Abstract: Metallic aerogel compositions comprising an aerogel, e.g., RF or carbon aerogel, having metallic particles dispersed on its surface are disclosed. The aerogel compositions can have a uniform distribution of small metallic particles, e.g., 1 nanometer average particle diameter. Also disclosed are processes for making the aerogel compositions comprising contacting an aerogel with a supercritical fluid containing a metallic compound. The aerogel compositions are useful, for example in the manufacture of fuel cell electrodes.

Abstract: A catalyst includes a noble metal particles supported on a carbon substrate. The average size of the noble metal particles is 3 nm or less, and in the elements present in the surface of the carbon substrate, the number ratio of nitrogen atoms to oxygen atoms is 10% or less and the number ratio of silicon atoms to oxygen atoms is 40% or less.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of an organic compound containing at least one carbonyl group comprises bringing the organic compound in the presence of hydrogen into contact with a shaped body which can be produced by a process in which (i) an oxidic material comprising copper oxide, aluminum oxide and aluminum oxide is made available (ii) pulverulent metallic copper, copper flakes, pulverulent cement, graphite or a mixture thereof is added to the oxidic material, and (iii) the mixture resulting from (ii) is shaped to form a shaped body.

Abstract: A method for removing a halogen series gas, which comprises contacting a gas containing a halogen series gas forming at least one kind selected from the group consisting of HF, HCl, HBr and HI by water with a granule containing from 60 to 99.9 mass % of a solid base and from 0.1 to 40 mass % of a carbonaceous material to the total mass amount of the granule in the presence of water.

Abstract: A process for preparing a supported catalyst or catalyst precursor containing carbon, said process comprising: a. preparing a liquid mixture of (i) at least one catalyst support or catalyst support precursor; (ii) at least one metal-containing compound, wherein said metal is selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo and W, and (iii) at least one polar organic compound which acts as a solvent for the metal-containing compound, said liquid mixture comprising 0 to 20 wt % of water based on the total weight of the mixture; b. converting said mixture to a paste or solid residue; and c. combusting the residue in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to at least partially convert the organic compound to carbon and to form said supported catalyst or catalyst precursor.

Abstract: A process for the production of a supported catalyst. The process comprises heating a slurry that comprises a catalyst support and at least one active catalytic ingredient precursor. Gas is introduced to the slurry at a sufficient pressure to reduce the at least one active catalytic ingredient precursor and deposit at least one active catalytic ingredient onto a surface of the catalyst support to form the supported catalyst. The supported catalyst has a large active catalytic surface area.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the thermal treatment of pulverulent substances, in which the pulverulent substance is dispersed in a carrier gas and is passed in a continuous manner through a heated reactor where it is thermally treated and is then quenched by a cooling medium and is collected in a gas-solids separating unit.

Abstract: To protect individuals/animals inside an automobile form the harmful effects of an exhaust laden atmosphere containing volatile organic carbons, occurring in a variety of situations, such as in heavy traffic, tunnels, garages, smog and in areas of poor ventilation, to prolong breathable oxygen atmosphere within automobiles to prevent asphyxiation. Volatile organic carbons or VOC's and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are also a byproduct of vehicle exhaust and contribute to ground level ozone problems. The purpose of the invention of the activated mesh carbon laden with zeolite crystals/lithium hydroxide/lithium oxide acts to adsorb the volatile organic carbons in the surrounding atmosphere of the vehicle, and the net reactants are lithium carbonate solid and water, which is then absorbed by the Zeolite, and thereby prevent thousands of accidents and deaths, making the highways and our vehicles safer and healthier.

