Abstract: There is provided a lithium secondary battery having a high capacity and excellent high-rate discharge characteristic and charge/discharge cycle characteristic. The lithium secondary battery comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an ionic conductor, wherein the positive electrode comprises lithium metal composite oxide particles; the lithium metal composite oxide particles comprise a plurality of secondary particles in an elongated shape each comprised of a plurality of primary particles with an average particle size of 0.1 to 1 ?m so aggregated as to form a void therebetween; and the secondary particle is columnar or planar and has an average size in a long length direction of 5 to 15 ?m.

Abstract: A non-lead composition for use as a thick-film resistor paste in electronic applications. The composition comprises particles of Li2RuO3 of diameter between 0.5 and 5 microns and a lead-free frit. The particles have had the lithium at or near primarily the surface of the particle at least partially exchanged for atoms of other metals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Polyoxometalate (POM) represented by the formula: (An)m+[HqM16X8W48O184(OH)32]m? or solvates thereof, wherein: A represents a cation, n is the number of the cations A, m is the charge of the polyoxoanion, q is the number of protons and varies from 0 to 12, M represents a transition metal, and X represents a heteroatom selected from P, As and mixtures thereof. This invention also relates to a process to produce such POMs and to a process for the homogeneous or heterogeneous oxidation of organic substrates comprising contacting the organic substrate with such POMs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing zirconium oxide, in its various forms, including zirconium-based mixed oxides. There is described a process for preparing a zirconium oxide in the absence of a cerium salt which comprises precipitating a zirconium hydroxide from an aqueous solution of a zirconium salt by reaction with an alkali in the presence of a controlled amount of sulphate anions at a temperature not greater than 50° C. and then calcining the hydroxide to form an oxide, wherein the oxide thus formed is essentially sulphate free. Catalysts and ceramics can be produced from the product oxides having improved thermal stability and improved sinterability, respectively. A particular use of the product oxide is as a promoter or catalyst support in automobile exhaust systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing nanoparticles of aluminium spinels. According to said method, a salt of a metal, the oxide of which can form a spinel lattice with aluminium oxide, is added to an aqueous solution of aluminium chlorohydrate, the solution is then dried, and calcinated in less than 30 minutes, and the agglomerated material thus obtained is ground.

Abstract: An oxide semiconductor doped with a transition metal and exhibiting room-temperature ferromagnetism is disclosed. The transition metal-doped oxide semiconductor is preferably manufactured in powder form, and the transition metal is preferably evenly distributed throughout the oxide semiconductor. The preferred embodiments are iron-doped tin dioxide and cobalt-doped tin dioxide. Gases may be detected by passing them across a material and measuring the change in magnetic properties of the material; the preferred material is iron-doped tin dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention includes pure single-crystalline metal oxide and metal fluoride nanostructures, and methods of making same. These nanostructures include nanorods and nanoarrays.

Abstract: A multiferroic element having a simple structure in which orientation of electric polarization or magnetization of a solid state material can be controlled by applying a magnetic field or an electric field, respectively. By applying an external magnetic field to a multiferroic solid state material that exhibits ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism having a spin structure such that the orientation of spin is rotating along the outside surface of a cone (apex angle ? at the top of the cone is in a range of 0<??90 degrees), an electric polarization with orientation substantially perpendicular to the direction of the externally applied magnetic field can be controlled. Meanwhile, by applying an external electric field to the multiferroic solid state material, a magnetization with an orientation substantially perpendicular to the direction of the externally applied electric field can be controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a light-responsive photocatalyst composition, which is a composite oxide semiconductor containing tungsten, and which can efficiently absorb visible light emitted from the sun and light emitted from interior lamps, such as fluorescent lamps, etc., and a method of preparing the light-responsive photocatalyst composition. The visible light-responsive photocatalyst composition can decompose volatile organic compounds or harmful organic matter causing sick house syndrome, even indoors, because it can be activated by visible light outdoors and can respond to light emitted from interior lamps, such as fluorescent lamps, etc.

