Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing lithium intercalation compounds by plasma reaction comprising the steps of: forming a feed solution by mixing lithium nitrate or lithium hydroxide or lithium oxide and the required metal nitrate or metal hydroxide or metal oxide and between 10-50% alcohol by weight; mixing the feed solution with O2 gas wherein the O2 gas atomizes the feed solution into fine reactant droplets, inserting the atomized feed solution into a plasma reactor to form an intercalation powder; and if desired, heating the resulting powder to from a very pure single phase product.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a nanosize ceramic powder. A precursor ceramic material is formed of a fugitive constituent and a non-soluble constituent in a single phase. The precursor is contacted with a selective solvent (water, acid, etc.) to form a solution of the fugitive constituent in the solvent and a residue of the non-soluble constituent. The precursor is sufficiently reactive with the solvent to form the solution of the fugitive constituent in the solvent and form the nondissolved residue of the non-soluble constituent. The precursor material and the non-soluble residue are sufficiently insoluble in the solvent such that there is insufficient precursor material and non-soluble residue in solution to deposit and precipitate upon the residue of the non-soluble-constituent.

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: The invention disclosed relates to a compound of molecular formula LixCryMn2−yO4+z, wherein 2.2<x<4, 0<y<2 and z≧0, and to the use of this compound as a cathode material in secondary lithium and lithium ion cells.

Abstract: A method of preparing layered lithium-chromium-manganese oxides having the formula Li[CrxLi(1/3-x/3) Mn(2/3-2x/3)]O2 where 0.1≦X≦0.5 for lithium batteries. Homogeneous precipitation is prepared by adding lithium hydroxide (LiOH) solution to a mixed solution of chromium acetate (Cr3(OH)2(CH3CO2)7) and manganese acetate ((CH3CO2)2Mn.4H2O), while precursor powders are prepared by firing the precipitation. After that, the precursor powders are subjected to two heat treatment to yield Li[CrxLi(1/3-x/3) Mn(2/3-2x/3)]O2 with &agr;-LiFeO2 structure.

Abstract: An electrochemical active material contains a lithiated zirconium, titanium, or mixed titanium/zirconium oxide. The oxide can be represented by the formula LiM′M″XO4, where M′ is a transition metal, M″ is an optional three valent non-transition metal, and X is zirconium, titanium, or a combination of the two. Preferably, M′ is nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese, vanadium, copper, chromium, molybdenum, niobium, or combinations thereof. The active material provides a useful composite electrode when combined with a polymeric binder and electrically conductive material. The active material can be made into a cathode for use in a secondary electrochemical cell. Rechargeable batteries may be made by connecting a number of such electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A process method for producing a lithium based mixed oxide of the formula LiM′x . . . Oy through the steps of combining a lithium oxide with a second oxide having the base metal element (M′) at room temperature; and applying to the combination, a high energy milling process, wherein the high energy milling process obtains, without the addition of substantial external heat being added to the synthesis, a chemical synthesis of a composite oxide of the above formula, having crystallites of nanometer dimension.

Abstract: A method for producing a positive electrode material adapted to the Li-ion secondary batteries is disclosed.

Abstract: A single phase cathodic material for use in an electrochemical cell represented by the formula: Li[LixCoyA1−x−y]O2 wherein A=[MnzNi1−z]; wherein x is a numerical value ranging from approximately 0.00 to approximately 0.16; wherein y is a numerical value ranging from approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.30; wherein z is a numerical value ranging from approximately 0.40 to approximately 0.65; and wherein Lix is included in transition metal layers of the structure and/or wherein the material comprises a layered R-3m crystal structure having a c/a ratio greater than approximately 1.012.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of doped, pyrogenically prepared titanium dioxide is described. The titanium dioxide is doped with zinc oxide, platinum oxide, magnesium oxide, or aluminium oxide, by injecting an aerosol of the oxide into the production stream. The doped titanium dioxide may be used as a photocatalyst or UV absorber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming inorganic pigments using one or more metal alloys. Metal alloys used in the method of the invention are preferably milled to a mean particle size of less than about 10 microns, may be mixed with other metal oxides, and calcined in the presence of oxygen in a rotary kiln. Inorganic pigments formed in accordance with the method of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, including the coloration of glass matrixes, ceramic bodies, polymers, and paints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high oxygen ion conducting/oxygen storage (OIC/OS) materials, a catalyst employing the OIC/OS materials, and a method for converting hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides using the catalyst. The OIC/OS materials have significantly higher oxygen storage capacity than that predicted based on Ce content due to the unexpected high and facile redox activity of the added niobium. These materials are further characterized by having a tetragonal crystalline structure under oxidizing conditions (in air) up to about 1,200° C. and a cubic crystalline structure in reducing conditions (5% hydrogen) up to about 1,000° C. for 24 hours. These materials comprise, based upon 100 mole % of the metal component in the material, up to about 95 mole % zirconium, up to about 50 mole % cerium, about 0.5 to about 15 mole % rare earth metal(s), alkaline earth metal(s) or a combination thereof, and about 0.5 to about 15 mole % niobium.

