Abstract: The present invention provides new compounds for use in proton exchange membranes which are able to operate in a wide variety of temperature ranges, including in the intermediate temperature range of about 100° C. to 700° C., and new and improved methods of making these compounds. The present invention also provides new and improved methods for making chalcogenide compounds, including, but not limited to, non-protonated sulfide, selenide and telluride compounds. In one embodiment, the proton conductivity of the compounds is between about 10−8 S/cm and 10−1 S/cm within a temperature range of between about −50 and 500° C.

Abstract: A chalcogenide glass capable of infrared transmission which is either sulfur, selenium or tellurium based and consists of compositions of the formula MX+M.sub.2 'X.sub.3 +SiX.sub.2, wherein M is one of the metals calcium, strontium, barium, zinc and lead, and M' is either aluminum or gallium and X is either sulfur, selenium or tellurium. Aluminum or gallium chalcogenide acts to increase the covalent bonding network structure of the glass with the result being that excellent high temperature 8-14 micron IR transmitting glasses with transition temperatures above 500.degree. C. are prepared.