Abstract: Processes for upgrading a heavy oil or heavy oil-derived feedstock in presence of an ionic liquid are described, and can improve the heavy oil or heavy oil-derived properties such as viscosity and composition, and reduced contaminant content, such as a reduced Total Acid Number (TAN) and a reduced heavy metal content. Processes for upgrading heavy oil or heavy oil-derived in presence of an ionic liquid can include a catalytic cracking treatment carried out under catalytic cracking conditions, and/or a non-catalytic treatment, as well as various separation steps to separate the ionic liquid or a diluent if present in the feedstock. The ionic liquids that can be used in the context of the processes described herein include ionic liquids that are feed-miscible or feed-immiscible.

Abstract: A carbon monolith and a process of producing same, the process comprising the steps of: (i) mixing a carbonaceous precursor material with an alkali salt to form a first mixture; (ii) extruding the first mixture produced in step (i) into the shape of a monolith; and (iii) carbonizing the monolith produced in step (ii).