Abstract: This ionic liquid-containing laminate includes a porous layer having affinity with ionic liquids (C), said layer holding an ionic liquid-containing liquid (A) within voids therein, and a porous layer lacking affinity with ionic liquids (B). The porous layer having affinity with ionic liquids (C) may include an inorganic material (e.g., metal oxide particles having an average particle size of 0.001 to 10 ?m on a number basis). The ionic liquid-containing liquid (A) may include an ionic liquid containing cations selected from ammonium, imidazolium and phosphonium cations, and anions selected from fluorine-containing anions, cyano-containing anions and amino acid-derived anions. The porous layer having affinity with ionic liquids (C) may include 1 to 100 volume parts of the ionic liquid-containing liquid (A) with respect to 100 volume parts of voids therein.

Abstract: A process for preparing a peptized alumina having increased solids and acid contents and a decreased water content. The process comprising mixing a boehmite or pseudoboehmite alumina and acid with a high intensity, high energy mixer at a ratio of 0.16 to 0.65 moles acid/moles alumina for a time period sufficient to form a substantially free-flowing solid particulate having a solids content of 45 to 65 wt %. When used in catalyst manufacture, peptized alumina produced by the process provides an increased rate in catalyst production and decreased costs due to high solids concentration and the presence of less water to be evaporated.

Abstract: A system and method measures subterranean stress. The system and method includes a cement mixture that is mixed with water to set as a solid and a stress measuring-medium having piezospectroscopic properties that directly reveals stress in situ within the cement mixture in response to a photo stimulation. The stress measuring-medium combines with the cement mixture as a dry blend before being combined with water.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an improved endothermic hydrocarbon conversion process that comprises reacting a hydrocarbon with a multi-component catalyst bed, and regenerating the catalyst bed with air, where the air used in regeneration step and hydrocarbon are at low air to hydrocarbon ratios and optionally at near-atmospheric pressures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing C4 olefins, from a feed of C4 monohydric alcohol, in which a reaction of dehydration of the monohydric alcohol to at least one olefin, and a reaction of skeletal isomerization of at least one of the olefins produced in one and the same reaction vessel, are carried out in the presence of an alumina-based catalyst with adapted porosity.

Abstract: A porous oxide catalyst includes porous oxide, and an oxygen vacancy-inducing metal which induces an oxygen vacancy in a lattice structure of a porous metal oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are dehydrogenation catalyst composites and methods of making the dehydrogenation catalyst composites. The dehydrogenation catalyst composites contain alumina, lithium oxide, alkaline earth metal oxide, chromium oxide, and sodium oxide. Also disclosed are methods of dehydrogenating a dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon involving contacting the dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon with a dehydrogenation catalyst composite containing alumina, lithium oxide, alkaline earth metal oxide, chromium oxide, and sodium oxide to provide a dehydrogenated hydrocarbon, such as an olefin.

Abstract: The present invention a catalyst that includes a metallic or ceramic foam catalyst support having surfaces within the foam for the placement of a catalytic material, and an active catalyst material which is applied by washcoating or dipping.

Abstract: A mesoporous oxide-catalyst complex including: a mesoporous metal oxide; and a catalyst metal supported on the mesoporous metal oxide, wherein the catalyst on the mesoporous metal oxide has a degree of dispersion of about 30 to about 90 percent.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst, and catalysts prepared thereby. The process includes selecting a catalyst support and mixing it with one or more chromium containing compounds oxidizable to a Cr+6 state or already in a Cr+6 state, and with with one or more transition metal catalyst component, and calcining the catalyst support while oxidizing any chromium containing compound to a Cr+6 state, and spray drying the catalyst support to form catalyst particles. The catalyst supports are characterized by a surface area greater than 50 m2/gram and a pore volume greater than 0.5 cc/gram at the time of mixing the catalyst support gels with the chromium containing compound.

Abstract: A method of producing a catalyst material with nano-scale structure, the method comprising: introducing a starting powder into a nano-powder production reactor, the starting powder comprising a catalyst material; the nano-powder production reactor nano-sizing the starting powder, thereby producing a nano-powder from the starting powder, the nano-powder comprising a plurality of nano-particles, each nano-particle comprising the catalyst material; and forming a catalyst precursor material from the nano-powder, wherein the catalyst precursor material is a densified bulk porous structure comprising the catalyst material, the catalyst material having a nano-scale structure.

