Abstract: The description relates to a composition and a method for reducing the concentration of arsenic in water. Contaminated water is contacted with acid-activated clay characterized by a removal efficiency for arsenic of at least 95 wt %. Following sufficient contact, the water is separated from the acid-activated clay. In preferred form, the acid activated clay is characterized by a BET surface area of at least about 200 m2/gram.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a stabilized polymer in which inhibition of polymerization of a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond is suppressed even when a specific phenolic antioxidant is added before or during the polymerization of the monomer.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a Ruthenium complex intercalated N-doped or N,S-codoped titania pillared montmorillonite, a multifunctional photocatalyst and a process for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a green photochemical route towards a variety of light driven redox reactions such as organic dye degradations, photocatalytic water splitting and various organic transformation reactions oriented to the synthesis of fine chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing a new type of catalyst for the oxidation of CO in a reactant gas or air. The method provides the preparation of a catalyst having nano-sized metal particles and a capping agent deposited on a solid support. The size and distribution of the metal particles can be easily controlled by adjusting reaction condition and the capping agent used. The catalyst prepared has high activity at low temperature toward selective oxidation of CO and is stable over an extended period of time. The catalyst can be used in air filter devices, hydrogen purification processes, automotive emission control devices (decomposition of NOx, x is the integer 1 or 2), F-T synthesis, preparation of fuel-cell electrode, photocatalysis and sensors.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electrochemical cell for a secondary battery, which includes a positive electrode having an active intercalation cathode material of treated bentonite; a negative electrode material having an active anode material containing one of magnesium and sodium; an electrolyte positioned in contact with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode; wherein, when the active anode material contains magnesium, the electrolyte is a solid gel polymeric electrolyte; and wherein, when the active anode material is sodium, the electrolyte is a salt electrolyte, both the anode material and the electrolyte are molten at the operating temperature of the battery, and the cell further comprises a beta alumina solid electrolyte separator between the negative electrode and the electrolyte.

Abstract: Solid acid catalyst such as acid activated-Montmorillonite clay composite has been developed by modifying the Na-Montmorillonite clay with acid (HCl) treatment for different periods such as 5 minutes to about 4 hours and activating at about 120° C. for about 2 hours. Friedel Crafts alkylation reaction between phenol and 4-hydroxybutan-2-one in presence of the acid activated Montmorillonite clay catalysts exhibiting layered clay structures (basal spacing d001 ranging from about 10 to 13.5 ?), high surface area (250-400 m2/g), highly porous {micropores in the range 5 to 15 ? and mesopores in the range 30 to 80 ?}, average pore volume 0.2 to 0.65 cc/g, and surface acidity in the range 0.4-0.6 mmol/g; under constant stirring and at pressure of 1-15 bar, temperature 100-150° C. for a period of about 12-24 hours produces 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (Raspberry ketone) exhibiting conversion about 35-55% and high selectivity in the range 75-81%.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for a secondary battery is provided, which includes a positive electrode having an intercalation cathode material of bentonite; a negative electrode material having an anode material containing one of magnesium and sodium; an electrolyte positioned in contact with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode; wherein, when the anode material contains magnesium, the electrolyte is a solid gel polymeric electrolyte; and wherein, when the anode material is sodium, the electrolyte is a salt electrolyte, both the anode material and the electrolyte are molten at the operating temperature of the battery, and the cell further comprises a beta alumina solid electrolyte separator between the negative electrode and the electrolyte. To increase its conductivity, the bentonite material is treated, before cell assembly, with an acid and/or intercalated with an anilinium ion, which is then polymerized to form a polyaniline within the bentonite framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an adsorbent, in particular a bleaching earth, wherein a clay material having: a surface area of 180 to 300 m2/g; a total pore volume of 0.5 to 0.7 ml/l; wherein at least 60% of the total pore volume are provided by pores having a pore diameter of at least 140 A, at least 40% of the total pore volume is provided by pores having a pore diameter of less than 250 A and at least 15% of the total pore volume are provided by pores having a pore diameter of 140 to 250 A; and said clay material having an amorphous structure according to XRD data; is activated by an activation procedure. Further, the invention relates to an adsorbent as obtained by the method and a method for purification of oils, fats and biofuels.

