Abstract: The present invention improves a ceramic carrier capable of directly supporting a catalyst component and provides a ceramic carrier and a ceramic catalyst body which have high catalyst performance and practical value.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from a fluid stream by contacting a hydrogen sulfide-containing stream with a sorbent composition wherein said sorbent composition is produced by mixing at least one zinc component which is zinc oxide or a compound convertible to zinc oxide, at least one silica component where the silica component comprises silica or a compound convertible to silica, at least one colloidal metal oxide, and optionally at least one pore generator component so as to form a mixture, extruding the mixture, sphering the resulting extrudate to form spherical particles having a size of form about 0.5 to about 15 millimeters drying the resulting spherical particles, calcining the dried particles, steaming the resulting calcined particles, sulfiding the steamed particles by contacting them with sulfides or sulfur at a temperature of about 200° C. to 1400° C.

Abstract: A catalyst for purification of exhaust gas includes a carrier, and a catalyst layer containing an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal as an NOx-adsorbing component, the catalyst layer being loaded on the carrier, in which catalyst the carrier-composing material contains Si in an amount of 0.5 to 10.0% by weight as expressed as an oxide. Since the inclusion of Si can suppress the deterioration of the carrier caused by the alkali metal and/or the alkaline earth metal during the use of the catalyst, the catalyst can be used over a long period.

Abstract: Provided are a catalyst and a method for hydrogenation of hydrocarbon oil containing aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins, which minimize the hydrocracking of the oil being hydrogenated. Preferably, the catalyst comprises, as the active metal, at least one selected from noble metals of Group VIII of the Periodic Table, in which the active metal is carried by a substantially amorphous metal oxides carrier consisting essentially of silicon and magnesium. The carrier has a BET specific surface area falling between 50 m2/g and 800 m2/g. In the carrier, the atomic ratio of Mg/Si falls between 0.25 and 2.0, the active metal selected from noble metals of Group VIII of the Periodic Table is platinum or palladium, or a mixture of platinum and palladium in an atomic ratio Pt/Pd falling between 0.05 and 2.0. In the hydrogenation method, hydrocarbon oil to be processed is contacted with hydrogen and the catalyst at a reaction temperature falling between 150 and 450° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a preparation process of a catalyst which comprises a noble metal and a metal as catalysis promoter in combination with an alkali or alkaline earth metal compound, supported on the outer surface of a carrier. The preparation process comprises impregnating the carrier with a solution containing an oxidative state noble metal as the main catalyst and an oxidative state metal as catalysis promoter, reducing the oxidative state metals into the metallic state in gaseous phase with a gaseous reducing agent under certain temperature, pressure, moisture and gas concentration, then impregnating the reduced carrier with a solution of an alkali or alkaline earth metal compound. The metal components-supporting catalyst prepared by the process according to the present invention has a high surface area and exhibits high catalytic activity, which leads to increase the catalytic efficiency and life of this heterogeneous catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas includes amorphous and homogeneous composite oxide particles, a catalytic noble metal element, and metallic oxide particles. The metallic oxide particles interpose among the composite oxide particles to connect them with each other at least. The catalyst has good heat resistance, sulfur-poisoning resistance, and durability. The catalyst is produced as follows. A slurry is prepared by mixing an organosol with a suspension, or by mixing a solution with a suspension. The slurry is deposited on a support substrate to form a coating layer thereon. The suspension includes a precursor powder, and a solvent. The precursor powder includes the composite oxide particles, and the catalytic noble metal element. The composite oxide particles include a support component, and an NOx storage element. The solvent is free from elution of the NOx storage element. The organosol includes an organic solvent, and an oxide sol.

