Abstract: The invention provides a reaction system for the production of ethylene carbonate and/or ethylene glycol. The system having a guard bed system upstream of a catalytic EO reactor. The guard bed system having a feed line supplying a gaseous feed to be treated and an effluent line configured to remove the treated gaseous feed. The guard bed system has two or more guard bed vessels arranged in series in sequential order, each having an inlet, a bed of guard bed material and an outlet. The inlet of each guard bed vessel is attached by means of valves to both the feed line and the outlet of the guard bed vessel preceding it in sequential order. The outlet of each guard bed vessel is attached by means of valves to both the effluent line and to the inlet of the guard bed vessel following it in sequential order.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for depolymerizing the polymer component of fiber reinforced polymers to facilitate the recovery of free fibers.

Abstract: A method of treating hair to reduce frizz involving the following steps: (i) prewashing the hair with water, (ii) applying a frizz reducing product to the hair using at least one of a brush and a spray, (iii) drying the hair in air, (iv) rinsing the hair with water, (v) drying the hair, (vi) applying to the hair a flat iron, and (vii) rinsing the hair with water. The frizz reducing agent used to treat hair is glyoxylic acid. The specific temperature the flat iron is set will depend on the specific hair type and degree of frizz.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a carbonate derivative in a safe and efficient manner. The method for producing a carbonate derivative according to the present invention is characterized in comprising irradiating light on a composition containing a C1-4 halogenated hydrocarbon having one or more kinds of halogen atoms selected from the group consisting of a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, a nucleophilic functional group-containing compound and the specific base in the presence of oxygen.

Abstract: A method for co-production of high purity dimethyl carbonate and mono-ethylene glycol by applying a reactor, such as a membrane reactor and/or an adsorbent-catalytic reactor by capturing and reacting carbon dioxide with methanol and ethylene oxide. Carbon dioxide may be recovered from primary sources (utilities and industrial processes) by a membrane or solid adsorbent, and subsequently converted to an intermediate hydroxy-ethyl-methyl carbonate by reacting with ethylene oxide and methanol. For high-purity carbon dioxide (obtained by carbon capture technologies or from an ethanol fermentation process), the membrane reactor is replaced with a catalytic reactor for direct conversion of carbon dioxide to hydroxy-ethyl-methyl carbonate by reacting with ethylene oxide and methanol. The hydro-ethyl-methyl carbonate is further reacted with methanol for conversion to dimethyl carbonate. A combination of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts is implemented for an effective conversion of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively separating propylene carbonate by adding water to reaction products comprising a polyether carbonate polyol and propylene carbonate, which are generated from a polymerization reaction of propylene oxide and carbon dioxide under a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, wherein an economical and effective separation of propylene carbonate can be achieved.

Abstract: Processes for producing ethylene carbonate and/or ethylene glycol, and associated reaction systems are similarly provided. Specifically, a process is provided that comprises supplying an overhead absorber stream withdrawn from an absorber to a vapor-liquid separator to yield an aqueous bottoms stream and a recycle gas stream; supplying an aqueous process stream comprising one or more impurities to a distillation apparatus to yield an overhead impurities stream and a purified aqueous process stream; supplying at least a portion of the purified aqueous process stream and an ethylene oxide product stream to the absorber; and contacting the ethylene oxide product stream with the purified aqueous process stream in the absorber in the presence of one or more carboxylation and hydrolysis catalysts to yield a fat absorbent stream comprising ethylene carbonate and/or ethylene glycol.

Abstract: Processes for reducing the amount of a gaseous iodide-containing impurity present in a recycle gas stream used in the production of ethylene oxide, in particular a vinyl iodide impurity, are provided. Processes for producing ethylene oxide, ethylene carbonate and/or ethylene glycol, and associated reaction systems are similarly provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously producing a cyclic carbonate which are easily scaled up without requiring a large-sized reactor or excessive ancillary facilities even in the case of producing a cyclic carbonate by using an immobilized catalyst as a catalyst on an industrial scale, are able to produce a cyclic carbonate without impairing the expected catalytic efficiency and catalyst lifetime, are economical, and exhibit excellent industrial productivity. The apparatus includes an adiabatic reactor to be filled with a heterogeneous catalyst for reacting an epoxide with carbon dioxide, a circulation path for returning at least a portion of a fluid mixture in a liquid form flowed out through a reactor outlet into the reactor, a carbon dioxide supply means for continuously supplying carbon dioxide in a liquid form or a supercritical state into the circulation path, and an epoxide supply means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing cyclocarbonates by reacting an epoxy compound and carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure and elevated temperature in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst system comprising an alkali metal halide and silica as well as the use of said catalyst system for the synthesis of cyclocarbonates.

