Abstract: A catalyst for the pyrolysis of a hydrocarbon, such as methane or natural gas, includes a pile of waste-product configured to facilitate the decomposition of the hydrocarbon into hydrogen and carbon. The waste-product is one of bauxite residue, mill scale, or slag. The pile of waste product may be broken down into a powder or piece-meal form.

Abstract: Systems and methods that implement a GUI functional block that allows a user to specify a compounding formula for a composition, an ingredient validation functional block configured for receiving a code on a container holding a first ingredient, consulting a database to derive a formulation ingredient to be used in preparing the composition, determining if the first ingredient matches the formulation ingredient, a planetary mixer control functional block configured for consulting the database arrangement at least partly on a basis of the specified compounding formula to determine mixing parameters for a planetary mixer that are associated with the specified compounding formula, causing a motor assembly of the planetary mixer to apply superimposed rotation and revolution movements to a container in accordance with the mixing parameters determined from the consulting, preventing operation of the motor assembly if the determining step fails to match the first ingredient to the formulation ingredient.

Abstract: A process for preparing a tin-containing zeolitic material having framework type BEA, comprising providing an aqueous synthesis mixture comprising a boron source, a silicon source, and a BEA structure directing agent; subjecting the synthesis mixture provided in to hydrothermal pre-crystallization conditions; adding the tin source to the obtained mixture; subjecting the obtained aqueous synthesis mixture to hydrothermal crystallization conditions, obtaining a tin-containing zeolitic material having framework type BEA comprised in its mother liquor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a macroporous noble metal catalyst and processes employing such catalysts for the regeneration of deactivated ionic liquid catalyst containing conjunct polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bismuth molybdate-based composite oxide catalyst having a microporous zeolite coating layer on the surface thereof and thus having high selectivity for 1,3-butadiene, a method of preparing the same, and a method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using the same. The catalyst has a microporous zeolite coating layer, and thus enables only gaseous products (light) to selectively pass through the zeolite coating layer, improving selectivity for 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a mixed solution, comprising a mixing vessel for preparing an aqueous mixed solution containing a dicarboxylic acid and an Nb compound and a filter for the aqueous mixed solution connected to the mixing vessel via a pipe, the mixing vessel being anticorrosive and equipped with a stirring unit, a heating unit and a cooling unit for the aqueous mixed solution, wherein the aqueous mixed solution prepared in the mixing vessel is fed to the filter via the pipe and filtered in the filter under increased pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the coating of a particulate filter used in the treatment of exhaust or waste gases. In the manufacturing of the coating according to the invention, there is used a liquid-based sol, where the average particle size of the contained particles is below 100 nm, preferably below 50 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-component bismuth molybdate catalyst for production of butadiene which comprises bismuth, molybdenum and at least one metal having a monovalent, divalent or trivalent cation, and further comprises cesium and potassium and thus has advantages of improving conversion ratio, yield and selectivity of butadiene and of providing stability of process operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst combination for hydrotreating raw oils and a process for hydrotreating raw oils with the catalyst combination. The catalyst combination comprises one or both of at least one hydrogenation protection catalyst I and at least one hydrogenation demetalling catalyst I; at least one hydrogenation demetalling catalyst II; and at least one hydrogenation treatment catalyst III.

Abstract: Provided are an exhaust gas purification catalyst including a carrier containing substituted aluminum borate in which 2.5 to 11.5 at. % of aluminum atoms contained therein are substituted by Fe, Co, Ga, or Ni, and Pd supported on the carrier; and an exhaust gas purification catalyst product including a catalyst support made of a ceramic or metallic material, and a layer of the aforementioned exhaust gas purification catalyst and which is supported on the catalyst support.

Abstract: A catalyst for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising a carrier and deposited on the carrier, silver, a promoting amount of one or more promoters selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and rhenium and a promoting amount of nickel, wherein the nickel is added as a nickel compound or nickel complex during the initial impregnation along with the silver and other promoters; including a process for preparing the catalyst; a process for preparing an olefin oxide by reacting a feed comprising an olefin and oxygen in the presence of the catalyst; and a process for preparing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, a 1,2-carbonate, or an alkanolamine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodesulfurization nanocatalyst, use of the hydrodesulfurization nanocatalyst in a hydrodesulfurization process and a process for producing the hydrodesulfurization nanocatalyst. The hydrodesulfurization nanocatalyst can include a nanostructured alumina material, at least one metal selected from group VI B of the periodic table of elements, and at least one metal selected from group VIII B of the periodic table of elements.

