Calibration devices including germanium-68 source material are disclosed. The source material may be a matrix material (e.g., zeolite) in which germanium-68 is isomorphously substituted for central atoms in tetrahedra within the matrix material. Methods for preparing such calibration devices are also disclosed.

To concentrate metals such as gallium from ore which is extracted from mines or used electronic components while suppressing the quantity of waste liquid generated is difficult. A first solid metal compound which contains a metal selected from a group consisting of gallium, indium, germanium, tellurium, and cesium at a first metal content in a mixture of the first solid metal compound is reduced to form a gaseous metal compound, the gaseous metal compound is oxidized to form a second solid metal compound, and the second solid metal compound is collected at a second metal content which is higher than the first metal content.

To concentrate metals such as gallium from ore which is extracted from mines or used electronic components while suppressing the quantity of waste liquid generated is difficult. A first solid metal compound which contains a metal selected from a group consisting of gallium, indium, germanium, tellurium, and cesium at a first metal content in a mixture of the first solid metal compound is reduced to form a gaseous metal compound, the gaseous metal compound is oxidized to form a second solid metal compound, and the second solid metal compound is collected at a second metal content which is higher than the first metal content.

Calibration devices including germanium-68 source material are disclosed. The source material may be a matrix material (e.g., zeolite) in which germanium-68 is isomorphously substituted for central atoms in tetrahedra within the matrix material. Methods for preparing such calibration devices are also disclosed.

Novel methods for processing fumed metallic oxides into globular metallic oxide agglomerates are provided. The methodology may allow for fumed metallic oxide particles, such as fumed silica and fumed alumina particles, to be processed into a globular morphology to improve handling while retaining a desirable surface area. The processes may include providing fumed metallic oxide particles, combining the particles with a liquid carrier to form a suspension, atomizing the solution of suspended particles, and subjecting the atomized droplets to a temperature range sufficient to remove the liquid carrier from the droplets, to produce metallic oxide-containing agglomerations.

Novel methods for processing fumed metallic oxides into globular metallic oxide agglomerates are provided. The methodology may allow for fumed metallic oxide particles, such as fumed silica and fumed alumina particles, to be processed into a globular morphology to improve handling while retaining a desirable surface area. The processes may include providing fumed metallic oxide particles, combining the particles with a liquid carrier to form a suspension, atomizing the solution of suspended particles, and subjecting the atomized droplets to a temperature range sufficient to remove the liquid carrier from the droplets, to produce metallic oxide-containing agglomerations.

A process for producing a metal oxide powder comprising: providing a precursor solution or dispersion containing a metal complex; spraying the precursor solution on to a heated substrate in the presence of water, thereby depositing material on the substrate; drying the deposited material; and removing the deposited material from the substrate to produce the metal oxide powder.

A method of extracting germanium from a germanium deposit using a thermal reduction process is disclosed. The method includes: adding sodium monophosphate to a germanium deposit to obtain a mixed germanium deposit; isolating the mixed germanium deposit from air; increasing the temperature and then baking the mixed germanium deposit; and obtaining a germanium concentrate after volatilization of the mixed germanium deposit.

A method of extracting germanium from a germanium deposit using a thermal reduction process is disclosed. The method includes: adding sodium monophosphate to a germanium deposit to obtain a mixed germanium deposit; isolating the mixed germanium deposit from air; increasing the temperature and then baking the mixed germanium deposit; and obtaining a germanium concentrate after volatilization of the mixed germanium deposit.

Novel methods for processing fumed metallic oxides into globular metallic oxide agglomerates are provided. The methodology may allow for fumed metallic oxide particles, such as fumed silica and fumed alumina particles, to be processed into a globular morphology to improve handling while retaining a desirable surface area. The processes may include providing fumed metallic oxide particles, combining the particles with a liquid carrier to form a suspension, atomizing the solution of suspended particles, and subjecting the atomized droplets to a temperature range sufficient to remove the liquid carrier from the droplets, to produce metallic oxide-containing agglomerations.