Abstract: A positive active material including a compound expressed by a general formula LimMxM′yM″zO2 (here, M designates at least one kind of element selected from Co, Ni and Mn, M′ designates at least one kind of element selected from Al, Cr, V, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn, Ti, Mg, Sr, B, Ga, In, Si and Ge, and M″ designates at least one kind of element selected from Mg, Ca, B and Ga. Further, x is designated by an expression of 0.9≦x<1, y is indicated by an expression of 0.001≦y≦0.5, z is indicated by an expression of 0≦z≦0.5, and m is indicated by an expression of 0.5≦m) and lithium manganese oxide expressed by a general formula LisMn2−tMatO4 (here, the value of s is expressed by 0.9≦s, the value of t is located within a range expressed by 0.01≦t≦0.

Abstract: A method of treating a hollandite compound to improve its adsorption of nitrogen monoxide, which comprises subjecting a hollandite compound having a hollandite-type crystal structure and represented by a chemical formula AxMyN8-yO16, wherein A is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal K, Na, Rb or Ca, M is a bivalent or trivalent metal element Fe, Ga, Zn, In, Cr, Co, Mg, Al or Ni, N is a tetravalent metal element Sn or Ti, 0<x≦2 and 0<y≦2, to a heat treatment in a stream of an oxygen-nitrogen mixture having oxygen gas and nitrogen gas mixed in a volume ratio of 3:97 to 50:50, at a temperature of from 50 to 1,500° C. for from 5 minutes to 1 hour.

Abstract: A process method for producing a lithium based mixed oxide of the formula LiM′x . . . Oy through the steps of combining a lithium oxide with a second oxide having the base metal element (M′) at room temperature; and applying to the combination, a high energy milling process, wherein the high energy milling process obtains, without the addition of substantial external heat being added to the synthesis, a chemical synthesis of a composite oxide of the above formula, having crystallites of nanometer dimension.

Abstract: An electrochemical active material contains a lithiated zirconium, titanium, or mixed titanium/zirconium oxide. The oxide can be represented by the formula LiM′M″XO4, where M′ is a transition metal, M″ is an optional three valent non-transition metal, and X is zirconium, titanium, or a combination of the two. Preferably, M′ is nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese, vanadium, copper, chromium, molybdenum, niobium, or combinations thereof. The active material provides a useful composite electrode when combined with a polymeric binder and electrically conductive material. The active material can be made into a cathode for use in a secondary electrochemical cell. Rechargeable batteries may be made by connecting a number of such electrochemical cells.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, the material is a non-linear optical compound with a general chemical formula (&Sgr;iM&agr;i1)(&Sgr;jM&bgr;j2)(&Sgr;kM&ggr;k3)Be2O5  Formula 1 wherein M1, M2, and M3 are mono-, di-, or tri-valent metal ions respectively; wherein (&Sgr;i&bgr;i)=X and ranges from 0 to 6, (&Sgr;j&bgr;j)=Y and ranges from 0 to 3, and (&Sgr;k&ggr;k)=Z and ranges from 0 to 2, (hereinafter referred to as “MBE2O5” compounds).

Abstract: Described are preferred polymerized organic-inorganic processes for producing mixed metal oxide powders suitable for use in the ceramics and related industries. The preferred processes employ a non-chelating polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or polyalkylene glycol as a carrier and can provide single-phase, mixed oxide powders in high yields at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: A chromium catalyst is disclosed for use in dehydrogenation and dehydrocyclization processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing lithium transition metalates of the general formula (I): Lix(M1yM21−y)nOnz, where M1 represents lithium, cobalt or manganese; M2 represents cobalt, iron, manganese or aluminium and is not equal to M1; n is equal to 2 if M1=M, and 1 in all other cases; x is a number between 0.9 and 1.2; y is a number between 0.5 and 1.0; and z is a number between 1.9 and 2.1. According to the method, an intimate solid mixture is produced of oxygen-containing compounds of the transition metals and oxygen-containing lithium compounds and this mixture calcinated in a reactor, whereby calcination takes place at least partly at an absolute pressure of less than 0.5 bar.

