Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing an organic gel metal-doped or not comprising a mixture in a solvent of an hydroxylated benzene with an aldehyde to form a gel whereof the texture is regulated by adjusting the pH of the starting mixture. The invention also concerns a method for preparing a carbonaceous material, metal-doped or not and obtained by drying followed by pyrolysis of the corresponding organic gel, whereof the porous texture is regulated according to the pH of the starting mixture. The resulting carbonaceous materials can be used in chemical catalysis or for making fuel cell electrodes.

Abstract: A process for preparing a supported catalyst comprising a transition metal selected from palladium, platinum, nickel, cobalt or copper on an aerogel support, which includes the steps of providing a mixture containing an alkoxide precursor of the aerogel, a chelate complex of the transition metal with a chelating agent having Si(OR)3 anchor groups, and an organic solvent in which the chelate complex is soluble; hydrolyzing the mixture by admixing it with water to form a gel; and converting the gel under supercritical conditions into the transition metal aerogel-supported catalyst. The supported catalyst has an especially homogeneous distribution of the metal component and is suitable, for example, for use as a hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing a supported catalyst comprising a transition metal selected from palladium, platinum, nickel, cobalt or copper on an aerogel support, which includes the steps of providing a mixture containing an alkoxide precursor of the aerogel, a chelate complex of the transition metal with a chelating agent having Si(OR).sub.3 anchor groups, and an organic solvent in which the chelate complex is soluble; hydrolyzing the mixture by admixing it with water to form a gel; and converting the gel under supercritical conditions into the transition metal aerogel-supported catalyst. The supported catalyst has an especially homogeneous distribution of the metal component and is suitable, for example, for use as a hydrogenation catalyst.