Abstract: Solid acid catalyst such as acid activated-Montmorillonite clay composite has been developed by modifying the Na-Montmorillonite clay with acid (HCl) treatment for different periods such as 5 minutes to about 4 hours and activating at about 12O° C. for about 2 hours. Friedel Crafts alkylation reaction between phenol and 4-hydroxybutan-2-one in presence of the acid activated Montmorillonite clay catalysts exhibiting layered clay structures (basal spacing d001 ranging from about 10 to 13.5 ?), high surface area (250-400 m2/g), highly porous {micropores in the range 5 to 15 ? and mesopores in the range 30 to 80 ?}, average pore volume 0.2 to 0.65 cc/g, and surface acidity in the range 0.4-0.6 mmol/g; under constant stirring and at pressure of 1-15 bar, temperature 100-15O° C. for a period of about 12-24 hours produces 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (Raspberry ketone) exhibiting conversion about 35-55% and high selectivity in the range 75-81%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an adsorbent, in particular a bleaching earth, wherein a clay material having: a surface area of 180 to 300 m2/g; a total pore volume of 0.5 to 0.7 ml/l; wherein at least 60% of the total pore volume are provided by pores having a pore diameter of at least 140 A, at least 40% of the total pore volume is provided by pores having a pore diameter of less than 250 A and at least 15% of the total pore volume are provided by pores having a pore diameter of 140 to 250 A; and said clay material having an amorphous structure according to XRD data; is activated by an activation procedure. Further, the invention relates to an adsorbent as obtained by the method and a method for purification of oils, fats and biofuels.

Abstract: Olefin polymerization catalysts for producing polyolefin resins which can dispense with a melt-kneading step necessitating great energy or a substitute addition step therefor and to which small amounts of antioxidants have been effectively added; and a process for the production of the catalysts. Specifically, a catalyst for olefin polymerization characterized by being prepared by conducting prepolymerization in the presence of [I] a solid catalyst for olefin polymerization having a mean particle diameter of 10 to 200 ?m, [II] an antioxidant for resins, and [III] an olefin; and a catalyst for olefin polymerization characterized by containing [IV] an organoaluminum compound in addition to the components [I] to [III].

Abstract: A process for the production of a bleaching clay product which includes the steps of selecting a naturally occurring, acidic hormite clay product, cleaning and crushing the hormite clay products to form clay clumps, selecting a naturally occurring less acidic, clay product which contains a higher level of montmorillonite than does the acidic hormite clay, aging the crushed hormite clay for about one (1) month or more, blending the aged hormite clay with the less acidic clay product either before or after aging and activating the clay with small quantities of acid. An acceptable bleaching clay product can be produced without activation with acid.

Abstract: Activated regular-shaped clay particles forming macropores therein, preserving fine structure of the dioctahedral smectite clay minerals, and having particle diameters controlled to lie within a range in which they exhibit excellent filtering property. The invention further provides method of producing activated regular-shaped clay particles comprising the steps of adjusting the particle size of the dioctahedral smectite clay minerals to possess a volume-based median diameter (D50) of from 1 to 10 &mgr;m as found by a laser diffraction method, mixing an acid-soluble or acid-decomposing inorganic compound to the milled product thereof, granulating the mixture into regular particles having a volume-based median diameter (D50) of from 10 to 60 &mgr;m as found by a laser diffraction method, and treating the regular-shaped particles with an acid while maintaining the particle shapes.

Abstract: A process for the production of a bleaching clay product which includes the steps of selecting a naturally occurring, acidic hormite clay product, cleaning and crushing the hormite clay products to form clay clumps, selecting a naturally occurring less acidic, clay product which contains a higher level of montmorillonite than does the acidic hormite clay, aging the crushed hormite clay, blending the aged hormite clay with the less acidic clay product either before or after aging and activating the clay with small quantities of acid. An acceptable bleaching clay product can be produced without activation with acid.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst comprising the following components (A) and (B): Component (A): an ion-exchange layered silicate having an acid site of at most −8.2 pKa, the amount of the acid site is equivalent to at least 0.05 mmol/g of 2,6-dimethylpyridine consumed for neutralization; and Component (B): a compound of a transition metal belonging to Group 3 to Group 12 of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: Sodalite is treated with acid to transform the surface to provide a highly macroporous material that demonstrates water swing capacities exceeding those of high performance, low temperature desiccants under high latent load at relatively high ambient temperature and humidities.

