Abstract: There is disclosed photoactive, one-dimensional zinc and cobalt-based bimetallic oxide and sulfide nanorods (ZnCo2O4 NRs, ZnCo2S4 NRs) and their heterojunction composites (1D/1D ZnCo2O4/ZnCo2S4) to be used as photocatalysts for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction using solar energy. Also disclosed herein, is a method of synthesizing these compounds via hydrothermal processes and a self-assembly approach. 1D/1D heterojunctions of ZnCo2O4/ZnCo2S4 composites exhibit favourable interface interactions. The photocatalytic performance of both pure and composite materials is evaluated through water splitting to produce hydrogen and CO2 reduction to yield CO and CH4 using slurry phase and fixed bed photoreactor systems. ZnCo2S4 NRs demonstrate superior hydrogen production whereas CO2 reduction is more pronounced with ZnCo2O4. The highest photocatalytic efficiency is achieved using the heterojunction composites attributed to efficient charge carrier separation facilitated by a suitable band structure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, when preparing a hydrogenation catalyst including nickel as an active ingredient, the reduction of nickel can be facilitated by using copper and sulfur as a promoter. In particular, the present invention can provide a catalyst which, while having a high nickel content, includes sulfur oxide and nickel oxide in a particular range, and thus exhibits even higher selective reduction degree for olefins while having high activity of the catalyst.

Abstract: Pyrolysis processes comprise contacting a waste polyolefin with a solid catalyst at a pyrolysis temperature to form a pyrolysis product containing C1-C10 hydrocarbons. In some instances, the solid catalyst can be a silica-coated alumina, a fluorided silica-coated alumina, or a sulfated alumina, while in other instances, the solid catalyst can be any suitable solid oxide or chemically-treated solid oxide that is characterized by a d50 average particle size from 5 to 12 ?m and a particle size span from 0.7 to 1.7. Hydrocarbon compositions are formed from the pyrolysis of waste polyolefins with specific amounts of methane and higher carbon number hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to isomerization catalysts and can be used in the petroleum processing and petrochemical industry. The catalyst contains sulfated zirconium oxide and a binder—aluminum oxide in a ratio of ZrO2/SO4 to Al2O3 from 70 to 30 to 90 to 10, as well as promoter, a group II metal, Ca, in a quantity ranging from 0.01 to 1 wt % of the weight of the catalyst. The catalyst also contains platinum and/or palladium in a quantity ranging from 0.1 to 0.45 wt % of the metal. Isomerization of C4-C7 paraffinic hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen at a temperature of 110-200° C., a pressure of 1-5 MPa, a hydrogen:hydrocarbon ratio of 0.5-4, and a feedstock space velocity of 0.5-4 h?1 is carried out on a catalyst having the claimed composition. The proposed catalyst offers an enhanced degree of isomerization, improved selectivity of the process, and increased strength of the granules.

Abstract: A process for the double-bond isomerization of olefins is disclosed. The process may include contacting a hydrocarbon stream including olefins with a ?-alumina-titania isomerization catalyst to convert at least a portion of the olefin to its positional isomer. The ?-alumina-titania isomerization catalysts disclosed herein may also have the activity to convert alcohol into additional olefins, while having increased resistance to oxygenate poisons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and a method for preparing said composition where the composition comprises a lignin, a solvent, a carrier liquid, and a fatty acid, wherein the lignin constitutes at least 4 weight % of the composition and has a weight average molecular weight of not more than 5,000 g/mol, wherein the solvent is an alcohol, ether, organic ester, sulfoxide, ketone, aldehyde or a combination thereof, and wherein the carrier liquid is a hydrocarbon oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the thioetherification of mercaptanes with polyunsaturated hydrocarbons, carried out in a reactor with the addition of hydrogen, using a heterogenic catalyst and in the presence of 1-butene. The aim of the invention is to develop such a method to the extent that the creation of value from the C4 raw material stream is increased. Said aim is achieved in that the hydrogen is added to the reaction in such a manner that the molar ratio of hydrogen to polyunsaturated hydrocarbons is no more than one.

