Separators, electrochemical cells and methods are provided, to improve operation of cells such as metal-ion batteries and fuel cells. Separators comprise a porous, ionically conductive film including layered double hydroxide(s) (LDHs), which are functional ceramic additives, removing potentially harmful anions from the electrolyte by incorporating them into the LDH structure of positively-charged sheets with intermediary anions. For example, anions which are electrolyte decomposition products or cathode dissolution products may be absorbed into the LDH to prevent them from causing damage to the cell and shortening the cell's life. LDHs may be incorporated in the separator structure, coated thereupon or otherwise associated therewith. Additional benefits include dimensional stability during thermal excursions, fire retardancy and impurity scavenging.

A method of purifying a spinel powder includes contacting a spinel powder with an acid solution to form an acid-washed spinel composition and contacting the acid-washed spinel composition with a basic solution to form a purified composition. The purified powder is suited to formation of low-absorption shaped bodies, such as windows for high intensity laser devices.

Disclosed is a ceramic sintered body comprising magnesium aluminate spinel of composition MgAl.sub.2O.sub.4 having from 90 to 100% by volume of a cubic crystallographic structure and a density of from 3.47 to 3.58 g/cc, wherein the ceramic sintered body is free of sintering aids. A method of making the ceramic sintered body comprising spinel is also disclosed.

Disclosed is a ceramic sintered body comprising magnesium aluminate spinel of composition MgAl.sub.2O.sub.4 having from 90 to 100% by volume of a cubic crystallographic structure and a density of from 3.47 to 3.58 g/cc, wherein the ceramic sintered body is free of sintering aids. A method of making the ceramic sintered body comprising spinel is also disclosed.

Disclosed is a ceramic sintered body comprising magnesium aluminate spinel of composition MgAl.sub.2O.sub.4 having from 90 to 100% by volume of a cubic crystallographic structure and a density of from 3.47 to 3.58 g/cc, wherein the ceramic sintered body is free of sintering aids. A method of making the ceramic sintered body comprising spinel is also disclosed.

Disclosed is a ceramic sintered body comprising magnesium aluminate spinel of composition MgAl.sub.2O.sub.4 having from 90 to 100% by volume of a cubic crystallographic structure and a density of from 3.47 to 3.58 g/cc, wherein the ceramic sintered body is free of sintering aids. A method of making the ceramic sintered body comprising spinel is also disclosed.

A method of manufacturing a nanocomposite may include combining a magnesium salt, an aluminum salt, and a manganese salt in stoichiometric proportions within 5 mol. % in an aqueous solvent including menthol or dextrose, to obtain a first mixture. The method further may include heating the first mixture to remove at least 99.5 percent by weight (wt. %) of the aqueous solvent to obtain a first solid, grinding the first solid into a first powder, calcining the first powder at a temperature of about 600 to 800 C. for a time of about 2 to 4 hours to obtain a second solid, grinding the second solid and urea, into a second powder, heating the second powder at a temperature of about 550 to 650 C. for a time of about 15 minutes to 1.5 hours to obtain the nanocomposite.

A method of manufacturing a nanocomposite may include combining a magnesium salt, an aluminum salt, and a manganese salt in stoichiometric proportions within 5 mol. % in an aqueous solvent including menthol or dextrose, to obtain a first mixture. The method further may include heating the first mixture to remove at least 99.5 percent by weight (wt. %) of the aqueous solvent to obtain a first solid, grinding the first solid into a first powder, calcining the first powder at a temperature of about 600 to 800 C. for a time of about 2 to 4 hours to obtain a second solid, grinding the second solid and urea, into a second powder, heating the second powder at a temperature of about 550 to 650 C. for a time of about 15 minutes to 1.5 hours to obtain the nanocomposite.

A heat-resistant member (1) according to the present disclosure contains alumina as a main component, and magnesium aluminate and boron. The content percentage of the magnesium aluminate at the surface is higher than the content percentage of the magnesium aluminate in a surface layer section located directly below the surface.

A heat-resistant member (1) according to the present disclosure contains alumina as a main component, and magnesium aluminate and boron. The content percentage of the magnesium aluminate at the surface is higher than the content percentage of the magnesium aluminate in a surface layer section located directly below the surface.