Abstract: Nanoscale, pyrogenically produced oxides and/or mixed oxides having a BET surface area of between 1 and 600 m2/g and a chloride content of less than 0.05 wt. % are produced by converting organometallic and/or organometalloid substances into the oxides at temperatures of above 200° C.

Abstract: Metal acid salt complexes are provided comprising (1) a first metal ion consisting essentially of bismuth, and optionally, at least one second metal ion selected from the group consisting of barium, calcium, strontium, lead, titanium, tantalum, and niobium, and (2) a polyether acid. The metal acid salt complexes are prepared by combining (1) bismuth ion, and optionally, at least one second metal ion and (2) at least one of a polyether acid and a polyether acid anhydride prepared from the polyether acid. In particular, the use of a mixture of bismuth, strontium, and niobium and/or tantalum salts of the hydrophilic acid 3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid salt is described for production of ceramic thin films, such as for use in ferroelectric devices, using non-toxic solvents. As a consequence, improved electronic devices are formed from less toxic and easier handled precursors and solvents.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparations of monodisperse spherical oxide particles in the form of free-flowing powders of agglomerates in which the particles are bonded to one another by a binder. With these preparations, the oxide particles can be homogeneously dispersed in polymer systems with particular ease.

Abstract: A metal oxide powder except &agr;-alumina, is disclosed comprising polyhedral particles having at least 6 planes each, a number average particle size of from 0.1 to 300 &mgr;m, and a D90/D10 ratio of 10 or less where D10 and D90 are particle sizes at 10% and 90% accumulation, respectively from the smallest particle size side in a cumulative particle size curve of the particles. This metal oxide powder contains less agglomerated particles, and has a narrow particle size distribution and a uniform particle shape.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a titanium-, -and alkaline- or alkaline-earth-based compound, processes for the preparation thereof, and use thereof as a coloring pigment. The product of the invention is characterized in that it corresponds to formula (1) MxCeyTizOt wherein M represents an alkaline or an alkaline-earth, and x, y and z satisfy the following equations: 0.1≦y/z≦1.5, 1≦(x+z)/y≦15, x+y+z=1, (x+3y=4z)/2≦t≦(x+4y+4z)/2.

Abstract: A titania bound ion exchange composition is prepared by admixing crystalline sodium titanate and a hydrolyzable titanium compound and then drying the titania bound crystalline sodium titanate. The dried titania bound ion exchange composition is subjected to optional compaction and calcination steps to improve the physical strength of the titania bound composition.

Abstract: The present invention related to methods of manufacturing oxide, nitride, carbide, and boride powders and other ceramic, organic, metallic, carbon and alloy powders and films and their mixtures having well-controlled size and crystallinity characteristics. This invention relates, more particularly, to a development in the synthesis of the ceramic, metallic, composite, carbon and alloy nanometer-sized particles with precisely controlled specific surface area, or primary particle size, crystallinity and composition. The product made using the process of the present invention and the use of that product are also claimed herein.

Abstract: Macroporous ceramics were produced using the droplets of an emulsion as the templates around which the ceramic is deposited through a sol-gel process. Subsequent aging, drying and calcination yields a ceramic with pores in the range of 0.1 to several micrometers which have been left behind by the droplets. The unique deformability of the droplets prevents cracking and pulverization during processing and allows one to obtain porosities in excess of 74%. By starting with a monodisperse emulsion (produced through a repeated fractionation procedure) pores with a uniform and controllable size have been obtained. Self-assembly of these droplets into a colloidal crystal leads to ceramics which contain ordered arrays of pores. A wide range of porosities is obtainable with the advantages of low-temperature sol-gel processing, with a high degree of control and low cost.

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: A process for the preparation of mixed oxide compositions of cerium oxide and at least one non-noble metal oxide is disclosed. The process involves contacting a salt solution containing a cerium (IV) salt with hydrogen peroxide and thereafter, treating the resulting solution with excess base to precipitate a mixed oxides. Mixed oxide compositions produced by the process maintain a high specific surface area after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Abstract: A new, cost effective process for the production of ultrafine particles which is based on mechanically activated chemical reaction of a metal compound with a suitable reagent. The process involves subjecting a mixture of a metal compound and a suitable reagent to mechanical activation to increase the chemical reactivity of the reactants and/or reaction kinetics such that a chemical reaction can occur which produces a solid nano-phase substance. Concomitantly, a by-product phase is also formed. This by-product phase is removed so that the solid nano-phase substance is left behind in the form of ultrafine particles. During mechanical activation a composite structure is formed which consists of an intimate mixture of nano-sized grains of the nano-phase substance and the reaction by-product phase.