Abstract: A method for preparing an improved slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. In one embodiment, the process comprises: sulfiding at least a metal precursor solution with at least a sulfiding agent forming a sulfided Group VIB catalyst precursor, the metal precursor solution having a pH of at least 4 and a concentration of less than 10 wt. % of Primary metal in solution; and mixing the catalyst precursor with a hydrocarbon diluent to form the slurry catalyst composition. The slurry catalyst prepared therefrom has a BET total surface area of at least 100 m2/g, a total pore volume of at least 0.5 cc/g and a polymodal pore distribution with at least 80% of pore sizes in the range of 5 to 2,000 Angstroms in diameter.

Abstract: A process for making an improved slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. In the process, a metal precursor solution comprising at least a water-soluble molybdenum compound and a water-soluble metal zinc compound is mixed under high shear mixing conditions to generate an emulsion. The emulsion is subsequently sulfided with a sulfiding agent ex-situ, or in-situ in a heavy oil feedstock to form the slurry catalyst. The in-situ sulfidation in heavy oil is under sufficient condition for the heavy oil feedstock to generate the sulfiding source needed for the sulfidation.

Abstract: The invention describes two methods for manufacturing metal dichalcogenide materials. The invention also includes a coated dichalcogenide substrate.

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: Disclosed is an alloy of the formula: Fe3?xAl1+xMyTzTat wherein M represents at least one catalytic specie selected from the group consisting of Ru, Ir, Pd, Pt, Rh, Os, Re and Ag; T represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mo, Co, Cr, V, Cu, Zn, Nb, W, Zr, Y, Mn, Cd, Si, B, C, O, N, P, F, S, CI, Na and Ti; and Ta represents tantalum. Such an alloy can be used as an electrode material for the synthesis of sodium chlorate. It can also be used as a coating for protection against corrosion.

Abstract: Process and catalyst for upgrading gasoline comprising durene (1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene) and pseudodocumene, the process comprises hydroisomerization of durene (1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene) and pseudocumene (1,2,4-trimethylbenzene) contained in the gasoline in presence of a catalyst comprising a sulfided base metal supported on an acidic carrier, thereby converting durene (1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene) to isodurene (1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene) and prehnitene (1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene) and converting pseudocumene (1,2,4-trimethylbenzene) to mesitylene (1,3,5-trimethylbenzene).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for passivating catalysts wherein an inert gas is used to administer a precise, measurable amount of passivating agent to a catalyst in a substantially safer manner than conventional means. The inventive apparatus at least includes a first container comprising at least one inert gas, a second container comprising at least one passivating agent, and a reactor comprising at least one catalyst, the first container, second container, and reactor being fluidly connected by a plurality of conduits. The inventive process at least includes pressurizing a first container with an inert gas, filling a second container with passivating agent, providing a reactor containing a passivatable catalyst, mixing the inert with the passivating agent, forming a mixture of passivating agent and inert gas, and introducing the mixture of passivating agent and inert gas into the reactor.

Abstract: A self-activating hydroprocessing catalyst for treating heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks is further activated by contacting the self-activating catalyst with steam. The steam may be added to the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock prior to contacting with the self-activating catalyst or may be added to a reactor vessel containing the self-activating catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dehydrogenation catalyst composite that is capable of providing a dehydrogenated hydrocarbon product characterized by a bromine number of at least 19. for hydrocarbons. The dehydrogenation catalyst of the present invention comprises a nano-sized complex containing a Group VIII component; a group IVA component and a sulfur containing capping agent; an alkali component; a halogen component; and a support with an inner core of alpha alumina and an outer layer comprising a mixture of gamma alumina and delta alumina.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock is provided in which a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock comprising at least 20 wt. % of heavy hydrocarbons is mixed with hydrogen and a catalyst to produce a vapor comprising a first hydrocarbon-containing product. The vapor comprising the first hydrocarbon-containing product is separated from the mixture, and, apart from the mixture, the first hydrocarbon-containing product is contacted with hydrogen and a catalyst containing a Column 6 metal to produce a second hydrocarbon-containing product.