Abstract: The present invention includes lithium manganese oxide compounds of the formula: LiMn1−x[A]xO2 wherein 0<x<0.5, [A] is a combination of two or more dopants, and the average oxidation state N of the dopant combination [A] is +2.8≦N≦+3.2. The present invention also includes lithium and lithium-ion secondary batteries that use these lithium manganese oxide compounds as the positive electrode material. Moreover, the present invention includes methods of preparing these lithium manganese oxide compounds.

Abstract: A spinel oxide, Li4Mn5O12, is synthesized by a solution phase oxidation reaction of Mn2+ with lithium peroxide in the presence of excess lithium hydroxide, followed by firing at T≦500° C. This material may be useful as a cathode for rechargeable lithium batteries. Samples fired at 400° C. and 500° C. show an initial capacity of, respectively, 160 mAh/g and 153 mAh/g, in the voltage range 3.3-2.3 V. These capacities are close to the theoretical value. The sample fired at 500° C. shows excellent cyclability with <2% capacity decline over 40 cycles.

Abstract: A method of treating a hollandite compound to improve its adsorption of nitrogen monoxide, which comprises subjecting a hollandite compound having a hollandite-type crystal structure and represented by a chemical formula AxMyN8-yO16, wherein A is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal K, Na, Rb or Ca, M is a bivalent or trivalent metal element Fe, Ga, Zn, In, Cr, Co, Mg, Al or Ni, N is a tetravalent metal element Sn or Ti, 0<x≦2 and 0<y≦2, to a heat treatment in a stream of an oxygen-nitrogen mixture having oxygen gas and nitrogen gas mixed in a volume ratio of 3:97 to 50:50, at a temperature of from 50 to 1,500° C. for from 5 minutes to 1 hour.

Abstract: The invention relates to lithium mixed oxide particles coated with one or more layers of alkali metals and metal oxides for improving the properties of electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Improved lithium vanadium oxide formulations are presented having a nominal formula of LixV3−&dgr;M&dgr;Oy. Herein preferred cation doped vanadium oxide materials, electrodes using such materials, and electrochemical cells including at least one electrode therein comprising such materials are provided.

Abstract: Novel, fine particulate synthetic chalcoalumite, process for preparation thereof, and a heat insulating agent and agricultural film containing said fine, particulate synthetic chalcoalumite. The above objects are met by synthetic chalcoalumite represented by formula (1) below: (M12+)a−x(M22+)Al3+4(OH)b(An−)c. mH2O  (1)  (in which M12+ stands for Zn2+ or Cu2+,  M22+ is at least one divalent metal ion selected from Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Mg2+,  a is 0.3<a<2.0 (with the proviso that M1 and M2 are not the same),  x is 0 ≦x<1.0, and x<a  b is 10<b<14,  An− is at least one selected from SO42−, HPO42−, CO32−, SO32−, HPO32−, NO3−, H2PO4−, Cl−, OH− and silicate ion,  c is 0.4<c<2.