Abstract: A catalyst for the preparation of dimethyl carbonate from urea and methanol having a composition on weight base of: active component of from 20 to 50 wt %, and carrier of from 80 to 50 wt %, and prepared by equal-volume spraying and impregnating method is disclosed. The method for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate can be carried out in a catalytic rectification reactor, said method comprising: (1) dissolving urea in methanol to form a methanol solution of urea; and (2) feeding the methanol solution of urea and methanol counter-currently into the reaction zone, wherein the reaction is carried out at conditions including reaction temperature of from 120° C. to 250° C., reaction pressure of from 0.1 MPa to 5 MPa, kettle bottom temperature of from 70° C. to 210° C., stripping section temperature of from 70° C. to 250° C., rectifying section temperature of from 70° C. to 280° C., and reflux ratio of from 1:1 to 20:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode catalyst for electrochemical reaction, the electrode catalyst having: a conductive diamond particle having fine pores on a surface thereof; and a carbon-reactive catalyst metal in the fine pores, a process for producing the electrode catalyst, and an electrode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrogen storage medium including a composite of an alloy and a catalyst/expandable graphite. The expandable graphite can be replaced by activated carbon. The catalyst content is 1-50% based on the weight of the medium, which can be Pd, Pt, Cu, Co or Ni. The alloy can be a Mg-based alloy, Ti-based alloy, La-based alloy, Mn-based alloy or Fe-based alloy. The present invention also discloses a process for preparing a hydrogen storage composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and carbon-containing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2-xCx) catalysts that exhibit improved catalytic activity for hydrotreating reactions involving hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydrogenation. The present invention also concerns the resulting catalysts. Furthermore, the invention concerns the promotion of these catalysts with Co, Ni, Fe, and/or Ru sulfides to create catalysts with greater activity, for hydrotreating reactions, than conventional catalysts such as cobalt molybdate on alumina support.

Abstract: A novel polymerization catalyst for polyesters, which does not contain any germanium or antimony compound as the main component; polyesters produced with the catalyst; and a process for producing polyesters. This polymerization catalyst is excellent in catalytic activity, little causes thermal degradation of polyesters in melt molding even when neither deactivated nor removed, and can give thermally stable polyesters which little generate foreign matter and are excellent in transparency and color. The polymerization catalyst is one which contains as the first metal-containing component at least one member selected from the group consisting of aluminum and aluminum compounds and which gives polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a thermal stability parameter (TS) satisfying the relationship: (1) TS<0.3.

Abstract: A textured catalyst having a hydrothermally-stable support, a metal oxide and a catalyst component is described. Methods of conducting aqueous phase reactions that are catalyzed by a textured catalyst are also described. The invention also provides methods of making textured catalysts and methods of making chemical products using a textured catalyst.

Abstract: The feature of the process for ultra-low alloy catalyst loading electrode according to this invention is to reduce its alloy formation period of aging process subsequent to hydrogen reduction process of catalyst ions after ion exchange process of proton for their ions in the cluster of the polymer electrolyte on the surface of the carbon powder. The process is able to drastically shorten the aging time with temperature rise beyond 200° C. up to 400° C. under hydrogen atmosphere for the formation of alloy catalyst, for example Pt—Ru binary by the additional processes of pre-treatment of substituting K+, Na+, Li+, Rb+, Cs+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Fe2+, Sr2+, Ra2+, Cu2+, Ag+, Zn2+, Ni2+, or Co2+ for proton before the hydrogen reduction process. The further post-treatment of substituting K+, Na+, Li+, Rb+, Cs+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Fe2+, Sr2+, Ra2+, Cu2+, Ag+, Zn2+, Ni2+, or Co2+ for proton before the ion exchange process is more preferable. This new process is little harmful to the CO tolerance performance of PEFC.

