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 is directed to compositions of matter comprising a hydride ion having a binding energy greater than about 0.8 eV. The claimed hydride ions may be combined with cations, including a proton, to form novel hydrides.

Abstract: A method of fixing polarization-reversed regions formed in a ferroelectric single crystal with ease and an optical element containing such a ferroelectric single crystal are provided. The method of fixing the polarization-reversed regions formed in a ferroelectric single crystal is characterized by including a step of irradiating an ion beam or a neutral beam on the ferroelectric single crystal where polarization-reversed regions are formed. An optical element containing such a ferroelectric single crystal is characterized by being manufactured by a method including such a step.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new synthetic mineral matter containing carbonate, the decomposition of which reduces the rate of fossil fuel carbon dioxide emission. It also concerns its manufacture in batches, or in a batch-continuous manner, or in a continuous manner, together with its uses in the pharmaceutical field, the field of human or animal foodstuffs, or again the papermaking field with, notably, manufacture of paper, filler or coating, or again every other paper surface treatment, together with the fields of water-based or non-water-based paints, together with the field of plastics, such as that of breathable polyethylene films, or again the field of printing inks.

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

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas absorbent includes a porous body containing a lithium complex oxide. The porous body includes pores having a pore diameter distribution such that main pores which consist of first pores with a diameter of 10 to 100 ?m and second pores with a diameter larger than 100 ?m and 500 ?m or smaller occupy 80 to 100%, third pores with a diameter smaller than 10 ?m occupy 0 to 10% and fourth pores with a diameter larger than 500 ?m occupy 0 to 10%, the main pores have a pore diameter distribution such that the first pores occupy 15 to 85% and second pores occupy 15 to 85%.

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

Abstract: A solar cell is fabricated by etching one or more of its layers without substantially etching another layer of the solar cell. In one embodiment, a copper layer in the solar cell is etched without substantially etching a topmost metallic layer comprising tin. For example, an etchant comprising sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide may be employed to etch the copper layer selective to the tin layer. A particular example of the aforementioned etchant is a Co-Bra Etch® etchant modified to comprise about 1% by volume of sulfuric acid, about 4% by volume of phosphoric acid, and about 2% by volume of stabilized hydrogen peroxide. In one embodiment, an aluminum layer in the solar cell is etched without substantially etching the tin layer. For example, an etchant comprising potassium hydroxide may be employed to etch the aluminum layer without substantially etching the tin layer.

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: Sodium hydrogencarbonate crystal particles, which comprise sodium hydrogencarbonate crystal particles having an average particle size of from 50 to 500 ?m based on the mass, and anhydrous sodium carbonate, and sodium carbonate monohydrate and/or Wegscheider's salt, present on the surface of the sodium hydrogencarbonate crystal particles in such amounts that the total content of anhydrous sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate monohydrate, Wegscheider's salt and sodium sesquicarbonate in the sodium hydrogencarbonate crystal particles is from 0.04 to 1 mass % as calculated as anhydrous sodium carbonate, anhydrous sodium carbonate accounts for at least 40 mass % of the total content, and sodium carbonate monohydrate and/or Wegscheider's salt accounts for from 5 to 60 mass % of the total content. Sodium hydrogencarbonate crystal particles having a low caking property, which are useful in the field of food products, pharmaceuticals, bath additives, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is metal composite oxides having the new crystal structure. Also disclosed are ionic conductors including the metal composite oxides and electrochemical devices comprising the ionic conductors. The metal composite oxides have an ion channel formed for easy movement of ions due to crystallographic specificity resulting from the ordering of metal ion sites and metal ion defects within the unit cell. Therefore, the metal composite oxides according to the present invention are useful in an electrochemical device requiring an ionic conductor or ionic conductivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing an improved cathode powder for making lithium ion batteries wherein the powder comprises lithium, vanadium and a polyanion. The process includes forming a solution-suspension of the precursors, which include vanadium pentoxide, with a reducing agent, a solvent, and a carbon-residue-forming material. The reducing agent causes the vanadium in vanadium pentoxide to reduce from V5+ to V3+. The solution-suspension is heated in an inert environment to drive the synthesis of the LVP (Li3V2(PO4)3) such that the carbon-residue-forming material is also oxidized to precipitate in and on the LVP forming carbon-containing LVP or CCLVP. The liquids are separated from the solids and the dry powder is heated to a second higher temperature to drive the crystallization of the product.