Abstract: A process is described for producing a powder batch comprises a plurality of particles, wherein the particles include (a) a first catalytically active component comprising at least one transition metal or a compound thereof; (b) a second component different from said first component and capable of removing oxygen from, or releasing oxygen to, an exhaust gas stream; and (c) a third component different from said first and second components and comprising a refractory support. The process comprises providing a precursor medium comprising a liquid vehicle and a precursor to al least one of said components (a) to (c) and heating droplets of said precursor medium carried in a gas stream to remove at least part of the liquid vehicle and chemically convert said precursor to said at least one component.

Abstract: Methods and systems for contacting of a crude feed with one or more catalysts to produce a total product that includes a crude product are described. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. The crude product has an MCR content of at most 90% of the MCR content of the crude feed. One or more other properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed.

Abstract: A composite material includes an aggregate which contains a first metal particle constituting a core and second metal oxide particulates surrounding the first metal particle and having an average primary particle diameter ranging from 1 to 100 nm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst exhibiting excellent performance particularly in partial oxidation reaction. Another object is to provide a method for efficiently producing carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride through vapor-phase partial oxidation of an organic compound by use of an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst. The catalyst contains (1) diamond; (2) at least one species selected from among Group 5 transition element oxides, collectively called oxide A; and (3) at least one species selected from among Group 4 transition element oxides, collectively called oxide B. The method for producing a carboxylic acid or a carboxylic anhydride includes subjecting an organic compound to vapor phase partial oxidation by use of an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst, wherein the organic compound is an aromatic compound having one or more substituents in a molecule thereof, the substituents each including a carbon atom bonded to an aromatic ring.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cyclic, endothermic hydrocarbon conversion process and a catalyst bed system for accomplishing the same. Specifically, the improved process comprises reacting a hydrocarbon with a multi-component catalyst bed in such a manner that the temperature within the catalyst bed remains within controlled temperature ranges throughout all stages of the process. The multi-component catalyst bed comprises a reaction-specific catalyst physically mixed with a heat-generating material.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon-reforming catalyst comprising a composite oxide having a composition represented by the following formula (I) in which Co, Ni and M are dispersed in the composite oxide and a process for producing a synthesis gas by using the catalyst are provided. aM.bCo.cNi.dMg.eCa.fO??(I) wherein a, b, c, d, e, and f are molar fractions, a+b+c+d+e=1, 0.0001<a?0.20, 0<b?0.20, 0?c?0.20, 0.001<(b+c)?0.20, 0.60?(d+e)?0.9989, 0<d<0.9989, 0<e<0.9989, f=the number necessary for element to keep charge equilibrium with oxygen. And M is at least one element among Group 3B elements and Group 6A elements in the Periodic Table. The reforming catalyst is able to maintain a high catalytic activity over a long period in reforming hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.

Abstract: A stationary or fluid bed dehydrogenation catalyst containing an alumina carrier, with chromium and alkali metals consisting of only sodium and potassium, added as promoters. The resultant catalyst demonstrates greater selectivity and olefin yield than prior art dehydrogenation catalysts, especially after aging.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a catalytic specie consisting essentially of a metallic support, which is coated with a ceramic active phase layer, mainly compound of the general formula (I): [RhxNiyMglAlm(OH)2]z+(An?z/n)kH2O,??(I) wherein An? is mainly a silicate or a polysilicate anion; 0?x?0.3; 0?y?0.9; 0?l?0.9; 0?m?0.5; 0?k?10; x+y>0; 0.5?y+l?0.9; x+y+l+m=1; and z is the total electrical charge of the cationic element or a compound of the general formula (II): [AzA?1-z][B1-x-yNixRhy]O3-???(II) wherein A and A? are different and are selected from the Lanthanide or the Actinide families or from the group IIa of the Mendeleev's periodical table of elements; B is selected from the transition metal groups of columns IIIb, IVb, Vb, VIb, VIIb, Ib and IIb and group VIIIb of the Mendeleev's periodical table of elements; 0?x?0.7, 0?y?0.5, 0?x+y?0.

Abstract: A pliable refractory metal carrier (46) may have coated thereon an anchor layer (47) to improve adherence to the carrier (46) of a catalytic coating (48). The conformable catalyst member (26, 82, 82?, 126, 226, 326) may be bent to conform to a curved or bent exhaust pipe (20, 220, 320) within which it is mounted. The pliable metal carrier may be in the form of a tube such as carrier (46) having perforations (54) formed therein, or it may be a metal strip (76) which is folded into accordion pleats (80) and has perforations (78) formed therein. The perforations (54, 78) serve to permit the passage of exhaust gas therethrough. A series of interior closures (58) and annular baffles (60) may be provided to import a serpentine flow path to gases flowed through an exhaust pipe (22) containing a conformable catalyst member (226) therein. A mounting member (68) may be supplied to fasten one end of the conformable catalyst member (226) to the discharge end of an exhaust pipe (220).