Abstract: Provided are a novel metal catalyst for preparing cyclic carbonate, and a method for preparing cyclic carbonate using the same, and more particularly, a method for selectively preparing cyclic carbonate in a high yield and at a higher conversion rate as compared to the existing catalysts, using the metal complex including a ligand represented by Chemical Formula 1 below and a trivalent metal in Group 8 or Group 13 as a catalyst and using various structures of epoxide compounds and carbon dioxide as raw materials. In addition, provided are the prepared cyclic carbonate, and an electrolyte including the same: in Chemical Formula 1, R1 is hydrogen, (C1-C20)alkyl or halogen; R2 is hydrogen, (C1-C20)alkyl, (C1-C20)alkoxy, halogen or nitro.

Abstract: Provided is a method for continuously producing a cyclic carbonate, by which generation of a glycol in a reaction for synthesizing a cyclic carbonate is suppressed, and a cyclic carbonate having a high purity can be efficiently obtained even by simple purification. A method for continuously producing a cyclic carbonate, including filling a catalyst in a fixed-bed tube reactor, and continuously feeding carbon dioxide and an epoxide to the fixed-bed tube reactor to thereby bringing the carbon dioxide and the epoxide into contact with the catalyst, while continuously withdrawing the reaction liquid in the fixed-bed tube reactor, wherein the method includes a pre-treatment step in which a pre-treatment liquid containing a cyclic carbonate is brought into contact with the catalyst before feeding the carbon dioxide and the epoxide to the fixed-bed tube reactor, and the generated glycol is removed out of the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a method of making an alkylene carbonate, catalysts, methods of converting CO2 to an alkylene carbonate, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a porous solid oxidic material from a hydrogel of the oxidic material and to the porous solid oxidic material as such.

Abstract: A dimeric aluminum(salen) catalyst of formula I: wherein: (a) at least one R group is selected from L-A, and/or (b) at least one of X group is a divalent C3-7 heterocyclene group, containing a ring atom which is a quaternary nitrogen atom paired with a counterion selected from Cl, Br and I; and/or (c) at least one X group is a C2-5 alkylene chain or a C1-3 bisoxyalkylene chain, substituted by a group -Q-L-A; and/or (ii) (a) one R group is L-A?, or (b) one X group is a divalent C3-7 heterocyclene group, containing a ring atom which is a quaternary nitrogen forming part of an ammonium linking group bound to a solid support and paired with a counterion selected from Cl, Br and I; or (c) one X group is a C2-5 alkylene chain or a C1-3 bisoxyalkylene chain, substituted by a group -Q-L-A?.

Abstract: This invention discloses one step transition metal free process for synthesis of cyclic carbonates from aldehydes and carbon dioxide. More particularly, the invention relates to single step procedure involving Corey-Chaykovsky reaction and in-situ C02 insertion.

Abstract: Reactor systems are provided that comprise a purification zone comprising an absorbent which comprises silver, an alkali or alkaline earth metal, and a support material having a surface area of more than 20 m2/g, and a reaction zone comprising a catalyst, which reaction zone is positioned downstream from the purification zone.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing epoxidation catalysts. The present methods are able to produce catalysts having the desired loading levels of catalytic species at a lower vacuum level (having a higher minimum residual pressure) than previously appreciated by the art, thereby providing equipment cost and time savings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic electrolyte that improve the organic electrolyte storage battery of an electric vehicle in the initial storage capacity that affects the possible cruising range, which electrolyte comprises a compound having no rotational symmetry axis of the compounds represented by formula (1) below: wherein R1 to R5 are each independently hydrogen, an alkyl group, a halogenated alkyl group, or halogen, R6 is an alkylene group or a halogenated alkylene group and R7 is a phenyl group having no substituent or having a substituent (a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having one to four carbon atoms, halogen-containing straight-chain or branched alkyl group having one to four carbon atoms, or halogen) bonded thereto.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to halonium compounds useful for cyclization of polyenes, alkenoic acids, and alkenyl alkyl ethers, and halogenation of aromatic compounds. The synthesis of such halonium compounds, compounds made using such halonium compounds, and synthesis of natural compounds, including decalins, using the halonium compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: Linear or cyclic carbonates as potential monomers for isocyanate-free polyurethanes and polycarbonates were prepared from polyols and dialkyl carbonates or diphenyl carbonates. This invention was developed to produce linear or cyclic carbonates with or without using catalysts. Polyol compounds were reacted with carbonates such as dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate to produce the corresponding linear and/or cyclic carbonate.