Abstract: A process for the sulfidation of a sour gas shift catalyst, wherein the temperature of the sulfidation feed stream is coordinated with the sulfur/hydrogen molar ratio in that feed stream to obtain enhanced performance of the sour gas shift catalyst. In the sulfidation process to produce a sour gas shift catalyst, the lower the sulfur to hydrogen molar ratio of the sulfidation feed stream, the lower the required temperature of the sulfidation feed stream. The sulfidation reaction can be further enhanced by increasing the pressure on the sulfidation feed stream.

Abstract: A process for preparing a slurry catalyst is provided. The slurry catalyst is prepared from at least a Group VIB metal precursor and optionally at least a Promoter metal precursor selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA metals and combinations thereof. The slurry catalyst comprises a plurality of dispersed particles in a hydrocarbon medium having an average particle size ranging from 1 to 300 ?m. The slurry catalyst is then mixed with a hydrogen feed at a pressure from 1435 psig (10 MPa) to 3610 psig (25 MPa) and a temperature from 200-800° F. at 500 to 15,000 scf hydrogen per bbl of slurry catalyst for a minute to 20 hours, for the slurry catalyst to be saturated with hydrogen providing an increase of k-values in terms of HDS, HDN, and HDMCR of at least 15% compared to a slurry catalyst that is not saturated with hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: A process for preparing an improved slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. The process comprises providing at least a metal precursor in solution comprising at least two different metal cations in its molecular structure, with at least one of the metal cations is a Group VIB metal cation; sulfiding the metal precursor with a sulfiding agent in solution forming a catalyst precursor; and mixing the catalyst precursor with a hydrocarbon diluent to form the slurry catalyst. In one embodiment, the at least a metal precursor comprising at least two different metal cations is prepared by combining and reacting at least one Group VIB metal compound with at least a Promoter metal compound selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA metals and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing a slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. In the process, high shear mixing is employed to generate an emulsion containing droplets of metal precursor in oil with droplet sizes ranging from 0.1 to 300 ?m. The emulsion is subsequently sulfided with a sulfiding agent, or in-situ in a heavy oil feedstock to form a slurry catalyst. The in-situ sulfidation in heavy oil is under sufficient condition for the heavy oil feedstock to generate the sulfiding source needed for the sulfidation.

Abstract: A catalyst including gold, or a compound thereof, and sulphur, a compound of sulphur, trichloroisocyanuric acid or a metal dichloroisocyanurate on a support, together with a process for manufacturing the catalyst and its use in a chemical process are described.

Abstract: An improved hydroprocessing slurry catalyst is provided for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock. The catalyst comprises dispersed particles in a hydrocarbon medium with the dispersed particles have an average particle size ranging from 1 to 300 ?m. The catalyst has a total pore volume of at least 0.5 cc/g and a polymodal pore distribution with at least 80% of pore sizes in the range of 5 to 2,000 Angstroms in diameter. The catalyst is prepared from sulfiding and dispersing a metal precursor solution in a hydrocarbon diluent, the metal precursor comprising at least a Primary metal precursor and optionally a Promoter metal precursor, the metal precursor solution having a pH of at least 4 and a concentration of less than 10 wt. % of Primary metal in solution.

Abstract: An improved process to make a slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. The sulfiding of the metal precursor/catalyst precursor is carried out at least twice (“enhanced sulfiding”) in the improved process to form a slurry catalyst with improved surface area and porosity value. The slurry catalyst under an enhanced sulfiding scheme is characterized as having increased catalytic activities over a slurry catalyst without an enhanced sulfidation step.

