Abstract: Oxidation catalyst compositions include a catalytic material containing ceria and alumina each having a surface area of at least about 10 m.sup.2 /g, for example, ceria and activated alumina in a weight ratio of from about 1.5:1 to 1:1.5. Optionally, platinum may be included in the catalytic material in amounts which are sufficient to promote gas phase oxidation of CO and HC but which are limited to preclude excessive oxidation of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3. Alternatively, palladium in any desired amount may be included in the catalytic material. The catalyst compositions have utility as oxidation catalysts for pollution abatement of exhausts contianing unburned fuel or oil. For example, the catalyst compositions may be used in a method to treat diesel engine exhaust by contacting the hot exhaust with the catalyst composition to promote the oxidation of the volatile organic fraction component of particulates in the exhaust.

Abstract: A catalyst composition containing one or more binary oxides of palladium and rare earth metal such as Ce, La, Nd, Pr and/or Sm. The catalyst composition is used for the catalytic combustion of gaseous combustion mixtures of oxygen and carbonaceous fuels such as methane, e.g., a natural gas/air combustion mixture. Specific preferred binary oxides may be, for example, M.sub.2 O.sub.3.sup.. PdO (e.g., La.sub.2 O.sub.3.sup.. PdO) or 2M.sub.2 O.sub.3.sup.. PdO, wherein in each case M Is La, Nd or Sm. A process of combusting gaseous carbonaceous fuels includes contacting a catalyst as described above under combustion conditions, e.g., 925.degree. C. to 1650.degree. C. and 1 to 20 atmospheres pressure, to carry out sustained combustion of the combustion mixture, including catalytically supported thermal combustion. Regeneration of over-temperatured M.sub.2 O.sub.3.sup.. PdO catalyst is also provided for.

Abstract: A process for operating a palladium oxide-containing catalytic combustor is useful, e.g., for powering a gas turbine. The palladium oxide is supported on a metal oxide such as alumina, lanthanide metal oxide-modified alumina, ceria, titania or tantalum oxide. The method involves maintaining control of the temperature within the combustor in such a manner as to insure the presence of palladium oxide. By maintaining the temperature below the decomposition onset temperature of palladium oxide (which is catalytically active for catalytic combustion) into metallic palladium (which is catalytically inactive) deactivation of the catalyst is avoided and high catalytic activity is retained. Regeneration of catalyst following inactivation resulting from an over-temperature is accomplished by using a heat soak in a regeneration temperature range which varies depending on the particular metal oxide used to support the palladium oxide.

Abstract: A method for operating a palladium oxide containing catalytic combustor useful, e.g., for powering a gas turbine, wherein the palladium oxide is supported on a metal oxide such as alumina, ceria, titania or tantalum oxide. The method involves maintaining control of the temperature within the combustor in such a manner as to insure the presence of palladium oxide. By maintaining the temperature below about 800.degree. C. decomposition of palladium oxide into metallic palladium is avoided and high catalytic activity is retained. Regeneration of catalyst following inactivation resulting from an over-temperature is accomplished by using a heat soak in a temperature range which varies depending on the metal oxide used to support the palladium oxide.

Abstract: A process for hydrodehalogenating halogenated organic compounds present in a contaminated aqueous environmental source in which the halogenated organic compounds are reacted with hydrogen gas or a source of hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst of palladium on carbon.

Abstract: A novel praseodymium-palladium oxide compound has the formula Pr.sub.4 PdO.sub.7. The compound has utility as a catalyst for oxidation of combustion mixtures comprising oxygen (e.g., air) and gaseous carbonaceous fuels such as methane and displays excellent regeneration characteristics after exposure to decomposition-causing temperatures. The compound may be used in a catalyst composition by being coated as a washcoat on a suitable carrier. Catalytic combustion processes are carried out by contacting such combustion mixture with the catalyst under combustion conditions, including catalytically supported thermal combusiton. Regeneration of over-temperatured catalyst is also provided for.

Abstract: Method of low temperature start-up of ammonia oxidation plants by passing hydrogen and oxygen over platinum containing gauzes bearing a platinum coating having a surface area in excess of about 50 cm.sup.2 /g, thereby heating them to temperatures which are sufficient for catalytic oxidation of ammonia.

Abstract: A novel praseodymium-palladium oxide compound has the formula Pr.sub.4 PdO.sub.7. The compound has utility as a catalyst for oxidation of combustion mixtures comprising oxygen (e.g., air) and gaseous carbonaceous fuels such as methane and displays excellent regeneration characteristics after exposure to decomposition-causing temperatures. The compound may be used in a catalyst composition by being coated as a washcoat on a suitable carrier. Catalytic combustion processes are carried out by contacting such combustion mixture with the catalyst under combustion conditions, including catalytically supported thermal combustion. Regeneration of over-temperatured catalyst is also provided for.

Abstract: A method for operating a palladium oxide containing catalytic combustor useful, e.g., for powering a gas turbine. The method involves maintaining control of the temperature within the combustor in such a manner as to insure the presence of palladium oxide. By maintaining the temperature below about 800.degree. C. decomposition of palladium oxide into metallic palladium is avoided and high catalytic activity is retained. Regeneration of catalyst following inactivation resulting from an over-temperature is accomplished by using a heat soak in the temperature range of about 530.degree. C.-650.degree. C.

Abstract: Platinum-rhodium and platinum-palladium-rhodium gauzes bearing a high surface area coating (in excess of 50 cm.sup.2 /g) of platinum ease initiation of ammonia oxidation.

Abstract: A multi-layer solar energy collector of improved stability comprising: (1) a substrate of quartz, silicate glass, stainless steel or aluminum-containing ferritic alloy; (2) a solar absorptive layer comprising silver, copper oxide, rhodium/rhodium oxide and 0-15% by weight of platinum; (3) an interlayer comprising silver or silver/platinum; and (4) an optional external anti-reflective coating, plus a method for preparing a thermally stable multi-layered solar collector, in which the absorptive layer is undercoated with a thin film of silver or silver/platinum to obtain an improved conductor-dielectric tandem.

Abstract: A solar energy collector having improved absorptance and emissivity levels comprising: (1) a silver-copper oxide-rhodium oxide solar absorption film, (2) a cerium oxide interlayer and a substrate of quartz, silica glass or metal. The cerium oxide interlayer minimizes agglomeration of the metal particles, maintains a relatively low thermal emittance and improves overall stability.