Abstract: Lithium cobalt oxide, which can provide a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having an excellent initial capacity and an excellent capacity retention, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The lithium cobalt oxide has a tap density of at least 1.7 g/cm3 and a pressed density of 3.5 to 4.0 g/cm3. A method for manufacturing the lithium cobalt oxide includes the step of selecting a lithium cobalt oxide (A) and a lithium cobalt oxide (B) so that a difference in the tap density between the lithium cobalt oxide (A) and the lithium cobalt oxide (B) is at least 0.2 g/cm3; and mixing the lithium cobalt oxide (A) and the lithium cobalt oxide (B).

Abstract: Composite cathode active materials comprising a composite oxide and an acid treated with an organic solvent are provided. The composite cathode active materials are prepared by treating mixtures of nickel-based composite oxides and organic acids with organic solvents. The active materials suppress gelation of the electrode slurries for a long period of time, even when the active materials are mixed with fluorine-based polymers, by decreasing the basicity of the slurries and the amount of lithium present on the surfaces of the active materials. As a result, electrode slurries having high stability can be prepared. Cathodes and lithium batteries comprising the slurries have excellent charge-discharge characteristics, including high capacity and excellent high rate discharge characteristics.

Abstract: Lithium cobalt oxide, which can provide a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having an excellent initial capacity and an excellent capacity retention, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The lithium cobalt oxide has a tap density of at least 1.7 g/cm3 and a pressed density of 3.5 to 4.0 g/cm3. A method for manufacturing the lithium cobalt oxide includes the step of selecting a lithium cobalt oxide (A) and a lithium cobalt oxide (B) so that a difference in the tap density between the lithium cobalt oxide (A) and the lithium cobalt oxide (B) is at least 0.2 g/cm3; and mixing the lithium cobalt oxide (A) and the lithium cobalt oxide (B).

Abstract: An electrode material for an anode of a rechargeable lithium battery, containing a particulate comprising an amorphous Sn.A.X alloy with a substantially non-stoichiometric ratio composition. For said formula Sn.A.X , A indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of transition metal elements, X indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of O, F, N, Mg, Ba, Sr, Ca, La, Ce, Si, Ge, C, P, B, Pb, Bi, Sb, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Zn, Be, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, As, Se, Te, Li and S, where the element X is not always necessary to be contained. The content of the constituent element Sn of the amorphous Sn.A.X alloy is Sn/(Sn+A+X)=20 to 80 atomic %.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing metal oxides from metal containing solutions. Metal containing solutions are mixed with heated aqueous oxidizing solutions and processed in a continuous process reactor or batch processing system. Combinations of temperature, pressure, molarity, Eh value, and pH value of the mixed solution are monitored and adjusted so as to maintain solution conditions within a desired stability area during processing. This results in metal oxides having high or increased pollutant loading capacities and/or oxidation states. These metal oxides may be processed according to the invention to produce co-precipitated oxides of two or more metals, metal oxides incorporating foreign cations, metal oxides precipitated on active and inactive substrates, or combinations of any or all of these forms.

Abstract: Catalytic structures are provided comprising octahedral tunnel lattice manganese oxides ion-exchanged with metal cations or mixtures thereof. The structures are useful as catalysts for the oxidation of alkanes and may be prepared by treating layered manganese oxide under highly acidic conditions, optionally drying the treated product, and subjecting it to ion exchange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte-based high power lithium secondary battery having a long-term service life and superior safety at both room temperature and high temperature, even after repeated high-current charging and discharging, wherein the battery comprises a mixture of a particular lithium manganese-metal composite oxide (A) having a spinel structure and a particular lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide (B) having a layered structure, as a cathode active material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Polyoxometalate (POM) represented by the formula: (An)m+[HqM16X8W48O184(OH)32]m? or solvates thereof, wherein: A represents a cation, n is the number of the cations A, m is the charge of the polyoxoanion, q is the number of protons and varies from 0 to 12, M represents a transition metal, and X represents a heteroatom selected from P, As and mixtures thereof. This invention also relates to a process to produce such POMs and to a process for the homogeneous or heterogeneous oxidation of organic substrates comprising contacting the organic substrate with such POMs.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage battery with improved cycle life and a method for making the same. The battery has a negative electrode with an electrochemically active negative material and a negative electrode capacity and a positive electrode electrochemically coupled with the negative electrode, the positive electrode having a positive electrode capacity and an electrochemically active positive material with a precharge. Also described herein is a positive electrode material for a hydrogen storage battery and a method for making the same. The positive electrode material includes a preoxidized positive active material which is partially non-oxidized. The preoxidized positive material may be used to provide precharge to the positive electrode of a hydrogen storage battery to aid in cell balancing.

