Photocatalytic roofing granules include a binder and inert mineral particles, with photocatalytic particles dispersed in the binder.

The invention relates to a method of making hybrid organic-inorganic core-shell nano-particles, comprising the steps of a) providing colloidal organic particles comprising a synthetic polyampholyte as a template; b) adding at least one inorganic oxide precursor; and c) forming a shell layer from the precursor on the template to result in core-shell nano-particles. With this method it is possible to make colloidal organic template particles having an average particle size in the range of 10 to 300 nm; which size can be controlled by the comonomer composition of the polyampholyte, and/or by selecting dispersion conditions.

The invention also relates to organic-inorganic or hollow-inorganic core-shell nano-particles obtained with this method, to compositions comprising such nano-particles, to different uses of said nano-particles and compositions, and to products comprising or made from said nano-particles and compositions, including anti-reflective coatings and composite materials.

Disclosed herein is the formation of p-type transparent conducting oxides (TCO) having a structure of Mg.sub.xNi.sub.1-xO or Zn.sub.xNi.sub.1-xO. These structures disrupt the two-dimensional confinement of individual holes (the dominant charge carrier transport mechanism in pure NiO) creating three-dimensional hole transport by providing pathways for hole transfer in directions that are unfavorable in pure NiO. Forming these structures preserves NiO's transparency to visible light since the band gaps do not deviate significantly from that of pure NiO. Furthermore, forming Mg.sub.xNi.sub.1-xO or Zn.sub.xNi.sub.1-xO does not lead to hole trapping on O ions adjacent to Zn and Mg ions. The formation of these alloys will lead to creation of three-dimensional hole transport and improve NiO's conductivity for use as p-type TCO, without adversely affecting the favorable properties of pure NiO.

The disclosure related to a method for making a nanowire structure. First, a free-standing carbon nanotube structure is suspended. Second, a metal layer is coated on a surface of the carbon nanotube structure. The metal layer is oxidized to grow metal oxide nanowires.

The disclosure related to a method for making a nanowire structure. First, a free-standing carbon nanotube structure is suspended. Second, a metal layer is coated on a surface of the carbon nanotube structure. The metal layer is oxidized to grow metal oxide nanowires.

A dispersion liquid contains fine particles of core-shell type inorganic oxide that have high dispersion stability and transparency and allow for excellent light resistance and weather resistance by being mixed in a coating film. The fine particles are produced by treating the surfaces of (a) fine particles of titanium-containing metal oxide serving as core particles with a hydrate and/or an oxide of a metal element such as zirconium to provide surface-treated particles or fine particles of titanium-containing metal oxide having (b) an intermediate layer and by covering the surfaces of the surface-treated particles to form (c) a shell layer with a composite oxide of silicon and at least one metal element selected from aluminum, zirconium, and antimony.

A dispersion liquid contains fine particles of core-shell type inorganic oxide that have high dispersion stability and transparency and allow for excellent light resistance and weather resistance by being mixed in a coating film. The fine particles are produced by treating the surfaces of (a) fine particles of titanium-containing metal oxide serving as core particles with a hydrate and/or an oxide of a metal element such as zirconium to provide surface-treated particles or fine particles of titanium-containing metal oxide having (b) an intermediate layer and by covering the surfaces of the surface-treated particles to form (c) a shell layer with a composite oxide of silicon and at least one metal element selected from aluminum, zirconium, and antimony.

The present invention relates to a method of reducing a metal oxide comprising the steps of preparing a mixture by mixing a metal oxide and a metal hydride (step 1) and reducing the mixture by heat treatment (step 2) and a method of producing a photocatalyst using the same, and The method of reducing a metal oxide of the present invention can easily reduce such metal oxides as TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, V.sub.2O.sub.3, and Fe.sub.2O.sub.3.

The present invention relates to a method of reducing a metal oxide comprising the steps of preparing a mixture by mixing a metal oxide and a metal hydride (step 1) and reducing the mixture by heat treatment (step 2) and a method of producing a photocatalyst using the same, and The method of reducing a metal oxide of the present invention can easily reduce such metal oxides as TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, V.sub.2O.sub.3, and Fe.sub.2O.sub.3.

A device for synthesis of macromolecules is disclosed. In one aspect, the device comprises an ion-releaser having a synthesis surface comprising an array of synthesis locations arranged for synthesis of the macromolecules. The ion-releaser also includes an ion-source electrode, which is arranged to contain releasable ions and is arranged to be in contact with each of the synthesis locations of the synthesis surface, thereby release ions to the synthesis locations. The ion-releaser further comprises activating electrodes, which are arranged to be in contact with the ion-source electrode, wherein each one of the activating electrodes is arranged in association with one of the synthesis locations via the ion-source electrode. The ion-releaser is arranged to release at least a portion of the releasable ions from the ion-source electrode to one of the synthesis locations, by activation of the activating electrode associated with the synthesis location.