the niobium oxide nanostructures formed can be readily adjusted by adjusting these anodization parameters. A bioactive form of crystalline niobium oxide is formed by anodizing niobium metal in the presence of an electrolyte that includes HF and at least one salt such as Na2SO4 or NaF. One property of bioactive niobium oxide formed by anodizing niobium metal in the presence of HF (aq.) is its ability to interact with hydroxylapatite.

Abstract: A crystal structure is provided to improve a characteristic of an electrode material, such as vanadium oxide. In the crystal structure, an amorphous state and a layered crystal state coexist at a predetermined ratio in a layered crystalline material such as vanadium oxide. In the layered crystalline material having such a layered crystal structure, layered crystal particles having a layer length L1 of 30 nm or shorter are formed. Ions are easily intercalated to and deintercalated from between the layers. When such a material is used for the positive electrode active material, a nonaqueous lithium secondary battery of which the discharge capacity and the cycle characteristic are good is manufactured.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes mixing the niobium oxide and niobium powder to form a powder mixture that is then heat treated to form heat treated particles which then undergo reacting in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the niobium powder, and at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Oxygen reduced niobium oxides having high porosity are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the oxygen reduced niobium oxides.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an assembly of metal oxide comprising valve metal oxide nanotubes.

Abstract: Nb1-xTaxO powder wherein x is 0.1 to 0.5 is described. Further, this powder, as well as niobium suboxide powders, can be doped with at least one dopant oxide. Pressed bodies of the powder, sintered bodies, capacitor anodes, and capacitors are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing powders of niobium suboxides or niobium, wherein the process comprising: mixing the niobium oxides as raw material with reducing agent, conducting a reaction at a temperature in the range of 600˜1300° C. in an atmosphere of vacuum or inert gas or hydrogen gas, leaching the reaction product to remove the residual reducing agent and the oxides of the reducing agent and other impurities, heat treating at a temperature of the range of 1000˜1600° C. in an atmosphere of vacuum or inert gas, and screening to obtain the powders of niobium suboxide or niobium of capacitor grade. According to the present invention, the niobium oxides were directly reduced into capacitor grade niobium suboxides or niobium with reducing agents which can be easily removed by mineral acids, wherein the speed of the reaction can be controlled and the reaction can directly reduce the niobium oxides into capacitor grade niobium suboxides or niobium powder.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the formation of small-size metal oxide particles, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a starting aqueous solution comprising at least one of metallic ion and complexes thereof, at a concentration of at least 0.1% w/w of the metal component; b) preparing a modifying aqueous solution having a temperature greater than 50° C.; c) contacting the modifying aqueous solution with the starting aqueous solution in a continuous mode in a mixing chamber to form a-modified system; d) removing the modified system from the mixing chamber in a plug-flow mode; wherein the method is characterized in that: i) the residence time in the mixing chamber is less than about 5 minutes; and iii) there are formed particles or aggregates thereof, wherein the majority of the particles formed are between about 2 nm and about 500 nm in size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mold which is processed by ion beam irradiation or electron beam irradiation and in which a throughput of the mold is high and a decrease in the throughput or electrostatic discharge due to charging does not occur, a method of producing the mold, and a method of producing a molded article produced using the mold. In a mold for molding a plastic resin or the like, at least one of a cavity and a core on the micrometer order to the nanometer order is provided on the surface of a conductive glass substrate. A method of producing a mold for molding a plastic resin or the like includes forming at least one of a cavity and a core on the micrometer order to the nanometer order by irradiating an ion beam on the surface of a conductive vanadate glass substrate that contains vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) as a main component and that has an electric conductivity in the range of 1.0×10?1 to 1.0×10?8 S/cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of methods used for the transesterification of oils and fats in order to produce diesel oil. The invention provides a novel method for the production of diesel oil by transesterifying fatty acid esters present in vegetable oils and fats, using a novel catalyst consisting of the oxide of a group V metal and having the formula X2O5, such as niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5). Unlike in the methods used traditionally according to the prior art, the oils are converted here into high-purity products, including glycerol, in yields of the order of 100%, while using significantly less catalyst for a quantity of oil processed, when e.g. soya-bean oil, cotton-seed oil and canola oil are processed by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A niobium suboxide powder comprising 100 to 600 ppm of magnesium is described. The niobium suboxide powder may (alternatively or in addition to 100 to 600 ppm of magnesium) further include 50 to 400 ppm of molybdenum and/or tungsten. The niobium suboxide powder is suitable for the production of: capacitors having an insulator layer of niobium pentoxide; capacitor anodes produced from the niobium suboxide powder; and corresponding capacitors.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes heat treating the niobium oxide in the presence of a getter material and in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Niobium oxides and/or suboxides are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the niobium oxides and suboxides.