Abstract: A transition metal based ceramic material having the general formula Li&agr;M1−&bgr;T&bgr;NxO67, wherein M is a transition metal, T is a dopant metal, and wherein x is greater than 0 and less than or equal to l, &dgr; is 0, or less than or equal to 4; &agr; is less than or equal to 3−x, and &bgr; is less than 1 is disclosed. The ceramic material has utility as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries.

Abstract: A method for making negative thermal expansion materials having the formula A 4 + ⁢ M 2 6 + ⁢ O 8 where A4+ is Zr4+, Hf4+, or mixtures thereof, and M6+ is Mo6+, W6+, or mixtures thereof, is described. The method comprises first forming an acidic, liquid mixture comprising stoichiometric amounts of (1) a soluble source of Zr4+, Hf4+, or mixtures thereof, and (2) a sodium-ion-free tungstate salt, a sodium-ion-free molybdate salt, or mixtures thereof. This liquid mixture is then heated, either at reflux temperature or in a closed system at pressures greater than ambient, to produce a solid fraction.

Abstract: Disclosed are certain catalysts and catalyst support materials and processes for the preparation of the catalyst support materials and for the selective hydrogenation of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EpB) to 1,2-epoxy-butane (butylene oxide—BO). The catalyst support materials have micropores filled with one or more inorganic oxides and the supported catalysts comprise one or more Group VIII metals deposited on the support materials. The rhodium-containing supported catalysts are especially useful for the selective hydrogenation of EpB to BO.

Abstract: Zirconia ceramic fibers, for catalytic applications, partially stabilized with yttria by means of a particular sol-gel process, are functionalized with a coating, containing zirconia and, optionally, alumina and/or oxides of Cu, Ni, Co, V, Mo, W, Ce, La, Nd and/or noble metals selected from Rh, Pt, Pd, Ru, Au, mainly obtained with a "dip coating" technique.

Abstract: This invention is a metal-zirconium oxide material made by sol-gel techniques from alkoxides including heterometallic alkoxides. The heterometallic alkoxides include zirconium and another metal selected from alkali metals and alkaline earth metal. Optionally, in forming this material, heterometallic alkoxides of zirconium and lanthanide metal may be included during sol-gel processing, as well as mono-metal alkoxides of these metals or zirconium.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing a metal oxide product by steps including absorbing a liquid solution of metal oxide precursors onto crystalline or microcrystalline, porous structured organic material capable of being combusted at elevated temperatures; heating the organic material containing the absorbed solution for a time and at a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid, convert the metal oxide precursors to metal oxides, and combust the organic material. The metal oxide products have been found to retain a high specific surface area (porous structure) even when subjected to elevated temperatures, which makes them ideally suited for use as catalyst materials.

Abstract: The invention is a method for treating exhaust gas containing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides generated by a lean burn internal combustion engine. It includes bringing the exhaust gas into contact with a particular metal-zirconium oxide material made by sol-gel processing and which includes at least 0.1 wt. % precious metal. The alkoxides include heterometallic alkoxides containing zirconium and alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. Optionally the oxide may contain a lanthanide metal. Under lean-burn conditions nitrogen oxides are absorbed on the oxide and when the oxygen concentration is lowered the absorbed nitrogen oxide are desorbed and reduced over the precious metal.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of ultra-fine powders of metal oxide wherein a surfactant is added to the solution for the preparation of the metal oxide to provide nanometer metal oxide powders without the utilization of vacuum or high pressure conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: Fine powders of ceramic materials can be obtained by firing a precursor powder in a rotary kiln while carried on coarse carrier particles.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide powder with a greatly decreased volatile moisture content can be obtained by surface treating with titanium dioxide powder with addition of a calcium salt and/or a silane coupling agent, or by a surface treatment by addition of an aluminate together with these surface treatments. A masterbatch containing this titanium dioxide powder is of high quality, having no defect due to foam generation upon high temperature processing.