Abstract: There is provided a metalloporphyrin complex represented by general formula (1): wherein M is a metal; A1 to A4 are independently of each other a substituent represented by general formula (2): -D-E+X???(2) wherein D is a divalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; E+ is a quaternary ammonium group or quaternary phosphonium group having 3 to 60 carbon atoms; and X is a halogen atom. There is thus provided a metalloporphyrin complex which, when used as a carbon dioxide fixation catalyst, exhibits high catalytic activity, has a small environmental burden and can be easily synthesized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a porous solid oxidic material from a hydrogel of the oxidic material and to the porous solid oxidic material as such.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compounds, compositions and vehicles for delivering 3-amino-1-propanesulfonic acid (3APS) in a subject, preferably a human subject. The invention encompasses compound that will yield or generate 3APS, either in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: A method of forming a cyclic carbonate product is carried out by reacting an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide, with carbon dioxide in the presence of a metal organic framework (MOF) catalyst with less than 0.5 mol % of any potassium or quaternary ammonium salts present based on moles of alkylene oxide feed in a reaction zone under reaction conditions to form a cyclic carbonate product. The cyclic carbonate product may be optionally fed as a crude carbonate product that does not undergo any purification or separation, other than the optional removal of any portion of unreacted alkylene oxide, carbon dioxide, and light hydrocarbon gases, to a second reaction zone containing a transesterification catalyst along with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol. The cyclic carbonate product and monohydric alcohol are allowed to react under reaction conditions to form the dialkyl carbonate and diol products.

Abstract: A method of forming a cyclic carbonate product is carried out by reacting an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide, with carbon dioxide in the presence of a metal organic framework (MOF) catalyst with less than 0.5 mol % of any potassium or quaternary ammonium salts present based on moles of alkylene oxide feed in a reaction zone under reaction conditions to form a cyclic carbonate product. The cyclic carbonate product may be optionally fed as a crude carbonate product that does not undergo any purification or separation, other than the optional removal of any portion of unreacted alkylene oxide, carbon dioxide, and light hydrocarbon gases, to a second reaction zone containing a transesterification catalyst along with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol. The cyclic carbonate product and monohydric alcohol are allowed to react under reaction conditions to form the dialkyl carbonate and diol products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of an alkylene carbonate by the reaction of an alkylene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a phosphonium catalyst in which process (a) the alkylene oxide, carbon dioxide and phosphonium catalyst are continuously introduced into a reaction zone from which a product stream containing alkylene carbonate and phosphonium catalyst is withdrawn; (b) alkylene carbonate and a stream containing phosphoniura catalyst are separated from the product stream; (c) the alkylene carbonate, separated in step (b), is recovered as product; and (d) the stream containing phosphoniura catalyst, separated in step (b), is recycled to the reaction zone, in which process a treatment of alkylene carbonate and/or catalyst with a sorption agent comprising carbon is carried out.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkene. A gas composition from an alkylene oxide reactor is supplied to an alkylene oxide absorber comprising a column of vertically stacked trays or comprising a packed column. Lean absorbent comprising at least 20 wt % water is supplied to the alkylene oxide absorber and is contacted with the gas composition in the presence of one or more catalysts that promote carboxylation and hydrolysis. At least 50% of the alkylene oxide entering the alkylene oxide absorber is converted in the alkylene oxide absorber. Fat absorbent is withdrawn from the absorber, is optionally supplied to finishing reactors and/or a flash vessel or light ends stripper, and is subsequently subjected to dehydration and purification to provide a purified alkylene glycol product stream.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to carbon dioxide sequestration systems and methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of sequestering carbon dioxide. The method can include mixing carbon dioxide with an alcohol to form a reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst under reaction conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate as a reaction product. In an embodiment, the invention includes a carbon dioxide sequestration system. The system can include a carbon dioxide supply source, an alcohol supply source, and a reaction vessel. A metal oxide catalyst can be disposed within the reaction vessel. The system can be configured to mix carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source with an alcohol from the alcohol supply source to form a reaction mixture and contact the reaction mixture with the metal oxide catalyst. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides rhenium-promoted epoxidation catalysts based upon shaped porous bodies comprising a minimized percentage of their total pore volume being present in pores having diameters of less than one micron, and a surface area of at least about 1.0 m2/g. Processes of making the catalysts and using them in epoxidation processes are also provided.

Abstract: A facile mechanochemical intercalation approach was adopted to immobilize ionic liquids into layered materials. The immobilized ionic liquids were found to be useful as catalysts for the coupling reaction of CO2 and propylene oxide to synthesize propylene carbonate. The immobilized ionic liquid exhibited similar reactivity as the free ionic liquid. Overall, the 10 mechanochemical approach proves to be effective in immobilizing ionic liquids in layered compounds and thus may expand the applications of ionic liquids and, meanwhile, improve catalyst separation and recycling.

