Abstract: The method for synthesizing graphene derivatives from asphaltene includes one or more steps that are based on thermal and/or chemical treatments. In the thermal treatment, asphaltene was carbonized in a rotating quartz-tube furnace under an inert atmosphere (N2). This carbonization process was performed at a temperature range of 400-950° C. The carbonization process converted asphaltene molecules into graphene derivatives by eliminating the alkyl side chains, exfoliating the aromatic layers (n), and expanding the aromatic sheet diameter (La). The chemical treatment, on the other hand, was performed on the asphaltene (i.e., graphene precursor) by dispersing the asphaltene molecules in a liquid intercalating agent to functionalize the asphaltene and expand the inter-layer distance between the aromatic sheets (intercalation). In this intercalation process, the graphitic surface of asphaltene is oxidized to form asphaltene oxide, and then graphene oxide (GO), which is a nonconductive hydrophilic carbon material.

Abstract: The catalyst for mild-hydrocracking of residual oil includes a porous alumina support a plurality of transition metals impregnated on the alumina support. The support has a specific surface area greater than 150 m2/g, a total pore volume ranging from about 0.25 ml/g to about 1.5 ml/g, about 20% of the pores having a diameter greater than 150 nm, about 70% of the pores having a diameter ranging from about 2 nm to about 150 nm, and about 10% of the pores having a diameter less than 2 nm. The plurality of transition metals include one Group VIII element and one or more Group VI elements.

Abstract: A hydrodemetallization (HDM) catalyst includes an alumina and carbon extrudate support having a weight ratio of about 1:1 alumina to carbon and bimodal type pore size distribution, i.e., both meso-porosity and macro-porosity. The support can be impregnated with at least one hydrogenation active metal and, optionally, at least one promoter metal from the transition metals of Groups 6, 8, 9, and 10 of the Periodic Table. The hydrogenation active metal can be, for example, Mo, W, and Fe. The promoter metal can be, for example, Co, Ni, and Fe. The catalyst may further include ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA).