Materials containing picocrystalline quantum dots that form artificial atoms are disclosed. The picocrystalline quantum dots (in the form of born icosahedra with a nearly-symmetrical nuclear configuration) can replace corner silicon atoms in a structure that demonstrates both short range and long-range order as determined by x-ray diffraction of actual samples. A novel class of boron-rich compositions that self-assemble from boron, silicon, hydrogen and, optionally, oxygen is also disclosed. The preferred stoichiometric range for the compositions is (B.sub.12H.sub.w).sub.xSi.sub.yO.sub.z with 3≤w≤5, 2≤x≤4, 2≤y≤5 and 0≤z≤3. By varying oxygen content and the presence or absence of a significant impurity such as gold, unique electrical devices can be constructed that improve upon and are compatible with current semiconductor technology.

A new class of silicone monomers, providing transparent materials and imparting hydrophilic properties have been developed. These materials are incorporated into ophthalmic devices such as soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. These new silicone monomers include Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) with two polymerizable groups and six organofunctional groups. These types of structures incorporate at least two available sites for polymerization allowing for the incorporation of the silsesquioxane cage into the backbone of a macromolecule. Additional functional sites allow the design of specific chemical features which address needed material properties.

A silirane-functionalized compound that consists of a substrate to which a least two silirane groups of the formula (1) are covalently bonded, a mixture containing the silirane-functionalized compounds, and a process for preparing siloxanes using the mixture are described herein.

A method for producing a cyclic polysiloxane that includes a step for reacting a raw material cyclic siloxane and a dihalosilane in association with ring-opening of the cyclic siloxane in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from Lewis base compounds having a carbonamide bond represented by —C(═O)N<, phosphorus compounds having a P═O bond, quaternary ammonium salts, and quaternary phosphonium salts to obtain a linear polysiloxane with both ends of the molecular chain blocked by halogen atoms and a step for obtaining a cyclic polysiloxane by reacting the linear polysiloxane with both ends of the molecular chain blocked by halogen atoms with water makes it possible to provide a method for producing a cyclic polysiloxane that obtains a cyclic polysiloxane at high yield and high purity by simple steps and under moderate conditions.

A method for producing a cyclic polysiloxane that includes a step for reacting a raw material cyclic siloxane and a dihalosilane in association with ring-opening of the cyclic siloxane in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from Lewis base compounds having a carbonamide bond represented by —C(═O)N<, phosphorus compounds having a P═O bond, quaternary ammonium salts, and quaternary phosphonium salts to obtain a linear polysiloxane with both ends of the molecular chain blocked by halogen atoms and a step for obtaining a cyclic polysiloxane by reacting the linear polysiloxane with both ends of the molecular chain blocked by halogen atoms with water makes it possible to provide a method for producing a cyclic polysiloxane that obtains a cyclic polysiloxane at high yield and high purity by simple steps and under moderate conditions.

An isocyanate group-containing organosilicon compound shown by the following general formula (1), and having three or more R.sup.2 groups per molecule and a viscosity at 25° C. of 100 mm.sup.2/s or less. This provides an organosilicon compound which has three or more isocyanate groups per molecule, and which is suitable as a crosslinking agent, low in viscosity, and excellent in handleability. R.sup.1.sub.aR.sup.2.sub.bSiO.sub.(4−a−b)/2 (1), where each R.sup.1 is identical to or different from one another, represents a monovalent alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkyl group, a monovalent aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and has no aliphatic unsaturated group; and R.sup.2 represents an organic group shown by a formula —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2OSi(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2NCO.

Provided is a method for producing a cyclic polysilane compound from a silane monomer compound in one-pot approach. The method for producing a cyclic polysilane compound according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first step of adding and reacting a silane monomer compound in a liquid mixture of a sodium dispersion and a solvent; and a second step of adding an aromatic hydrocarbon to a reaction solution of the first step and heating and refluxing.

Provided is a method for producing a cyclic polysilane compound from a silane monomer compound in one-pot approach. The method for producing a cyclic polysilane compound according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first step of adding and reacting a silane monomer compound in a liquid mixture of a sodium dispersion and a solvent; and a second step of adding an aromatic hydrocarbon to a reaction solution of the first step and heating and refluxing.

Provided herein are a variety of electrolytes, electrolyte systems, and separator systems, as well as batteries comprising the same and precursors thereof. In specific embodiments are semi-solid or gel electrolytes, particularly those prepared using (i) a cross-linkable polysilsesquioxane with high ionic conductivity and (ii) a liquid electrolyte (e.g., ionic liquid).

To provide a high emissivity coating composition capable of exhibiting a higher emissivity at a low elevated temperature and substantially reduced formation micro craze when coated upon a substrate, and enabling a simplified application process, a high emissivity coating composition, comprising a powder mixture for providing emissivity; a binder for providing adhesion; and a co-binder for promoting adhesion and film-forming, characterized in that the powder mixture comprises at least three metal compounds of formula A.sub.(y−3)B.sub.y/2O.sub.y, wherein y is 4; A is selectable from a group of Ni and Co; B is selectable from a group of Fe and Cr; and O is oxygen; and the co-binder is an aqueous solution comprising silica in a compound of Formula (1), wherein R.sub.1 is H—Si—(CH.sub.3).sub.2; and a compound of Formula (2), wherein R.sub.2 is CH.sub.3, is disclosed herein.