Abstract: Coagulated particles of nickel-cobalt-manganese hydroxide wherein primary particles are coagulated to form secondary particles are synthesized by allowing an aqueous solution of a nickel-cobalt-manganese salt, an aqueous solution of an alkali-metal hydroxide, and an ammonium-ion donor to react under specific conditions; and a lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese-containing composite oxide represented by a general formula, LipNixMn1-x-yCoyO2-qFq (where 0.98?p?1.07, 0.3?x?0.5, 0.1?y?0.38, and 0?q?0.05), which is a positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary cell having a wide usable voltage range, a charge-discharge cycle durability, a high capacity and high safety, is obtained by dry-blending coagulated particles of nickel-cobalt-manganese composite oxyhydroxide formed by making an oxidant to act on the coagulated particles with a lithium salt, and firing the mixture in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: Methods of producing a safe and hygienic method for industrially and efficiently producing a perovskite-type composite oxide are provided that can maintain the catalytic activity of a noble metal at a high level. Methods include preparing a precursor of the perovskite-type composite oxide by mixing organometal salts of elementary components of the perovskite-type composite oxide and heat treating the precursor. The precursor may be prepared by mixing all elementary components constituting the perovskite-type composite oxide, or by mixing one or more organometal salts of part of the elementary components with the other elementary components prepared as alkoxides, a coprecipitate of salts, or a citrate complex of the respective elements.

Abstract: An anode in a Direct Carbon Fuel Cell (DCFC) operating in a temperature range between 500 and 1200 degrees Celsius is provided. The anode material has high catalytic activity and selectivity for carbon oxidation, sufficient oxygen non-stoichiometry, rapid oxygen chemical diffusion, wide thermodynamic stability window to withstand reducing environment, sufficient electronic conductivity and tolerance to sulfur and CO2 environments. The anode has doped ruthenate compositions A1?xA?xRuO3, AB1?yRuyO3, or A1?xA?xB1?yRuyO3. A and A? may be divalent, trivalent, or tetravalent cation, and B is a multivalent cation. A is among lanthanide series elements La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er or Yb, and dopant A? is from Group IIA, IIIB, or IVB elements. The doped ruthenates can also be a (AB1?yRuyO3) structure or an ordered Ruddlesden-Popper series ((A1?xAx?)n+1(B1?yRuy)nO3n+1) structure where n=1 or 2. The dopant B is among Group IVB, VB, VIB, VIII, IB, and IIB elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite oxide for a high performance solid oxide fuel cell which can be fired at a relatively low temperature, and which has little heterogeneous phases of impurities other than the desired composition. The composite oxide is the one having a perovskite type crystal structure containing rare earth elements, and having constituent elements homogeneously dispersed therein. A homogeneous composite oxide having an abundance ratio of heterogeneous phases of at most 0.3% by average area ratio, and a melting point of at least 1470° C., is obtained by using metal carbonates, oxides or hydroxides, and reacting them with citric acid in an aqueous system.