Abstract: Multi-step metal compound oxidation process to produce compounds and enhanced metal oxides from various source materials, e.g. metal sulfides, carbides, nitrides and other metal containing materials with metal oxides from secondary reaction steps being utilized as an oxidation agent in the first reactions.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing an electrochemical device including a cathode, an anode and at least one electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein at least one of the cathode, the anode and the electrolyte membrane, contains at least a ceramic material.

Abstract: A method of forming (and apparatus for forming) a tantalum oxide layer on a substrate, particularly a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, using a vapor deposition process and a tantalum precursor compound that includes alkoxide ligands, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., graphite and graphite oxide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm, and often between 0.34 nm and 1.02 nm. The method comprises: (a) subjecting the layered material in a powder form to a halogen vapor at a first temperature above the melting point or sublimation point of the halogen at a sufficient vapor pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to cause the halogen molecules to penetrate an interlayer space of the layered material, forming a stable halogen-intercalated compound; and (b) heating the halogen-intercalated compound at a second temperature above the boiling point of the halogen, allowing halogen atoms or molecules residing in the interlayer space to exfoliate the layered material to produce the platelets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a niobium suboxide powder for the manufacture of capacitors with higher break down voltages, higher temperatures of operation and elongated lifetimes. The powder is doped with nitrogen which is at least partly present in the form homogeneously distributed, x-ray detectable Nb2N-crystal domains. The niobium suboxide powder contains niobium suboxide particles having a bulk nitrogen content of between 500 to 20,000 ppm.

Abstract: A lithium and vanadium oxide is described having the formula Li1+xV3O8, wherein 0.1?×?0.25. The oxide has a monoclinic crystalline structure and comprises non-agglomerated grains in the form of monocrystalline pellets having a length L of between 1 and 100 ?m, a width W such that 4<L/W<100, and a thickness t such that 4 L/t<100, with t<W, the elongation axis of the pellets being axis b of the monoclinic cell. The oxide may be prepared by mixing the Li and V precursors, without grinding or compression, heating said mixture to 565° C.-585° C. and de-agglomerating the product obtained. The oxide is suitable for use as an active material for the positive electrode of a lithium battery.

Abstract: A niobium suboxide powder comprising 100 to 600 ppm of magnesium is described. The niobium suboxide powder may (alternatively or in addition to 100 to 600 ppm of magnesium) further include 50 to 400 ppm of molybdenum and/or tungsten. The niobium suboxide powder is suitable for the production of: capacitors having an insulator layer of niobium pentoxide; capacitor anodes produced from the niobium suboxide powder; and corresponding capacitors.

Abstract: Method for producing metal oxide nanoparticles. The method includes generating an aerosol of solid metallic microparticles, generating plasma with a plasma hot zone at a temperature sufficiently high to vaporize the microparticles into metal vapor, and directing the aerosol into the hot zone of the plasma. The microparticles vaporize in the hot zone into metal vapor. The metal vapor is directed away from the hot zone and into the cooler plasma afterglow where it oxidizes, cools and condenses to form solid metal oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of producing a refractory metal powder by (A) combining (i) an oxide particle component and (ii) a reducing agent; (B) forming a substantially uniform mixture of (i) and (ii); (C) continuously feeding the mixture into a furnace; (D) igniting the mixture at a reaction zone and starting a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to form a high temperature flash; (E) starting a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to form a high temperature self-sustaining flash; and (F) producing a free-flowing reduced oxide powder.

Abstract: Complex ceramic oxides of the general formula Mg2MM?O6+x where M=Rare metal ion or Yttrium or Lanthanum and M?=Sn, Sb, Zr, Hf, Ta, and Nb; and where ?0.5<x<0.5; having a defective pyrochlore structure are useful for active and passive electronic applications, as dielectrics, catalyst sensors, hosts for radioactive waste, etc. This process for the preparation of this class of compounds comprises: (i) mixing the compounds of magnesium, M and M? to get the molar ratio as 2:1:1 (ii) the mixture obtained in step (i) along with a wetting medium may be ball milled or mixed; (iii) the resultant slurry may be dried to obtain dry powder, (iv) the resultant mixture may be heated to a temperature in the range of 1000-1600° C. for the duration ranging from 3 hours to 50 hours, either in a single step or by taking out the reactant after heating, checking for the structure formation and heating again after grinding, if necessary.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing a niobium suboxide represented by the formula, NbOx, in which 0.7<x<1.3. The method involves reacting NbOy (in which y<1.8<2.1) with a stoichiometric amount of niobium metal, in the presence of hydrogen. The niobium suboxide produced by such method may be used to fabricate anodes for solid electrolyte capacitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an electroactive metal polyanion or a mixed metal polyanion comprising forming a slurry comprising a polymeric material, a solvent, a polyanion source or alkali metal polyanion source and at least one metal ion source; heating said slurry at a temperature and for a time sufficient to remove the solvent and form an essentially dried mixture; and heating said mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce an electroactive metal polyanion or electroactive mixed metal polyanion.