Abstract: To hydrous titanium dioxide obtained by hydrolysis of titanium sulfate was added a predetermined amount of a water-soluble aluminum compound and/or a water-soluble zinc compound, the mixture is calcined, and a suitable amount of aluminum and/or zinc is introduced into the crystals to make up the crystal defects of anatase-type titanium dioxide, so that it has increased stability and excellent color stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photocatalytic body having a good photocatalytic function characterized by using an amorphous titanium peroxide sol, and a method for making the same. A photocatalyst such as titanium oxide in the form of powder or a sol and an amorphous titanium peroxide sol are mixed in different mixing rations depending on the purpose in use and the resultant mixture is coated onto a substrate such as an organic polymer resin, dried-solidifed and/or baked to support and fixed the photocatalyst on the substrate to make a photocatalytic body. Alternatively, a first layer consisting of an amorphous titanium peroxide sol on a substrate, and a second layer made of a photocatalyst is formed on the first layer to make a photocatalytic body. According to the invention, the photocatalyst can be supported and fixed on the substrate without lowering the photocatalytic function of the photocatalyst to obtain a photocatalytic body which is usable over a long time.

Abstract: Pelletized adsorbent compositions and methods of adsorbing toxic target compounds are provided for the destructive adsorption or chemisorption of toxic or undesired compounds. The pelletized adsorbents are formed by pressing together powder nanocrystalline particles comprising a metal hydroxide or a metal oxide at pressures of from about 50 psi to about 6000 psi to form discrete self-sustaining bodies. The pelletized bodies should retain at least about 25% of the surface area/unit mass and total pore volume of the starting metal particles.

Abstract: A continuous fiber of titania are made having an average diameter per a monofilament of from 5 to 50 .mu.m, which has a BET specific surface area of 10 m.sup.2 /g or more, a pore volume of 0.05 cc/g or more, a volume of pores having a pore diameter of not less than 10 angstroms being 0.02 cc/g or more and an average tensile strength per a monofilament of 0.1 GPa or more, or which has an average tensile strength per a monofilament of 0.5 GPa or more.

Abstract: A for producing metal oxide and/or organo-metal oxide compositions from metal oxide and organo-metal oxide precursors utilizing a rate modifying drying agent. The process allows metal oxide and/or organo-metal oxide compositions to be produced from a wide variety of metal oxide and organo-metal oxide precursors including metal halides and organometallic halides.

Abstract: A zirconia powder has an average particle diameter in a range from larger than 0.5 .mu.m to 0.8 .mu.m, and particles of 90 volume percent of the zirconia powder having a diameter of 1.5 .mu.m or smaller. Using this zirconia powder, a zirconia ceramics having uniform quality can be produced. The zirconia powder of the present invention can be efficiently produced by wet-milling a raw material powder using balls under a condition satisfying the following mathematical relation (I):1.times.10.sup.12 .ltoreq.(W.sub.1.sup.2 .div.W.sub.2).times.(.omega..sup.2 .div.d).times.T.ltoreq.1.times.10.sup.14 (I)where W.sub.1 is the weight (g) of balls, W.sub.2 is the weight (g) of the raw material powder, .omega. is the peripheral velocity (cm/min) at outer periphery of a rotor, d is the diameter (cm) of a milling chamber, and T is the milling time (min).

Abstract: A process for producing acrylic acid from propane and oxygen gas through a vapor-phase catalytic oxidation reaction, said process comprising conducting the reaction using as a catalyst a metal oxide containing metallic elements Mo, V, Sb, and A (provided that A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, Sn, W, Ti, Ni, Fe, Cr, and Co). The metal oxide is prepared by a process including specific steps (1) and (2). The metal oxide may be supported on a compound containing specific elements.

Abstract: Novel metal acid salt complexes are provided comprising (1) a metal selected from Group IV and Group V metals and (2) a polyether acid, along with a process for making the salt complexes. The process comprises: (a) preparing a polyether acid anhydride from the corresponding polyether acid; and (b) combining a metal alkoxide containing the Group IV or Group V metal with the polyether acid anhydride to form the metal acid salt complex. The resulting Group IV and Group V metal acid salt complexes enable the production of improved thin film, thick film, and bulk ceramic metal oxides and mixed metal oxides for a number of applications, including ferroelectric, electrooptic, paraelectric, and piezoelectric devices, using liquid soluble precursors which are soluble in far less toxic solvents than in the prior art. The soluble ceramic precursors may also be used as reactive binders and shape-forming aids in conventional ceramic processing.