Abstract: A catalyst bed combination comprising a bed of a particulate copper-containing catalyst and, upstream of the catalyst bed, a guard bed in the form of shaped units formed from lead oxide particles and a particulate support material. The guard bed extends the life of the copper catalyst by absorbing halide contaminants in the process stream.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds are removed from a liquid and destroyed using a device in which an air stripper having alternating phases of hydrophilic and hydrophobic packing materials promotes transition of the VOC from the liquid phase into the gas phase, and wherein the is oxidized VOC in the gas phase on a hydrophobic carbon nanostructure that further comprises a catalytically active metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a noble metal-containing supported catalyst which contains one of the noble metals from the group Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os or alloys of one or more of these noble metals in the form of noble metal particles on a powdered support material. The particles deposited on the support material have a degree of crystallinity, determined by X-ray diffraction, of more than 2 and an average particle size between 2 and 10 nm. The high crystallinity and the small particle size of the noble metal particles lead to high catalytic activity for the catalyst. It is particularly suitable for use in fuel cells and for the treatment of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A gel composition substantially contained within the pores of a solid material is disclosed for use as a catalyst or as a catalyst support in dehydrogenation and dehydrocyclization processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved catalyst, comprising a carbon support having a noble metal at its surface, for use in catalyzing liquid phase oxidation reactions, especially in an acidic oxidative environment and in the presence of solvents, reactants, intermediates, or products which solubilize noble metals; a process for the preparation of the improved catalyst; a liquid phase oxidation process using such a catalyst wherein the catalyst exhibits improved resistance to noble metal leaching, particularly in acidic oxidative environments and in the presence of solvents, reactants, intermediates, or products which solubilize noble metals; and a liquid phase oxidation process in which N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (i.e., “PMIDA”) or a salt thereof is oxidized to form N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine (i.e., “glyphosate”) or a salt thereof using such a catalyst wherein the oxidation of the formaldehyde and formic acid by-products into carbon dioxide and water is increased.

Abstract: A method for producing dispersed metal particles on a substrate and the compositions produced is disclosed. A method for producing the particles comprises exposing an organometallic and a particulate substrate to supercritical or near supercritical fluid under conditions to form a mixture of the fluid and the organometallic, allowing the mixture to remain in contact with the substrate for a time sufficient to deposit dispersed organometallic onto the substrate, venting the mixture, thereby adsorbing the organometallic onto the substrate, and reducing the dispersed organometallic to dispersed metal particles with a reducing agent.

Abstract: A particulate supported noble metal phase-controlled catalyst material having 5-1000 ?m surface area of 50?500 m2/gm is provided for use in direct catalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) product from hydrogen and oxygen-containing feedstreams. The catalyst is made by depositing phase controlled crystals of a noble metal such as palladium on a suitable particulate support material such as carbon black, by utilizing a precursor solution of the metal and a suitable control ionic polymer having molecular weight of 300-8000 such as sodium polyacrylate in a selected metal to polymer molar ratio of 1:0.1 to 1:10, which procedure provides desired phase control of the noble metal atoms to form widely dispersed minute noble metal crystals on the support material. The invention includes methods for making the catalyst, and also a process for utilizing the catalyst to directly produce high yields of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) product from hydrogen and oxygen-containing gaseous feedstreams.

Abstract: Stable carbonous catalyst particles composed of an inorganic catalytic metal/metal oxide powder and a carbonaceous binder material are formed having a basic inner substantially uniform-porous carbon coating of the catalytic powder, and may include an outer porous carbon coating layer. Suitable inorganic catalytic powders include zinc-chromite (ZnO/Cr2 03) and suitable carbonaceous liquid binders having molecular weight of 200-700 include partially polymerized furfuryl alcohol, which are mixed together, shaped and carbonized and partially oxidized at elevated temperature. Such stable carbonous catalyst particles such as 0.020-0.100 inch (0.51-2.54 mm) diameter extrudates, have total carbon content of 2-25 wt. % and improved crush strength of 1.0-5 1b/mn, 50-300 m2/g surface area, and can be advantageously utilized in fixed bed or ebullated/fluidized bed reactor operations.

Abstract: In a process for preparing alcohols by catalytic hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds over a catalyst comprising rhenium on activated carbon, the catalyst used comprises rhenium (calculated as metal) in a weight ratio to the activated carbon of from 0.0001 to 0.5, platinum (calculated as metal) in a weight ratio to the activated carbon of from 0.0001 to 0.5 and, if appropriate, at least one further metal selected from among Zn, Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Fe, Ru, Mn, Cr, Mo, W and V in a weight ratio to the activated carbon of from 0 to 0.25, and the activated carbon has been nonoxidatively pretreated It is also possible to prepare ethers and lactones if the hydrogen pressure is not more than 25 bar. In this case, the activated carbon in the catalyst may also have been nonoxidatively pretreated.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved catalytic compositions suited for use in hydrogenation processes and to an improved process for hydrogenating organic compounds as in amination of alcohols or hydrogenation of nitro groups to the amine using the catalyst. The catalytic composition is more particularly an improvement in nickel catalysts promoted with palladium carried on a support. The improvement resides in including a promoting effect of a metal M and/or its oxide, selected from Zn, Cd, Cu, and Ag, typically from about 0.01 to 10% by weight of the support.

