Abstract: A composition of matter and method for the preparation thereof wherein said composition comprises a film of chemically wetted metal phase essentially a monolayer thick on graphite wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting essentially of Ni, Co, Mo and mixtures thereof. These metal films exhibit strong metal-support interaction and do not exhibit properties of the bulk metal.

Abstract: Carbon is gasified with steam in the presence of a catalytic metal such as nickel by forming a dispersion of the metal on graphite wherein the average particle size of the dispersed metal is below about 100 A and preferably below 25 A in diameter and contacting the dispersed metal/graphite composite with steam at about 800.degree. C. or higher to gasify the graphite. This process will also gasify mixtures of graphite and amorphous carbon.

Abstract: Metal substrate surfaces are protected against carbon accumulation when exposed to an environment wherein carbon-containing gases are decomposed. The protection is accomplished by the use of tantalum and/or tungsten entities deposited and/or diffused into the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A process for forming a dispersion of metal selected from the group consisting essentially of Ni, Co, Mo and mixtures thereof on graphite comprising heating a composite of said metal on graphite at a temperature between about 800.degree.-975.degree. C. in an inert, hydrogen-containing atmosphere to form metal-containing channels in the graphite, raising the temperature to at least about 975.degree. C. so that the metal in the channels spreads out and chemically wets the surface of the channels as a film of metal phase, followed by contacting the so-formed metal-wetted, channeled composite with an oxidizing atmosphere to break up the film of metal phase into discrete metal particles. The average diameter of the particles is generally below about 25 A and the preferred metal is nickel.