Abstract: The production method of the present invention includes (A) a raw material preparation step of preparing a raw material mixture containing at least a manganese compound; (B) a forming step of forming the raw material mixture prepared through the raw material preparation step into a compact having a longitudinal size L and a maximum size R as measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., in a thickness direction) such that L/R is 3 or more; (C) a firing step of firing the compact obtained through the forming step; and (D) a crushing step of crushing the fired compact obtained through the firing step.

Abstract: The production method of the present invention includes (A) a forming step of forming into a sheet-like compact a raw material containing at least a manganese compound and not containing a lithium compound; (B) a first firing step of firing the sheet-like compact formed through the forming step; and (C) a second firing step of firing a mixture of the fired compact obtained through the first firing step and a lithium compound at a temperature lower than the firing temperature employed in the first firing step.

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

Abstract: Titanium oxide (usually titanium dioxide) catalyst support particles are doped for electronic conductivity and formed with surface area-enhancing pores for use, for example, in electro-catalyzed electrodes on proton exchange membrane electrodes in hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells. Suitable compounds of titanium and a dopant are dispersed with pore-forming particles in a liquid medium. The compounds are deposited as a precipitate or sol on the pore-forming particles and heated to transform the deposit into crystals of dopant-containing titanium dioxide. If the heating has not decomposed the pore-forming particles, they are chemically removed from the, now pore-enhanced, the titanium dioxide particles.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a process for producing lithium manganate particles having a high output and an excellent high-temperature stability. The present invention relates to a process for producing lithium manganate particles comprising the steps of mixing a lithium compound, a manganese compound and a boron compound with each other; and calcining the resulting mixture in a temperature range of 800 to 1050° C., wherein an average particle diameter (D50) of the boron compound is not more than 15 times an average particle diameter (D50) of the manganese compound, and wherein the lithium manganate particles have a composition represented by the following chemical formula: Li1+xMn2-x-yY1yO4+B in which Y1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mg, Fe, Al, Cr and Ti, and x and y satisfy the conditions of 0.03?x?0.15 and 0?y?0.20, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel type of active mass and to the use thereof in chemical loopping combustion processes. Said active mass contains a spinel which corresponds to the formula AxA?x?ByB?y?O4. The active masses according to the invention have a high oxygen transfer capacity and oxidation and reduction rates which allow their advantageous use in the looping combustion process.

Abstract: A sintered lithium complex oxide characterized in that the sintered lithium complex oxide is constituted by sintering fine particles of a lithium complex oxide, the peak pore size giving the maximum differential pore volume is 0.80-5.00 ?m, the total pore volume is 0.10-2.00 mL/g, the average particle size is not less than the above-specified peak pore size but not more than 20 ?m, there is a sub-peak giving a differential pore volume not less than 10% of the maximum differential pore volume on the smaller pore size side with respect to the above-specified peak pore size, the pore size corresponding to the sub-peak is more than 0.50 ?m but not more than 2.00 ?m, the BET specific surface area of the sintered lithium complex oxide is 1.0-10.0 m2/g, and the half width of the maximum peak among X-ray diffraction peaks in an X-ray diffraction measurement is 0.12-0.30 deg.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of selectively removing lithium from various liquids, methods of producing high purity lithium carbonate, methods of producing high purity lithium hydroxide, and methods of regenerating resin.

Abstract: Wet-chemical methods involving the use of water-soluble hydrolytically stable metal-ion chelate precursors and an ammonium oxalate precipitant can be used in a coprecipitation procedure for the preparation of ceramic powders. Both the precursor solution and the ammonium oxalate precipitant solution are at neutral or near-neutral pH. A composition-modified barium titanate is one of the ceramic powders that can be produced. Certain metal-ion chelates can be prepared from 2-hydroxypropanoic acid and ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: In order to provide a novel spinel type lithium transition metal oxide (LMO) having excellent power performance characteristics, in which preferably both the power performance characteristics and the cycle performance at high temperature life characteristics may be balanced, a novel spinel type lithium transition metal oxide with excellent power performance characteristics is proposed by defining the inter-atomic distance Li—O to be 1.978 ? to 2.006 ? as measured by the Rietveld method using the fundamental method in a lithium transition metal oxide represented by the general formula Li1+xM2?xO4 (where M is a transition metal consisting of three elements Mn, Al and Mg and x is 0.01 to 0.08).