Abstract: A method and system for the in situ synthesis of a combinatorial library including impregnating a first component with a second component. The method and system advantageously may be employed in the synthesis of materials for screening for usefulness as a catalyst.

Abstract: The invention provides a noble metal-containing supported catalyst which contains one of the noble metals from the group Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os or alloys of one or more of these noble metals in the form of noble metal particles on a powdered support material. The particles deposited on the support material have a degree of crystallinity, determined by X-ray diffraction, of more than 2 and an average particle size between 2 and 10 nm. The high crystallinity and the small particle size of the noble metal particles lead to high catalytic activity for the catalyst. It is particularly suitable for use in fuel cells and for the treatment of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A carbon nanocapsule supported catalysts. At least one kind of catalytic metal particle is deposited to a carbon nanocapsule, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has the following formula: F(?M)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, M is the catalytic metal particle, and n is the number of the catalytic metal particle. By applying the carbon nanocapsule as a catalyst support, the catalytic behavior of the catalytic metal particle is specialized, the dispersion is improved, and the catalytic effect is enhanced.

Abstract: An adsorption powder useful for the removal of mercury and other metals, as well as furans, dioxins and other organic compounds from gaseous streams. The powder may be characterized as containing a carbon-based powder and an effective amount of cupric chloride suitable for removing metals and organic compounds from high temperature and moisture gaseous streams. The powder may contain calcium hydroxide, sulfur, potassium permanganate, potassium iodide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing nano-level Pt/C electrocatalyst for cathode of fuel cell. By employing ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium bromide, potassium bromide, ammonium iodide or potassium iodide as anchoring agent for the chloroplatinic acid, the present invention realizes the preparation of Pt/C electrocatalyst with platinum micro-particles homogeneously distributed in the interstices as well as on the surfaces of the active carbon. The sizes of the platinum particles in the catalyst are homogeneous and their average diameter is in the range of 2.5 to 4.5 mm. The present method is a novel one for preparing nanometer level Pt/C electrocatalyst. Said electrocatalyst possesses high specific activity per unit mass for the catalytic reduction of oxygen.

Abstract: A process for producing a supported metal catalyst which comprises reducing a metal halide in the liquid phase in the presence of a support material, an organic base and a reducing agent. In accordance with the process, the supported metal catalyst which comprises a metal component supported in the highly dispersed condition and exhibits high activity can be obtained easily.

Abstract: Gold-containing catalysts, which catalyst is comprised of gold on a nanostructure support, which support is characterized as graphite nanofibers comprised of graphite sheets, which graphite sheets are oriented substantially perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nanofiber and wherein said graphite nanofiber contains exposed surfaces and wherein at least about 95% of said exposed surfaces are comprised of edge sites.

Abstract: A method is provided for oxidizing and/or decomposing organic and/or inorganic oxidizable substances in waste water by wet oxidation with a use of a catalyst, wherein the oxidizable substances are oxidized and/or decomposed with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of the catalyst under pressure such that the waste water retains the liquid phase thereof at a temperature of 50° C. to less than 170°C.; the catalyst contains activated carbon; and the oxygen concentration is controlled in an exhaust gas in the range from 0 to 5 vol %. The present inventive method is capable of treating waste water efficiently for a long period in a stable manner at reduced temperatures as compared with the substantially higher temperatures and pressures used in many of the prior art methods.

