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  • Lithium metal dispersion in secondary battery anodes
    Patent number: 7276314
    Abstract: The present invention is a secondary battery having a high specific capacity and good cycleability, and that can be used safely. The secondary battery is manufactured to include an anode formed from a host material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium in an electrochemical system such as a carbonaceous material, and lithium metal dispersed in the host material. The freshly prepared anodes of the invention are combined with a positive electrode including an active material, a separator that a separates the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte in communication with the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The present invention also includes a method of preparing a freshly prepared anode and a method of operating a secondary battery including the anode of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yuan Gao, John L. Burba, III
  • Lithium metal dispersion in secondary battery anodes
    Patent number: 6706447
    Abstract: The present invention is a secondary battery having a high specific capacity and good cycleability, and that can be used safely. The secondary battery is manufactured to include an anode formed from a host material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium in an electrochemical system such as a carbonaceous material, and lithium metal dispersed in the host material. The freshly prepared anodes of the invention are combined with a positive electrode including an active material, a separator that a separates the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte in communication with the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The present invention also includes a method of preparing a freshly prepared anode and a method of operating a secondary battery including the anode of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Corporation, Lithium Division
    Inventors: Yuan Gao, John L. Burba, III
  • Polymeric composites with crystalline mixed metal hydroxide particles dispersed therein
    Patent number: 5658653
    Abstract: The invention provides composites of organic polymeric compositions including a matrix of an organic polymer and a filler distributed throughout the matrix, the flier being present in the matrix substantially as separate particles, each about the fundamental particle size of the filler. The fillers are unique mixed metal hydroxide compositions that are obtainable in sub-micron size particles. These particles are layered and have a BET specific surface area in excess of about 100 m.sup.2 /g. An anion of the particulates is selected to be compatible with the organic polymer thereby providing ease of dispersion of the filler particles throughout the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Clive P. Bosnyak, John L. Burba, III, Malcolm F. Finlayson, Arthur E. Read, Jr., Chai-Jing Chou
  • Filter substrate composition
    Patent number: 8809229
    Abstract: An aggregate composition and process for making the aggregate composition. The aggregate composition includes an insoluble rare earth-containing compound and a polymer binder. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from cerium carbonate or a cerium salt. In a specific embodiment, the aggregate composition consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, the polymer binder and optionally a flow aid. A process for making the composition includes mixing the insoluble rare earth-containing compound with a polymer binder to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to mechanical, chemical and/or thermal treatment to adhere the rare earth compound to the polymer binder. The aggregate composition can be used in a variety of fluid treatment applications to remove one or more chemical and biological contaminants in a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Molycorp Minerals, LLC
    Inventor: John L. Burba
  • Crystalline 2-layer lithium-hydroxy aluminates
    Patent number: 4477367
    Abstract: Crystalline 2-layer LiOH.2Al(OH).sub.3.nH.sub.2 O, preferably supported by a porous substrate, is prepared by treating crystalline 2-layer LiX.2Al(OH).sub.3.nH.sub.2 O, where X is anion, with a LiOH solution or other hydroxide ion source. The so-formed crystalline 2-layer LiOH.2Al(OH).sub.3.nH.sub.2 O is particularly suitable for exchange of the OH ion with larger X' ions to produce other crystalline 2-layer LiX'.2Al(OH).sub.3.nH.sub.2 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: John L. Burba, III
  • Recovery of lithium values from brines
    Patent number: 5599516
    Abstract: Pellets of a polycrystalline hydrated alumina, especially Gibbsite, are infused with LiOH to obtain loadings up to 0.33 mol fraction of LiOH in the LiOH/Al(OH).sub.3. The so-prepared material is useful for mixing with a LiX-containing brine solution, producing an interaction of the LiOH infused in the alumina pellets with the X ion (where X represents an acid salt moiety, especially halide) of the LiX-containing brine. The LiX interaction product is efficiently removed from the alumina pellets by water washing, leaving rejuvenated LiOH which can be used in yet another cycling of LiX formation/water removal. A plurality of loading and unloading cycles are achieved, yielding an appreciable amount of the lithium values derived from the brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Bauman, John L. Burba, III
  • COMPOSITION AND PROCESS FOR MAKING THE COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20140007773
    Abstract: An aggregate composition and process for making the aggregate composition. The aggregate composition includes an insoluble rare earth-containing compound and a polymer binder. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from cerium carbonate or a cerium salt. In a specific embodiment, the aggregate composition consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, the polymer binder and optionally a flow aid. A process for making the composition includes mixing the insoluble rare earth-containing compound with a polymer binder to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to mechanical, chemical and/or thermal treatment to adhere the rare earth compound to the polymer binder. The aggregate composition can be used in a variety of fluid treatment applications to remove one or more chemical and biological contaminants in a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventor: John L. Burba
