Abstract: According to one embodiment, described herein is an exhaust gas after-treatment system that is coupleable in exhaust gas stream receiving communication with an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas after-treatment system includes a low temperature SCR catalyst configured to reduce NOx in exhaust gas having a temperature below a temperature threshold. The system also includes a normal-to-high temperature SCR catalyst configured to reduce NOx in exhaust gas having a temperature above the temperature threshold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solid divided composition comprising grains whose mean size is greater than 25 ?m and less than 2.5 mm, wherein each grain is provided with a solid porous core and a homogeneous continuous metal layer consisting of at least one type of transition non-oxidised metal and extending along a gangue coating the core in such a way that pores are inaccessible. A method for the production of said composition and for the use thereof in the form of a solid catalyst is also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanostructured catalysts and related methods are described. The nanostructured catalysts have a hierarchical structure that facilitates modification of the catalysts for use in particular reactions. Methods for generating hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing molecular species using a nanostructured catalyst are described. The hydrogen gas may be collected and stored, or the hydrogen gas may be collected and consumed for the generation of energy. Thus, the methods may be used as part of the operation of an energy-consuming device or system, e.g., an engine or a fuel cell. Methods for storing hydrogen by using a nanostructured catalyst to react a dehydrogenated molecular species with hydrogen gas to form a hydrogen-containing molecular species are also described.

Abstract: A carbon-based foam composite including a carbon-based foam and a solid state hydrogen storage material, methods for making the carbon-based foam composite, and methods for using the carbon-based foam composite. Representative carbon-based foams include cryogels, aerogels, and xerogels. Representative solid state hydrogen storage materials include metal hydrides and chemical hydrides.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided comprising nickel in a reduced valence state on a carrier comprising zinc oxide and alumina, wherein the Zn:Ni atomic ratio is at least 12, and the catalyst particles are prepared by: mixing zinc oxide in the form of a powder and alumina or an alumina precursor in the form of a powder; peptizing the powder mixture and forming an extrudable dough by adding acid and water to the powder mixture in such amounts that the dough contains 0.8-1.2 moles acid equivalents per kg powder; extruding the extrudable dough to form extrudates; drying and calcining the extrudates; impregnating the extrudates with an aqueous solution of a nickel compound; drying, calcining and reducing the impregnated extrudates. Further provided is a process for desulphurization of a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock using such catalyst.

Abstract: A composition for catalyzing the auto-thermal reformation of ethanol, including a porous refractory substrate with a nickel-iron-aluminum oxide material at least partially filling the pores. The substrate is typically an alumina-based ceramic, such as gamma alumina or mullite. The catalyst composition is typically produced by identifying a refractory substrate having a relatively high surface area, such as through the existence of a pore network, infiltrating the refractory substrate with iron oxide and nickel oxide precursors, and combining the iron oxide and nickel oxide precursors with aluminum oxide to form a hybrid nickel-iron-aluminum oxide material at least partially coating the refractory substrate.

Abstract: A surface of a substrate comprising microcavities leading out of the substrate is placed in contact with an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of suspended particles and a fabric. Perpendicular pressure is applied the expanse of the substrate between the fabric and the surface of the substrate, and relative movement of the fabric and the surface is applied to the expanse of the substrate. At least one particle is thus fed into each microcavity, therein forming a porous material that is a catalyst material for nanothread or nanotube growth.

Abstract: A method includes a providing a molten glass fiber core and disposing a plurality of nanoparticles that include a transition metal oxide on the molten glass fiber core at or above the softening temperature of the glass fiber core, thereby forming a nanoparticle-laden glass fiber. The plurality of nanoparticles are embedded at the surface of said glass fiber core. A method includes providing a mixture of molten glass and a plurality of nanoparticles. The plurality of nanoparticles include a transition metal. The method further includes forming nanoparticle-laden glass fibers, in which the plurality of nanoparticles are embedded throughout the glass fibers.

