Abstract: Methods and catalysts for producing alcohols, ethers, and/or alkenes from alkanes are provided. More particularly, novel caged, or encapsulated, metal oxide catalysts and processes utilizing such catalysts to convert alkanes to alcohols and/or ethers and to convert alcohols and/or ethers to alkenes are provided.

Abstract: Process and apparatus to remove colloids and nitrogen compounds from contaminated water by coagulating the colloids and separating them from the water. The water is then continuously oxidized with chlorine electrolytically to destroy the nitrogen compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for purifying wastewater, including water which may or may not contain fatty acids or oils, by producing in situ a hydrophobic flocculant including a water-insoluble metal hydroxide. In the preferred methods, metallic cations are produced by the gradual dissolution of consumable, similar metal sources, preferably, a fluidized bed of metallic particles. The motion of the particles of the fluidized bed maintains the surfaces thereof clean of oxides and other contaminants in order to facilitate the gradual dissolution thereof. Oxidation of the dissolved cations to form the water-insoluble metal hydroxide is achieved by flowing an oxidizing agent, e.g., air or pure oxygen, through the system. Contaminants are entrapped and removed within the insoluble flocculants, including the water-insoluble metal hydroxide and, optionally, metallic soaps which are formed in the presence of fatty acids.