Abstract: A system for dehydrogenating a C3 or C4 hydrocarbon feed stream containing a first and second layer of catalysts placed in the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the feed stream first passes through the first layer and then the second layer of catalysts and wherein the catalysts of the first layer contain from about 50 to about 90 percent by weight of an eta-alumina carrier, from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of chromia and from about 0.1 to about 5 percent by weight of a zirconium compound and wherein the catalysts of the second layer of catalysts contain from about 50 to about 90 percent by weight of an eta-alumina carrier and from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of chromia, without an added zirconium compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heteropoly acid catalyst which is used for the production of methacrylic acid by gas phase oxidation of methacrolein and a preparing method thereof. The present invention, thereby, provides a novel heteropoly acid catalyst having excellent methacrolein conversion rate, methacrylic acid selectivity and yield.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing dimeric or polymeric reaction products of nitrogen aromatics comprise contacting a composition comprising the nitrogen aromatic with a catalyst composition. The catalyst comprises a first metal substrate having a second reduced metal coated on the substrate.

Abstract: Catalysts are described in which an active catalyst is disposed on a low surface area, oxide support. Methods of forming catalysts are described in which a Cr-containing metal is oxidized to form a chromium oxide layer and an active catalyst is applied directly on the chromium oxide layer. Methods of making new catalysts are described in which the surface is sonicated prior to depositing the catalyst. Catalyst systems and methods of oxidation are also described. The inventive systems, catalysts and methods are, in some instances, characterized by surprisingly superior results.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cyclic, endothermic hydrocarbon conversion process and a catalyst bed system for accomplishing the same. Specifically, the improved process comprises reacting a hydrocarbon with a multi-component catalyst bed in such a manner that the temperature within the catalyst bed remains within controlled temperature ranges throughout all stages of the process. The multi-component catalyst bed comprises a reaction-specific catalyst physically mixed with a heat-generating material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material which is suited as a carrier for catalysts in the dehydrogenation of alkanes and in the oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes and which is made of an oxide ceramic foam and may contain combinations of the substances aluminium oxide, calcium oxide, silicon dioxide, tin oxide, zirconium dioxide, calcium aluminate, zinc aluminate, silicon carbide, and which is impregnated with one or several suitable catalytically active materials, by which the flow resistance of the catalyst decreases to a considerable degree and the accessibility of the catalytically active material improves significantly and the thermal and mechanical stability of the material increases. The invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of the material and a process for the dehydrogenation of alkanes by using the material according to the invention.

Abstract: Processes for purifying silicon tetrafluoride source gas by subjecting the source gas to one or more purification processes including: contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with an ion exchange resin to remove acidic contaminants, contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with a catalyst to remove carbon monoxide, by removal of carbon dioxide by use of an absorption liquid, and by removal of inert compounds by cryogenic distillation; catalysts suitable for removal of carbon monoxide from silicon tetrafluoride source gas and processes for producing such catalysts.

Abstract: An architecture made of a ceramic or a metallic foam has at least one continuous and/or discontinuous, axial and/or radial porosity gradient ranging from 10 to 90% associated to a pore size range from 2 to 60 ppi, at least one continuous and/or discontinuous, axial and/or radial concentration gradient of catalytic active(s) phase(s) from 0.01 wt % to 100 wt % preferentially from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %, and a microstructure with a specific area ranging between 0.1 to 30 m2/g, a grain size between 100 nm and 20 microns and a skeleton densification above 95%.

Abstract: Architecture comprising ceramic or metallic foam, characterized in that the foam has a constant axial and radial porosity between 10 to 90% with a pore size between 2 to 60 ppi, and at least one continuous and/or discontinuous, axial and/or radial concentration of catalytic active(s) phase(s) from 0.01 wt % to 100 wt %, preferentially from 0.1 to 20 wt. %, and in that the architecture has a microstructure comprising specific area ranging between 0.1 to 30 m2/g, a grain size between 100 nm and 20 microns and a skeleton densification above 95%.

Abstract: A method of preparing a steam reforming catalyst characterized by improved resistance to attrition loss when used for cracking, reforming, water gas shift and gasification reactions on feedstock in a fluidized bed reactor, comprising: fabricating the ceramic support particle, coating a ceramic support by adding an aqueous solution of a precursor salt of a metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Cr, Co, Mn, Mg, K, La and Fe and mixtures thereof to the ceramic support and calcining the coated ceramic in air to convert the metal salts to metal oxides.

