Abstract: A robust, high-temperature catalyst comprising a catalytic component supported on a porous ceramic carrier is provided for propellant decomposition. The catalyst comprises a porous, high-surface-area ceramic carrier material and up to 40% of metal and/or metal oxide, based upon the total weight of the catalyst. The supported species include metals and/or oxides of transition and lanthanide metals that possess high activity for the decomposition of liquid propellants. The carrier can be produced via a wet chemical process and then impregnated with salt solutions containing desired active-phase precursors. The catalyst can cause a liquid propellant to react upon contact with the catalyst and to produce hot gases that can be used to provide thrust, drive turbines, inflate devices, etc.

Abstract: Sulfur is removed from a hydrocarbon fuel via contact with a desulfurization agent; the desulfurization agent is then regenerated (wherein sulfur is released) by exposing it to oxygen. The sulfur removal and regeneration processes each can be carried out at relatively moderate temperatures, e.g., from 300 to 600° C., and pressure, e.g., about 0.79 to about 3.5 MPa; and the desulfurization agent can include a transition metal oxide, such as molybdenum oxide. The process can also include the additional steps of cracking the hydrocarbon, separating high-boiling and low-boiling fractions from the reaction product and contacting the lower-boiling fraction with a secondary desulfurization agent.