Abstract: Process for the production of a metal oxide powder having a BET surface area of at least 20 m2/g by reacting an aerosol with oxygen in a reaction space at a reaction temperature of more than 700° C. and then separating the resulting powder from gaseous substances in the reaction space, wherein the aerosol is obtained by atomisation using a multi-component nozzle of at least one starting material, as such in liquid form or in solution, and at least one atomising gas, the volume-related mean drop diameter D30 of the aerosol is from 30 to 100 ?m and the number of aerosol drops larger than 100 ?m is up to 10%, based on the total number of drops, and metal oxide powder obtainable by this process.

Abstract: Thin-film lithium-based batteries and electrochromic devices (10) are fabricated with positive electrodes (12) comprising a nanocomposite material composed of lithiated metal oxide nanoparticles (40) dispersed in a matrix composed of lithium tungsten oxide.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material containing a large number of crystal grains which contain, by 70 areal % or more, primary particles of non-octahedral shape, having particle diameters of 5 to 20 ?m, and composed of lithium manganate of spinel structure containing lithium and manganese as the constituent elements.

Abstract: There is provided Lithium-manganese oxides expressed as the following chemical formula 1, Li1+xMn1?x?yMyO2+z,??[Chemical Formula 1] wherein 0.01?x?0.5, 0?y?0.3, ?0.2?z?0.2, and M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Mn, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, W, Ag, Sn, Ge, Si, Al, and alloy thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process of making a Ni-based lithium transition metal oxide cathode active materials used in lithium ion secondary batteries. The cathode active materials are substantially free of Li2CO3 impurity and soluble bases.

Abstract: A method for producing a lithium-containing transition metal oxide represented by the general formula: Li[Lix(NiaM1?a)1?x]O2 where M is metal other than Li and Ni, 0?x, and 0<a. The method includes: (i) mixing a transition metal compound containing Ni and M in a molar ratio of a:(1?a) with lithium carbonate in a predetermined ratio; (ii) causing the temperature of the mixture to reach a predetermined temperature range while repeatedly raising and lowering the temperature thereof; and (iii) thereafter reacting the transition metal compound with the lithium carbonate in the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention provides for Ni-based lithium transition metal oxide cathode active materials used in lithium ion secondary batteries. The cathode active materials are substantially free of Li2CO3 impurity and soluble bases.

Abstract: The present invention provides for lithium ion secondary batteries that use Ni-based lithium transition metal oxide cathode active materials. The cathode active materials are substantially free of Li2CO3 impurity and soluble bases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery, in particular, including a lithium transition metal oxide with a layered crystalline structure in which the transition metal includes a transition metal mixture of Ni, Mn and Co, and an average oxidation number of all transition metals other than lithium is more than +3, and specific conditions represented by the following formulae (1) and (2), 1.1<m(Ni)/m(Mn)<1.5 and 0.4<m(Ni2+)/m(Mn4+)<1, are satisfied. The inventive cathode active material has a more uniform and stable layered structure by controlling the oxidation number of transition metals contained in a transition metal oxide layer to form the layered structure, compared to conventional substances. Accordingly, the active material exhibits improved overall electrochemical characteristics including battery capacity and, in particular, excellent high rate charge-discharge features.

Abstract: Provided is a cathode active material having a layered-spinel composite structure lithium metal oxide represented by Formula 1: xLi2MO3-yLiMeO2-zLi1+dM?2?dO4??(1) where x+y+z=1 where 0<x<1, 0<y<1 and 0<z<1; 0?d?0.33; M includes at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ti, and Zn; Me includes at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Mg, Zr, and B; and M? includes at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Mg, Zr, and B. The cathode active material has a layered-spinel composite structure in which lithium can be intercalated and deintercalated so that a lithium battery including the cathode active material shows high initial coulombic efficiency and a high capacity retention ratio.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pigment compositions with the formula BiwMnxCoyCuzO40, wherein w is between 7 and 9, x is between 3 and 13, y is between 2 and 13, z is between 0.5 and 7 and the sum of w, x, y and z is 26. The invention also is directed to thick film black pigment compositions, conductive single layer thick film compositions, black electrodes made from such black conductive compositions and methods of forming such electrodes, and to the uses of such compositions, electrodes, and methods in flat panel display applications, including alternating-current plasma display panel devices (AC PDP).

Abstract: In a lithium transition metal oxide having a layered structure, one is provided, which is particularly excellent as a positive electrode active material of a battery on board of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle in particular. A lithium transition metal oxide having a layered structure is proposed, wherein the ratio of the crystallite diameter determined by Measurement Method 1 according to the Rietveld method with respect to the mean powder particle diameter (D50) determined by the laser diffraction/scattering-type particle size distribution measurement method is 0.05 to 0.20.