  • Composition for the recovery of lithium values from brine and process of making/using said composition
    Patent number: 6280693
    Abstract: The present invention is a composition comprising pellets, each of said pellets consisting essentially of an integral mass of polycrystalline material of randomly disposed crystals of hydrated alumina infused with an amount of LiX to produce LiX/Al(OH)3 having up to a mol fraction of 0.33 of LiX in the so-produced LiX/Al(OH)3, wherein LiX is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of Li hydroxide, Li halide, Li nitrate, Li sulfate, and Li bicarbonate. The present invention further includes methods of preparing the composition and methods of recovery lithium values from brine using the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Bauman, John L. Burba, III
  • Preparation of precursor materials convertible into bi- and poly-metal spinels
    Patent number: 4748139
    Abstract: A method of producing layered structures of metal hydroxides (one or more metals) free of chloride or chlorine is disclosed. A specific ratio layered structure hydroxide is obtained from mixing first and second metals (respectively in the form of hydroxide, oxyhydroxide carbonate or nitrate as to the first metal and a hydroxide or alkali metal oxide as to the second) in proportions yielding a precipitated layered structure. The precipitators metal hydroxides with any excess of metal over 1:1 forming a segregated phase. Processing involves mixing, maintaining as a suspension up to about 48 hours at temperatures above about 40.degree. C. followed by cooling to recover the precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: John L. Burba, III
  • COMPOSITION AND PROCESS FOR MAKING THE COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20090111689
    Abstract: An aggregate composition and process for making the aggregate composition. The aggregate composition includes an insoluble rare earth-containing compound and a polymer binder. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from cerium carbonate or a cerium salt. In a specific embodiment, the aggregate composition consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, the polymer binder and optionally a flow aid. A process for making the composition includes mixing the insoluble rare earth-containing compound with a polymer binder to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to mechanical, chemical and/or thermal treatment to adhere the rare earth compound to the polymer binder. The aggregate composition can be used in a variety of fluid treatment applications to remove one or more chemical and biological contaminants in a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: John L. Burba, III
  • Method of making crystalline 2-layer lithium aluminates in ion exchange resins
    Patent number: 4461714
    Abstract: The bayerite form of crystalline alumina, Al(OH).sub.3, contained within a macroporous ion exchange resin is converted to the gibbsite form of Al(OH).sub.3 by reaction with hot MgX.sub.2, where X is halide, followed by water-washing the MgX.sub.2 portion from the product, thereby causing the conversion of bayerite to the gibbsite form of crystalline Al(OH).sub.3. The gibbsite form may then be reacted with hot LiX solution, where X is anion, to form crystalline 2-layer LiX.2Al(OH).sub.3.nH.sub.2 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: John L. Burba, III
  • APPARATUS FOR TREATING A FLOW OF AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION CONTAINING ARSENIC
    Publication number: 20080156734
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing, an inlet located at a first end of the housing and an outlet located at a second end opposite the first end. An outer wall extends between the first and second ends and enclosing a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet and an arsenic fixing agent is disposed in the fluid flow path. The arsenic fixing agent can include an insoluble rare earth-containing compound, more specifically, a compound comprising one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The inlet and the outlet are adapted to be closed during transport and storage. The container is adapted to be sealed for long term disposal after exposure to an aqueous solution containing arsenic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: John L. Burba, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Joseph A. Lupo, Joseph R. Pascoe
  • Composition for treating a fluid
    Patent number: 8349764
    Abstract: An aggregate composition and process for making the aggregate composition. The aggregate composition includes an insoluble rare earth-containing compound and a polymer binder. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from cerium carbonate or a cerium salt. In a specific embodiment, the aggregate composition consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, the polymer binder and optionally a flow aid. A process for making the composition includes mixing the insoluble rare earth-containing compound with a polymer binder to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to mechanical, chemical and/or thermal treatment to adhere the rare earth compound to the polymer binder. The aggregate composition can be used in a variety of fluid treatment applications to remove one or more chemical and biological contaminants in a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Molycorp Minerals, LLC
    Inventor: John L. Burba, III
  • APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR TREATING AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION CONTAINING CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
    Publication number: 20090107919
    Abstract: Apparatus, process and article for treating an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant. The process includes contacting an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a solution depleted of chemical contaminants. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from a cerium carbonate, cerium oxalate and/or a cerium salt. The aggregate composition can include more than 10.01% by weight of the insoluble rare earth-containing compound, and in a particular embodiment consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, and optionally a binder and/or flow aid. Although intended for a variety of fluid treatment applications, such applications specifically include removing or detoxifying chemical contaminants in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Richard D. Witham