Abstract: A hydrogenation catalyst and process using the catalyst for converting a mixture comprising acetic acid and ethyl acetate to ethanol at a first temperature, and the catalyst desorbs ethyl acetate, in the absence of hydrogen, at a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature. The catalyst has a suitable chemisorption of ethyl acetate at the first temperature in the absence of hydrogen. In one embodiment, the first temperature ranges from 125° C. to 350° C. and the second temperature ranges from 300° C. to 600° C. The catalyst comprises one or more active metals or oxide thereof on a support that comprises tungsten or an oxide thereof. The one or more active metals are selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, gold, iron, nickel, palladium, platinum, iridium, osmium, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium, tin, zinc, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to solve various problems with fatty acid alkyl ester methods using conventional homogenous-phase catalysts, and to provide a solid acid catalyst for fatty acid alkyl ester manufacturing that can be used to manufacture high-quality fatty acid alkyl esters and high-purity glycerin from various oils at low cost and with high yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selectively hydrogenating an alkyne to the corresponding alkene comprising a step of contacting a gaseous feed comprising hydrogen and 0.1 to 20 mass % of alkyne with a catalyst comprising at least one Group 10 element on a boron-modified support. The process shows high conversion and good selectivity, and can be stably operated also if the feed comprises more than 2 mass % of alkyne.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation membrane including: a metal layer including the at least one Group 5 element; and a transition metal catalyst layer on the metal layer, the transition metal catalyst layer including at least one transition metal and at least one of phosphorus (P) or boron (B).

Abstract: This invention relates to catalyst carriers to be used as supports for metal and metal oxide catalyst components of use in a variety of chemical reactions. More specifically, the invention provides a process of formulating an alpha alumina carrier that is suitable as a support for silver and the use of such catalyst in chemical reactions, especially the epoxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide. The composition comprises at least one hydrated precursor of alpha alumina; an optional alpha alumina; and a binder. The composition is substantially free of seeding particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition useful in the saturation of aromatics contained in a hydrocarbon feedstock. The composition includes a support composition having a high macroporosity of greater than 51 percent. The support composition comprises an amorphous silica-alumina having unique properties.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the processing of hydrocarbon-containing feedstreams in the presence of an active catalyst component comprising a surface, and a metal oxide film coated on the surface of the active catalyst component. The catalysts and processes of the present invention can improve overall hydrogenation, product conversion, as well as improved resistance to catalytic deactivation due to sulfur and nitrogen compounds present in the hydrocarbon feedstreams.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing co-catalyst composition may comprise in an embodiment a first component comprising co-catalyst particles and a liquid carrier, and a second component comprising a dispersant and a dispersant diluent. The co-catalyst particles may be in the micron size range, and the dispersant may promote dispersion of the co-catalyst particles in materials such as the liquid carrier, the dispersant diluent, and combinations thereof. Methods of introducing a hydroprocessing co-catalyst composition into a hydroprocessing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing co-catalyst composition may comprise in an embodiment a first component comprising co-catalyst particles and a liquid carrier, and a second component comprising a dispersant and a dispersant diluent. The co-catalyst particles may be in the micron size range, and the dispersant may promote dispersion of the co-catalyst particles in materials such as the liquid carrier, the dispersant diluent, and combinations thereof. Methods of introducing a hydroprocessing co-catalyst composition into a hydroprocessing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the processing of hydrocarbon-containing feedstreams in the presence of an interstitial metal hydride comprising a surface, with a metal oxide integrally synthesized and providing a coating on the surface of the interstitial metal hydride. The catalysts and processes of the present invention can improve overall hydrogenation, product conversion, as well as sulfur and nitrogen reduction in hydrocarbon feedstreams.

Abstract: The invention describes a heteropolycompound constituted by a nickel salt of a lacunary Keggin type heteropolyanion comprising tungsten in its structure, with formula: Nix+y/2AW11-yO39-5/2y, zH2O wherein Ni is nickel, A is selected from phosphorus, silicon and boron, W is tungsten, O is oxygen, y=0 or 2, x=3.5 if A is phosphorus, x=4 if A is silicon, x=4.5 if A is boron, and x=m/2+2 for the rest, and z is a number in the range 0 to 36, in which said heteropolycompound has no nickel atom in substitution for a tungsten atom in its structure, said nickel atoms being placed in the counter-ion position in the structure of said compound.