Abstract: Novel nickel and/or cobalt plated sponge based catalysts are disclosed. The catalyst have an activity and/or selectivity comparable to conventional nickel and/or cobalt sponge catalysts, e.g., Raney® nickel or Raney® cobalt catalysts, but require a reduced content of nickel and/or cobalt. Catalysts in accordance with the invention comprise nickel and/or cobalt coated on at least a portion of the surface of a sponge support. Preferably, the sponge support comprises at least one metal other than or different from the metal(s) contained in the coating. The method of preparing the plated catalysts, and the method of using the catalysts in the preparation of organic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder and a method of manufacturing a sheet film to be inserted into a high-pressure hydrogen tank for a fuel cell vehicle by mixing the Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder with a binder and compressing the mixture. The method of manufacturing Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder includes: forming Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder using Ni-doped TiO2 powder as a starting material; and drying the Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder in the temperature range of 60 to 200° C. for 2 to 24 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a catalyst material which are suitable for use as a reforming catalyst in a fuel cell and are less susceptible to catalyst poisoning by alkali metals. The invention also relates to a catalyst suspension for the preparation of the catalyst composition and the catalyst material, plus a process for the preparation of the catalyst suspension and the catalyst composition. The invention is also directed towards the use of the catalyst composition or the catalyst material in a fuel cell.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a urea-resistant catalytic unit is provided. In at least one embodiment, the catalytic unit includes a catalyst having a catalyst surface, and a urea-resistant coating in contact with at least a portion of the catalyst surface, wherein the urea-resistant coating effectively reduces urea-induced deactivation of the catalyst. In at least another embodiment, the urea-resistant coating includes at least one oxide from the group consisting of titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, zirconium oxide, molybdenum oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, sulfur oxide, niobium oxide, molybdenum oxide, yttrium oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a catalyst for the conversion of CO and/or hydrocarbons in an exhaust stream including a Sn compound selected from the group consisting of a binary composition comprising Sn and Ti, a ternary composition comprising Sn, Ti and Zr, and mixtures of any thereof. In those embodiments, the binary composition may include Sn(X)Ti(y)O2, wherein x+y=1, 0.85>y>0. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the Sn compound includes a ternary composition including Sn(a)Ti(b)Zr(c)O2, wherein a is 0.25, b is 0.25 and c is 0.5. Certain embodiments of this disclosure include a method for the conversion of CO in an exhaust stream, including contacting an exhaust stream containing CO with the catalyst described above containing a Sn compound. In other embodiments, the exhaust stream includes hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for the production of a composition comprising a metal containing compound, a silica containing material, a promoter, and alumina is disclosed. The composition can then be utilized in a process for the removal of sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising a preferably oxidic, core material, a shell of zinc oxide around said core material, and a catalytically active material in or on the shell, based on one or more of the metals cobalt, iron, ruthenium and/or nickel, preferably a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, to the preparation of such a catalyst and the use thereof in GTL processes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to nanostructured carbon supported catalysts, methods of making nanostructured carbon supported catalysts, and methods of using nanostructured carbon supported catalysts.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for depositing one or more metal or metal alloy films on substrates. The compositions contain a catalyst, one or more carrier particles and one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible organic compounds. Metal or metal alloys may be deposited on the substrates by electroless or electrolytic deposition.

Abstract: A useful partial oxidation catalyst element includes a catalyst component, a support component, and a substrate. The catalyst component is formed by combining a catalytically active metal with a first support material to form a mixture and calcining the mixture. The support component is formed by calcining a second support material, not containing the active metal. The first and second support materials include particles having an average particle diameter of less than 20 microns. A catalyst material is formed by combining the catalyst component and the support component, wherein the catalyst material contains less than 20% of the catalyst component by weight. The catalyst material is applied to a substrate configured for gas flow therethrough, thereby formulating the partial oxidation catalyst element. The partial oxidation catalyst element is especially useful for fuel reforming and fuel cell applications.

Abstract: The present invention is related to single and/or multiple-wall carbon nanotubes which may contain interstitial metals obtainable by a preparation process, comprising a catalytic step using a catalytic system, said catalytic system comprising a catalyst and a support, said support comprising hydroxides and/or carbonates or mixtures thereof with or without metal oxides. The present invention is also related to carbon fibers obtainable by said preparation process. The present invention also pertains in particular to said catalytic system and to said preparation process. Another aspect concerns the use of the nanotubes and of the catalytic system according to the invention.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst, a method of preparing the same, and a fuel processor including the same includes the hydrocarbon reforming catalyst having an active catalyst component impregnated in a oxide carrier and a thermally conductive material having higher thermal conductivity than that of the oxide carrier, the method of preparing the same, and a fuel processor including the same. The hydrocarbon reforming catalyst has excellent catalytic activity and thermal conductivity, and thus can easily transfer heat required in a hydrocarbon reforming reaction. Accordingly, by using the hydrocarbon reforming catalyst above, a high hydrogen production rate can be obtained.

Abstract: A porous catalyst structure with a high specific surface area comprising a porous substrate with a catalyst layer thereon is provided. The porous catalyst structure can be prepared by a process comprising depositing a metallic layer onto the surface of a porous, metallic substrate by electroplating, and optionally oxidizing the metallic layer into the metal oxide layer. Any conductive porous metallic substrate can be used as the substrate of the subject invention, and the metallic layer may comprise any suitable metal(s) and/or metal oxide(s) with desired catalytic function(s).

