Abstract: Thick oriented films are produced from oxides of molybdenum, tungsten or titanium. These films comprise a plurality of single-molecular thickness layers of semi-crystalline oxide having parallel basal planes. The oxides are produced by sintering highly oriented films of the corresponding metallic sulfide at a temperature of 300.degree.-350.degree. C. The film may be deposited on a substrate between electrical contacts to function as a gas sensor for hydrogen.

Abstract: A lubricant has the formula X:Y, wherein X is a layered material selected from the group consisting of layered transition metal dichalcogenides and graphite. Y is a magnetic inclusion between layers of X. The lubricant is made by adding X to a solution containing ions of Y. The solution is continuously mixed and dried. The Y is then reduced to a metallic form.

Abstract: Hydrogen and gaseous hydrocarbons are stored by introducing the gases into a transition metal dichalcogenide having the formula MX.sub.2. M is selected from the group consisting of Mo, W and Ti and X is selected from the group consisting of S and Se. The MX.sub.2 is in the form of platelets affixed to basal planes of adjacent platelets. The basal planes of adjacent platelets are separated by voids. The composition is prepared by intercalating MX.sub.2 powder with lithium, adding water to separate the MX.sub.2 into single layers and then adding acid to adjust the pH to a range where edges and basal planes of the single layers have opposite charges. Preferably a catalyst is added to the MX.sub.2, the catalyst being selected from the group of metals consisting of Pt, Pd, Ni, Co, Fe, Mg, Zr, Cr, Al, Zn, Mn or combinations thereof. The gas can be recovered from the composition by heating to a temperature of 250.degree. C. when the catalyst is used.

Abstract: A catalyst having the composition A:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is used as a catalyst for producing ethylene from methane. A is an alkali metal, preferably lithium. The catalyst may be doped with an additive such as MgCl.sub.2. A weak oxidation catalyst such as MoO.sub.3 or ZrO.sub.2 may be added. The catalyst is heated to at least 750.degree. C. in a catalytic reactor and a mixture of air and methane is passed over the heated catalyst. Oxygen or air may be added part way along the catalytic reaction to oxidize H.sub.2 but not C.sub.2 H.sub.4.