Abstract: A process for preparing a slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. The process employs a pressure leach solution obtained from a metal recovery process as part of the metal precursor feed. In one embodiment, the process comprises: sulfiding a pressure leach solution having at least a Group VIB metal precursor compound in solution forming a catalyst precursor, and mixing the sulfided catalyst precursor with a hydrocarbon diluent to form the slurry catalyst. In another embodiment, the pressure leach solution is mixed with a hydrocarbon diluent under high shear mixing conditions to form an emulsion, which emulsion can be sulfided in-situ upon contact with a heavy oil feedstock in the heavy oil upgrade process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a catalyst comprising iron oxide and alumina to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked to produce lighter hydrocarbons. The iron sulfide crystallites have diameters in the nanometer range.

Abstract: An improved process to make a slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. In the process, at least a metal precursor feedstock is portioned and fed in any of the stages: the promotion stage; the sulfidation stage; or the transformation stage of a water-based catalyst precursor to a slurry catalyst. In one embodiment, the promoter metal precursor feedstock is split into portions, the first portion is for the sulfiding step, the second portion is for the promotion step; and optionally the third portion is to be added to the transformation step in the mixing of the sulfided promoted catalyst precursor with a hydrocarbon diluent to form the slurry catalyst. In another embodiment, the Primary metal precursor feedstock is split into portions.

Abstract: A single metal slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. The slurry catalyst is prepared by sulfiding a Primary metal precursor, then mixing the sulfided metal precursor with a hydrocarbon diluent to form the slurry catalyst. The single-metal slurry catalyst has the formula (Mt)a(Sv)d(Cw)e(Hx)f(Oy)g(Nz)h, wherein M is at least one of a non-noble Group VIII metal, a Group VIB metal, a Group IVB metal, and a Group IIB metal; 0.5a<=d<=4a; 0<=e<=11a; 0<=f<=18a; 0<=g<=2a; 0<=h<=3a; t, v, w, x, y, z, each representing total charge for each of: M, S, C, H, O, and N; and ta+vd+we+xf+yg+zh=0. The slurry catalyst has a particle size ranging from 1 to 300 ?m.

Abstract: In a process for forming a bulk hydroprocessing catalyst by sulfiding a catalyst precursor made in a co-precipitation reaction, up to 60% of the metal precursor feeds do not react to form catalyst precursor and end up in the supernatant. In the present disclosure, the metals can be recovered in an electro-coagulation reactor, wherein portion of the metal residuals in the supernatant reacts with the electrodes to form a slurry containing insoluble metal compounds. The insoluble metal compounds are isolated and recovered, forming an effluent stream. The insoluble metal compounds and/or the effluent stream can be further treated to form at least a metal precursor feed which can be used in the co-precipitation reaction.

Abstract: To provide a photocatalyst having high selectivity and carrying out a reductive reaction with light having a longer wavelength. A photocatalyst has a structure in which a semiconductor and a substrate are joined, in which the substrate causes a catalytic reaction by transfer to the substrate of excited electrons, which are generated by applying light to the semiconductor.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing carbon monoxide by a water-gas shift (WGS) reaction and a method for reducing carbon dioxide by a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction, both using a catalyst of the formula xMZLn2O2SOy, in which M, Ln, x, and y are as defined herein. Also disclosed are novel compositions for use as catalysts for both the WGS and RWGS reactions.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a solid material comprised of a first metal/metalloid comprised of a metal or metalloid selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ag, Co, Mn, Zr, Zn, Sn, Re, Rh, Ru, Pd, Ir, Pt, B, Al, Ce, La, Pb, Cd, Sb, Ge, Ga, In, Bi, and Au; and a second metal selected from molybdenum, tungsten, or vanadium, where the first metal/metalloid and the second metal form a bimetallic tetrathiometallate or a bimetallic tetraselenometallate with sulfur or with selenium. The solid material is comprised of particles and has a particle size distribution, where the mean particle size of the particle size distribution is from about 50 nm to about 5 ?m.