Abstract: A hydrogenation catalyst and process using the catalyst for converting a mixture comprising acetic acid and ethyl acetate to ethanol at a first temperature, and the catalyst desorbs ethyl acetate, in the absence of hydrogen, at a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature. The catalyst has a suitable chemisorption of ethyl acetate at the first temperature in the absence of hydrogen. In one embodiment, the first temperature ranges from 125° C. to 350° C. and the second temperature ranges from 300° C. to 600° C. The catalyst comprises one or more active metals or oxide thereof on a support that comprises tungsten or an oxide thereof. The one or more active metals are selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, gold, iron, nickel, palladium, platinum, iridium, osmium, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium, tin, zinc, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum.

Abstract: Preparation of a catalyst having at least one metal from group VIII, at least one metal from group VIB and at least one support; in succession: i) one of i1) contacting a pre-catalyst with metal from group VIII, metal from group VIB and support with a cyclic oligosaccharide naming at least 6 ?-(1,4)-bonded glucopyranose subunits; i2) contacting support with a solution containing a precursor of metal from group VIII, a precursor of said metal from group VIB and a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of at least 6 ?-(1,4)-bonded glucopyranose subunits; or i3) contacting support with a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of at least 6 ?-(1,4)-bonded glucopyranose subunits followed by contacting solid derived therefrom with a precursor of metal from group VIII and a precursor of metal from group VIB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for conversion of vegetable oils to hydrocarbon products in the diesel boiling range, comprising a porous support; Group III A or VA element in the range of 1-10 wt %; Group VI B elements in the range of 1 to 20 wt %; Group VIII B elements in range of 0.01 to 10 wt %. The present invention further provides the process for preparing the catalyst composition for conversion of vegetable oils to hydrocarbon products in the diesel boiling range. The present invention also provides the process for conversion of vegetable oils to hydrocarbon products in the diesel boiling range using the catalyst composition or discarded refinery spent hydro-treating catalyst.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.

Abstract: A metal fiber based on one or several elements from the group of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium with 0 to 30% by weight of one or several additional alloy elements from the group of nickel, cobalt, gold, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten, contains 1 to 500 ppm by weight of boron or phosphorus. A non-woven material or netting, in particular for the production of nitrogen oxide or for the production of hydrocyanic acid, is made of such fibers. For the production of fibers based on noble metals having up to 30% by weight of additional alloy metals by drawing the fibers from a melt, the melting point of the metal is reduced by at least 400° C., before drawing of the fibers, by additionally alloying with boron or phosphorus, and the boron or the phosphorus is removed again from the fibers.

Abstract: A catalyst for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising a carrier and, deposited thereon, silver, a rhenium promoter, a first co-promoter, and a second co-promoter; wherein the quantity of the rhenium promoter deposited on the carrier is greater than 1 mmole/kg, relative to the weight of the catalyst; the first co-promoter is selected from sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and mixtures thereof; the second co-promoter is selected from tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and mixtures thereof; the total quantity of the first co-promoter and the second co-promoter deposited on the carrier is at most 5.0 mmole/kg, relative to the weight of the catalyst; and wherein the carrier has a monomodal, bimodal or multimodal pore size distribution, a pore diameter of 0.01-200 ?m, a specific surface area of 0.03-10 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.2-0.7 cm3/g, wherein the median pore diameter is 0.1-100 ?m, and a water absorption of 10-80%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation process of complex oxides catalyst containing Mo, Bi, Fe and Co, which comprising steps as following: dissolving precursor compounds of the components for catalyst and complexing agent in water to obtain a solution, and then drying, molding and calcining the solution to obtain catalyst. The catalyst is used for gas phase oxidation of light alkenes to unsaturated aldehydes. The catalyst has high activity, selectivity and stability. The reaction condition is mild. The preparation process of the catalyst is easy to operate and can be used for mass production.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a chromium-type supported olefin polymerization catalyst. A fluidized bed of support particles in an inert carrier gas is established. A chromium (III) compound is added to the fluidized support particles to provide a supported catalyst component. The supported catalyst component is activated to convert at least a portion of the chromium (III) to Chromium (VI). The chromium (III) containing particles may be recovered from the fluidized bed and then activated or they may be activated in the fluidized bed. Also the support particles can be treated in the fluidized bed with other treatment agents. The support particles may be pretreated with a solution of a boron treating agent prior to incorporation of the support in the fluidized bed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a Ni-based catalyst useful in selective hydrogenation, comprising the following components supported on an alumina support: (a) 5.0 to 40.0 wt. % of metallic nickel or oxide(s) thereof; (b) 0.01 to 20.0 wt. % of at least one of molybdenum and tungsten, or oxide(s) thereof; (c) 0.01 to 10.0 wt. % of at least one rare earth element or oxide(s) thereof; (d) 0.01 to 2.0 wt. % of at least one metal from Group IA or Group IIA of the Periodic Table or oxide(s) thereof; (e) 0 to 15.0 wt. % of at least one selected from the group consisting of silicon, phosphorus, boron and fluorine, or oxide(s) thereof; and (f) 0 to 10.0 wt. % of at least one metal from Group IVB of the Periodic Table or oxide(s) thereof; with the percentages being based on the total weight of the catalyst. The catalyst is useful in the selective hydrogenation of a pyrolysis gasoline.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for forming solution compositions, which processes comprises bringing together, in an aqueous medium, i) at least one phosphorus compound; ii) at least one Group VI metal compound; and iii) at least one Group VIII metal compound, such that a solution having a Group VI metal concentration of more than about 5.6 mol/L is formed. Also provided are compositions formed by such processes, processes for forming catalyst compositions from these compositions, and catalyst compositions formed by these processes.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the processing of hydrocarbon-containing feedstreams in the presence of an interstitial metal hydride comprising a surface, with a metal oxide integrally synthesized and providing a coating on the surface of the interstitial metal hydride. The catalysts and processes of the present invention can improve overall hydrogenation, product conversion, as well as sulfur and nitrogen reduction in hydrocarbon feedstreams.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the processing of hydrocarbon-containing feedstreams in the presence of an active catalyst component comprising a surface, and a metal oxide film coated on the surface of the active catalyst component. The catalysts and processes of the present invention can improve overall hydrogenation, product conversion, as well as improved resistance to catalytic deactivation due to sulfur and nitrogen compounds present in the hydrocarbon feedstreams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodesulfurization nanocatalyst, use of the hydrodesulfurization nanocatalyst in a hydrodesulfurization process and a process for producing the hydrodesulfurization nanocatalyst. The hydrodesulfurization nanocatalyst can include a nanostructured alumina material, at least one metal selected from group VI B of the periodic table of elements, and at least one metal selected from group VIII B of the periodic table of elements.