Abstract: A noble metal nanometer-sized catalyst composition is described along with the method for preparation of the composition. The crystal face of the catalyst contains a preponderance of (111) type crystal phase exposure. The crystal phase exposure is controlled by sequestering the noble metal cation before deposition on a catalyst support. Controlled catalyst face exposition combined with the nanometer scale of the catalyst increases the catalyst selectivity and activity, particularly for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions.

Abstract: Diesel fuels or blending stocks having high cetane number are produced from non-shifting Fischer-Tropsch processes, which directly convert carbon monoxide and hydrogen to diesel distillates over activated carbon supported cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch catalysts. The activated carbon supported cobalt based catalysts comprise a substantially high dispersion of at least one of a zirconium component, an cerium component, a ruthenium component or a potassium component in porous carbon and elemental cobalt either deposited thereon or substantially uniformly dispersed therein, wherein the concentration of activated carbon in the catalyst is from about 20 to about 90 percent by weight, based on the weight of the catalyst, the concentration of elemental cobalt in the catalyst is from about 4 to about 50 percent by weight, based on the weight of the catalyst, the total concentration of the zirconium component, the cerium component, or a combination thereof in the catalyst is from about 0.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a catalyst composite containing an extruded catalyst support containing an extruded activated carbonaceous material having specifically a defined pore structure. For example, the extruded activated carbonaceous material may have pores wherein at least about 40% of total Hg porosity occurs in pores having a diameter of about 200 Å and larger. Alternatively the extruded activated carbonaceous material may have a first set of pores having a pore diameter of at least about 40 Å and at most about 100 Å with a porosity of at least about 0.15 cc/g, and a second set of pores having a pore diameter of at least about 5,000 Å and at most about 20,000 Å with a porosity of at least about 0.3 cc/g.

Abstract: A gel composition substantially contained within the pores of a solid material for use as a catalyst or as a catalyst support in dehydrogenation and dehydrocyclization processes.

Abstract: A new shaped activated carbon and the method of its manufacture are disclosed. The invention resides in the crosslinking of a polymeric cellulose, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), within the carbon bodies after they are shaped, employing the CMC as a binder for the activated carbon. The approach to attain product mechanical strength and water stability by crosslinking rather than high temperature heat treatment is not obvious from the prior art teaching. The crosslinking reaction occurs at temperatures below 270° C. In addition, this new binder technology produces shaped carbon bodies having key properties beyond the best level that has been accomplished with other binders.

Abstract: A combinatorial method is provided for the preparation and screening of heterogeneous catalysts. The method comprises the steps of: (I) providing a library of elemental catalysts; (II) reacting the catalysts with a carbon source to form product directly on the catalyst; and (III) screening the products to evaluate the catalysts.

Abstract: Methods of making an oxygen reduction catalyst are described in which carbon black, one or more metal-containing and/or nitrogen-containing precursor(s) are provided to a reaction zone, and the carbon black is rendered catalytically active. To form this catalytic activity, the carbon black and one or more metal-containing and/or nitrogen-containing precursor(s) are introduced to a reaction zone heated to a temperature of between about 600 and about 1000 degrees Celsius, and maintained together in the reaction zone for a cumulative time between 5 seconds and 240 minutes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catalytic stuff includes grinding the ore containing silica as main component, carbon, etc.; burning the powder object at high temperature after grinded the ore; emitting the carbon dioxide generated by combustion and churning of other substances which are sticking to silica during combustion of the powder object; and burning the remained catalytic stuff at high temperature again after carbon dioxide emits and manufacturing the catalytic stuff used for the mixed material with metal, filter medium of pollution water, propagation material etc. so that the tap water, the polluted water are improved efficient using the generated catalytic stuff, and it can be used broadly as water for home use, industrial use, agricultural use, and medical treatment, etc. and the balance of the body and cell can improve remarkably by holding the catalytic stuff since the generated catalytic stuff has the ultra-red ray effect etc.

Abstract: Reticulated vitrified carbon compositions which contain particles of Cu, Sn, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, or alloys or mixtures thereof dispersed therein and reticulated vitreous carbon compositions wherein some or all of said metal or alloy particles have been converted into salts or mixtures of salts thereof. Processes for the preparation of such compositions.