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

Abstract: A method of producing an active material for a lithium secondary battery, by which impurities causing problems in synthesizing an active material for a lithium secondary battery, including a lithium transition metal oxyanion compound are removed efficiently and enhancement of an energy density is realized, is provided. By cleaning the active material for a lithium secondary battery, including a lithium transition metal oxyanion compound, with a pH buffer solution, for example, it is possible to efficiently remove just only impurities such as Li3PO4 or Li2CO3, or a substance, other than LiFePO4, in which the valence of Fe is bivalent such as FeSO4, FeO or Fe3(PO4)2 without dissolving Fe of LiFePO4.

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

Abstract: Solid battery components are provided. A block copolymeric electrolyte is non-crosslinked and non-glassy through the entire range of typical battery service temperatures, that is, through the entire range of at least from about 0° C. to about 70° C. The chains of which the copolymer is made each include at least one ionically-conductive block and at least one second block immiscible with the ionically-conductive block. The chains form an amorphous association and are arranged in an ordered nanostructure including a continuous matrix of amorphous ionically-conductive domains and amorphous second domains that are immiscible with the ionically-conductive domains. A compound is provided that has a formula of LixMyNzO2. M and N are each metal atoms or a main group elements, and x, y and z are each numbers from about 0 to about 1. y and z are chosen such that a formal charge on the MyNportion of the compound is (4?x). In certain embodiments, these compounds are used in the cathodes of rechargeable batteries.

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

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

Abstract: Rechargeable electrochemical cells, such as lithium batteries and asymmetric hybrid battery/supercapacitor systems, exhibiting exceptional specific capacity levels and stability over extended high-rate recharge cycling comprise nanostructure zero strain Li4Ti5O12 intercalation electrode material synthesized in a short duration process of annealing mixed TiO2 and Li-source precursor compounds at about 800° C. for a time of about 15–30 min which is not substantially longer than that required to effect maximum available reaction between the precursors, thereby substantially eliminating the growth of synthesized Li4Ti5O12 particles beyond nanostructure size. The process reduces by order of magnitude the time and energy required for synthesis of the active electrode material and fabrication of utilizing cell devices, and provides such nanostructure material which enables repeated, high-rate recharge cycling without loss of cell capacity or efficiency.

Abstract: Described is a method for the production of metal oxides by flame spray pyrolysis, in particular mixed metal oxides such as ceria/zirconia, and metal oxides obtainable by said method. Due to high enthalpy solvents with a high carboxylic acid content said metal oxides have improved properties. For example ceria/zirconia has excellent oxygen storage capacity at high zirconium levels up to more than 80% of whole metal content.