Abstract: A process for preparing aliphatic alpha,omega-amino nitrites by partial hydrogenation of aliphatic alpha,omega-dinitriles in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst used for the partial hydrogenation comprises (a) iron or a compound based on iron or mixtures thereof and (b) from 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on (a), of a promoter based on 2,3,4 or 5 elements selected from the group consisting of aluminum, silicon, zirconium, titanium and vanadium and (c) from 0 to 5% by weight, based on (a), of a compound based on an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a catalyst comprising a porous support and a catalytically active metal deposited thereon comprising the steps of treating the porous support with a solution of a salt of the catalytically active metal and a reducing agent to achieve electroless deposition of the catalytically active metal on the support. The invention also relates to a catalyst obtainable by the method and a process of producing hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are certain catalysts and catalyst support materials and processes for the preparation of the catalyst support materials and for the selective hydrogenation of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EpB) to 1,2-epoxy-butane (butylene oxide—BO). The catalyst support materials have micropores filled with one or more inorganic oxides and the supported catalysts comprise one or more Group VIII metals deposited on the support materials. The rhodium-containing supported catalysts are especially useful for the selective hydrogenation of EpB to BO.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amorphous microporous mixed oxides, characterized by having, in dried form, a narrow pore size distribution (half width <.+-.10% of the pore diameter) of micropores with diameters in the range of <3 nm and a total surface area of between 20 and 1000 m.sup.2 /g, containing a fraction of from 0.1 to 20% by weight of non-hydrolyzable organic groups, and to a process for the preparation of such oxides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methanol reforming catalyst having the following general formula on a dry basis:X.sub.a Y.sub.b Z.sub.c O.sub.d, whereinX is a metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, cadmium, mercury, rubidium, cesium, silver, and combinations thereof, Y is a metal selected from the group consisting of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and combinations thereof, Z is a material selected from the group consisting of boron, silicon, aluminum, silicoaluminate, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, gallium, lanthanum, scandium, and yttrium, and combinations thereof, and O is the element of oxygen. The claimed methanol reforming catalyst contains neither copper oxide nor chromium oxide.

Abstract: A transition metal containing catalyst having a silica-support is provided for the production of polyolefins from .alpha.-olefins that can be converted to polymer films, preferably thin films of polyolefin, which have lower defects resulting from a decreased presence of silica-containing residues from the catalyst. The catalyst has a porous silica support component and a catalytic component which may include, but is not limited to, such materials as chromium, magnesium-titanium (Ziegler-Natta type) or metallocene compounds (Metallocene catalyst type). The porous silica component of the catalyst has an average pore volume of from about 2.5 to about 3.5 ml/g and a surface area of 200 to 400 m.sup.2 /g and preferably 250 to 350 m.sup.2 /g. The average pore diameter ranges from about 285 to about 700 Angstroms and preferably 500-700 Angstroms for porous silica components having surface areas of 200 m.sup.2 /g and preferably 285-400 Angstroms for porous silica components having surface areas of 350 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: A silica-supported catalyst suitable for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene in hydrocarbonaceous streams, comprising from 0.001 to 1% by weight, based on the supported catalyst, of palladium and from 0.005 to 5% by weight, based on the supported catalyst, of at least one promoter metal of groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table, obtainable by impregnating a silica support with a solution comprising at least one promoter metal, drying the impregnated support, impregnating with a palladium-including solution, drying and calcining.

Abstract: A nickel/silica catalyst having a Ni/SiO.sub.2 molar ratio of 10 to 2.5, preferably 6 to 3, contains zinc in an amount of at least 500 ppm (based on the nickel) and maximally in a molar ratio Zn/SiO.sub.2 of 1. Additionally, the catalyst may comprise Mg in a molar ratio Mg/Ni of 0.05-0.15, max. (Mg+Zn)/Sio.sub.2 molar ratio is 1. Also the catalyst may comprise Al in a molar ratio Al/Si of 0.05-0.5. Also methods of preparing the catalyst and its use for hydrogenating oils and fats have been described.

Abstract: Thin film (<100 nm) hydrous metal oxide catalysts are prepared by 1) synthesis of a hydrous metal oxide, 2) deposition of the hydrous metal oxide upon an inert support surface, 3) ion exchange with catalytically active metals, and 4) activating the hydrous metal oxide catalysts.