Abstract: Zirconium dioxide which is monoclinic to at least 80% by weight and has a BET surface area of at least 100 m.sup.2 /g is prepared by admixing aqueous zirconium salt solutions with ammonia, drying and calcining the precipitation product, aging the precipitation product, prior to drying, in aqueous phase at from 0 to 300.degree. C. and carrying out the calcination at from 200 to 600.degree. C.

Abstract: A titanium compound for photochemical reactions having a high catalytic activity per unit surface area and extremely good stability to heat treatment is made of a substitutional solid solution of titanium oxide in which aluminum atoms occupy titanium sites of the titanium oxide uniformly at a predetermined ratio. Aluminum atoms preferably occupy about 0.01 to 0.5% of the titanium sites. The titanium compound for photochemical reactions is obtained from a complex alkoxide of titanium and aluminum.

Abstract: A method for production of mono-dispersed and crystalline titanium dioxide ultra fine powders comprises preparing an aqueous titanyl chloride solution, diluting the aqueous titanyl chloride solution to a concentration of between about 0.2 to 1.2 mole and heating the diluted aqueous titanyl chloride solution and maintaining the solution in a temperature range of between 15 to 155.degree. C. to precipitate titanium dioxide. The aqueous titanyl chloride solution is prepared by adding ice pieces of distilled water or icing distilled water to undiluted titanium tetrachloride.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing an enhanced adsorbent particle comprising contacting a non-amorphous, non-ceramic, crystalline, porous, calcined, aluminum oxide particle that was produced by calcining at a particle temperature of from 400.degree. C. to 700.degree. C., with an acid for a sufficient time to increase the adsorbent properties of the particle. A process for producing an enhanced adsorbent particle comprising contacting a non-ceramic, porous, oxide adsorbent particle with an acid for a sufficient time to increase the adsorbent properties of the particle is also disclosed. Particles made by the process of the instant invention and particle uses, such as remediation of waste streams, are also provided.

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: A process for reacting a zirconia-based material comprises reacting, in a reaction step, plasma dissociated zircon with aqueous hydrogen fluoride to produce a soluble fluoro zirconic acid compound.

Abstract: Transparent, monolithic metal oxide aerogels of varying densities are produced using a method in which a metal alkoxide solution and a catalyst solution are prepared separately and reacted. The resulting hydrolyzed-condensed colloidal solution is gelled, and the wet gel is contained within a sealed, but gas permeable, containment vessel during supercritical extraction of the solvent. The containment vessel is enclosed within an aqueous atmosphere that is above the supercritical temperature and pressure of the solvent of the metal alkoxide solution.

Abstract: A continuous hydrothermal synthesis method which comprises pressurizing and heating a material slurry below a saturated vapor temperature or pressurizing a material slurry at normal temperature, pressurizing and heating an aqueous liquid above the saturated vapor temperature, atomizing and mixing the slurry and the aqueous liquid, effecting hydrothermal synthesis in a reaction section above the saturated vapor temperature, cooling the reaction product and taking out the product while retaining the pressurized state in the system by alternately opening and closing shut-off valves provided above and below a product discharging section or through a thin pipe provided in the product discharging section. The method is performed using an apparatus comprising heating-pressurizing sections respectively connected to a material slurry feeding section and an aqueous liquid feeding section, an atomizing-mixing section and a reaction section provided after these feeding sections, and a product discharging section.

Abstract: This invention is method for preparing a titania bound ion exchange composition comprising admixing crystalline sodium titanate and a hydrolyzable titanium compound and, thereafter drying the titania bound crystalline sodium titanate and subjecting the dried titania bound ion exchange composition to optional compaction and calcination steps to improve the physical strength of the titania bound composition.

Abstract: An alumina-zirconia sintered body comprising 92 to 35% by weight of aluminum oxide and 8 to 65% by weight of zirconium oxide having mainly tetragonal system, and 0.2 to 5 parts by weight of silicon oxide per 100 parts by weight of the total of aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide, and having a relative density of 95% or more, has improved wear resistance and suitable for use in an impact grinder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of an inorganic oxide gel comprising contacting at least one fluorinated inorganic oxide precursor with a fluorinated gelling agent in the presence of at least one fluorinated solvent to form a solution; allowing sufficient time for gelation to occur; and isolating the inorganic oxide gel. Gels made by this process are useful as coatings and as components in inorganic/organic hybrid materials.

