Abstract: A method and system for computing a stable index value of fresh water based on water quality category and/or grade from current values of root commodities (i.e. freely marketed products) that either have fresh water as a constituent and/or utilize fresh water in their production, usable to develop a stable investment instrument for investing in fresh water. A processor may process associations between a root commodity and a water quality category of fresh water. A display associated with a computer may display updateable current prices of fresh water of a particular water quality category and/or grade and updateable current prices of one or more root commodities. A water measurement device may measure at least one water source of fresh water with respect to at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins and sodium adsorption ratio and compare against standards to categorize the fresh water.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at clathrate (Type I) allotropes of silicon, germanium and tin. In method form, the present disclosure is directed at methods for forming clathrate allotropes of silicon, germanium or tin which methods lead to the formation of empty cage structures suitable for use as electrodes in rechargeable type batteries.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nc-Ge/GeO2 composites by under reductive thermal processing conditions are described. Also described are methods of preparing freestanding nc-Ge via release from the nc-Ge/GeO2 composites.

Abstract: A method of producing a powder of crystalline germanium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of elemental silicon from a silica containing glass melt including contacting the glass with a metal capable of undergoing a bimolecular reaction between the glass and metal at elevated temperature to reduce the oxidation state of the silicon in the glass to elemental silicon while oxidizing the metal, collecting, and optionally separating the elemental silicon. Similarly, elemental germanium is produced from a germania-containing glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of high purity germanium for the manufacture of e.g. infra red optics, radiation detectors and electronic devices. GeCl4 is converted to Ge metal by contacting gaseous GeCl4 with a liquid metal M containing one of Zn, Na and Mg, thereby obtaining a Ge-bearing alloy and a metal M chloride, which is removed by evaporation or skimming. The Ge-bearing alloy is then purified at a temperature above the boiling point of metal M. This process does not require complicated technologies and preserves the high purity of the GeCl4 in the final Ge metal, as the only reactant is metal M, which can be obtained in very high purity grades and continuously recycled.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of high purity germanium for the manufacture of e.g. infra red optics, radiation detectors and electronic devices. GeCl4 is converted to Ge metal by contacting gaseous GeCl4 with a liquid metal M containing one of Zn, Na and Mg, thereby obtaining a Ge-bearing alloy and a metal M chloride, which is removed by evaporation or skimming. The Ge-bearing alloy is then purified at a temperature above the boiling point of metal M. This process does not require complicated technologies and preserves the high purity of the GeCl4 in the final Ge metal, as the only reactant is metal M, which can be obtained in very high purity grades and continuously recycled.

Abstract: A method is described for the liquid phase synthesis of particles. The particles are composed of silicon or germanium and are optionally produced at sizes such that the particles exhibit quantum size effects. The particles are produced from an organometallic (tetra-organosilicon or tetra-organogermanium) precursors which is dissolved in a solvent that transmits a wavelength of light that photolyzes the precursor. The reaction is carried out under an inert atmosphere. A passivating agent is added to arrest particle growth and impart solubility to the particle. Optionally, a dopant is incorporated into the particle in the course of production so as to modify the electronic properties of the semiconductor particle.