Abstract: Feeding device for feeding burned lime to a reaction vessel for causticizing a soda liquor to caustic soda. The feeding device, in its upper part, comprises an inlet for a slurry of the burned lime and the soda liquor for formation of said slurry inside said feeding device. The system further comprises a tall and slender feed vessel having a lower part having an outlet defined therein for the slurry. The outlet, via a pump, is operatively connected to the reaction vessel. The process and the feeding system utilize the feeding device, in which process the slurry is created of the burned lime and a first part of the soda liquor, a second part being preheated before addition to the slurry, whereafter slaking and causticizing reactions are completed under elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing particles, such as oxide nanoparticles, in a substantially water-free environment. The process involves mixing at least one metal compound of the formula MX(m?n) with at least one surfactant and at least one solvent, wherein M is an electropositive element of Groups 1–15; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of O1/2, F, Cl, Br, I, OR, O2CR, NR2, and R; each R is independently a hydrocarbyl group; n is equal to ½ the oxidation state of the metal M in the product particle; and m is equal to the oxidation state of the element M. The components are typically combined to form a mixture which is thermally treated for a time period sufficient to convert the metal compound into particles of the corresponding oxide, having sizes in a range between about 0.5 nanometer and about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: A low temperature contaminant limiting process for lithiating hydroxides and forming lithiated metal oxides of suitable crystalinity in-situ. M(OH)2 is added to an aqueous solution of LiOH. An oxidant is introduced into the solution which is heated below about 150° C. and, if necessary, agitated. M may be selected from cobalt, nickel and manganese. The resultant LiMO2 becomes crystallized in-situ and is subsequently removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a potassium-doped mixed metal oxide cathode material formed by advantageously alloying MnO2 with potassium and lithium to provide a new mixed metal oxide cathode material as the positive electrode in rechargeable lithium and lithium ion electrochemical cells. By alloying MnO2 with potassium and lithium in a LixKyMn2O4 compound, the cathode materials of the present invention afford overcharge protection that allows the cathode to be fully reversible. Manganese dioxide doped with potassium was initially examined as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium and lithium-ion batteries in order to provide a new mixed metal oxide cathode material as the positive electrode in rechargeable lithium and lithium ion electrochemical cells. The LixKyMn2O4 material is incorporated into an electrochemical cell with either a lithium metal or lithium ion anode and an organic electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention includes lithium cobalt oxides having hexagonal layered crystal structures and methods of making same. The lithium cobalt oxides of the invention have the formula LiwCo1?xAxO2+y wherein 0.96?w?1.05, 0?x?0.05, ?0.02?y?0.02 and A is one or more dopants. The lithium cobalt oxides of the invention preferably have a position within the principal component space defined by the relationship axi+byi?c, wherein xi={right arrow over (S)}i•{right arrow over (P)}c1; yi={right arrow over (S)}i•{right arrow over (P)}c2; the vector {right arrow over (S)}i is the x-ray spectrum for the LiwCo1?xAxO2+y compound; the vectors {right arrow over (P)}c1 and {right arrow over (P)}c2 defining the principal component space are determined by measuring the x-ray powder diffraction values {right arrow over (S)}i between 15° and 120° using a 0.

Abstract: A process is provided for making nano-sized or sub-micron sized oxides of lithium and a transition metal. The desired size is generally in the range 10 nm to 1000 nm and preferably in the range 10 nm to 100 nm. The particles have a narrow size distribution. The process includes milling and re-firing under controlled conditions so that crystallites of the desired particle size are grown.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing stoichiometric lithium niobate elements are provided. The method involves heating lithium niobate substrates in the presence of a monolithic sintered source of lithium and/or niobium. The method is useful for producing lithium niobate optical elements such as waveguides, switches and modulators.

Abstract: A compound obtained by incorporating atoms Cz into vacant lattice points of a crystal represented by the general formula AxBy (wherein A is a cation; B is an anion; and x and y satisfy an electrically neutral stoichiometric ratio) while controlling the introduction with respect to position and/or concentration (C is an atom capable of forming an ion which has an arbitrary valence and is introduced into a vacant lattice point of the crystal of the compound AxBy; and z is from 0 to the number corresponding to the concentration of vacant lattice points in AxBy).

Abstract: This invention concerns intercalation compounds and in particular lithium intercalation compounds which have improved properties for use in batteries. Compositions of the invention include particulate metal oxide material having particles of multicomponent metal oxide, each including an oxide core of at least first and second metals in a first ratio, and each including a surface coating of metal oxide or hydroxide that does not include the first and second metals in the first ratio formed by segregation of at least one of the first and second metals from the core. The core may preferably comprise LixMyNzO2 wherein M and N are metal atom or main group elements, x, y and z are numbers from about 0 to about 1 and y and z are such that a formal charge on MyNz portion of the compound is (4−x), and having a charging voltage of at least about 2.5V.

Abstract: A lithium-manganese oxide for use in a lithium secondary cell cathode, having a spinel structure expressed by a chemical compositional formula of LixMn2O4-zFz (1.12≦X≦1.20, 0<Z<0.16) and having a lattice constant ranging from 8.220 to 8.230 Å, the lithium-manganese oxide including electrolytic or chemically synthesized manganese dioxide, lithium salt, and fluoride.