Abstract: A process for producing positive electrode active material includes feeding an aqueous nickel salt solution, aqueous solutions of different kinds of metals, aqueous solution containing ammonium ions and aqueous alkali solution each independently and simultaneously into a reaction vessel such that the amount of alkali metal is 1.9-2.3 moles relative to 1 mole of the total amount of nickel and different kinds of metals and the amount of ammonium ions is 2 moles or more relative to 1 mole of the total amount of nickel and different kinds of metals, the pH in the vessel is 11-13, the temperature in the vessel is 30-60° C. and the average residence time is 20-50 hours.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of nanoparticles of metal oxides containing inserted metal particles and to metal-intercalated and/or metal-encaged “inorganic fullerene-like” (hereinafter IF) structures of metal chalcogenides obtained therefrom is provided, which comprises heating a metal I material with water vapor or electron beam evaporation of said metal I material with water or another suitable solvent, in the presence of a metal II salt, and recovering the metal II-doped metal I oxide, or proceeding to subsequent sulfidization, yielding bulk quantities of metal II-intercalated or metal II-encaged IF structures of the metal I chalcogenide. The metal II salt is preferably an alkaline, alkaline earth or transition metal salt, most preferably an alkali chloride. The intercalated and/or encaged IF structures are usable as lubricants. They also form stable suspensions, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an electrolytic solution containing a solute of lithium hexafluorophosphate. This method includes a step of (a) reacting lithium fluoride with phosphorus pentafluiride, in a nonaqueous organic solvent that is used for producing a lithium cell's electrolytic solution, thereby to form the lithium hexafluorophosphate dissolved in the solvent. According to this method, both yield and purity of the reaction product are sufficiently high, and the reaction can easily be managed. According to need, after the step (a), the nonaqueous organic solvent may be replaced with another nonaqueous organic solvent. The present invention further relates to a method for purifying an electrolytic solution used for a lithium cell. This electrolytic solution contains an acid impurity having at least one hydrogen atom in the molecule.

Abstract: Provided are a layered crystal structure oxide showing ferroelectricity or paraelectricity and a process for easily producing the same. A raw material containing Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 as a flux is heated up to 1330.degree. C. or higher and 1450.degree. C. or lower at a suitable temperature-elevating rate (heating step); the raw material is maintained at this heating temperature for prescribed time (constant temperature step); and then, it is slowly cooled down to 800.degree. C. or higher and 1300.degree. C. or lower at a rate of 1.degree. C./hour or more and 20.degree. C./hour or less (slow cooling step). This makes it possible to evaporate the flux and take out directly Bi.sub.2 SrTa.sub.2 O.sub.9. In this Bi.sub.2 SrTa.sub.2 O.sub.9, Bi is partially substituted with Sr, and oxygen is selectively deficient or disordered. Or, Bi and O in the fluorite layer are relatively displaced each other in the polarization direction.

Abstract: A process for producing positive electrode active material includes feeding an aqueous nickel salt solution, aqueous solutions of different kinds of metals, aqueous solution containing ammonium ions and aqueous alkali solution each independently and simultaneously into a reaction vessel such that the amount of alkali metal is 1.9-2.3 moles relative to 1 mole of the total amount of nickel and different kinds of metals and the amount of ammonium ions is 2 moles or more relative to 1 mole of the total amount of nickel and different kinds of metals, the pH in the vessel is 11-13, the temperature in the vessel is 30-60.degree. C. and the average residence time is 20-50 hours.

Abstract: A method of producing a homogeneous metal oxide fiber having high denseness and free of voids that may adversely affect the electro-optic characteristic of the fiber, and a metal oxide fiber produced according to the method. The method comprises:a first step of forming a gel-form fiber from a sol obtained by concentrating a solution composed of a metallic compound, water and a solvent to the extent that the solution exhibits a spinnable behavior;a second step of decomposing and eliminating organic components out of the gel-form fiber obtained at the first step; anda third step of solidifying the gel-form fiber obtained at the second step;the second step and/or the third step being carried out while heating is made in a water vapor atmosphere.

Abstract: Ternary lithium mixed oxides having a spinel-type crystal structure and the general formula (I) Li.sub.y Me.sub.x Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4 are disclosed. In this formula (I), Me represents a metal cation from groups IIa, IIIa, Iva, IIb, IIIb, IVb, IVb, VIIb, and VIII of the Periodic Table of Elements, x is in a range between 0 and 1, and y is in a range of greater than zero and not more than 1.2. The ternary mixed lithium oxide is obtainable by reacting reaction components in the form of hydroxides and/or water-soluble metal salts dissolved in a basic aqueous medium to form a homogenous suspension of the hydroxylic reaction products, removing water and optionally further solvents from the suspension, and subjecting the dried reaction products to heat treatment by heating them to temperatures between 500.degree. C. and 900.degree. C. at a heating speed of between 1 K/min and 20 K/min. The respective mixed oxides obtained are in a form which has no phase having a radiographic effect.