Abstract: Provided are improved regenerable SOx trap formulations for on-board vehicle applications. The regenerable sulfur trap formulations reduce the rate of sulfur poisoning of a downstream nitrogen storage reduction (NSR) catalyst trap in exhaust gas cleaning systems for combustion engines by adsorbing SOx as metal sulfate under lean exhaust conditions and desorbing the accumulated SOx under rich exhaust conditions. The regenerable sulfur oxides trap catalyst compositions include a metal (M) oxide, wherein M is selected from Cu, Fe, Mn, Ag, Co and combinations thereof and a metal (M)-La—Zr oxide, wherein M is selected from Cu, Fe, Mn, Ag, Co and combinations thereof. In addition, provided are improved exhaust gas cleaning systems and methods for treating exhaust gas from a combustion source that include a hydrogen generation system, a regenerable sulfur oxides trap, and a regenerable nitrogen storage reduction (NSR) catalyst trap.

Abstract: Catalysts for metathesis reactions, in particular for the metathesis of nitrile rubber, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pre-passivation process for a continuous reforming apparatus prior to the reaction, or a passivation process for a continuous reforming apparatus during the initial reaction, comprising loading a reforming catalyst into the continuous reforming apparatus, starting the gas circulation and raising the temperature of a reactor, injecting sulfide into the gas at a reactor temperature ranging from 100-650° C., controlling the sulfur amount in the recycle gas within a range of 0.5-100×10?6 L/L so as to passivate the apparatus.

Abstract: A method to obtain a catalyst of transition metals supported on a carbonaceous material, via impregnation, with a solution of metal-thiourea complex, obtained from precursor salts. The formation of the sulfur on the surface of the support occurs through the thermal decomposition of the complex. The obtained catalysts are applicable toward the direct liquefaction of coal.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon oil-impregnated composition that comprises a support material having incorporated therein a metal component and impregnated with a hydrocarbon oil. The hydrocarbon oil-impregnated composition is useful in the hydrotreating of hydrocarbon feedstocks, and it is especially useful in applications involving delayed feed introduction whereby the hydrocarbon oil-impregnated composition is first treated with hot hydrogen, and, optionally, a sulfur compound, prior to contacting it with a hydrocarbon feedstock under hydrodesulfurization process conditions.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing bulk catalyst is provided. A process to prepare hydroprocessing bulk catalysts is also provided. The hydroprocessing catalyst has the formula (Rp)i(Mt)a(Lu)b(Sv)d(Cw)e(Hx)f(Oy)g(Nz)h, wherein M is at least at least a “d” block element metal; L is also at least a “d” block element metal, but different from M; t, u, v, w, x, y, z representing the total charge for each of the components (M, L, S, C, H, O and N, respectively); R is optional and in one embodiment, R is a lanthanoid element metal; 0<=i<=1; pi+ta+ub+vd+we+xf+yg+zh=0; 0<b; 0<b/a=<5; 0.5(a+b)<=d<=5(a+b); 0<e<=11(a+b); 0<f<=7(a+b); 0<g<=5(a+b); 0<h<=2(a+b). The catalyst has an X-ray powder diffraction pattern with at least three diffractions peak located at 2-? angles of greater than 25°.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing bulk catalyst is provided. A process to prepare hydroprocessing bulk catalysts is also provided. The hydroprocessing catalyst has the formula (Rp)i(Mt)a(Lu)b(Sv)d(Cw)e(Hx)f(Oy)g(Nz)h, wherein M is at least at least a “d” block element metal; L is also at least a “d” block element metal, but different from M; t, u, v, w, x, y, z representing the total charge for each of the components (M, L, S, C, H, O and N, respectively); R is optional and in one embodiment, R is a lanthanoid element metal; 0<=i<=1; pi+ta+ub+vd+we+xf+yg+zh=0; 0<b; 0<b/a=<5; 0.5(a+b)<=d<=5(a+b); 0<e<=11(a+b); 0<f<=7(a+b); 0<g<=5(a+b); 0<h<=2(a+b). The catalyst has an X-ray powder diffraction pattern with at least three diffractions peak located at 2-? angles of greater than 25°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amorphous transition metal sulphides as electrocatalysts for hydrogen production from water or aqueous solutions and use thereof in electrodes and electrolysers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the chemical conversion of syngas to alcohols. The invention includes catalyst compositions, methods of making the catalyst compositions, and methods of using the catalyst compositions. Certain embodiments teach compositions for catalyzing the conversion of syngas into products comprising at least one C1-C4 alcohol, such as ethanol. These compositions generally include cobalt, molybdenum, and sulfur. Preferred catalyst compositions for converting syngas into alcohols include cobalt associated with sulfide in certain preferred stoichiometries as described and taught herein.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing bulk catalyst is provided. A process to prepare hydroprocessing bulk catalysts is also provided. The hydroprocessing catalyst has the formula (Rp)i(Mt)a(Lu)b(Sv)d(Cw)e(Hx)f(Oy)g(Nz)h, wherein M is at least at least a “d” block element metal; L is also at least a “d” block element metal, but different from M; t, u, v, w, x, y, z representing the total charge for each of the components (M, L, S, C, H, O and N, respectively); R is optional and in one embodiment, R is a lanthanoid element metal; 0<=i<=1; pi+ta+ub+vd+we+xf+yg+zh=0; 0<b; 0<b/a=<5; 0.5(a+b)<=d<=5(a+b); 0 <e<=11(a+b); 0<f<=7(a+b); 0<g<=5(a+b); 0<h<=2(a+b). The catalyst has an X-ray powder diffraction pattern with at least three diffractions peak located at 2-? angles of greater than 25°.