Abstract: A bleaching clay having an enhanced bleaching performance in oils is produced by first beneficiating a raw clay to remove sand and thereafter conditioning and then concentrating the beneficiated clay with a pH modifier and a Lewis acid salt.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing cyclic ethers over a heterogeneous catalyst comprises using a heterogeneous catalyst comprising one or more pillared interlayered clays (PILCs).

Abstract: A group of solid adsorbents in the form of powder, granules or pellets having improved adsorptive capacity and selectivity for ethylene and/or propylene is disclosed. These adsorbents comprise (a) a silver compound and (b) a bentonite clay support bulk of which comprises SiO2 and Al2O3 and the rest being oxides of Fe, Ca, Mg, Na and K and having sufficiently high surface area on which the silver compound is dispersed or impregnated. The support may be pretreated by polymer solutions to impart sufficient mechanical strength as measured by attrition loss. Mechanical strength may also be improved by pre-heating the support. These adsorbents are highly stable and are capable of reversibly adsorbing substantial quantity of ethylene and/or propylene at room temperature. The rates of adsorption of ethylene and/or propylene are also very high in these adsorbents, which is believed to be due to the synergistic interaction between the components of the novel composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are an industrially advantageous process for producing a polymer of polyvinyl ether at a temperature of not lower than a room temperature for short time, and a catalyst used for the process. The above process is characterized by using an acid clay mineral subjected to acid treatment as a catalyst to polymerize vinyl ether.

Abstract: A process for making a bleaching clay composition useful for purification of oil is disclosed. The process involves controlled acidification of a palygorskite and smectite clay mineral with sulfuric acid. The clay mineral starting material exhibits, in an aqueous slurry, an electrical conductivity of at least about 50 microSiemens per centimeter.

Abstract: A silicon dioxide tetrahedron sheet having a specific morphology with the pseudomorphs of the starting raw material of clay minerals for the sheet is prepared, and this is reacted with an alkylonium salt whereby a desired number of the silicon dioxide tetrahedrons are removed from the sheet by the action of the micelles of the alkylonium salt formed on the surface of the sheet to thereby form mesopores in the sheet. The mesopore material of the sheet has phyllo-structured 6-membered skeletons as connected to each other, in which each one phyllo-structured 6-membered skeleton is formed by connecting 6 silicon dioxide tetrahedrons together, and its mesopores are formed by removing a desired number of the silicon dioxide tetrahedrons from the sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of making mesoporous silico-aluminates from calcium bentonite by controlled extraction of octahedral aluminum under mild condition, by acid, preferably phosphoric acid. The mesoporous silicoaluminates contain only tetrahedral aluminum as the residual aluminum. As the result of the selective removal of the octahedral aluminum, the mesoporous silico-aluminates have several unprecedented properties compared to products produced by conventional processes either by mild acid-activation or by a removal of all the aluminum.

Abstract: A process is described for activation of layered silicates having an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of at least 25 meq/g by treating them with an acid, characterized in that the layered silicate is activated with about 1 to 10% by weight (based on the dry layered silicate) of an acid at a temperature of not more than 80.degree. C. and the activated layered silicate is calcined at temperatures of about 200.degree. to 400.degree. C. and comminuted desired.

Abstract: A catalyst composition and a process for converting a hydrocarbon stream such as, for example, a C.sub.9 + aromatic compound to C.sub.6 to C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylenes are disclosed. The catalyst composition comprises an aluminosilicate, and a metal wherein the weight ratio of aluminum to silicon is in the range of from about 0.002:1 to about 0.6:1. The process comprises contacting a hydrocarbon stream with the catalyst composition under a condition sufficient to effect the conversion of a hydrocarbon to a C.sub.6 to C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A process for making a bleaching clay composition useful for purification of oil is disclosed. The process of involves controlled acidification of a palygorskite--smectite clay mineral with sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A method of preparing an enzyme immobilizing carrier includes the steps of providing a material consisting of kaolin mineral. The material is subject to acid treatment with a strong acid having a pH of 4 or less, and hydrothermal treatment at a temperature of from about 100.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. The material is dried, thereby producing a porous powder. The porous powder is baked at a temperature of from about 350.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C., for thereby producing the carrier.