Abstract: Cathode active materials including lithium composite metal oxides having layered-spine composite structures are provided. The lithium metal oxide may be represented by the formula xLi2MO3-yLiMeO2-zLi1+dM?2?dO4, in which 0?d?0.33, 0<x<1, 0<y<1, 0<z<1 and x+y+z=1. In the formula M is selected from Mn, Ti, Zn, and combinations thereof. Me is selected from Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Mg, Zr, B and combinations thereof. M? is selected from Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Mg, Zr, B, and combinations thereof. The cathode active materials have layered-spinel composite structures in which lithium can be intercalated and deintercalated. Lithium batteries including the cathode active materials show high initial coulombic efficiencies and high capacity retention ratios.

Abstract: Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. The suppression of gas generation is achieved through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of respective cell, or to the cell itself whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plasticized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are primarily based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An after-treatment system architecture and method for oxidizing the nitric oxide component of a gas stream.

Abstract: Wet-chemical methods involving the use of water-soluble hydrolytically stable metal-ion chelate precursors and the use of a nonmetal-ion-containing strong base can be used in a coprecipitation procedure for the preparation of ceramic powders. Examples of the precipitants used include tetraalkylammonium hydroxides. A composition-modified barium titanate is one of the ceramic powders that can be produced. Certain metal-ion chelates can be prepared from 2-hydroxypropanoic acid and ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A compound oxide manufacturing method includes: dispersing micelles, in each of which an aqueous phase is formed, in an oil phase; producing primary particles of a precursor of compound oxide in the aqueous phases in the micelles; synthesizing secondary particles by causing the primary particles to aggregate; and causing the secondary particles to aggregate by breaking the dispersion state of the micelles, or by causing the micelles to coalesce. In particular, polarization is produced in each of the micelles with the use of a cation having an ionic radius larger than that of a metal ion at least when the secondary particles are synthesized in the micelles.

Abstract: A lithium mixed metal oxide containing Li, Mn and M (M represents at least one metal element, and is free from Li or Mn), and having a peak around 1.5 ? (peak A), a peak around 2.5 ? (peak B), and the value of IB/IA is not less than 0.15 and not more than 0.9 in a radial distribution function obtained by subjecting an extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectrum at K absorption edge of Mn in the oxide to the Fourier transformation, wherein IA is the intensity of peak A and IB is the intensity of peak B.

Abstract: A method of producing lithium metal oxides can include mixing lithium salt and a metal oxide to form a composition, heating the composition in a first reactor, transferring the composition to a second reactor, and passing the composition through the second reactor to anneal the composition to form lithium metal oxides. The second reactor can be a fluidized bed reactor. The lithium metal oxide can have an average crystal size of between about 5 microns and about 20 microns.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a novel, economic synthesis of oxide ceramic composites. Methods of the present invention, referred to as carbon combustion synthesis of oxides (CCSO), are a modification of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) methods in which the heat needed for the synthesis is generated by combustion of carbon in oxygen rather than that of a pure metal. This enables a more economic production of the ceramic material and minimizes the presence of intermediate metal oxides in the product. The reactant mixture generally comprises at least one oxide precursor (e.g., a metal or non metal oxide, or super oxide, or nitride, or carbonate, or chloride, or oxalate, or halides) as a reactant, but no pure metal. Pure carbon in the form of graphite or soot is added to the reactant mixture to generate the desired heat (upon ignition). The mixture is placed in a reactor and exposed to gaseous oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making a complex metal oxide comprising the formula AxByOz. The process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting in solution at a temperature of between about 75° C. to about 100° C. at least one water-soluble salt of A, at least one water-soluble salt of B and a stoichiometric amount of a carbonate salt or a bicarbonate salt required to form a mole of a carbonate precipitate represented by the formula AxBy(CO3)n, wherein the reacting is conducted in a substantial absence of carbon dioxide to form the carbonate precipitate and wherein the molar amount of carbonate salt or bicarbonate salt is at least three times the stoichiometric amount of carbonate or bicarbonate salt required to form a mole of the carbonate precipitate; and (b) reacting the carbonate precipitate with an oxygen containing fluid under conditions to form the complex metal oxide.

Abstract: A method is described for the manufacture of hydrotalcites by using at least one compound of a bivalent metal (Component A) and at least one compound of a trivalent metal (Component B), wherein at least one of these components is not used in the form of a solution, characterized in that a) at least one of the Components A and/or B which is not used in the form of a solution, shortly before or during mixing of the components, and/or b) the mixture containing the Components A and B is subjected to intensive grinding until an average particle size (D50) in the range of approx. 0.1 to 5 ?m is obtained, and optionally, after aging treatment or hydrothermal treatment, the resulting hydrotalcite product is separated, dried, and optionally calcinated.