Abstract: A pyrogenic process is used to prepare alkali-doped silica particles. Particles produced by this process exhibit homogeneous doping, reduced agglomeration, greater stability and higher removal rates. Aqueous dispersions containing alkali-doped pyrogenic silica with average particle size less than 100 nm are used for polishing surfaces (CMP).

Abstract: Electrocatalyst powders and methods for producing electrocatalyst powders, such as carbon composite electrocatalyst powders. The powders have a well-controlled microstructure and morphology. The method includes forming the particles from an aerosol of precursors by heating the aerosol to a relatively low temperature, such as not greater than about 400° C.

Abstract: There is provided concentrated aqueous solutions of highly pure lithium hydroxide essentially free of carbon dioxide, packaged in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention includes lithium cobalt oxides having hexagonal layered crystal structures and methods of making same. The lithium cobalt oxides of the invention have the formula LiwCo1−xAxO2+y wherein 0.96≦w≦1.05, 0≦x≦0.05, −0.02≦y≦0.02 and A is one or more dopants. The lithium cobalt oxides of the invention preferably have a position within the principal component space defined by the relationship axi+byi≦c, wherein xi={right arrow over (S)}i&Circlesolid;{right arrow over (P)}c1; yi={right arrow over (S)}i&Circlesolid;{right arrow over (P)}c2; the vector {right arrow over (S)}i is the x-ray spectrum for the LiwCo1−xAxO2+y compound; the vectors {right arrow over (P)}c1 and {right arrow over (P)}c2 defining the principal component space are determined by measuring the x-ray powder diffraction values {right arrow over (S)}i between 15° and 120° using a 0.

Abstract: Potassium titanate powder with no risk of carcinogenic property, comprising particles with a length of less than 2 &mgr;m, a length/breadth ratio of less than 5 and, further, comprising 90% or more of particles with the ratio less than 2 and 97% or more of particles with the ratio of less than 3, based on the ratio of the number of particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive process for the preparation of lithium salts of formula LiX having a desired or required level of purity using lithium chloride and lithium sulfate. In the process of the invention, a lithium salt selected from lithium chloride, lithium sulfate, and combinations thereof is reacted with NaX or KX in a aqueous, semiaqueous, or organic solution and the precipitated salts are removed to obtain the LiX solution of desired purity. Preferably, a semiaqueous solution containing water and an organic solvent is used at some point in the reaction. The process of the invention eliminates the use of highly acidic materials and thus reduces the cost of raw materials and the need for specialized equipment.

Abstract: Aluminum polychlorosulphates having the general formula (I) Al(OH)l Clm(SO4)nMp(I) where M represents an alkali metal l, m, n, p represent the number of moles per mole of aluminum, so that 1.74≦l≦2.25, 0.01≦n≦0.17, 0.32≦p≦1.49, and l+m+2n=p+3, their use as coagulation and flocculation agents, and their preparation process by reaction, at room temperature, of an alkali metal basic compound, such as Na2CO3, NaHCO3, NaOH, K2CO3, KHCO3 and KOH, and an alkali metal sulphate or sulphuric acid with an aluminum polychloride or polychlorosulphate having the general formula(I′) Al(OH)l′Clm′(SO4)n′Mp′(I′) where 1.1≦1′≦1.44, n′≦0.10, p′<p(p of formula (I)), and l′+m′+2n′=p′+3.

Abstract: Described are aqueous solutions comprising sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate in a molar ratio of 1:1.7 to 1:0.5, which are useful for preparing alkaline dyeing liquors, especially padding liquors, of fiber-reactive dyes for producing dyeings on cellulosic textile material.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, the material is a non-linear optical compound with a beryllium oxide (BeO2) framework or superstructure.

Abstract: A solid acid material is used as a proton conducting membrane in an electrochemical device. The solid acid material can be one of a plurality of different kinds of materials. A binder can be added, and that binder can be either a nonconducting or a conducting binder. Nonconducting binders can be, for example, a polymer or a glass. A conducting binder enables the device to be both proton conducting and electron conducting. The solid acid material has the general form MaHb(XOt)c.