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: Magnetostrictive material based on cobalt ferrite is described. The cobalt ferrite is substituted with transition metals (such manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) or mixtures thereof) by substituting the transition metals for iron or cobalt to form substituted cobalt ferrite that provides mechanical properties that make the substituted cobalt ferrite material effective for use as sensors and actuators. The substitution of transition metals lowers the Curie temperature of the material (as compared to cobalt ferrite) while maintaining a suitable magnetostriction for stress sensing applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to complex lithium metal oxides, which are cathode active materials of a lithium or lithium ion secondary battery with enhanced cycle life and safety, and a process for preparation thereof. The core particles are complex lithium metal oxides capable of absorbing, storing and emitting lithium ions, and a coating layer comprised of amorphous complex lithium cobalt oxides that are formed on the surface of the core particle, which is structurally stable and inactive with electrolytes. Because the amorphous complex lithium cobalt oxides are inactive with electrolytes, the oxides stabilize the surface structure of the complex lithium metal oxide and improve on high temperature storage properties, as well as safety and cycle life.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of preparing magnetic ferrites from layered precursors in which Fe2+ is first introduced into the layers of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in order to prepare Me-Fe2+—Fe3+ LDHs, and then by utilizing the easily oxidized nature of Fe2+, binary or multi-component ferrite materials containing Fe3+ in a single crystalline phase can be prepared. Values of the saturation magnetization of ferrites prepared by the method are significantly increased compared with ferrites prepared by traditional methods. Because the metal elements in the layered precursor have the characteristics of a high degree of dispersion, high activity and small particle size (average particle size 40-200 nm), no milling is required before calcination, thus simplifying the production process, shortening the production period, reducing capital investment in equipment and economizing on energy costs. In addition, the method does not corrode production equipment and does not pollute the environment.

Abstract: Nanoparticles comprising titanium, such as nanoscale doped titanium metal compounds, inorganic titanium compounds, and organic titanium compounds, their methods of manufacture, and methods of preparation of products from nanoparticles comprising titanium are provided.

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: Mesoporous aluminum oxides with high surface areas have been synthesized using inexpensive, small organic templating agents instead of surfactants. Optionally, some of the aluminum can be framework-substituted by one or more other elements. The material has high thermal stability and possesses a three-dimensionally randomly connected mesopore network with continuously tunable pore sizes. This material can be used as catalysts for dehydration, hydrotreating, hydrogenation, catalytic reforming, steam reforming, amination, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and Diels-Alder synthesis, etc.

Abstract: An electrode material for an anode of a rechargeable lithium battery, containing a particulate comprising an amorphous Sn.A.X alloy with a substantially non-stoichiometric ratio composition. For said formula Sn.A.X, A indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of transition metal elements, X indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of O, F, N, Mg, Ba, Sr, Ca, La, Ce, Si, Ge, C, P, B, Pb, Bi, Sb, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Zn, Be, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, As, Se, Te, Li and S, where the element X is not always necessary to be contained. The content of the constituent element Sn of the amorphous Sn.A.X alloy is Sn/(Sn+A+X)=20 to 80 atomic %.

Abstract: A method of producing a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a raw material mixture, comprising “nx” mol of magnesium, “ny” mol of an element M where the element M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Ti, Sr, Mn, Ni and Ca, “n(1?x?y)” mol of cobalt and “nz” mol of lithium, such that the values n, x, y and z satisfy 0<n, 0.97?(1/z)?1, 0.005?x?0.1, and 0.001?y?0.03; and (b) baking the raw material mixture in an oxidization atmosphere at 1000 to 1100° C.

Abstract: A low-temperature hydrothermal reaction is provided to generate crystalline perovskite nanotubes such as barium titanate (BaTiO3) and strontium titanate (SrTiO3) that have an outer diameter from about 1 nm to about 500 nm and a length from about 10 nm to about 10 micron. The low-temperature hydrothermal reaction includes the use of a metal oxide nanotube structural template, i.e., precursor. These titanate nanotubes have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and selected area electron diffraction (SAED).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a highly-crystallized double oxide powder composed of a single crystal phase which can be used as a phosphor material, a dielectric material, a magnetic material, etc. The method involves forming fine droplets of a raw material solution containing a raw material compound that includes at least one metal element and/or at least one semi-metal element that constitutes a double oxide, and heating these droplets at a high temperature, wherein the raw material solution is a solution which exhibits only one main peak attributable to the decomposition reaction of the raw material compound or a reaction intermediate thereof in a DTA profile when the solution is dried and solidified and subjected to TG-DTA measurement.