Abstract: A catalyst member for use in processes for the catalytic combustion of gaseous carbonaceous fuels is made from a stabilized carrier having a plurality of gas flow passages extending therethrough defined by channel walls and a catalyst material disposed on the channel walls, wherein the carrier is stabilized against interaction with the catalyst material. The stabilized carrier may be prepared from a monolith comprising silica, magnesia and alumina that has a coating of alumina on the channel walls and by subjecting the coated monolith to stabilizing conditions. The stabilizing conditions may include exposure to high temperature steam.

Abstract: A catalyst for catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide using at least one reducing agent selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing organic compound is described, which includes an oxide represented by formula (V):A.sup.5.sub.x B.sup.3.sub.3-x C.sup.4.sub.3 O.sub.7 (V)wherein A.sup.5 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd; B.sup.3 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, Pb, Zn, and Ag; C.sup.4 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Co, Fe, Ni, Cr, Cu, V, Mo, W, Ti, Zr, Nb, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Pt; and x is a number of from 0 to 1, supported on a solid acid carrier.

Abstract: Multimetal oxide compositions of the formula I[X.sup.1.sub.a X.sup.2.sub.b O.sub.x ].sub.p [X.sup.3.sub.c X.sup.4.sub.d X.sup.5.sub.e X.sup.6.sub.f X.sup.7.sub.g X.sup.2.sub.h O.sub.y ].sub.q(I)whereX.sup.1 is bismuth, tellurium, antimony, tin and/or copper,X.sup.2 is molybdenum and/or tungsten,X.sup.3 is an alkali metal, thallium and/or samarium,X.sup.4 is an alkaline earth metal, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, tin, cadmium and/or mercury,X.sup.5 is iron, chromium, cerium and/or vanadium,X.sup.6 is phosphorus, arsenic, boron and/or antimony,X.sup.7 is a rare-earth metal, titanium, zirconium, niobium, tantalum, rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, gold, aluminum, gallium, indium, silicon, germanium, lead, thorium and/or uranium,a is from 0.01 to 8,b is from 0.

Abstract: A catalytic system for the production of synthesis gas by reacting light hydrocarbons, preferably methane, with CO.sub.2 is described formed from:one or more compounds of metals of the platinum group, preferably chosen from rhodium, ruthenium and iridium;a support consisting of inorganic compounds chosen from oxides and/or spinels of aluminium, magnesium, zirconium, silicon, cerium and/or lanthanum, possibly in the presence of alkali metals,in which the weight percentage of the metal or metals of the platinum group in the catalytic system is between 0.01 and 20%, and preferably between 0.1 and 5%.

Abstract: An extruded nickel oxide on refractory oxide hydrogenation catalyst, having, in its reduced state, a nickel surface area greater than 30 m.sup.2 /gm of reduced nickel in the catalyst and 15 to about 65 volume percent of pores having diameters of about 300 to about 1000 angstroms, is highly active for the hydrogenation of aromatics in heavy hydrocarbon streams and is relatively resistant to sulfur poisoning.

Abstract: A catalyst composition suitable for three-way conversion of internal combustion engine, e.g., automobile gasoline engine, exhaust gases includes a catalytic material disposed in on a carrier. The catalytic material contains a co-formed (e.g., co-precipitated) rare earth oxide-zirconia support on which a first rhodium catalytic component is dispersed, and an alumina support having a platinum catalytic component dispersed thereon. The catalytic material may also include a second rhodium catalytic component dispersed on the alumina support bearing the platinum or a second alumina support. The catalytic material may be disposed as a catalytic coating directly on the carrier or upon an optional undercoat which is disposed on the carrier and which includes alumina and optionally, ceria and/or, iron oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rare earth complex oxide combustion catalysts wherein perovskite-type rare earth complex oxide active components are carried on a support using mullite as the main phase. The present invention relates also to a process for preparing a rare earth complex oxide combustion catalyst which comprises impregnating the support with the solution of the metallic ions prepared by the ABO.sub.3 stoichiometry and then drying and calcining it. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the said catalyst as a combustion catalyst for CO in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process of petroleum refining.