  • Apparatus for treating a flow of an aqueous solution containing arsenic
    Patent number: 8066874
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing, an inlet located at a first end of the housing and an outlet located at a second end opposite the first end. An outer wall extends between the first and second ends and enclosing a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet and an arsenic fixing agent is disposed in the fluid flow path. The arsenic fixing agent can include an insoluble rare earth-containing compound, more specifically, a compound comprising one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The inlet and the outlet are adapted to be closed during transport and storage. The container is adapted to be sealed for long term disposal after exposure to an aqueous solution containing arsenic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Molycorp Minerals, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Joseph A. Lupo, Joseph R. Pascoe
  • APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR TREATING AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION CONTAINING CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
    Publication number: 20100168498
    Abstract: Apparatus, process and article for treating an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant. The process includes contacting an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a solution depleted of chemical contaminants. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from a cerium carbonate, cerium oxalate and/or a cerium salt. The aggregate composition can include more than 10.01% by weight of the insoluble rare earth-containing compound, and in a particular embodiment consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, and optionally a binder and/or flow aid. Although intended for a variety of fluid treatment applications, such applications specifically include removing or detoxifying chemical contaminants in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Richard D. Witham
  • Mixed metal hydroxides for thickening water or hydrophylic fluids
    Patent number: 4990268
    Abstract: Novel monodispersed crystalline mixed metal layered hydroxide compounds of the general formula are prepared:Li.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+na) A.sub.a.sup.n, where m is an amount from zero to 1; D is a divalent metal; d is the amount of D ions of from zero to 4; T is a trivalent metal; A represents anions or negative-valence radicals of valence n; na is from zero to -3; (m+d) is greater than zero; and (m+2d+3+na) is equal to or greater than 3. The D metal is preferably Mg and the T metal is preferably Al. These compounds are useful as gelling agents which impart beneficial thixotropic properties to various fluids, such as drilling fluids, especially when employed along with fluid loss agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Greene W. Strother
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING ARSENIC FROM A SOLUTION
    Publication number: 20120138530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating arsenic from an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The method includes the steps of contacting an arsenic-containing solution with a first portion of fixing agent to remove at least a portion of the arsenic. An arsenic-laden fixing agent is separated from the solution and the partially depleted solution is contacted with a second portion of fixing agent. The fixing agent can include a high surface area insoluble compound containing one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. Following removal of the arsenic, the arsenic-depleted solution can be further processed to separate a recoverable metal through metal refining. The arsenic-laden fixing agent can be filtered to recover and recycle a filtrate to the solution for additional treatment, as well as using a partially saturated fixing agent to remove arsenic from fresh solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Charles F. Whitehead
  • Adducts of clay and activated mixed metal oxides
    Patent number: 5232627
    Abstract: Adducts of clay, especially of the smectite variety, most especially bentonite, are prepared with an effective amount of at least one activated mixed metal oxide or oxy-hydroxide (AHMMO) formed by dehydrating hydrotalcite or a mixture comprising magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide, or a crystalline mixed metal hydroxide conforming substantially to the formulaLi.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+n.a) (A.sup.n).sub.a. xH.sub.2 Owhere m is zero to one, D is a divalent metal, d is from zero to 4, T is a trivalent metal, A represents at least one anion or negative-valence radical of valence n, where n is 1 or more, (m+2d+3+n.a) is equal to or greater than 3, (m+d) is greater than zero, and xH.sub.2 O represents excess waters of hydration. These adducts are useful, e.g., in drilling muds and in viscosity modification of a wide variety of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Arthur E. Read, Jr., Edgar F. Hoy
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING ARSENIC FROM AN ARSENIC BEARING MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20120138528
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing arsenic from an arsenic-bearing material. The method includes the steps of contracting an arsenic-bearing material with an arsenic leaching agent to form an arsenic-containing solution and arsenic-depleted solids. The leaching agent can be an inorganic salt, an inorganic acid, an organic acid, and/or an alkaline agent. The arsenic-depleted solids are separated from the arsenic-containing solution, which is contacted with a fixing agent to produce an arsenic-depleted solution and an arsenic-laden fixing agent. The fixing agent comprises a rare earth-containing compound that can include cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The fixing agent is then separated from the arsenic-depleted solution. A recoverable metal in the arsenic-depleted solids, arsenic-containing solution or arsenic-depleted solution can be separated and recovered. Recoverable metals can include metal from Group IA, Group IIA, Group VIII and the transition metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Charles F. Whitehead
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