Abstract: The oxide materials are of the class of ternary mesoporous mixed oxide materials including lanthanum, a metal M selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn, and zirconium or cerium such a mesoporous La—Co—Zr mixed oxide material designated as Meso LCZ[x] where x is the atomic ratio (La+Co)/La+Co+Zr. They are useful as catalysts since they show high activities for hydrocarbon oxidation and good resistance against poisoning agents. These highly ordered mesoporous mixed oxides are synthesized by: preparing an amorphous solution of a La-M precursor and adding a salt of zirconium or cerium thereto; acidifying the amorphous solution in the presence of a surfactant under conditions to obtain a clear homogeneous solution; adjusting pH of the solution under conditions to form a solid precipitate; separating the solution and surfactant from the precipitate; and calcinating the precipitate.

Abstract: A method of joining at least two sintered bodies to form a composite structure, including providing a first multicomponent metallic oxide having a perovskitic or fluorite crystal structure; providing a second sintered body including a second multicomponent metallic oxide having a crystal structure of the same type as the first; and providing at an interface a joint material containing at least one metal oxide containing at least one metal identically contained in at least one of the first and second multicomponent metallic oxides. The joint material is free of cations of Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P and Te and has a melting point below the sintering temperatures of both sintered bodies. The joint material is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the metal oxide(s) and below the sintering temperatures of the sintered bodies to form the joint. Structures containing such joints are also disclosed.

Abstract: A complex oxide and an oxide-ion conductor made of the complex oxide are provided. The complex oxide has a basic composition of (Sm1-xAx)(Al1-yBy)O3, wherein “A” represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of barium, strontium and calcium, “B” represents an element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, iron and cobalt, x is a value in a range of 0.10 to 0.30, and y is a value in a range of 0 to 0.30.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell comprising a LiMn2?xMxO4 spinel structure in which M is one or more metal cations with an atomic number less than 52, such that the average oxidation state of the manganese ions is equal to or greater than 3.5, and in which 0?x?0.15, having one or more lithium spine oxide LiM?2O4 or lithiated spinel oxide Li1+yM?2O4 compounds on the surface thereof in which M? are cobalt cations and in which 0?y?1.

Abstract: A photocatalyst including a metal oxide semiconductor represented by the formula: In1?xMxAO4 wherein M represents a transition metal element, A represents an element belonging to the Group 5a of the Periodic Table and x is a number greater than 0 but smaller than 1.

Abstract: An inert anode 50, for use in an electrolytic cell 12 for producing metals such as aluminum, is made by providing chemical source materials 100 such as at least two of metal salts, metal particles, or metal oxides and dissolving them to form a solution or a slurry 110, followed by adding a base 120 and adjusting the pH so that a gel 130 is formed which is dried and calcined 150, 160, 190 to provide a blend of metal oxide powder 200 which can be pressed and sintered 220 to form an inert anode 50.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite structure includes: (1) providing first and second sintered bodies containing first and second multicomponent metallic oxides having first and second identical crystal structures that are perovskitic or fluoritic; (2) providing a joint material containing at least one metal oxide: (a) containing (i) at least one metal of an identical IUPAC Group as at least one sintered body metal in one of the multicomponent metallic oxides, (ii) a first row D-Block transition metal not contained in the multicomponent metallic oxides, and/or (iii) a lanthanide not contained in the multicomponent metallic oxides; (b) free of metals contained in the multicomponent metallic oxides; (c) free of cations of boron, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, arsenic, antimony, phosphorus and tellurium; and (d) having a melting point below the sintering temperatures of the sintered bodies; and (3) heating to a joining temperature above the melting point and below the sintering temperatures.

Abstract: Provided is a lithium-cobalt-manganese oxide having the formula Li[CoxLi(1/3?x/3)Mn(2/3?2x/3)]O2(0.05<X<0.9) which provide a stable structure and a superior discharge capacity, and the method of synthesizing of the same. The method of synthesizing the oxides according to the present invention comprises: preparing an aqueous solution of lithium salt, cobalt salt, and manganese salt; forming a gel by burning the aqueous solution; making oxide powder by burning the gel; forming a fine oxide powder having a layered structure by the twice of treatments. The lithium-cobalt-manganese oxide synthesized according to the present invention has a stable and superior electrochemical characteristic. The oxide is synthesized by simple and low cost heat treatment process.