Abstract: A supplementary catalyst for long term maintaining the activity of the fluidized bed catalysts for ammoxidation of propylene to produce acrylonitrile. Particularly, the present invention provides a supplementary catalyst for compensating for the loss of the fluidized bed catalyst caused by the volatilization of molybdenum and loss of fine particles during operation. By adopting the supplementary catalyst, the life-time of the fluidized bed catalysts for ammoxidation of propylene to produce acrylonitrile in fluidized bed reactors can be increased from 1-1.5 years to 4 or more than 4 years.

Abstract: Supported catalysts containing nickel, magnesium oxide and, if desired, further additives, which contain reduced Mg and Ni in a molar ratio of (0.0075 to 0.075):1. The catalyst also have an active nickel metal surface area of 110 to 180 m.sup.2 /g of Ni, and a BET total surface area of 160 to 450 m.sup.2 /g. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of the catalysts and to their use as catalysts for the hydrogenation of aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention provides a nickel/silica catalyst optionally also containing cations of a lower Group II metal (X), which catalyst satisfies the following combination of features:1) a molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Ni=0.15=0.352) a molar ratio of X/Ni=0-0.153) an active nickel surface area above 120m.sup.2 /g4) a BET surface area of which at least 60% is found with pores with a radius below 1.5 nm.Preferably the catalyst has an atomic X/Ni ratio between 0.5-0.10 and a BET surface area of which at least 60% is found in pores having a pore radius of below 1.4 nm. The group II metal X is preferably magnesium or barium.

Abstract: The invention provides a nickel/silica catalyst optionally also containing cations of a lower Group II metal (X), which catalyst satisfies the following combination of features:1) a molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Ni=0.15-0.352) a molar ratio of X/Ni=0-0.153) an active nickel surface area above 120 m .sup.2 /g4) a BET surface area of which at least 40% is found with pores with a radius above 2.5 nm. Preferably the catalyst has an atomic X/Ni ratio between 0.05-0.10 and a BET surface area of which at least 45% is found in pores having a pore radius of above 2.5 nm. The group II metal X is preferably magnesium or barium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst for reforming gasoline boiling range naphthas which catalysts are comprised of Pt and Re on alumina and a modifier comprised of at least 100 to 500 wppm Si and 10 wppm of one or more alkaline earth metals selected from Ca, Mg, Ba, and Sr wherein the total amount of modifier does not exceed about 5000 wppm.

Abstract: A catalyst in the form of a honeycomb structured cordierite carrier having platinum supported in a loading weight of at least 0.20 mg per square centimeter of the apparent outer surface area of the catalyst is effective in a process for oxidizing CO in exhaust gas from a sintering furance wherein it maintains high CO oxidiation efficiency for a longer period of time, requiring less frequently regeneration and less power consumption.

Abstract: A reforming catalyst comprised of 0.01 to 5 wt. % Pt, alumina, and a modifier comprised of about 100 to 500 wppm Si and at least 10 wppm of one or more alkaline-earth metal selected from Ca, Mg, Ba, and Sr wherein the total amount of modifier does not exceed about 5,000 wppm.

Abstract: A catalyst for reforming gasoline boiling range naphthas which catalysts are comprised of Pt and Sn on alumina and a modifier comprised of about 100 to 500 wppm Si and at least 10 wppm of one or more alkaline earth metals selected from Ca, Mg, Ba, and Sr wherein the total amount of modifier does not exceed about 5000 wppm.

Abstract: A process for preparing compound metal oxides, superconductive compound oxides, is disclosed. The process comprises preparing an aqueous solution containing a predetermined content ratio of chloride, nitrate or acetate of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper, said content ration corresponding to the composition of the object compound metal oxide, adjusting the pH of the solution to 1.5-2.0, adding oxalic acid in an amount such that the concentration of the residual oxalic acid becomes 0.05 M/l-0.1 M/l, collecting the thus formed precipitate and firing it.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing powder of complex perovskite type compounds by using metal alkoxides. In the prior art, methods were known for synthesizing crystalline powder of simple perovskite type compounds such as BaTiO.sub.3. According to the conventional methods, however, when synthesizing a complex perovskite type compound having two atoms of different valences at the B site of perovskite structure by hydrolyzing metal alkoxides, there could be obtained only amorphous powder, and for crystallizing it, heating to a temperature of around 600.degree. to 800.degree. C. was necessary.According to the process of this invention, it is possible to synthesize the crystalline complex perovskite type compounds at a low temperature of around 100.degree. C., which is 500.degree. to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: Amorphous metal/magnesium silicates of the general formulaM.sub.x Mg.sub.y (SiO.sub.2).nH.sub.2 O.where M is a divalent, reducible metal atom from the group consisting of Cu, FeII, Co and Ni, x and y are numbers which together can add up to a value of 1.5 and n after drying, expressed in % by weight, ranges from 0 to 80 are prepared by subjecting a freshly precipitated magnesium silicate to an ion exchange, washing the product and then neutralizing it with an alkali and are used in catalytic reactions after the reducible metal in the metal/magnesium silicates has been converted into the metallic state with a reducing gas.