Abstract: An insulating target material for obtaining a conductive complex oxide film represented by a general formula ABO3. The insulating target material includes: an oxide of an element A; an oxide of an element B; an oxide of an element X; and at least one of an Si compound and a Ge compound, the element A being at least one element selected from La, Ca, Sr, Mn, Ba, and Re, the element B being at least one element selected from Ti, V, Sr, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Ir, Pb, and Nd, and the element X being at least one element selected from Nb, Ta, and V.

Abstract: A sol-gel process for preparing a mixture of metal-oxide-metal compounds wherein at least one metal oxide precursor is subjected to a hydrolysis treatment to obtain one or more corresponding metal oxide hydroxides, the metal oxide hydroxides so obtained are subjected to a condensation treatment to form the metal-oxide-metal compounds, which process is carried out in the presence of an encapsulated catalyst, whereby the catalytically active species is released from the encapsulating unit by exposure to an external stimulus, and wherein the catalytically active species released after exposure to such external stimulus is capable of catalyzing the condensation of the metal-hydroxide groups that are present in the metal oxide hydroxides so obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials for use as electrodes in an alkali-ion secondary (rechargeable) battery, particularly a lithium-ion battery. The invention provides transition-metal compounds having the ordered-olivine, a modified olivine, or the rhombohedral NASICON structure and the polyanion (PO4)3? as at least one constituent for use as electrode material for alkali-ion rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: Anitrate-nitrogen-reducing agent for a farm product, comprising as an active ingredient a hydroxide solid solution represented by the formula (1), [(M12+)1-x(M22+)x]1-z(M3+)z(OH)2(An?)z/n·mH2O??(1) wherein M12+ represents Ca and/or Mg, M22+ represents at least one essential mineral selected from Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni and Co, M3+ represents at least one trivalent metal, An? represents an anion having a valence of n, x is a positive number in the range of 0<x<0.5, m is 0 or a positive number in the range of 0?m<10, z is a positive number in the range of 0<z<0.4, and n is a positive number in the range of 1?n?10, and/or the formula (2), (M12+)1-x(M22+)x(OH)2??(2) wherein M12+, x and M22+ are as defined in the formula (1).

Abstract: This invention relates to electrodes for non-aqueous lithium cells and batteries. More specifically, the invention relates to silver manganese vanadium oxide positive electrodes for such cells and batteries. The silver manganese vanadium oxide electrodes may contain substituents or dopants to improve the electrochemical properties of the electrodes, cells and batteries. The silver manganese vanadium oxide electrodes optionally contain silver powder and/or silver foil to assist in current collection at the electrodes and to improve the power capability of the cells or batteries. The invention also includes a method for preparing the electrodes by decomposition of a permanganate salt, such as AgMnO4, KMnO4, NaMnO4 or LiMnO4 in the presence of a compound or compounds containing silver and/or vanadium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a lithium composite oxide for use as a positive electrode active material for lithium secondary batteries by a spray pyrolysis process. The method comprises the steps of: subjecting an inorganic acid salt solution of metal elements constituting a final composite oxide other than lithium to a spray pyrolysis process to obtain an intermediate composite oxide powder; and solid state-mixing the intermediate composite oxide powder and a hydroxide salt of lithium, followed by thermally treating the mixture.

Abstract: A process comprises (a) combining (1) at least one base and (2) at least one metal carboxylate salt comprising (i) a metal cation selected from metal cations that form amphoteric metal oxides or oxyhydroxides and (ii) a lactate or thiolactate anion, or metal carboxylate salt precursors comprising (i) at least one metal salt comprising the metal cation and a non-interfering anion and (ii) lactic or thiolactic acid, a lactate or thiolactate salt of a non-interfering, non-metal cation, or a mixture thereof; and (b) allowing the base and the metal carboxylate salt or metal carboxylate salt precursors to react.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making nanoparticles of metals, metal alloys, metal oxides and multi-metallic oxides, which comprises the steps of reacting a metal salt dissolved in water with an alkali metal salt of C4-25 carboxylic acid dissolved in a first solvent selected from the group consisting of C5-10 aliphatic hydrocarbon and C6-10 aromatic hydrocarbon to form a metal carboxylate complex; and heating the metal carboxylate complex dissolved in a second solvent selected from the group consisting of C6-25 aromatic, C6-25 ether, C6-25 aliphatic hydrocarbon and C6-25 amine to produce the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A material comprising a plurality of nanoparticles. Each of the plurality of nanoparticles includes at least one of a metal phosphate, a metal silicate, a metal oxide, a metal borate, a metal aluminate, and combinations thereof. The plurality of nanoparticles is substantially monodisperse. Also disclosed is a method of making a plurality of substantially monodisperse nanoparticles. The method includes providing a slurry of at least one metal precursor, maintaining the pH of the slurry at a predetermined value, mechanically milling the slurry, drying the slurry to form a powder; and calcining the powder at a predetermined temperature to form the plurality of nanoparticles.

