Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: A coal pump is provided in which solid coal is heated in the barrel of an extruder under pressure to a temperature at which the coal assumes plastic properties. The coal is continuously extruded, without static zones, using, for example, screw extrusion preferably without venting through a reduced diameter die to form a dispersed spray. As a result, the dispersed coal may be continuously injected into vessels or combustors at any pressure up to the maximum pressure developed in the extrusion device. The coal may be premixed with other materials such as desulfurization aids or reducible metal ores so that reactions occur, during or after conversion to its plastic state. Alternatively, the coal may be processed and caused to react after extrusion, through the die, with, for example, liquid oxidizers, whereby a coal reactor is provided. Alternative utilization of the device may be to secure continuous pyrolysis of the coal or to feed the extruded coal into furnaces operating at pressures near ambient.

Abstract: A cyclic process for the solar photolysis of water includes a first stage in which water is reduced in the presence of a Eu.sup.+2 photo-oxidizable reagent producing hydrogen and spent oxidized Eu.sup.+3 reagent. The spent reagent (Eu.sup.+3) is reduced by means of a transition metal ligand complex reductant, *RuL.sup.+3 in a photoexcited state, such as a ruthenium pyridyl complex. Due to competing reactions between the photolysis and regeneration products, the photo-oxidation reaction must be separated from the regeneration in space and time by supporting the reagent and/or the reductant on solid supports and utilizing pH, wavelength and flow control to maximize hydrogen and oxygen production.

Abstract: Hydrogen is produced by the solar photolysis of water in a first photo-oxidation vessel with a transparent wall in the presence of a water soluble photo-oxidizable reagent and an insoluble hydrogen recombination catalyst. Simultaneously oxygen is produced in a second photo-reduction reactor with a transparent wall in the presence of an insoluble photo-reduction reagent catalyst. When spent, the solution from the first reactor is fed into the second reactor. A reaction occurs in the dark in which the redox reagents are regenerated, and the regenerated photo-oxidation reagent solution is recycled to the first reactor. The photo-oxidation reagent is preferably a europium salt, and the first reactor also contains a hydrogen recombination catalyst such as platinum supported on glass beads.