Abstract: A catalyst, and a method for producing the catalyst, and a method for purifying exhaust gases which is very efficient in its use of rhodium has a layered catalytic structure on a refractory substrate, the inner layer containing ceria and platinum, the outer layer containing zirconia and rhodium.

Abstract: A catalytic structure for cleaning exhaust gas from automobiles, etc., is provided. The catalytic structure comprises a ceramic carrier having a three-dimensional network skeleton forming the intercommunicating voids therein and a catalyst-carried activated alumina layer formed on the surface of the three-dimensional network skeleton. This catalytic structure is produced by contacting a ceramic carrier with a catalyst-containing solution and drying the carrier by evaporating the solvent in the solution so that the catalyst will be carried at a higher density in the activated alumina layer on the side of the skeleton surface against which side the incoming exhaust gas does not impinge, than on the side against which the exhaust gas impinges.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprises a carrier having a refractory metal oxide support coating thereon and a catalytic platinum group metal dispersed on the support coating. A major portion of the support coating is comprised of a conventional, first metal oxide such as stabilized gamma alumina and a minor portion is provided by a macroporous, second metal oxide such as cordierite. The second metal oxide is conveniently provided by comminuting finished catalyst production scrap. In the method of the invention particles of the first metal oxide are combined with particles of the second metal oxide to form the coating.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning catalyst composed of a refractory three-dimensional structure and a catalytically active substance supported thereon. That surface or part of the catalyst which makes contact with an exhaust gas is formed of numerous irregularly arranged protrusions composed of a refractory inorganic powder having a particle diameter of 5 to 300 micrometers or a mixture of it with refractory inorganic fibers and the catalytically active substance supported on the protrusions.

Abstract: A method for producing a catalyst for use in the hydrotreatment, hydrodemetallization and hydrocracking of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks containing high metal levels of vanadium, nickel and sulfur comprises the steps of preparing a carrier from a naturally occurring material consisting essentially of magnesium silicate having a sheet-type structure, iron and nickel wherein the carrier is prepared directly from the above naturally occurring material or, in the alternative, it can be prepared from the naturally occurring material in combination with a catalyst component. In the event the carrier for the catalyst is prepared from the above naturally occurring material without the addition of the catalyst component, the carrier can be impregnated with the catalyst component. The resultant catalyst is particularly useful in the treatment of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: A catalyst composite having gold or a mixture of gold with a catalytic metal oxide deposited on a carrier is produced by immersing a carrier in an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble salt of gold or water-soluble salts respectively of gold and other catalytic metal and urea and/or acetamide thereby allowing a precipitate to be deposited on the carrier and then firing the carrier holding the deposited precipitate thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for the conversion of gases and higher hydrocarbons, which comprises with an active metal coating containing lanthanum and cobalt as active metal components on a porous oxidic support substance, wherein the coating is formed by impregnating the support substance with a solution of thermally easily decomposable lanthanum and cobalt salts and subsequently baking, whereby the metal coating contains 1 part cobalt and 1-3 parts, preferably 2 parts, lanthanum, as well as 2 to 20 weight percent of cerium based on the sum of these materials.

Abstract: Single phase, unsupported, Group IA or IIA metal salt promoted manganese-containing iron spinel catalysts, having Fe:Mn atomic ratios of 2:1 and above, have been found to be highly active for the selective conversion of CO/H.sub.2 to alpha olefins.