Abstract: A mixture of a cobalt compound and a lithium compound is calcined at a temperature of 250.degree. C. to 1,000.degree. C., where said cobalt compound has a cobalt content of 68.5.+-.6% by weight, its composition is substantially represented by a formula H.sub.x CoO.sub.y provided that 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.4 and 1.3.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.2.2, the half value width of a diffraction peak showing a maximum intensity in the neighborhood of 2.theta.=36-40 degrees in X-ray diffraction using CuK.alpha. as a radiation source is greater than 0.31 degrees, and the relation between the cobalt content and the half value width is represented by the following formula:Half value width (degrees).gtoreq.7.5-0.1.times.(Cobalt content) (% by weight). This provides an inexpensive and simple process for producing a lithium-cobalt composite oxide having uniform crystals, and a high-performance electrode active material for use in lithium secondary cells in high capacity and excellent in the charging-discharging cycle characteristics.

Abstract: Lithium compound and nickel oxyhydroxide containing a transition metal (Me) such as V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn and Co are suspended in water or in an organic solvent, and the solution is reacted with each other in an autoclave by a hydrothermal method to thereby synthesize transition metal-containing lithium nickelate.

Abstract: Perovskite-type structure compounds having the general empirical formula ABO.sub.3 are prepared by a process comprising subjecting a mixture of starting powders formulated to contain the components represented by A and B in the formula to a high energy milling sufficient to induce chemical reaction of the components and thereby synthesize a mechanically-alloyed powder comprising the perovskite in the form of nanostructural particles. 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 method of improving certain vanadium oxide formulations is presented. The method concerns fluorine doping formulations having a nominal formula of LiV.sub.3 O.sub.8. Preferred average formulations are provided wherein the average oxidation state of the vanadium is at least 4.6. Herein preferred fluorine doped vanadium oxide materials, electrodes using such materials, and batteries including at least one electrode therein comprising such materials are provided.

Abstract: A process for producing lithium manganate as a cathode active material for lithium secondary batteries comprising firing raw materials at a rate of temperature rise and/or temperature drop of 150.degree. C./min or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generating acid-free lithium salt solutions for lithium and lithium ion batteries and for preparing high purity lithium salts. The invention comprises removing acid species from lithium salt solutions such as lithium hexafluorophosphate solutions using weak base resins. The process does not require the addition of a base such as ammonia which when added to the electrolytic solution generally must be removed from the final product. Once the lithium salt has been treated by the weak base resin, the substantially acid-free lithium salt solution may be recovered from the weak base resin to provide a solution which may be used as an electrolytic solution or which may be used to prepare high purity lithium salts.

Abstract: The present method is to produce an active material powder formed of a spinel oxide containing lithium or a layer-structured oxide containing lithium for a lithium secondary battery which is uniform in composition, fine in particle size and free of oxygen defects, and which is unlikely to cause capacity deterioration resulted from repetitive charge/discharge cycles at a high current density.A suspension 1 prepared by suspending an ingredient of the active material powder in a combustible liquid or an emulsion prepared by emulsifying a solution of the ingredient in the combustible liquid is sprayed in a droplet state 15 together with an oxygenic gas 2. The combustible liquid contained in the droplet 15 is burned to have the ingredient therein reacted and to evaporate the solvent. As a result, active material powder 4 formed of the spinel oxide containing lithium is obtained.

Abstract: The invention is a process which provides a high purity lithiated manganese oxide (Li.sub.1+x Mn.sub.2-y O.sub.4) from chemically made MnO.sub.2. The lithiated manganese oxide has an especially effective utility for use as a cathodic material in rechargeable batteries. The process of the invention includes blending a lithium compound with a chemically made manganese dioxide to form a manganese dioxide/lithium compound blend. The lithium compound in the blend is at least about one mole of lithium for every mole of manganese dioxide. The manganese dioxide and lithium compound in the blend are reacted to provide an ion replaced product where lithium ions have replaced sodium and potassium ions in the MnO.sub.2 to form an ion replaced product. Thereafter, the ion replaced product is heated or calcined to provide the lithiated manganese oxide.

Abstract: A compound having the formula Li.sub.q Cr.sub.x-y Ni.sub.y Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4+z where q.gtoreq.2, 1.0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.25, 0<y<0.9, and z.gtoreq.0. The invention also features an electrode composition containing this compound and processes for preparing a compound having the formula Li.sub.q Cr.sub.x-y Ni.sub.y Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4+z where q.gtoreq.2, 1.0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.25, 0<y<0.9, and z.gtoreq.0.