Abstract: A hydrogenolysis catalyst that possesses high hydrogenolysis performance at low temperatures and during the debenzylation reaction of a compound wherein a benzyl group combines with a nitrogen atom, which is difficult for conventional catalysts. The catalyst comprises (a) a component comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of palladium oxide, palladium oxide monohydrate, and palladium hydroxide wherein the oxidation state of palladium is divalent, and (b) a component comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir and Au, carried on a non-organic porous substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved catalyst, comprising a carbon support having a noble metal at its surface, for use in catalyzing liquid phase oxidation reactions, especially in an acidic oxidative environment and in the presence of solvents, reactants, intermediates, or products which solubilize noble metals; a process for the preparation of the improved catalyst; a liquid phase oxidation process using such a catalyst wherein the catalyst exhibits improved resistance to noble metal leaching, particularly in acidic oxidative environments and in the presence of solvents, reactants, intermediates, or products which solubilize noble metals; and a liquid phase oxidation process in which N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (i.e., “PMIDA”) or a salt thereof is oxidized to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (i.e., “glyphosate”) or a salt thereof using such a catalyst wherein the oxidation of the formaldehyde and formic acid by-products into carbon dioxide and water is increased.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a catalyst composite containing an extruded catalyst support containing an extruded activated carbonaceous material having specifically a defined pore structure. For example, the extruded activated carbonaceous material may have pores wherein at least about 40 % of total Hg porosity occurs in pores having a diameter of about 200 Å and larger. Alternatively the extruded activated carbonaceous material may have a first set of pores having a pore diameter of at least about 40 Å and at most about 100 Å with a porosity of at least about 0.15 cc/g, and a second set of pores having a pore diameter of at least about 5,000 Å and at most about 20,000 Å with a porosity of at least about 0.3 cc/g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decomposing an ammonia gas, including the step of decomposing an ammonia gas, into a nitrogen gas with use of a composite material as a catalyst. The composite material has a carrier made mainly of carbon and at least one kind of an active element which is supported by the carrier and selected from alkaline earth metals and transition metals.

Abstract: Gold-containing catalysts, which catalyst is comprised of gold on a nanostructure support, which support is characterized as graphite nanofibers comprised of graphite sheets, which graphite sheets are oriented substantially perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nanofiber and wherein said graphite nanofiber contains exposed surfaces and wherein at least about 95% of said exposed surfaces are comprised of edge sites.

Abstract: Methods of making an oxygen reduction catalyst are described in which carbon black, one or more metal-containing and/or nitrogen-containing precursor(s) are provided to a reaction zone, and the carbon black is rendered catalytically active. To form this catalytic activity, the carbon black and one or more metal-containing and/or nitrogen-containing precursor(s) are introduced to a reaction zone heated to a temperature of between about 600 and about 1000 degrees Celsius, and maintained together in the reaction zone for a cumulative time between 5 seconds and 240 minutes.

Abstract: A new shaped activated carbon and the method of its manufacture are disclosed. The invention resides in the crosslinking of a polymeric cellulose, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), within the carbon bodies after they are shaped, employing the CMC as a binder for the activated carbon. The approach to attain product mechanical strength and water stability by crosslinking rather than high temperature heat treatment is not obvious from the prior art teaching. The crosslinking reaction occurs at temperatures below 270° C. In addition, this new binder technology produces shaped carbon bodies having key properties beyond the best level that has been accomplished with other binders.

Abstract: A solid supported catalyst suitable for the vapor phase carbonylation of lower aliphatic alcohols, ethers, ester, and ester-alcohol mixtures, and desirably, methanol, to produce carboxylic acid, esters and mixtures thereof. The solid supported catalyst includes an effective amount of gold associated with a solid support material in the presence of a halide promoter. Desirably, the support material is selected from carbon, activated carbon, pumice, alumina, silica, silica-alumina, magnesia, diatomaceous earth, bauxite, titania, zirconia, clay, magnesium silicate, silicon carbide, zeolites, ceramics and combinations thereof.