Abstract: A method of increasing the nutritional value of mycotoxin-contaminated animal feed ingested by an animal by feeding the animal an acid-activated montmorillonite clay simultaneously with the mycotoxin-contaminated or ergot-contaminated animal feed. The acid-activated montmorillonite clay can be fed to the animal in any form, e.g., granular, powder, pellets and the like or can be admixed with other animal food or feed supplements, so long as the clay is present in the animal's stomach (digestive tract) at the same time as the mycotoxin-contaminated animal feed in an amount sufficient to absorb or adsorb mycotoxin from the digestive tract of the animal and thereby aid the animal in metabolic absorption of nutrients from the contaminated animal feed.

Abstract: A process for producing anhydrides by passing a solution of the acid, preferably an organic polyacid, which is to undergo anhydridation over an acidified clay and a process for producing the catalysts therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of crystals of ZSM-5 with mineral acid to produce ZSM-5 crystals which have an acid activity associated with the pores and channels thereof, the shape selective portion of the crystal, which is greater than the acid activity of the non-shape selective portion of the crystal or the surface of the ZSM-5 crystal, and the effect of the treated zeolite, as a catalyst component, in catalytic hydrocarbon conversions.

Abstract: To obtain an improved catalyst for fluid cracking purposes, kaolin or metakaolin is reacted with an acid of the group of phosphoric, sulphuric and acetic acids by mixing and heating to 25.degree.-110.degree. C., after which the slurry is washed. The thus obtained kaolin is then mixed with a crystalline aluminosilicate and, optionally, with a clay (e.g. kaolin), an active matrix and, as balance, a synthetic matrix, such as silican, silica-alumina or aluminan. The improved catalyst gives a better performance in terms of conversion and gasoline-yield.

Abstract: To obtain an improved catalyst for fluid cracking purposes, kaolin or metakaolin is reacted with an acid of the group of phosphoric, sulphuric and acetic acids by mixing and heating to 25.degree.-110.degree. C., after which the slurry is washed. The slurry is not neutralized prior to washing. The thus obtained kaolin is then mixed with a crystalline aluminosilicate and, optionally, with a clay (e.g. kaolin), an active matrix and, as balance, a synthetic matrix, such as a silica, silica-alumina or alumina. The improved catalyst gives a better performance in terms of conversion and gasoline-yield.

Abstract: A process for making acid-activated bleaching earth from certain naturally occurring mixtures of calcium bentonite and attapulgite clay. The process involves treating such clay with low levels of activating acid which are mixed with the dried and ground clay, or spray dried from slurries containing the clay-acid mixture. Advantages include: lower acid costs/unit mass of clay treated, lower production costs (no washing, filtering, or waste treatment steps) and environmental soundness (no harmful environmental waste products are produced).

Abstract: A process for making acid-activated bleaching earth from a crude attapulgite clay. A crude is selected which is mildly acidic and contains at least about 90% attapulgite. The process involves treating such clay with low levels of activating acid which are mixed with the dried and ground clay, or spray dried from slurries containing the clay-acid mixture. Advantages include: lower acid costs/unit mass of clay treated, lower production costs (no washing, filtering, or waste treatment steps) and environmental soundness (no harmful environmental waste products are produced).

Abstract: A method of extruding clay and then treating the clay with acid to beneficiate the clay for increased capacity of filtration of oil-soluble colorant compounds from oil. The clay is first extruded through one or more die openings to align some of the clay platelets and to form the clay into cylindrical pellets. The extruded clay pellets then are acid treated, either before or after grinding, in an aqueous acid solution to form an acid slurry of the clay. The acid slurry of the clay is agitated for a time sufficient and at a temperature sufficient so that the acid reacts with a portion of the clay and, thereafter, the acid treated clay is separated from the acid solution; the clay then is washed to remove most of the acid solution from the clay; filtered and thereafter dried.

Abstract: A method of extruding clay and then treating the clay with acid to beneficiate the clay for increased capacity of filtration of oil-soluble colorant compounds from oil. The clay is first extruded through one or more die openings to align some of the clay platelets and to form the clay into cylindrical pellets. The extruded clay pellets are then acid treated, either before or after grinding, in an aqueous acid solution to form an acid slurry of the clay. The acid slurry of the clay is agitated for a time sufficient and at a temperature sufficient so that the acid reacts with a portion of the clay and, thereafter, the acid treated clay is separated from the acid solution; the clay then is washed to remove most of the acid solution from the clay; filtered and thereafter dried.