Abstract: Oxygen is reduced in the presence of a catalyst at the cathode of an alkaline-electrolyte fuel cell. Catalysts of the formula Sr3?xA1+xCo4?yByO10.5?z wherein ?0.6?x?1.0; 0?y?3; and ?1.5?z?0.5; wherein A represents Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, or Y; and wherein B represents Fe, Ga, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Cr, demonstrate high catalytic activity and high chemical stability when used as the oxygen-reduction catalyst in alkaline fuel cells.

Abstract: A compound for use as active material of a positive electrode of a lithium-ion cell. This compound has an average discharge voltage above 4.5V in relation to the Li+/Li couple of approximately 4.7V. The compound includes: a) a spinel-type crystalline phase of formula LiaNiII0.5?xMnIII2xMnIV1.5?x?yMyO4 in which elements Ti and Al, or a mixture of these; 0.8<a<1.3; 0<x?0.15; 0<y?0.15; b) a cubic crystalline phase of formula Li1?tNi1+tO in which 0?t?1; and c) a rhomboedric crystalline phase of formula Li1?ZNi1+zO2 in which 0?z?1.

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: Disclosed is a low-cost metal complex oxide material which has excellent stability at high temperatures and good crystallinity, while placing only a little burden on the environment. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing a metal complex oxide powder represented by the following general formula: ABO3 (wherein A represents an oxygen 12 coordinated metal element and B represents an oxygen 6 coordinated metal element). This method for producing a metal complex oxide powder is characterized in that a chloride containing the element A, a chloride containing the element B and an aqueous solution containing an alkali carbonate are reacted as represented by the reaction formula below for producing a precipitate, and then the thus-produced precipitate is fired. (1?x)CaCl2+x.MCl3+(2+0.5x)Na2Co3?(1?x)CaCO3?+0.5x.

Abstract: Electrode materials such as LixMnO2 where 0.2<x?2 compounds for use with rechargeable lithium ion batteries can be formed by mixing LiMn2O4 compounds or manganese dioxide compounds with lithium metal or stabilized and non-stabilized lithium metal powders.

Abstract: A method for preparing lithium transitional metal oxides, comprises the steps of: preparing a carbonate precursor using the following substeps: forming a first aqueous solution containing a mixture of at least two of the ions of the following metal elements (“Men+”): cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn); forming a second aqueous solution containing ions of CO32?; and mixing and reacting the first solution and the second solution to produce the carbonate precursor, Ni1-x-yCoxMnyCO3; and preparing the lithium transition metals oxide from the carbonate precursors using the following substeps: evenly mixing Li2CO3 and the carbonate precursor; calcinating the mixed material in high temperature; and cooling and pulverizing the calcinated material to obtain the lithium transition metal oxide, Li Ni1-x-yCoxMnyO2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound represented by the following formula 1. A lithium secondary battery using the same compound as electrode active material, preferably as cathode active material, is also disclosed. LiMP1-xAxO4??[Formula 1] wherein M is a transition metal, A is an element having an oxidation number of +4 or less and 0<x<1. The electrode active material comprising a compound represented by the formula of LiMP1-xAxO4 shows excellent conductivity and charge/discharge capacity compared to LiMPO4.

Abstract: A spinel structure compound of the formula LiNi0.4Mn1.6O4-?, wherein ?>0, has a lattice parameter of from 8.179 to 8.183 ?. The compound may be prepared by mixing carbonated precursors under stoichiometric conditions to produce a mixture, subjecting the mixture to a first heat treatment at a temperature of from 500 to 700° C., and then subjecting the mixture to one or more annealing treatments at a temperature of from 700 to 950° C., followed by cooling in a medium containing oxygen. The spinel structure compound may be used as an electrochemically active material in an electrode, for example an electrode of a battery.

Abstract: A negative electrode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising an alloy including silicon and a transition metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, and nickel; and a silicon oxide film and an oxide film of the transition metal formed on a surface of the alloy wherein the alloy includes an A phase including silicon and a B phase including a crystalline alloy of silicon and the transition metal. The negative electrode material has a silicon oxide film and an oxide film of the transition metal on the surface of the alloy wherein the thickness ratio of the transition metal oxide film to the silicon oxide film is at least 0.44 and smaller than 1.