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.

An acidified metal oxide (“AMO”) material, preferably in monodisperse nanoparticulate form 20 nm or less in size, having a pH<7 when suspended in a 5 wt % aqueous solution and a Hammett function H.sub.0>−12, at least on its surface. The AMO material is useful in applications such as a battery electrode, catalyst, or photovoltaic component.

An acidified metal oxide (“AMO”) material, preferably in monodisperse nanoparticulate form 20 nm or less in size, having a pH<7 when suspended in a 5 wt % aqueous solution and a Hammett function H.sub.0>−12, at least on its surface. The AMO material is useful in applications such as a battery electrode, catalyst, or photovoltaic component.

A method of producing a carbon material-containing material having a precisely controlled structure under a mild condition, a carbon material-containing material covalently bonded to an inorganic matter, and an intermediate material which is useful for, for example, industrially producing carbon-coated inorganic particles, hollow carbon fine particles, and can be industrially produced under a mild condition, are provided. The method of producing a carbon material-containing material includes heating a composition containing a compound (A), which causes a condensation reaction between the same and/or different molecules, and an inorganic matter. When the compound (A) has a condensation reaction temperature of T° C., a heating temperature is (T−150)° C. or more. The carbon material-containing material includes a carbon material and an inorganic matter. At least part of the carbon material and inorganic matter are covalently bonded. The organic-inorganic composite includes a carbon material and an inorganic matter. The carbon material is soluble in a solvent.

A method of producing a carbon material-containing material having a precisely controlled structure under a mild condition, a carbon material-containing material covalently bonded to an inorganic matter, and an intermediate material which is useful for, for example, industrially producing carbon-coated inorganic particles, hollow carbon fine particles, and can be industrially produced under a mild condition, are provided. The method of producing a carbon material-containing material includes heating a composition containing a compound (A), which causes a condensation reaction between the same and/or different molecules, and an inorganic matter. When the compound (A) has a condensation reaction temperature of T° C., a heating temperature is (T−150)° C. or more. The carbon material-containing material includes a carbon material and an inorganic matter. At least part of the carbon material and inorganic matter are covalently bonded. The organic-inorganic composite includes a carbon material and an inorganic matter. The carbon material is soluble in a solvent.

The present invention provides nanostructures for use in proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. The present invention also provides method of proliferating and differentiating neural stem cells.

The present invention provides nanostructures for use in proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. The present invention also provides method of proliferating and differentiating neural stem cells.

A titanium oxide powder of the present invention has a BET specific surface area of 5 m.sup.2/g or more and 15 m.sup.2/g or less and contains polyhedral-shaped titanium oxide particles having eight or more faces, in which a mass reduction rate in a case of being heated at 800° C. for 1 hour in an air atmosphere is 0.03% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less.

A titanium oxide powder of the present invention has a BET specific surface area of 5 m.sup.2/g or more and 15 m.sup.2/g or less and contains polyhedral-shaped titanium oxide particles having eight or more faces, in which a mass reduction rate in a case of being heated at 800° C. for 1 hour in an air atmosphere is 0.03% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less.

A battery cell having an anode or cathode comprising an acidified metal oxide (“AMO”) material, preferably in monodisperse nanoparticulate form 20 nm or less in size, having a pH<7 when suspended in a 5 wt % aqueous solution and a Hammett function H.sub.0>−12, at least on its surface.