Abstract: A process for preparing LiFeO.sub.2 having a layered rock salt type structure is characterized in that at least one member selected from the group consisting of water-soluble iron salts, iron hydroxides, iron oxide hydroxides, and metallic iron is subjected to a hydrothermal treatment in an aqueous solution containing lithium hydroxide and at least one of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide at 130.degree. to 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A synthetic chalcoalumite compound represented by the formula (1)(Zn.sub.a-x.sup.2+ M.sub.x.sup.2+)Al.sub.4.sup.3+ (OH).sub.b (A.sup.n-).sub.c.mH.sub.2 O (1)whereinM.sup.2+ represents at least one of Cu, Ni, Co and Mg;a represents 0.3<a<2.0;x represents 0.ltoreq.x<1.0;b represents 10<b<14;A.sup.n- represents one or two selected from SO.sub.4.sup.2-, HPO.sub.4.sup.2-, CO.sub.3.sup.2-, CrO.sub.4.sup.2-, SiO.sub.3.sup.2-, NO.sub.3.sup.2-, OH.sup.- and Cl.sup.- ;c represents 0.4<c<2.0 andm represents a number of 1 to 4,and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound that includes the steps of: (a) preparing a solution comprising (i) a chromium source, (ii) a manganese source, (iii) a lithium source, and (iv) an oxygen source, where the relative amounts of each of the sources is selected to yield, following step (c), a compound having the formula Li.sub.y Cr.sub.x Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4+z where y.gtoreq.2, 0.25<x<2, and z.gtoreq.0; (b) treating the solution to form a gel; and (c) heating the gel under an inert atmosphere for a time and at a temperature sufficient to yield a compound having the formula Li.sub.y Cr.sub.x Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4+z where y.gtoreq.2, 0.25<x<2, and z.gtoreq.0. The invention also features a compound having the formula Li.sub.y Cr.sub.x Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4+z where y>2, 0.25<x<2, and z.gtoreq.0, and an electrode composition containing this compound.

Abstract: A method for producing a double metal oxide of the general formula: XMO.sub.3 in which X is Li, Na, K, Pb, Ba, Mg, Ca, Sr, La, Y or Bi, and M is Al, Mn, Ti, Zr, Sn, Mg, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, Ta or W, which has a narrow particle size distribution and contains few agglomerates, by calcining a mixture of a simple oxide of metal X and a simple oxide of metal M; amorphous double metal oxide particles comprising X and M or their mixture; or metal oxide precursors which are converted to said simple metal oxides or said double metal oxide, in the presence of iodine or hydrogen iodide.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal oxide powder which comprises heating a metal or metals in an atmosphere gas comprising a halogen gas, a hydrogen halide gas or a mixture of these gases in a concentration of from 0.5% by volume or more to 99.5% by volume or less; and oxygen, water vapor or a mixture of these gases in a concentration of from 0.5% by volume or more to 99.5% by volume or less.

Abstract: A precursor, in gel form, of an oxide having the formula (I), BaO.n(Al.sub.2x Cr.sub.2y O.sub.3), where 1.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.6.6, (x+y)=1, and 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.5, said oxide being derivable from the precursor gel by the application of heat, is prepared by mixing a solution of a barium salt with a solution of an aluminium salt or a solution of an aluminium salt and a solution of a chromium salt, and polymerising the mixture to produce said precursor gel. A mixture suitable for firing to an oxide of the formula (II), BaO.m(Al.sub.2x Cr.sub.2y O.sub.3), where 4.6.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.6.6; (x+y)=1; and 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.5, comprises at least one of:(a) barium oxide;(b) a clean thermal precursor of barium oxide; and(c) barium mono-aluminate, BaO.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ; with at least one of:(A) alumina, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ;(B) hydrated forms of alumina, such as boehmite, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.H.sub.2 O; and(C) a clean thermal precursor of aluminium oxide; and, where y is not zero, with at least one of(D) chromium(III) oxide, Cr.

Abstract: A method for preparing an active substance for use in a positive electrode in chemical cells comprising a negative electrode is described. The method comprises preparing a mixed aqueous solution of a water-soluble lithium compound, a water-soluble transition metal compound, and an organic acid selected from the group consisting of organic acids having, in the molecule, at least one carboxyl group and at least one hydroxyl group and organic acids having at least two carboxyl groups, preparing an organic acid complex comprising lithium and a transition metal, and thermally decomposing the complex at temperatures sufficient for the decomposition to obtain the active substance. The complex may be prepared by dehydrating the solution. Alternatively, the complex may be formed by spraying the solution under heating conditions.