Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a photocatalyst for conversion of carbon dioxide and water to a hydrocarbon and oxygen comprises at least one nanoparticulate metal or metal oxide material that is substantially free of a carbon coating, prepared by heating a metal-containing precursor compound in a sealed reactor under a pressure autogenically generated by dissociation of the precursor material in the sealed reactor at a temperature of at least about 600° C. to form a nanoparticulate carbon-coated metal or metal oxide material, and subsequently substantially removing the carbon coating. The precursor material comprises a solid, solvent-free salt comprising a metal ion and at least one thermally decomposable carbon- and oxygen-containing counter-ion, and the metal of the salt is selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ti, Sn, V, Fe, Zn, Zr, Mo, Nb, W, Eu, La, Ce, In, and Si.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a photocatalyst for conversion of carbon dioxide and water to a hydrocarbon and oxygen comprises at least one nanoparticulate metal or metal oxide material that is substantially free of a carbon coating, prepared by heating a metal-containing precursor compound in a sealed reactor under a pressure autogenically generated by dissociation of the precursor material in the sealed reactor at a temperature of at least about 600° C. to form a nanoparticulate carbon-coated metal or metal oxide material, and subsequently substantially removing the carbon coating. The precursor material comprises a solid, solvent-free salt comprising a metal ion and at least one thermally decomposable carbon- and oxygen-containing counter-ion, and the metal of the salt is selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ti, Sn, V, Fe, Zn, Zr, Mo, Nb, W, Eu, La, Ce, In, and Si.

Abstract: A coal liquefaction process employing a first stage liquefaction step catalyzed by a soluble molybdenum-containing organophosphorodithioate catalyst is disclosed. In some embodiments, two consecutive liquefaction steps employ a molybdenum-containing organophosphorodithioate catalyst operating at a relatively high liquefaction temperature. In other embodiments, a second liquefaction process step operating at a relatively low temperature employs a hydrocracking catalyst to upgrade materials obtained from the first soluble catalyst liquefaction step. In some embodiments, an interstage gas separator removes gases such as carbon dioxide produced in the first liquefaction step from a partially liquefied mixture prior to further liquefying the mixture in the second liquefaction step.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for selectively removing molybdenum values from a spent catalyst and producing a fresh molybdenum-containing catalyst. Such a method preferably contacts anhydrous gaseous hydrogen chloride at an elevated temperature with the metal containing catalyst which is substantially free of carbonaceous material to selectively remove molybdenum therefrom, and producing a fresh molybdenum-containing catalyst by depositing molybdenum from the vapor phase onto a fresh support in the presence of air. At least 50 weight percent and generally as much as 95 weight percent of the molybdenum is removed while other metals such as iron, titanium, cobalt and nickel along with the supporting alumina or silica are not affected.

Abstract: A process for upgrading crude shale oil containing nitrogen which comprises contacting crude shale oil in a hydrogenation zone with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to remove a selected portion of the nitrogen and then contacting the resulting product with an ion exchange resin to obtain a shale oil of substantially lower nitrogen content.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor comprising an elongated reaction chamber and catalytic elements composed of alumina and a hydrogenation catalyst vertically disposed within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating a carbonaceous material using a novel hydrogenation catalyst comprising a hydrogenation metal mounted on a magnesium-deficient magnesium aluminate spinel.

Abstract: A novel hydrogenation catalyst comprising a hydrogenation metal mounted on a magnesium-deficient magnesium aluminate spinel and a process for hydrogenating a carbonaceous material using such catalyst.

Abstract: A novel catalytic reactor comprising an elongated reaction chamber and catalytic elements composed of alumina and a hydrogenation catalyst vertically disposed within the reaction chamber and a coal hydrogenation process using such reactor.

Abstract: A process for the liquefaction of coal in the presence of hydrogen and a solid supported catalyst containing a hydrogenation component and wherein the support comprises an amorphous aluminum phosphate.

Abstract: A process is provided for the conversion (including upgrading) of solid carbonaceous materials, and in particular for the hydrogenation of coal slurries. The process comprises passing a slurry composed of solid carbonaceous material and solvent, together with hydrogen, through a reaction vessel that contains a plurality of reaction zones separated by porous partitions. A portion of said zones is adapted to contain a solid particulate hydrogenation catalyst which will not pass through said porous partitions. The remainder of said zones forms substantially unobstructed passageways through said reaction vessel. The volumetric proportion of substantially unobstructed passageways to catalyst zones is preferably from about 20:1 to about 1:10.

Abstract: A process is provided for the conversion of solid-containing liquid hydrocarbon oils, and in particular for the hydrogenation of solid-containing liquid hydrocarbon oils derived from coal, oil shale and tar sands. The process comprises passing a solid-containing liquid hydrocarbon oil, together with hydrogen, through a reaction vessel that contains a plurality of reaction zones separated by porous partitions. A portion of said zones is adapted to contain a solid particulate hydrogenation catalyst which will not pass through said porous partitions. The remainder of said zones form substantially unobstructed passageways through said reaction vessel. The volumetric ratio of catalyst zones to substantially unobstructed passageways is about 10:1 to about 1:10.