Abstract: A geometrically shaped solid carrier is provided that improves the performance and effectiveness of an olefin epoxidation catalyst for epoxidizing an olefin to an olefin oxide. In particular, improved performance and effectiveness of an olefin epoxidation catalyst is achieved by utilizing a geometrically shaped refractory solid carrier in which at least one wall thickness of said carrier is less than 2.5 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed are dehydrogenation catalyst composites and methods of making the dehydrogenation catalyst composites. The dehydrogenation catalyst composites contain alumina, lithium oxide, alkaline earth metal oxide, chromium oxide, and sodium oxide. Also disclosed are methods of dehydrogenating a dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon involving contacting the dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon with a dehydrogenation catalyst composite containing alumina, lithium oxide, alkaline earth metal oxide, chromium oxide, and sodium oxide to provide a dehydrogenated hydrocarbon, such as an olefin.

Abstract: A nanocomposite particle, its use as a catalyst, and a method of making it are disclosed. The nanocomposite particle comprises titanium dioxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and a surface stabilizer. The metal oxide nanoparticles are formed hydrothermally in the presence of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The nanocomposite particle is an effective catalyst support, particularly for DeNOx catalyst applications.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an enhanced NH3 adsorbing automotive exhaust composition including a catalyst composition suitable for use in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and an acidified support composition for enhancing NH3 adsorption capacity of the automotive exhaust composition is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing supported, titanized chromium catalysts is disclosed. The process comprises A) bringing a support material into contact with a protic medium comprising a titanium compound and a chromium compound; B) optionally removing the solvent; C) optionally calcining the precatalyst obtained after step B); and D) optionally activating the precatalyst obtained after step B) or C) in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at from 400° C. to 1100° C.

Abstract: A layered composition which can be used in various processes has been developed. The composition comprises an inner core such as a cordierite core and an outer layer comprising a refractory inorganic oxide, a fibrous component and an inorganic binder. The refractory inorganic oxide layer can be alumina, zirconia, titania, etc. while the fibrous component can be titania fibers, silica fibers, carbon fibers, etc. The inorganic oxide binder can be alumina, silica, zirconia, etc. The layer can also contain catalytic metals such as gold and platinum plus other modifiers. The layered composition is prepared by coating the inner core with a slurry comprising the refractory inorganic oxide, fibrous component, an inorganic binder precursor and an organic binding agent such as polyvinyl alcohol. The composition can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Abstract: A hydrodesulfurization catalyst used for hydrodesulfurization of catalytically cracked gasoline comprises a support composed mainly of alumina modified with an oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, scandium and lanthanoid-based metals, with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group 6A and Group 8 metals loaded as an active metal on the support. Hydrogenation of olefins generated as by-products during hydrodesulfurization of the catalytically cracked gasoline fraction, as an important constituent base of gasoline, can be adequately inhibited to maintain the octane number, while sufficiently reducing the sulfur content of the hydrodesulfurized catalytically cracked gasoline fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst having high activity and excellent stability, a process for preparation of the catalyst, a membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The catalyst of the present invention comprises an electronically conductive support and catalyst fine particles. The catalyst fine particles are supported on the support and are represented by the formula (1): PtuRuxGeyTz (1). In the formula, u, x, y and z mean 30 to 60 atm %, 20 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 20 atm % and 0.5 to 40 atm %, respectively. When the element represented by T is Al, Si, Ni, W, Mo, V or C, the content of the T-element's atoms connected with oxygen bonds is not more than four times as large as that of the T-element's atoms connected with metal bonds on the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) analysis.

Abstract: An unsupported catalyst composition which comprises one or more Group VIb metals, one or more Group VIII metals, and a refractory oxide material which comprises 50 wt % or more titania, on oxide basis, which is prepared by precipitation techniques, finds use in the hydroprocessing of hydrocarbonaceous feedstocks.