Abstract: A catalyst having at least one Group VIB metal component, at least one Group VIII metal component, a phosphorus component, and a boron-containing carrier component. The amount of the phosphorus component is at least 1 wt %, expressed as an oxide (P2O5) and based on the total weight of the catalyst, and the amount of boron content is in the range of about 1 to about 13 wt %, expressed as an oxide (B2O3) and based on the total weight of the catalyst. In one embodiment of the invention, the boron-containing carrier component is a product of a co-extrusion of at least a carrier and a boron source. A method for producing the catalyst and its use for hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feed are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.

Abstract: Homogeneous water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) for the oxidation of water to produce hydrogen ions and oxygen, and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the WOC is a polyoxometalate WOC which is hydrolytically stable, oxidatively stable, and thermally stable. The WOC oxidized waters in the presence of an oxidant. The oxidant can be generated photochemically, using light, such as sunlight, or electrochemically using a positively biased electrode. The hydrogen ions are subsequently reduced to form hydrogen gas, for example, using a hydrogen evolution catalyst (HEC). The hydrogen gas can be used as a fuel in combustion reactions and/or in hydrogen fuel cells. The catalysts described herein exhibit higher turn over numbers, faster turn over frequencies, and/or higher oxygen yields than prior art catalysts.

Abstract: A catalyst for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising a carrier and deposited on the carrier, silver, a promoting amount of one or more promoters selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and rhenium and a promoting amount of nickel, wherein the nickel is added as a nickel compound or nickel complex during the initial impregnation along with the silver and other promoters; including a process for preparing the catalyst; a process for preparing an olefin oxide by reacting a feed comprising an olefin and oxygen in the presence of the catalyst; and a process for preparing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, a 1,2-carbonate, or an alkanolamine.

Abstract: An air cathode for a metal-air battery is disclosed which contains a catalyst chosen to make the metal air battery more easily rechargeable. This catalyst is based on cobalt phosphate, cobalt borate mixed metal cobalt phosphates, mixed metal cobalt borates, or mixed metal cobalt phosphate borates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selectively hydrogenating an alkyne to the corresponding alkene comprising a step of contacting a gaseous feed comprising hydrogen and 0.1 to 20 mass % of alkyne with a catalyst comprising at least one Group 10 element on a boron-modified support. The process shows high conversion and good selectivity, and can be stably operated also if the feed comprises more than 2 mass % of alkyne.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst precursor for an olefin polymerization catalyst involves the use of aqueous or alcoholic solutions of a chromium salt and of boric acid and aluminum carboxylate for deposition onto an inorganic support material, such as a silica xerogel. The chromium salt, aluminum carboxylate and boric acid are sufficiently soluble for deposition from a single solution to be effective. The catalyst precursor can be activated by calcination to form a catalyst for homo- or co-polymerisation of ?-olefins which has productivity and melt flow index for the resulting polymer or copolymer which is comparable to results obtained with catalysts prepared by prior art organometallic routes. The activation of the catalyst precursor gives reduced levels of toxic or noxious fumes during activation compared to use of organometallic sources of chromium or aluminum.