Abstract: A composition of matter is used to treat particles entrained in flue gas. The composition comprises a caustic liquid to adjust the resistivity of the entrained particles. An inert particulate matter supports the caustic liquid to inhibit the chemical action of the caustic liquid until used to adjust the resistivity of the entrained particles. The entrained particles are removed from the flue gas by choosing a caustic liquid to adjust the resistivity of the entrained particles. The caustic liquid is supported on inert particulate matter to inhibit the chemical action of the caustic liquid. The supported caustic liquid is supplied to untreated flue gas at a temperature sufficient to separate the caustic liquid from the inert particulate matter. The separated caustic liquid is mixed with the entrained particles so as to coat the entrained particles. The coated particles are then passed through an electrostatic precipitator to remove them from the flue gas.

Abstract: A method of treating clay with acid to beneficiate the clay for increased capacity of filtration of oil-soluble colorant compounds from oil. The clay is ground to a particle size distribution such that more than 50% by weight of the clay, on a dry basis, passes through a 200 mesh screen and less than 5% by weight of the clay, on a dry basis, is finer than 5 microns. After grinding, the ground clay is directly contacted with an acid solution to form an acid slurry of the clay. The clay acid slurry is agitated for a time sufficient and at a temperature sufficient so that the acid reacts with a portion of the clay and, thereafter, the acid treated clay is separated from the acid solution; the clay then is washed to remove most of the acid solution from the clay; filtered to a liquid content less than about 60% by weight and thereafter dried to a liquid content less than about 20% by weight.

Abstract: An adsorbent, absorbent product can be produced from sericitic clays by removing alumina values from such clays with a mineral acid, removing oil contaminants from such clay with a solvent or solvent mixture and removing amorphous silica from them with a caustic solution. The particles of the clay are dried after treatment in these manners. They are then ready to use.

Abstract: A natural active stable catalyst for use in the hydrodemetallization (HDM) and the hydroconversion (HC) of heavy crudes and residues and, in particular, a method for the preparation of the catalyst from natural clay and a process for the treatment of heavy crudes and residues with the catalyst. The catalyst is free of hydrogenating metals of Groups VIB and VIII of the Periodic Table and comprises primarily iron, silica and alumina derived from the composition of the natural clay. The catalyst possesses a surface area of between 20 to 100 m.sup.2 /g, a total pore volume of between 0.20 to 0.90 cc/g, where 50 to 100% of the total pore volume contains pores of diameter greater than 400 .ANG.. The catalyst has a ratio I(Fe)/I(Si+Al) of between 0.2 to 0.9 as determined by XPS.

Abstract: Sericitic clays can be treated so as to produce silica gel and an adsorbent, absorbent product capable of being utilized in many different applications. In treating such clays to produce such products, finely ground clay particles are digested with an alkali so as to produce an alkali silicate solution which is separated from the remaining inorganic material. The latter is digested with an acid so as to remove alumina values. The particles remaining should then be washed and dried prior to being used as an adsorbent, absorbent material. The alkali silicate solution is preferably subjected to electrolysis to bleach contaminants within the solution and then treated with an acid so as to gel the silicate. After the gel is formed, the gel and the solution are neutralized. The gel is then separated and dried.

Abstract: To improve the column dynamics of commercial pelleted sodium aluminosilicate zeolite adsorbents used in gas separation, the pellets are treated by washing in dilute aqueous mineral acid. The treatment is most effective as applied to sodium mordenite pellets, employing hydrochloric acid of about 0.1 normality.

Abstract: Calcium silicate treated with an acid can be used as a polymerization catalyst or as a deodorizing agent. The acid is sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or nitric acid.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of a more active paraffin hydrocarbon hydroisomerization catalyst from synthetic mica montmorillonite, preferably a nickel synthetic mica montmorillonite catalyst, which may also contain palladium, by treating the catalyst with one or more compounds comprising chlorine which can further release one or more protons and/or hydrogen chloride, and preferably by treating with hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: An adsorbent is provided for removing color precursors from detergent range alkyl benzene prior to sulfonation. The adsorbent provided is a bauxite clay having at least one material selected from the group consisting of ferric oxide, titanium dioxide, and zirconium oxide and which contain from about 0.1 to about 20 percent by weight of sulfuric acid, said bauxite clay then being calcined at a temperature and time sufficient to activate the adsorbent prior to use.