Abstract: Devices and methods for photovoltaic electrolysis are disclosed. A device comprises a photovoltaic cell element and an electrolysis compartment. The photovoltaic cell element is configured to convert a portion of solar energy into electrical energy and to pass another portion of the solar energy. The electrolysis compartment includes an aqueous electrolyte positioned to receive the other portion of the solar energy and electrodes electrically connected to receive the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic cell element. A method comprises receiving solar energy with a photovoltaic cell element, converting a portion of the solar energy into electrical energy, passing another portion of the solar energy through the photovoltaic cell element, receiving with an aqueous electrolyte the other portion of the solar energy, transmitting the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic cell element to a pair of electrodes, and electrolyzing the aqueous electrolyte with the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-metallic catalyst compositions for improved coke resistance in a hydrocarbon feed pre-reformer unit that comprises nickel and an enhancing component selected from at least one member of the group consisting of ruthenium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, cobalt, gold and silver on a support. The present invention further relates to a catalyst system for improved coke and sulfur resistance in a hydrocarbon feed pre-reformer unit that comprises at least one multi-metallic catalyst composition comprising nickel and an enhancing component selected from at least one member of the group consisting of ruthenium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, cobalt, gold and silver on a support used in conjunction with at least one sulfur capturing component selected from the group comprising copper oxide and zinc oxide. Finally the present invention relates to the use of this catalyst system in a process for pre-reforming a hydrocarbon feed stream.

Abstract: A process to regenerate iron-based hydrogen sulfide sorbents using steam. The steam is preferably mixed with hydrogen-containing gas and/or an inert gas, such as nitrogen. In a preferred embodiment, the sorbent is first exposed to the steam and then exposed to a hydrogen-containing gas at regeneration conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, along with catalysts which can be used in that process. The ring opening is accomplished using a ring opening catalyst comprising Ir on a composite support of alumina and acidic silica-alumina molecular sieve. The ring opening activity is not significantly deactivated by exposure to oxygen at greater than about 250° C.

Abstract: A process to regenerate metal oxide desulfurization sorbents using an oxidizing and reducing atmosphere. The sorbents may be mono- or multi-metallic in nature, and preferably comprise Cu, Ni and/or Co. If desired, secondary metals may be incorporated to increase regeneration efficiency and/or capacity. Other additives may be used to suppress hydrocarbon cracking. A sorbent containing Zn may be combined with an Fe, Co, Ni, Mo, or W catalyst or a noble metal catalyst and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process to regenerate a spent hydrogen sulfide sorbent comprised of a sorbent metal selected from Fe, Ni, Co, and Cu on a refractory oxide support using hydrogen gas. The sorbent metal component may be mono- or multi-metallic in nature, and preferably comprise Ni and/or Co. If desired, secondary metals may be incorporated to increase regeneration efficiency and/or capacity. Other additives suppress hydrocarbon cracking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, along with catalysts which can be used in that process. The ring opening is accomplished using a ring opening catalyst system which combines an Ir ring opening catalyst with a Pt and Pd catalyst. The combination of the Pt and Pd-containing catalyst with an Ir-containing catalyst incorporates desirable isomerization activity and also results in substantial ring opening activity that enables Ir to be loaded at a level that is substantially below that of Ir-only ring opening processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, along with catalysts which can be used in that process. The naphthene ring opening catalyst is a catalyst which comprises at least one of a Group VIII metal selected from Ir, Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ru in an amount effective to ring open naphthene rings on naphthene ring-containing compounds, the metal being supported on a substrate comprising at least one Group IB, IIB, and IVA metal in an amount effective to moderate cracking of a naphthene ring-containing feed to form methane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, and catalysts which can be used in that process. The naphthene ring opening catalyst is a polymetallic catalyst comprising Group VIII metals. In a preferred embodiment the naphthene ring opening catalyst comprises Ir in combination with a Group VIII metal selected from at least one of Pt, Rh, and Ru, in an amount effective for opening a naphthene ring-containing compound at a tertiary carbon site.

Abstract: A process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, along with catalysts which can be used in that process. The naphthene ring opening catalyst is a catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII metal selected from Ir, Pt, Rh, and Ru, wherein these metals are supported on an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal modified support in an amount effective for opening a naphthene ring-containing compound at a tertiary carbon site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, and catalysts which can be used in that process. The naphthene ring opening catalyst is a polymetallic catalyst comprising Group VIII metals. In a preferred embodiment the naphthene ring opening catalyst comprises Ir in combination with a Group VIII metal selected from at least one of Pt, Rh, and Ru, in an amount effective for opening a naphthene ring-containing compound at a tertiary carbon site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, along with catalysts which can be used in that process. The naphthene ring opening catalyst is a catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII metal selected from Ir, Pt, Rh, and Ru, wherein these metals are supported on an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal modified support in an amount effective for opening a naphthene ring-containing compound at a tertiary carbon site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, along with catalysts which can be used in that process. The ring opening is accomplished using a ring opening catalyst comprises Ir on a composite support of alumina and acidic silica-alumina molecular sieve. The ring opening activity is not significantly deactivated by exposure to oxygen at greater than about 250° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, along with catalysts which can be used in that process. The naphthene ring opening catalyst is a catalyst which comprises at least one of a Group VIII metal selected from Ir, Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ru in an amount effective to ring open naphthene rings on naphthene ring-containing compounds, the metal being supported on a substrate comprising at least one Group IB, IIB, and IVA metal in an amount effective to moderate cracking of a naphthene ring-containing feed to form methane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for opening naphthenic rings of naphthenic ring-containing compounds, along with catalysts which can be used in that process. The ring opening is accomplished using a ring opening catalyst system which combines an Ir ring opening catalyst with a Pt and Pd catalyst. The combination of the Pt and Pd-containing catalyst with an Ir-containing catalyst incorporates desirable isomerization activity and also results in substantial ring opening activity that enables Ir to be loaded at a level that is substantially below that of Ir-only ring opening processes.

Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams over noble metal-containing catalysts under relatively mild conditions. The noble metal is selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, and polymetallics thereof. The catalyst system also contains a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.

Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of the multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds and the ring opening of ring compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams. The process is conducted in the presence of hydrogen, one or more noble metal catalysts, and a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.

Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams and the saturation of aromatics over noble metal-containing catalysts under relatively mild conditions. The noble metal is selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh and polymetallics thereof. The catalyst system also contains a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.

Abstract: A process for opening C.sub.5 and C.sub.6 rings without substantial cracking. A feedstream containing compounds comprised of at least one C.sub.5 -ring, at least one C.sub.6 -ring, or both, is contacted, in the presence of hydrogen, with a transition metal catalyst selected from the group consisting of carbides, nitrides, oxycarbides, oxynitrides, and oxycarbonitrides. The transition metal is selected from the group consisting of metals from Groups IVa, Va, and VIa of the Periodic Table of the Elements.