Oxidation number sintering

Nitrides (Si3N4, BN, AIN) and carbides (SiC, B4C) have strongly covalent chemical bonds and a crystalline stracture with a low coordination number of elements which make the diffusion of atoms or vacancies extremely low. Contrary to oxides, natural sintering by heat treatment in inert atmosphere of these compounds is extremely difficult, even when ultrafme powders are used. Moreover, very high temperature treatments to increase atom mobihty can, in some cases, cause a decomposition that inhibits sintering ... 

To dissociate molecules in an adsorbed layer of oxide, a spillover (photospillover) phenomenon can be used with prior activation of the surface of zinc oxide by particles (clusters) of Pt, Pd, Ni, etc. In the course of adsorption of molecular gases (especially H2, O2) or more complex molecules these particles emit (generate) active particles on the surface of substrate [12], which are capable, as we have already noted, to affect considerably the impurity conductivity even at minor concentrations. Thus, the semiconductor oxide activated by cluster particles of transition metals plays a double role of both activator and analyzer (sensor). The latter conclusion is proved by a large number of papers discussed in detail in review [13]. The papers cited maintain that the particles formed during the process of activation are fairly active as to their influence on the electrical properties of sensors made of semiconductor oxides in the form of thin sintered films. 

In the electrode with CuS alone, which has negligible conductivity, the precipitate ISE with a silicone rubber matrix has better properties than the electrode with a pressed pellet [314], The ISE with a mixture of CuS and Agi S finds broad application [325]. If the membrane is prepared by pressing, the grains of these two compounds combine to form jalpaite, Agi.55C%.4sS [180], This substance is a mixed conductor with transport numbers of Ag, 0.69 Cu(I), 0.30 and electrons, 0.01, at 25 C [175]. The sintered electrode also contains Ag1.2Cuo.8S or Ago.93Cu1.07S. Oxidation of these phases leads to considerable deterioration in the electrode function [180]. Good electrodes... 

An important attribute of these materials comes from the two distinct cationic sites (Oh and Td), and the feasibility of cations migration among them due to the redox nature of metalions, while keeping the spinel structure intact. This particular aspect helps to avoid possible segregation/sintering of metal-ions and remain stable for longer period, compared to a mixed metal oxide catalyst. This unique property of spinels makes them an attractive candidate for number of catalytic reactions. 

Sulfide ores are processed by a number of pyrometallurgical processes roasting, smelting, and converting. During these processes, sulfur and iron are removed to deld a sulfur-deficient copper-nickel matte. Especially after roasting and converting, the nickel in the matte may consist primarily of nickel subsulfide. After physical separation of the copper and nickel sulfides, the nickel is refined electrochemically or by the carbonyl process. The treatment of the matte depends on the end use of the nickel. Alternatively, the sulfide can be roasted to form a nickel oxide sinter that is used directly in steel production. 

---