LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 (LNMCO) powders were formed by a two-step synthesis including preparation of an oxalate precursor by "chimie douce" followed by a solidstate reaction with lithium hydroxide. The product was characterized by TG-DTA, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR), and SQUID magnetometry. XRD data revealed well-crystallized layered LNMCO with α-NaFeO 2 -type structure (R-3 m space group). Morphology studied by SEM and TEM shows submicronic particles of 400-800 nm with a tendency to agglomerate. The local structure investigated by vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman), ESR, and SQUID measurements confirms the well-crystallized lattice with a cation disorder of 2.6% Ni 2+ ions in Li(3b) sites. Electrochemical tests were carried out in the potential range 2.5-4.5 V vs. lithium metal on samples heated at 900°C for 12 h. Initial discharge capacity is 154 mAh/g at C/5, while a capacity of 82 mAh/g is still delivered at 10

The unburned carbon sample, separated from the blast furnace flue dust, was investigated for its amenability in the removal of heavy metal from aqueous solutions. Parameters that affect this process were studied. These include effect of contact time, effect of solid/liquid ratio, and effect of solution pH and adsorption. Adsorption of heavy metal ions by the unburned carbon was found to follow the order: Pb 2z .Cu 2z .