Abstract: A cathode material for a lithium secondary battery having a high capacity, an excellent cycle property, and an excellent thermal stability. The cathode material for the lithium secondary battery is a layered compound having a general formula: LixNi1-a-b-c-dCOaM1bM2cM3dO2, wherein M1, M2, M3 are selected from Ti, Mg, B and Al and wherein the characters x, a, b, c and d respectively satisfy 1.0≦x≦1.2; 0.3≦a≦0.3; 0.005≦b≦0.1; 0.005≦c≦0.1; 0.005≦d≦0.1; and 0.115≦a+b+c+d≦0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium-rich carbonaceous substance which can be used as a negative electrode in a lithium accumulator. This substance has the following formula: LiNaxCyOz  (I) in which x, y and z are such that 0.4≦x≦0.6 2.5≦y≦3.5 0.2≦z≦1 It can be prepared by the insertion of lithium electrochemically in a graphite-sodium-oxygen compound.

Abstract: Sulfur compounds present as sulfides and mercaptans in spent caustic streams from refinery and petrochemical processes are oxidized by contacting them with an oxygen-containing gas in a packed column recycle reactor.

Abstract: A process of preparation capable of easily preparing cathode materials having a homogeneous composition in a good mass productivity, a cathode material obtained by this process, and a secondary lithium ion battery using the cathode material. Aqueous solutions of each of a lithium salt, a transition metal salt, and a complexing agent are prepared and mixed in a stoichiometric ratio of a cathode material, and therefrom water is removed by spray-drying to give a precursor which is then sintered. High performance secondary lithium ion batteries are obtained by using the obtained cathode material in the positive electrode.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of chemically converting a first material to a second material. A first plasma and a second plasma are formed, and the first plasma is in fluid communication with the second plasma. The second plasma comprises activated hydrogen and oxygen, and is formed from a water vapor. A first material is flowed into the first plasma to at least partially ionize at least a portion of the first material. The at least partially ionized first material is flowed into the second plasma to react at least some components of the first material with at least one of the activated hydrogen and activated oxygen. Such converts at least some of the first material to a second material. In another aspect, the invention encompasses a method of forming a synthetic gas by flowing a hydrocarbon-containing material into a hybrid-plasma system.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing metallic oxides, when synthesizing an oxide of a metal A, controls oxygen partial pressure by using an oxygen partial pressure control agent containing an oxide of a metal B capable of assuming multiple valence numbers. The method satisfies an ionization tendency relationship of A1+<Bj+<A0, where i is the valence number of the metal A in the oxide to be synthesized and j is the valence number of the metal B in the oxygen partial pressure control agent.

Abstract: A piezoelectric single crystal wafer for SAW or LSAW devices has an x-ray rocking curve half width of up to 0.06° on the wafer surface on which electrodes are to be formed for transmitting and receiving SAW or LSAW.

Abstract: Potassium titanate fine particles wherein the length is shorter than 5 &mgr;m, the content of the particles having the ratio of the length to the breadth is less than 3 is from 70 to 100% by number ratio, the diffraction intensity in the X-ray diffraction is low and the particles are low crystallinity, and the specific surface area thereof is from 20 to 50 m2/g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cathode electroactive material comprising a composite oxide comprising &bgr;-MnO2 and a spinel oxide predominantly comprising lithium, manganese, and oxygen.

Abstract: Provided is a lithium secondary battery of a high energy density using a cathode active material having an excellent cycle characteristic in charging/discharging at a high capacity and a small irreversible capacity. The lithium secondary battery comprising: a cathode including a material that can be doped/undoped with lithium ions as an active material; an anode including a lithium metal, a lithium alloy, or a material that can be doped/undoped with lithium ions as an active material; and a liquid or solid electrolyte, wherein lithiated nickel dioxide containing tin is used as the cathode active material, and said lithiated nickel dioxide has a peak near 2&thgr;=34.4° and does not have a peak near 2&thgr;=22.5° in the X-ray diffraction pattern by CuK&agr; rays, or the intensity ratio of the peak near 2&thgr;=22.5° to the peak near 2&thgr;=34.4° is 1.2 or less.