Abstract: A dimeric aluminium(salen) catalyst of formula I: wherein: (a) at least one R group is selected from L-A, and/or (b) at least one of X group is a divalent C3-7 heterocyclene group, containing a ring atom which is a quaternary nitrogen atom paired with a counterion selected from Cl, Br and I; and/or (c) at least one X group is a C2-5 alkylene chain or a C1-3 bisoxyalkylene chain, substituted by a group -Q-L-A; and/or (ii) (a) one R group is L-A?, or (b) one X group is a divalent C3-7 heterocyclene group, containing a ring atom which is a quaternary nitrogen forming part of an ammonium linking group bound to a solid support and paired with a counterion selected from Cl, Br and I; or (c) one X group is a C2-5 alkylene chain or a C1-3 bisoxyalkylene chain, substituted by a group -Q-L-A?.

Abstract: Described herein are inventive methods for synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxide. In some embodiments, the methods are carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising an electrophilic halogen. In some embodiments, the methods are carried out in a flow reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the industrial production of vinylene carbonate (VC) by elimination of hydrogen chloride from chloroethylene glycol carbonate (CGC) with tertiary amines in the absence of relatively large amounts of additional solvent.

Abstract: A method of forming a cyclic carbonate product is carried out by reacting an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide, with carbon dioxide in the presence of a metal organic framework (MOF) catalyst with less than 0.5 mol % of any potassium or quaternary ammonium salts present based on moles of alkylene oxide feed in a reaction zone under reaction conditions to form a cyclic carbonate product. The cyclic carbonate product may be optionally fed as a crude carbonate product that does not undergo any purification or separation, other than the optional removal of any portion of unreacted alkylene oxide, carbon dioxide, and light hydrocarbon gases, to a second reaction zone containing a transesterification catalyst along with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol. The cyclic carbonate product and monohydric alcohol are allowed to react under reaction conditions to form the dialkyl carbonate and diol products.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbonate product including mixing a DMC and methanol mixture with an alcohol, reacting the DMC with the alcohol to form carbonate product, and removing a substantial portion of unreacted DMC and methanol. In one embodiment, the method may be repeated to reach a desired alcohol conversion by adding more DMC and methanol mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing carbonates by reacting propylene oxide, ethylene oxide, styrene oxide and/or cyclohexene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of one or more catalysts of the formula I where R1 is hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-haloalkyl, NR?4—(CH2)2-6—where R? is C1-C6-alkyl; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl, halogen, amino, nitro, C1-C6-alkoxy or cyano; R3, R4 are each hydrogen or together are a butadienylene moiety which bears the R5 substituent; R5 is C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl, halogen, amino, nitro, C1-C6-alkoxy or cyano; M is Zn(II), Mg(II), Cr(II), Cr(III), Co(II), Co(III), Fe(II) or Fe(III); and X1, X2 are each OCOCH3, OCOCF3, OSO2C7H7 or halogen. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for preparing cyclic carbonates, and to a process for preparing aliphatic polycarbonates using these catalysts I, and to particularly preferred catalysts of the formulae Ia and Ib.

Abstract: This invention publishes new usages of kinds of carbonic ester compounds. The new usage described in this invention is related to the application of carbonic ester compounds in the preparation of solvents for chemiluminescent systems. This invention also provides luminescent compositions, luminescent liquids and oxidized liquids that contain carbonic ester compounds. Chemiluminescent compositions containing carbonic ester compounds can decrease reaction pressure effectively, facilitate reaction balance heading to luminescence reaction, generate larger luminescent output without adding catalyst, decrease the dosage of catalyst or not need adding catalyst, decrease influences of over-high output at the reaction start caused by catalyst on whole luminescent time, and ensure stable light output from luminescent compositions. Carbonic ester compounds, especially long carbon chain carbonic ester, have the characters of non-toxic and high flash point, and have suitable solubility on ordinary bis oxalate ester.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a carbon-nanomaterial-supported catalyst, including: a carbon nanomaterial, and a polymer grafted onto the carbon nanomaterial, wherein the polymer has a repeat unit containing a phosphonium salt and its molecular weight is 1,000-200,000. The disclosure is also related to a method of preparing carbonate, which includes using the carbon nanomaterial-supported catalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of carbon dioxide into the epoxy group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the industrial production of vinylene carbonate (VC) by eliminating hydrogen chloride from chloroethylene glycol carbonate (CGC) or solid catalysts in the gas phase, the reaction being carried out over a catalyst bed agitated by thorough mixing.