Abstract: A positive active material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided comprising lithium manganese oxide having such a spinel structure that the half-width (2?) of the reflection peak corresponding to 440 plane as determined by X-ray diffractometry using CuK? ray is not greater than 0.145°. The use of this positive active material makes it possible to obtain a secondary battery which exhibits a good cycle life performance at room temperature and high temperatures and a reduced capacity drop when stored at high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nickel mixed hydroxide with Ni as the main element and with a layer structure, comprising at least one element Ma from the group comprising Fe, Cr, Co, Ti, Zr and Cu which is present in two different oxidation states which differ by one electron in terms of the number of outer electrons; at least one element Mb from the group comprising B, Al, Ga, In and RE (rare earth metals) present in the trivalent oxidation state; optionally at least one element Mc from the group comprising Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn present in the divalent oxidation state; apart from the hydroxide, at least one additional anion from the group comprising halides, carbonate, sulfate, oxalate, acetate, borate and phosphate in a quantity sufficient to preserve the electroneutrality of the mixed hydroxide; and water of hydration in a quantity which stabilizes the relevant structure of the mixed hydroxide.

Abstract: A pigment with modified properties because of the powder size being below 100 nanometers. Blue, yellow and brown pigments are illustrated. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker inorganic fillers are included. Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric composition are disclosed. The pigment nanopowders taught comprise one or more elements from the group actinium, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, calcium, cerium, cesium, cobalt, copper, chalcogenide, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, gold, hafnium, hydrogen, indium, iridium, iron, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mendelevium, mercury, molybdenum, neodymium, neptunium, nickel, niobium, nitrogen, oxygen, osmium, palladium, platinum, potassium, praseodymium, promethium, protactinium, rhenium, rubidium, scandium, silver, sodium, strontium, tantalum, terbium, thallium, thorium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc, and zirconium.

Abstract: A process for preparing a calcined zirconia extrudate comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A perovskite feedstock (powder or preform) is placed in a high-pressure cell of a high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) apparatus and subjected to pressures in excess of about 2 kbar and temperatures above about 800° C. for a time adequate to increase the density of the preform.

Abstract: Metal oxides having a perovskite or perovskite-like crystal structure are prepared by a process comprising subjecting a mixture of starring powders to a high energy milling sufficient to induce chemical reaction of the components and thereby directly mechanosynthesize said metal oxide in the form of a perovskite or a perovskite-like material having a nanocrystalline structure as determined by X-ray diffractometry. The process according to the present invention is simple, efficient, not expensive and does not require any heating step for producing a perovskite that may easily show a very high specific surface area. Another advantage is that the perovskite obtained according to the present invention also has a high density of lattice defects thereby showing a higher catalytic activity, a characteristic which is highly desirable in their eventual application as catalysts and electronic conductors.

Abstract: A scheme for realizing communications through an external network such as telephone network from a contents processing device such as AV device or PC connected to a local network such as home network is disclosed. The contents processing device solicits a set up of connection to the server device through the telephone network, to a gateway device which is connected with both the home network and the telephone network. Then, the gateway device carries out a call set up with respect to a specified address on the telephone network, upon receiving the solicitation from the contents processing device, and transfers data transmitted from the contents processing device to a connection established by the call set up, and data arriving from the connection established by the call set up to the contents processing device.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery, a positive electrode material for the alkaline storage battery, and a method of preparation for the positive electrode material are disclosed. The positive electrode material is made up of nickel hydroxide particles that have cobalt oxyhydroxide on their surface. The particles may be prepared by a process in which &agr;-cobalt hydroxide adhered to the surface of the nickel hydroxide particles is oxidized to cobalt oxyhydroxide. The battery has a superior rate of utilization of active material, cycle life, and discharge characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive electrode active material for a lithium ion secondary battery, including lithium-transition metal composite oxide of a layer crystal structure, in which the lithium-transition metal composite oxide contains an element that improves conductivity of electrons in the lithium-transition metal composite oxide. Use of this positive electrode active material can improve cycle characteristics, high rate characteristics and thermal stability of lithium ion secondary batteries. Furthermore, by use of this positive electrode active material, gas generation in batteries can be decreased.