Abstract: A method for preparation for mesoporous oxide comprising a non silica oxide having a hexagonal pore structure periodicity and an average maximum pore length of from 2 nm to 5 nm, characterized by comprising blending 0.003 mol to 0.01 mol of TaCl5, NbCl5 or a mixture thereof and Al isopropoxide comprising 10 g of an aliphatic linear alcohol and 1 g of a template compound to prepare a mixture for forming a sol solution, adding 5 mol to 35 mol (based on the metal compounds) of water or an aqueous inorganic acid solution to the mixture followed by hydrolysis and polycondensation to give a sol solution, transferring the sol into an oxygen containing atmosphere followed by again at 40° C. to 100° C. to form a gel, and then calcinating the gel in an oxygen containing atmosphere at 350° C. to 550° C.; and the mesoporous oxide obtained by the method.

Abstract: A process for the production of a valve metal oxide powder, in particular an Nb2O5 or Ta2O5 powder by continuous reaction of a fluoride-containing valve metal compound with a base in the presence of water and calcination of the resultant product, wherein the reaction is performed in just one reaction vessel and at a temperature of at least 45° C. Valve metal oxide powders obtainable in said manner which exhibit a spherical morphology, a D50 value of 10 to 80 ?m and an elevated BET surface area.

Abstract: A new class of supermicroporous mixed oxides, with pore sizes in the 10-20 ? range has been prepared utilizing basic metal acetates. The reactions are carried out in non-aqueous solvent media to which an excess of amine is added. Hydrolysis of the reagents is effected by addition of a water-propanol mixture and refluxing. The amine and solvent are removed by thorough washing and/or calcining at temperatures as low as 200° C. Mixtures of transition metal oxides with either ZrO2, TiO2, La2O3, SiO2, Al2O3 or mixtures thereof were prepared. The surface area curves of the pure oxides are Type I with surface areas of 400-600 m2/g and up to 1100 m2/g for the mixed oxides.

Abstract: A process of reacting a metal chloride, especially chromium (III) chloride, with an alkali metal oleate at a temperature of from about 30° to about 300° C., and especially at about 70±1° C., in a solvent to form a metal oleate complex, especially a chromium-oleate complex, and reacting the complex with oleic acid at a reaction temperature of about 300° C. or above in a solvent having a boiling point of higher than the reaction temperature, and precipitating and isolating metal oxide nanocrystals, especially chromium (III) oxide nanocrystals, which are useful as a catalyst in hydrofluorination reactions. Other metal oxide nanocrystals produced by this process include nanocrystals of vanadium oxide, molybedenum oxide, rhodium oxide, palladium oxide, ruthenium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium oxide, magnesium oxide, and calcium oxide are also synthesized by similar process scheme using their respective chloride precursors.

Abstract: Methods of producing nanoporous particles by spray pyrolysis of a precursor composition including a reactive precursor salt and a nonreactive matrix salt are provided, wherein the matrix salt is used as a templating medium. Nanoporous aluminum oxide particles produced by the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing valve metal oxides, such as tantalum pentoxide or niobium pentoxide with a narrow particle size distribution within a desired particle size range, is provided. According to the process of the present invention, the valve metal fraction from digestion of valve metal material containing ore is processed under controlled temperature, pH, and residence time conditions to produce the valve metal pentoxide and pentoxide hydrates. Also, disclosed are new tantalum pentoxide and niobium pentoxide products and new tantalum pentoxide precursors and niobium pentoxide precursors.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce valve metal oxides are described wherein the process includes heat treating the valve metal oxide in the presence of a getter material, in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the starting valve metal oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced valve metal oxide. Valve metal oxides and/or suboxides thereof are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the valve metal oxides and suboxides thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, water-soluble niobium compounds, a process for their preparation and their formulations.

Abstract: The present invention is the method for preparation of transition metal oxide having micro-mesoporous structure whose average fine pores size is not less than 1 nm and not more than 2 nm comprising, adding and dissolving transition metal salt which is a precursor of transition metal oxide and/or metal alkoxide in the solution prepared by dissolving polymer surfactant in organic solvent, hydrolyzing said transition metal salt and/or metal alkoxide and preparing sol solution which is polymerized and self organized, then obtaining gel whose organization is stabilized from said sol solution and removing said polymer surfactant by using water of room temperature or water to which alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ion is added.

Abstract: Pressed material such as anodes are described and formed from oxygen reduced oxide powders using additives, such as binders and/or lubricants. Methods to form the pressed material are also described, such as with the use of atomizing, spray drying, fluid bed processing, microencapsulation, and/or coacervation.