Abstract: The invention provides a reaction system for the production of an alkylene carbonate and/or an alkylene glycol comprising: an epoxidation zone containing an epoxidation catalyst located within an epoxidation reactor; a carboxylation zone containing an iodide-containing carboxylation catalyst located within an alkylene oxide absorber; and one or more purification zones containing a purification absorbent capable of reducing the quantity of iodide-containing impurities in a feed comprising a recycle gas, which purification zones are located upstream from the epoxidation zone; and a process for the production of an alkylene carbonate and/or an alkylene glycol.

Abstract: Dimeric aluminium catalysts of formula I: and their use in catalysing the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical purification of vinylene carbonate (VC) by means of a simple thermal treatment with organic compounds which possess amidic nitrogen-hydrogen bonds, followed by a distillation and a melt crystallization. In this way VC of ultra-high purity is obtained. The high-purity vinylene carbonate can be stored and transported without stabilizer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to carbon dioxide sequestration systems and methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of sequestering carbon dioxide. The method can include mixing carbon dioxide with an alcohol to form a reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst under reaction conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate as a reaction product. In an embodiment, the invention includes a carbon dioxide sequestration system. The system can include a carbon dioxide supply source, an alcohol supply source, and a reaction vessel. A metal oxide catalyst can be disposed within the reaction vessel. The system can be configured to mix carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source with an alcohol from the alcohol supply source to form a reaction mixture and contact the reaction mixture with the metal oxide catalyst. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the industrial purification of vinylene carbonate (VC). It was found that it is advantageous to subject the VC to be purified, before the purifying distillation, to a simple thermal treatment with organic compounds which have amidic nitrogen-hydrogen bonds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of an alkylene carbonate by the reaction of an alkylene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a phosphonium catalyst in which process (a) the alkylene oxide, carbon dioxide and phosphonium catalyst are continuously introduced into a reaction zone from which a product stream containing alkylene carbonate and phosphonium catalyst is withdrawn; (b) alkylene carbonate and a stream containing phosphoniura catalyst are separated from the product stream; (c) the alkylene carbonate, separated in step (b), is recovered as product; and (d) the stream containing phosphoniura catalyst, separated in step (b), is recycled to the reaction zone, in which process a treatment of alkylene carbonate and/or catalyst with a sorption agent comprising carbon is carried out.

Abstract: A dimeric aluminium(salen) catalyst of formula I: wherein: Y-Q is CRC1?N or CRC1RC2—NRN1, where RC1, RC2 and RN1 are independently selected from H, halo, optionally substituted C1-20 alkyl, optionally substituted C5-20 aryl, ether and nitro; each of the substituents R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16, is independently selected from H, halo, optionally substituted C1-20 alkyl, optionally substituted C5-20 aryl, optionally substituted C3-20 heterocyclyl, ether and nitro; X1 and X2 are independently either (i) a C2-5 alkylene chain, which is optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from C1-4 alkyl and C5-7 aryl, or a C1-3 bisoxyalkylene chain, which is optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from C1-4 alkyl and C5-7 aryl or (ii) represent a divalent group selected from C5-7 arylene, C5-7 cyclic alkylene and C3-7 heterocyclylene, which may be optionally substituted; (i) (a) at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13,

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of a 1,3-dioxolan-2-one wherein a discharge from the reaction zone is subjected to a fractionation by means of a semipermeable membrane in order to separate off polymeric by-products.

Abstract: A drug effective for the treatment and prevention of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, anxiety and related ailments thereof, depression, bipolar disorder and epilepsy. The drug antagonizes the action of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors and shows high activity in oral administration A 2-amino-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic ester derivative represented by formula [I] [wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different, and each represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-10alkyl group or the like; X represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; Y represents —OCHR3R4 or the like (wherein R3 and R4 are identical or different, and each represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-10alkyl group or the like; and n represents integer 1 or 2)], a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a hydrate thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous body precursors and shaped porous bodies. Also included are catalysts and other end-use products based upon the shaped porous bodies and thus the porous body precursors. Finally, processes for making these are provided. The porous body precursors are germanium doped and comprise a precursor alumina blend. It has now surprisingly been discovered that inclusion of germanium, alone or in combination with such a blend, in porous body precursors can provide control over, or improvements to, surface morphology, physical properties, and/or surface chemistry of shaped porous bodies based thereupon. Surprisingly and advantageously, heat treating the shaped porous bodies can result in additional morphological changes so that additional fine tuning of the shaped porous bodies is possible in subsequent steps.