Abstract: A method for producing engineered materials from salt/polymer aqueous solutions in which an aqueous continuous phase having at least one metal cation salt is mixed with a hydrophilic organic polymeric disperse phase so as to form a metal cation/polymer gel. The metal cation/polymer gel is then treated to form a structural mass precursor, which structural mass precursor is heated, resulting in formation of a structural mass having predetermined characteristics based upon the intended application of the structural mass.

Abstract: A gas phase process for the production of titanium dioxide powders having well-controlled crystalline and surface area characteristics is disclosed. In this process, which is preferably carried out in a laminar diffusion flame reactor, vapor phase TiCl.sub.4 and oxygen are mixed in a reaction area which is heated externally. The titanium dioxide powder formed is then collected. It is preferred that the heat source used be a hydrocarbon fueled (e.g., methane) flame. Optionally, a vapor phase dopant (such as SiCl.sub.4) may be added to the reaction mixture to desirably affect the physical properties of the titanium dioxide produced. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a corona electric field is positioned across the area where the combustion reaction takes place (i.e., the reaction area). High anatase, high surface area titanium dioxide powders made by this process are excellent photocatalysts. The products of this process and the use of those products as photocatalysts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing an oxide (P), which includes the steps of (i) forming a solid phase compound (O) based on an oxide containing molecular entities (1) chosen from optionally substituted ammonium, diammonium, diazan-ium or diazandium, the entities being distributed within the solid matrix, and (ii) eliminating the entities (1) from the solid phase compound (O) by reacting the solid phase compound (O) with a gaseous stream containing a break-down reactant for the entities (1), and isolating the resulting solid material (P).

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: In the preparation of pulverulent zirconium dioxide by dissolving a zirconium compound in formic acid, removing the volatile components and calcining the residue, a chloride-free zirconium compound is dissolved in a formic acid/water mixture and the zirconium dioxide is obtained in a manner known per se.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing metal oxide precipitates, which comprises making a fluoride ion-capturing agent exist in an aqueous solution or hydrofluoric acid solution containing a fluorocomplex compound and/or a fluoride of a rare earth to form precipitates comprising a rare earth oxide or a solid solution containing it as a main component; and a process for producing metal oxide precipitates, which comprises making seed crystal(s) and a fluoride ion-capturing agent exist in an aqueous solution or hydrofluoric acid solution containing a metal fluoro complex compound and/or a metal fluoride of zirconium and/or hafnium to form precipitated crystals comprising said metal oxide crystals or a solid solution containing them as a main component, and is suitable for producing precipitates of a rare earth oxide and crystal precipitates of zirconium oxide and/or hafnium oxide, particularly precipitates such as a thin film, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing metal oxide precipitates, which comprises making a fluoride ion-capturing agent exist in a mixed solution of (1) an aqueous solution or hydrofluoric acid solution containing a fluoro complex compound and/or a metal fluoride each having a rare earth metal and/or an alkaline earth metal atom(s) M.sup.1 ; and (2) an aqueous solution or hydrofluoric acid solution containing a metal fluoro complex compound and/or a metal fluoride each having a transition metal and/or a 3B group metal atom(s) M.sup.2 to form precipitates comprising a perovskite type complex oxide containing M.sup.1 and M.sup.2, and is suitable for producing precipitates of a perovskite type complex oxide, particularly precipitates such as a thin film or the like on the surface of a substrate which has a large area or complicated shape, by using a simple apparatus without requirement of a heating step for crystallization.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of mixed silica-zirconia sols and mixed oxides in spherical form, comprising mixing a silicon alkoxide with a solution of an inorganic zirconium salt in a low molecular weight polyol and subjecting the intermediate thus formed to acid hydrolysis in a water medium.

Abstract: A pigmentary material comprises silver in a lattice of crystalline zirconia, which material contains at least 0.4% by weight of the silver. A process for preparing a pigmentary material comprising silver in a lattice of crystalline zirconia comprises calcining a zirconium component which yields the zirconia, and a silver component which yields the silver, forming a calcination mixture of the resultant zirconium and silver moieties and cooling the mixture, the weight of fluoride compound in the total weight of the components to be calcined being less than 6%.

Abstract: The application relates to stabilized vapor-deposition materials based on titanium oxide. These materials contain, as stabilizing additive, an oxide from the group consisting of zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, yttrium oxide and ytterbium oxide.