Abstract: The invention describes a heteropolycompound constituted by a nickel salt of a lacunary Keggin type heteropolyanion comprising tungsten in its structure, with formula: Nix+y/2AW11-yO39-5/2y,zH2O wherein Ni is nickel, A is selected from phosphorus, silicon and boron, W is tungsten, O is oxygen, y=0 or 2, x=3.5 if A is phosphorus, x=4 if A is silicon, x=4.5 if A is boron, and x=m/2+2 for the rest, and z is a number in the range 0 to 36, in which said heteropolycompound has no nickel atom in substitution for a tungsten atom in its structure, said nickel atoms being placed in the counter-ion position in the structure of said compound.

Abstract: A catalyst composition, useful for a diversity of chemical production processes, preferably comprises a glass substrate, with one or more functional surface active constituents integrated on and/or in the substrate surface. A substantially nonporous acid resistant glass substrate has (i) a total surface area between about 0.01 m2/g and 10 m2/g; (ii) a predetermined isoelectric point (IEP) obtained in a pH range greater than or equal to 6.0, but less than or equal to 14, and (iii) a SARCNa less than or equal to about 0.5. At least one catalytically-active region may be contiguous or discontiguous and has a mean thickness less than or equal to about 30 nm, preferably less than or equal to 20 nm and more preferably less than or equal to 10 nm.

Abstract: The present invention concerns doped catalysts on an alumino-silicate support with an adapted macropore content and hydrocracking/hydroconversion and hydrotreatment processes employing them. The catalyst comprises at least one hydrodehydrogenating element selected from the group formed by elements from group VIB and group VIII of the periodic table, a controlled quantity of phosphorus (optionally in combination with boron and/or silicon) as a doping element, and a non-zeolitic support based on alumina-silica containing a quantity of more than 5% by weight and 95% by weight or less of silica (SiO2).

Abstract: A supported amorphous alloy catalyst, which is supported on a macroporous carrier-expanded graphite. The catalyst contains a Ni—B amorphous alloy (5 to 50% by weight) and a transition inductive metal (0.1 to 10% by weight). The diameter of expanded graphite carrier particles is 80-800 ?m. Its BET specific surface area is 10-100 m2/g. The catalyst is prepared by metal inductive electroless powder plating method which is easy to apply to industrial production. Ni—B clusters of prepared catalyst are well dispersed on the support. The catalyst shows high catalytic activity and good mechanical property, and is safe to use with low manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The invention describes a catalyst comprising at least one metal from group VIB, at least two metals from group VIII termed the major promoter VIII-1 and co-promoters VIII-i, where i is in the range 2 to 5, and at least one support constituted by a porous refractory oxide, in which the elements from group VIII are present in proportions defined by the atomic ratio [VIII-1/(VIII-1+ . . . +VIII-i)], said ratio being in the range 0.5 to 0.85, as well as a process for the hydrotreatment of heavy hydrocarbon feeds, comprising at least one hydrodemetallization step and at least one hydrodesulphurization step, and employing a catalyst in accordance with the invention with an identical atomic ratio in each of the hydrodemetallization and hydrodesulphurization steps.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon-soluble molybdenum catalyst precursors include a plurality of molybdenum cations that are each bonded with a plurality of organic anions to form an oil soluble molybdenum salt. A portion of the molybdenum atoms are in the 3+ oxidation state such that the plurality of molybdenum atoms has an average oxidation state of less than 4+, e.g., less than about 3.8+, especially less than about 3.5+. The catalyst precursors can form a hydroprocessing molybdenum sulfide catalyst in heavy oil feedstocks. The oil soluble molybdenum salts are manufactured in the presence of a reducing agent, such as hydrogen gas, to obtain the molybdenum in the desired oxidation state. Preferably the reaction is performed with hydrogen or an organic reducing agent and at a temperature such that the molybdenum atoms are reduced to eliminate substantially all molybdenum oxide species.

Abstract: A method comprising contacting a support with one or more chromium-containing compounds and one or more boria precursors to provide a catalyst precursor, and activating the catalyst precursor to provide a polymerization catalyst.