Abstract: Molded catalyst materials contain metallic cobalt and/or nickel particles and a lubricant, the said particles being obtained by reduction of cobalt oxide and/or nickel oxide particles containing less than 0.1% by weight of alkali metal oxides and/or alkaline earth metal oxides at .ltoreq.500.degree. C., and the molded catalyst material having an indentation hardness greater than 300 kp/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A catalyst process is disclosed for the reduction of the ignition temperature of Diesel soot filtered out of the exhaust gas of Diesel engines by passing the exhaust gas over a catalytically active substance, which is selected from lithium oxide, copper chloride, vanadium oxide/alkali metal oxide combinations, a vanadate of an alkali metal or of cerium, or a silver or alkali metal perrhenate, preferably of sodium or silver, or mixtures of these substances.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for use in the production of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas comprises the essential metals(a) at least one of iron, cobalt, nickel and ruthenium, and(b) at least one of lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesiumsupported on silicate, as described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,724, the metals [(a)+(b)] being present on the silicalite support in an amount in the range from 0.5 to 15% by weight. The catalyst composition may be modified by addition of the hydrogen form of a crystalline zeolite having the composition expressed as mole ratios of oxides:0.9.+-.0.2 M.sub.2 /.sub.n O:W.sub.2 O.sub.3 :20 to 50 YO.sub.2 :zH.sub.2 Owherein M is at least one cation, n is the valence thereof, W is aluminum and/or gallium, Y is silicon and/or germanium and z has a value of 0 to 40, said zeolite being characterized by an XRD pattern which is substantially that of an MFI-type zeolite.

Abstract: The invention involves the synergistic effect of the specific catalytic constituents on a specific series of carriers for the methanation of carbon monoxide in the presence of sulfur at relatively high temperatures and at low steam to gas ratios in the range of 0.2:1 or less. This effect was obtained with catalysts comprising the mixed sulfides and oxides of nickel and chromium supported on carriers comprising magnesium aluminate and magnesium silicate. Conversion of carbon monoxide to methane was in the range of from 40 to 80%. Tests of this combination of metal oxides and sulfides on other carriers and tests of other metal oxides and sulfides on the same carrier produced a much lower level of conversion.

Abstract: Iron-cobalt spinels which contain low levels of cobalt, in an iron/cobalt atomic ratio of 7:1 to 35:1, are converted to Fischer-Tropsch catalysts upon reduction and carbiding that exhibit high activity and selectivity to C.sub.2 --C.sub.6 olefins and low CH.sub.4 production.

Abstract: A monolithic catalyst, for the purification of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, comprising: an inert carrier; a film of alumina and rare earth oxides coated onto the surface of said inert carrier, wherein Ce and La are present in said film at an atomic ratio of Ce/La of 0.05-0.3 and the total content of rare earth oxides in said film is 2-50 wt. %, measured as R.sub.2 O.sub.3, wherein R is an element of the lanthanide series of the Periodic Table; and said film carries a catalyst component containing at least one element of the platinum family.

Abstract: A catalyst containing tungsten, iridium, and an alkali or alkaline earth component, preferably potassium, on a support, preferably silica gel, is disclosed which is useful in reverse disproportionation of stilbene and ethylene to produce styrene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst and process for making same wherein sepiolite is ion exchanged with a Group Ib, IIb, IIIb, IVb, Vb, or VIIa metal, impregnated with VIa metal and exchanged with a magnesium salt with intervening processing steps of calcining. The catalyst composition is useful in removing metals and hydroprocessing of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The catalyst can also be mixed with a high silica/alumina ratio zeolite such as sodium ZSM-5 zeolite.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in the conversion of heavy hydrocarbons to light ones, the catalyst being prepared from a naturally occurring material characterized by an elemental composition comprising aluminum, iron, silicon, magnesium and titanium by the thermal and chemical treatment of the naturally occurring material with steam/H.sub.2 +H.sub.2 S so as to change the physical properties and surface chemical properties of the starting material.