Abstract: A method of producing a catalyst for oxygen reduction and a gas diffusion electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock, the system employs a plurality of contacting zones and separation zones and an interstage solvent deasphalting unit. The contacting zones operate under hydrocracking conditions, employing a slurry catalyst for upgrading the heavy oil feedstock, forming upgraded products of lower boiling hydrocarbons. In the separation zones which operates at a temperature within 20° F. and a pressure within 10 psi of the pressure in the contacting zones, upgraded products are removed overhead and optionally, further treated in an in-line hydrotreater. At least a portion of the non-volatile fractions recovered from at least one of the separation zones is sent to the interstage solvent deasphalting unit, for separating unconverted heavy oil feedstock into deasphalted oil and asphaltenes. The deasphalted oil stream is sent to one of the contacting zones for further upgrade.

Abstract: There is provided an oxygen storage/release material using a rare earth oxysulfate or oxysulfide, which has a high oxygen storage/release capacity even at lower temperatures. The oxygen storage/release material of the present invention comprises a compound consisting of Pr2O2SO4 and/or Pr2O2S and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Rh and Fe supported thereon.

Abstract: A catalyst precursor composition and methods for making such catalyst precursor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catalyst precursor is of the general formula Av[(MP)(OH)x(L)ny]z(MVIBO4), wherein MP is selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA and combinations thereof; L is one or more oxygen-containing ligands, and L has a neutral or negative charge n<=0, MVIB is at least a Group VIB metal having an oxidation state of +6; MP:MVIB has an atomic ratio between 100:1 and 1:100; v?2+P*z?x*z+n*y*z=0; and 0?y??P/n; 0?x?P; 0?v?2; 0?z. In one embodiment, the catalyst precursor further comprises a cellulose-containing material. In another embodiment, the catalyst precursor further comprises at least a diluent (binder). In one embodiment, the diluent is a magnesium aluminosilicate clay.

Abstract: A sulfidable catalyst containing at least one metal or metal oxide is sulfided under aqueous conditions.

Abstract: The invention herein provides methods of activating a catalyst composition. These methods include annealing a catalyst with an inert gas, under effective conditions, and then contacting the annealed catalyst with syngas to produce an activated catalyst. These steps can also be reversed. The activated catalysts can be employed to convert syngas into products, such as alcohols, with improved selectivities and yields.