Disclosed are UV protective compositions comprising BLT crystals having the formula Bi.sub.(4-x)La.sub.(x)Ti.sub.(3-y)Fe.sub.(y)O.sub.12, wherein x is between 0.1 and 1.5; and wherein y is between 0 and 2. There are also disclosed compositions comprising nanoparticles of such BLT crystals, the nanoparticles being optionally dispersed in a polymer matrix. Methods of preparation and uses of such compositions are also provided.

Nanoplatelet forms of metal hydroxide and metal oxide are provided, as well as methods for preparing same. The nanoplatelets are suitable for use as fire retardants and as agents for chemical or biological decontamination.

Nanoplatelet forms of metal hydroxide and metal oxide are provided, as well as methods for preparing same. The nanoplatelets are suitable for use as fire retardants and as agents for chemical or biological decontamination.

Provided is a new 5 V-class spinel-type lithium-manganese-containing composite oxide capable of achieving both the expansion of a high potential capacity region and the suppression of gas generation. Proposed is the spinel-type lithium-manganese-containing composite oxide comprising Li, Mn, O and two or more other elements, and having an operating potential of 4.5 V or more at a metal Li reference potential, wherein a peak is present in a range of 14.0 to 16.5 at 2, in an X-ray diffraction pattern measured by a powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD) using CuK1 ray.

This ferrite magnet has a magnetoplumbite structure and is characterized in that, when representing the composition ratios of the total of each metal element A, R, Fe and Me with expression (1) A.sub.1-xR.sub.x(Fe.sub.12-yMe.sub.y).sub.z, the Fe.sup.2+ content (m) in the ferrite magnet is greater than 0.1 mass % and less than 5.4 mass % (in expression (1), A is at least one element selected from Sr, Ba, Ca and Pb; R is at least one element selected from the rare-earth elements (including Y) and Bi, and includes at least La, and Me is Co, or Co and Zn). The invention makes it possible to achieve a ferrite magnet with increased Br.

A novel process for treating and recovering valuable metals and other components from pickling acid residue (PAR) has been developed. The metals and other components are recovered by neutralizing the pickling acid residue using a magnesium compound or a mixture of magnesium compounds, and separating components of the resulting mixture (metals and sulfates) into products that can be reused, such as magnesium sulfate, nickel sulfate, iron and chromium phosphate, or various metal hydroxides or oxides.

An object is to reduce variation in shape of crystals that are to be formed. Solutions containing respective raw materials are made in an environment where an oxygen concentration is lower than that in air, the solutions containing the respective raw materials are mixed in an environment where an oxygen concentration is lower than that in air to form a mixture solution, and with use of the mixture solution, a composite oxide is formed by a hydrothermal method.

A positive electrode for a sodium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode active material that intercalates and deintercalates sodium ions, a conductive assistant, a binder, and a carboxylic acid, the binder containing a vinylidene fluoride-based polymer, the carboxylic acid having at least one of a boiling point and a thermal decomposition point, and whichever of the boiling point and the thermal decomposition point is lower being higher than 150 C. The carboxylic acid is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of hydroxy acids and polycarboxylic acids.

The invention relates to novel materials of the formula: A.sub.uM.sup.1.sub.vM.sup.2.sub.wM.sup.3x02.sub. wherein A is one or more alkali metals; M.sup.1 comprises one or more redox active metals with an oxidation state in the range +2 to +4; M.sup.2 comprises tin, optionally in combination with one or more transition metals; M.sup.3 comprises one or more transition metals either alone or in combination with one or more non-transition elements selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, other metals, metalloids and non-metals, with an oxidation state in the range +1 to +5; wherein the oxidation state of M1, M2, and M3 are chosen to maintain charge neutrality and further wherein is in the range 00.4; U is in the range 0.3<U<2; V is in the range 0.1V<0.75; W is in the range 0<W<0.75; X is in the range 0X<0.5; and (U+V+W+X)<4.0. Such materials are useful, for example as electrode materials, in rechargeable battery applications.

An object of the present invention is to provide ferrite particles for supporting a catalyst having a small apparent density, various properties are maintained in a controllable state and a specified volume is filled with a small weight, and a catalyst using the ferrite particles for supporting a catalyst. To achieve the object, ferrite particles for supporting a catalyst provided with an outer shell structure containing Ti oxide, a catalyst using the ferrite particles for supporting a catalyst are employed.