Abstract: A catalyst which efficiently removes particulate matter, SOF, sulfate, and SOOT and the like from the exhaust gas from such an internal combustion engine as a diesel engine without inducing a rise in the back pressure of the engine is provided. The catalyst for the purification of the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is formed by using an open flow honeycomb containing in the channel walls thereof such pores as possess an average diameter in the range of 10-40 ?m.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous composite metal oxide comprising the steps of: dispersing first metal oxide powder, which is an aggregate of primary particles each with a diameter of not larger than 50 nm, in a dispersion medium by use of microbeads each with a diameter of not larger than 150 ?m, thus obtaining first metal oxide particles, which are 1 nm to 50 nm in average particle diameter, and not less than 80% by mass of which are not larger than 75 nm in diameter; dispersing and mixing up, in a dispersion medium, the first metal oxide particles and second metal oxide powder, which is an aggregate of primary particles each with a diameter of not larger than 50 nm, and which is not larger than 200 nm in average particle diameter, thus obtaining a homogeneously-dispersed solution in which the first metal oxide particles and second metal oxide particles are homogeneously dispersed; and drying the homogeneously-dispersed solution, thus obtaining a porous composite metal oxide.

Abstract: Compositions for reduction of NOx emissions generated during catalytic cracking process, preferably, a fluid catalytic cracking process, are disclosed. The compositions comprise (i) an acidic metal oxide containing substantially no zeolite, (ii) an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and mixtures thereof, (iii) an oxygen storage component, (iv) palladium and (v) a noble metal component, preferably platinum, rhodium or iridium, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the compositions are used as separate additives particles circulated along with the circulating FCC catalyst inventory. Reduced content of NOx in an effluent off gas of a full or complete combustion FCC regenerator are accomplished while simultaneously promoting the combustion of CO.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing dimeric or higher polymeric reaction products of nitrogen aromatics comprise contacting a composition comprising the nitrogen aromatic with a catalyst composition. The catalyst is in particulate form and comprises a first metal substrate having a second reduced metal coated on the substrate.

Abstract: Processes for purifying silicon tetrafluoride source gas by subjecting the source gas to one or more purification processes including: contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with an ion exchange resin to remove acidic contaminants, contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with a catalyst to remove carbon monoxide, by removal of carbon dioxide by use of an absorption liquid, and by removal of inert compounds by cryogenic distillation; catalysts suitable for removal of carbon monoxide from silicon tetrafluoride source gas and processes for producing such catalysts.

Abstract: Processes for purifying silicon tetrafluoride source gas by subjecting the source gas to one or more purification processes including: contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with an ion exchange resin to remove acidic contaminants, contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with a catalyst to remove carbon monoxide, by removal of carbon dioxide by use of an absorption liquid, and by removal of inert compounds by cryogenic distillation; catalysts suitable for removal of carbon monoxide from silicon tetrafluoride source gas and processes for producing such catalysts.

Abstract: A multi-phase catalyst for the simultaneous conversion of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons is provided. A catalyst composition comprising the multi-phase catalyst and methods of making the catalyst composition are also provided. The multi-phase catalyst may be represented by the general formula of CeyLn1-xAx+sMOZ, wherein Ln is a mixture of elements originally in the form of single-phase mixed lanthanides collected from natural ores, a single lanthanide, or a mixture of lanthanides; A is an element selected from a group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Li, Na, K, Cs, Rb, or any combination thereof; and M is an element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, V, Zr, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ag, Au, Al, Ga, Mo, W, Ti, or any combination thereof; x is a number defined by 0?x<1.0; y is a number defined by 0?y<10; s is a number defined by 0?s<10; where s=0 only when y>0 and y=0 only when s>0.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to catalyst systems for nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and sulfur reactions that are free or substantially free of platinum group metals. The catalyst system of the present invention comprise a substrate and a washcoat, wherein the washcoat comprises at least one oxide solid, wherein the oxide solid comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of a carrier material oxide, a catalyst, and mixtures thereof. The catalyst system may optionally have an overcoat, wherein the overcoat comprises at least one oxide solid, wherein the oxide solid comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of a carrier material oxide, a catalyst, and mixtures thereof. The catalyst comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of a ZPGM transition metal catalyst, a mixed metal oxide catalyst, a zeolite catalysts, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A layered composition which can be used in various processes has been developed. The composition comprises an inner core such as a cordierite core and an outer layer comprising a refractory inorganic oxide, a fibrous component and an inorganic binder. The refractory inorganic oxide layer can be alumina, zirconia, titania, etc. while the fibrous component can be titania fibers, silica fibers, carbon fibers, etc. The inorganic oxide binder can be alumina, silica, zirconia, etc. The layer can also contain catalytic metals such as gold and platinum plus other modifiers. The layered composition is prepared by coating the inner core with a slurry comprising the refractory inorganic oxide, fibrous component, an inorganic binder precursor and an organic binding agent such as polyvinyl alcohol. The composition can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion processes.