Abstract: Anode catalysts for conversion of hydrocarbon feeds in solid oxide fuel cell membrane reactors. An anode catalyst may be a mixture of a metal with a metal oxide, for example a mixture of copper or copper-nickel alloy or copper-cobalt alloy with Cr2O3. Mixed oxides can be prepared by dissolving into water soluble salts of the different metals, chelating the metal ions with a chelating agent, neutralizing the solution, removing water by evaporation to form a gel which then is dried, and finally heating the dried gel to form a mixed oxide of the different metals. The chelating agent can be citrate ions, and ammonia can be added to the solution until the pH of the solution is about 8. The mixed oxide so formed then is reduced, for example by hydrogen, to form a composite comprising the metal (Cu, Cu—Co, Cu—Ni) and metal oxide, here Cr2O3.

Abstract: Anode catalysts for conversion of hydrocarbon feeds in solid oxide fuel cell membrane reactors. An anode catalyst may be a mixture of a metal with a metal oxide, for example a mixture of copper or copper-nickel alloy or copper-cobalt alloy with Cr2O3. Mixed oxides can be prepared by dissolving into water soluble salts of the different metals, chelating the metal ions with a chelating agent, neutralizing the solution, removing water by evaporation to form a gel which then is dried, and finally heating the dried gel to form a mixed oxide of the different metals. The chelating agent can be citrate ions, and ammonia can be added to the solution until the pH of the solution is about 8. The mixed oxide so formed then is reduced, for example by hydrogen, to form a composite comprising the metal (Cu, Cu—Co, Cu—Ni) and metal oxide, here Cr2O3.

Abstract: An integral ceramic membrane for a fuel cell is provided, with a non-porous layer and porous layers both formed of proton conducting material. The proton-conducting material may be a compound or mixture of compounds of the formula X1-X2-O3-? where X1=Ba, Sr or mixtures thereof and X2=Ce, Zr, Y, Nd, Yb, Sm, La, Hf, Pr or mixtures thereof. The combined atomic ratio of Y, Nd, Yb, Sm and La to Ba and Sr may in an embodiment be between 0.1 and 0.3 inclusive.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for the oxidation of an alkane to at least one corresponding alkene uses an electrochemical cell having an anode chamber on one side of a proton conducting medium, and a cathode chamber on the other side of the said medium. The alkane is oxidized in the anode chamber to produce at least one corresponding alkene and protons are transferred through a proton conducting membrane to the cathode chamber where protons combine with a proton acceptor, while generating electricity and water. An apparatus for use in the process is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode catalyst for use in the electrochemical oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur and water, specifically in a fuel cell having an ion-conducting membrane. The catalyst comprises a material prepared from two or more metal sulfides of the formula MSx, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Cu, Cr, W and Mn, and x is between about 1.0 and about 2.5; a conductive material suitable for fuel cell operation; and a porous material. The invention further provides methods of preparing the catalyst, fuel cells comprising the catalyst and methods of electrochemically oxidizing H2S using the catalyst.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for the oxidation of an alkane to at least one corresponding alkene uses an electrochemical cell having an anode chamber on one side of a proton conducting medium, and a cathode chamber on the other side of the said medium. The alkane is oxidized in the anode chamber to produce at least one corresponding alkene and protons are transferred through a proton conducting membrane to the cathode chamber where protons combine with a proton acceptor, while generating electricity and water. An apparatus for use in the process is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode catalyst for use in the electrochemical oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur and water, specifically in a fuel cell having an ion-conducting membrane. The catalyst comprises a material prepared from two or more metal sulfides of the formula MSx, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Cu, Cr, W and Mn, and x is between about 1.0 and about 2.5; a conductive material suitable for fuel cell operation; and a porous material. The invention further provides methods of preparing the catalyst, fuel cells comprising the catalyst and methods of electrochemically oxidizing H2S using the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode catalyst for use in the electrochemical oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur, protons and electrons, specifically in a fuel cell having a proton-conducting membrane. The catalyst comprises two or more metal sulfides of the formula MSx, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Cu, Cr, W and Mn, and x is between about 1.0 and about 2.5; a conductive material suitable for fuel cell operation; and a porous material. The invention further provides methods of preparing the catalyst, fuel cells comprising the catalyst and methods of electrochemically oxidizing H2S using the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for gas phase electrochemical oxidation of H2S to sulfur and water or steam using an electrolysis cell having an anode chamber on one side of a solid proton conducting membrane and a cathode chamber on the other side of the membrane. The process comprises the steps of passing H2S-containing gas through the anode chamber to contact a catalytic anode, where it reacts to produce elemental sulfur, protons and electrons. The protons pass through the membrane from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber. An oxygen-containing gas is passed through the cathode chamber to contact the catalytic cathode, where it reacts with protons and electrons to produce water or steam. During the process, both the anode chamber and cathode chamber are maintained at a temperature of at least 120° C. and an elevated pressure sufficient to keep the membrane moist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the oligomerization of lower alpha olefins, and particularly ethylene, to higher olefins in the presence of a catalyst precursor having either or both of a dithiophosphinate complex and a heterobifunctional ligand having a phosphine center and an imine or similar center, in the presence of an activator. The catalysts have a high reactivity and a good selectivity.