Abstract: A method for adsorbing a catalyst, including: a step of applying, to a substrate, a photocurable composition which contains a compound having a polymerizable group and a group that is interactive with a plating catalyst or a precursor thereof, and that, when photo-cured, forms a surface-hydrophobic cured material satisfying the following Requirements 1 and 2; a step of curing the curable composition by pattern-wise exposure, a step of removing uncured materials by development; and a step of bringing an aqueous plating catalyst solution containing a plating catalyst or a precursor thereof and an organic solvent into contact with the substrate, wherein when a palladium-containing test liquid is brought into contact with the substrate having the patterned surface-hydrophobic cured material layer formed thereon, A mg/m2 and B mg/m2, which respectively refer to a palladium adsorption in an area having the surface-hydrophobic cured material layer formed thereon and a palladium adsorption in an area not having the s

Abstract: Described is a catalyst and process useful in the hydrodesulfurization of a distillate feedstock to manufacture a low-sulfur distillate product. The catalyst comprises a calcined mixture of inorganic oxide material, a high concentration of a molybdenum component, and a high concentration of a Group VIII metal component. The mixture that is calcined to form the calcined mixture comprises molybdenum trioxide, a Group VIII metal compound, and an inorganic oxide material. The catalyst is made by mixing the aforementioned starting materials and forming therefrom an agglomerate that is calcined to yield the calcined mixture that may be used as the catalyst or catalyst precursor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalysts for the production of hydrogen using the water gas shift reaction and the carbon dioxide reforming of hydrocarbon-containing fuels. The catalysts nickel and/or copper on a ceria/zirconia support, where the support is prepared using a surfactant templating method. The invention also includes processes for producing hydrogen, reactors and hydrogen production systems utilizing these catalysts.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for depositing one or more metal or metal alloy films on substrates. The compositions contain a catalyst, one or more carrier particles and one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible organic compounds. Metal or metal alloys may be deposited on the substrates by electroless or electrolytic deposition.

Abstract: Processes for preparing an amine, which processes comprise: reacting a reactant selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and mixtures thereof, with hydrogen and a nitrogen compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, secondary amines and mixtures thereof, in the presence of a zirconium dioxide- and nickel-containing catalyst; wherein the catalyst comprises a catalytically active composition which comprises, before reduction with hydrogen, oxygen compounds of zirconium, nickel, and iron, and 0.2 to 5.5% by weight of at least one oxygen compound of tin, lead, bismuth, molybdenum, antimony or phosphorus, calculated as SnO, PbO, Bi2O3, MoO3, Sb2O3 and H3PO4 respectively; and wherein the catalytically active composition of the catalyst does not comprise any copper.

Abstract: A nanocomposite particle, its use as a catalyst, and a method of making it are disclosed. The nanocomposite particle comprises titanium dioxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and a surface stabilizer. The metal oxide nanoparticles are formed hydrothermally in the presence of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The nanocomposite particle is an effective catalyst support, particularly for DeNOx catalyst applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a nickel powder having an average particle size of less than about 100 nanometers, comprising contacting, at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 95° C., a reduction solution with a nickel solution to form a reaction mixture. The reduction solution comprises a base and a reducing agent. The nickel solution comprises a nickel compound water, a nucleation agent, a surfactant or dispersant, and combinations thereof. The yield of nickel nanoparticles is greater than about 90% relative to starting moles of nickel compound. The nickel powder is suitable for use in electronics applications and sintered metal applications.

Abstract: A stacked bed catalyst system comprising at least one first catalyst selected from conventional hydrotreating catalyst having an average pore diameter of greater than about 10 nm and at least one second catalyst comprising a bulk metal hydrotreating catalyst comprised of at least one Group VIII non-noble metal and at least one Group VIB metal and optionally a binder material.

Abstract: A method of preparing, preferably recycling, a catalyst support material is disclosed and is particularly applicable to recycling a titania support. The invention includes crushing the used catalyst support that is obtained by leaching catalytic components from a used supported catalyst and preferably combining it with new catalyst support in order to provide the required average particle size and ratio of crystal phases. The invention has a number of benefits including making use of used catalyst support materials which have been conventionally disposed of and also providing a method to more efficiently recycle the active component. Where the support is recycled for a similar application, less promoter may be required.

Abstract: A catalyst, catalyst precursor, or catalyst carrier formed as an elongated shaped particle having a cross section comprising three protrusions each extending from and attached to a central position. The central position is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the particle. The cross-section of the particle occupies the space encompassed by the outer edges of six outer circles around a central circle, each of the six outer circles contacting two neighbouring outer circles, the particle occupying three alternating outer circles equidistant to the central circle and the six interstitial regions, the particle not occupying the three remaining outer circles which are between the alternating occupied outer circles. The ratio of the diameter of the central circle to the diameter of the outer occupied circle is more than 1, and the ratio of the diameter of the outer unoccupied circle to the diameter of the outer occupied circle is more than 1.

Abstract: A composition for use as a catalyst in, for example, a fuel cell, the composition comprising platinum, copper, and nickel, wherein the concentration of platinum therein is greater than 50 atomic percent and less than 80 atomic percent, and further wherein the sum of the concentrations of platinum, copper and nickel is greater than 95 atomic percent.

Abstract: An elongated-shaped particle having two protrusions; each extending from and attached to a central position, wherein the central position is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the particle, the cross-section of the particle occupying the space encompassed by the outer edges of six circles around a central circle, in which each of the six circles touches two neighboring circles and two alternating circles are equidistant to the central circle and may be attached to the central circle, and the two circles adjacent to the two alternating circles (but not the common circle) touching the central circle, minus the space occupied by the four remaining outer circles and including four remaining interstitial regions.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid titanium-free Fischer-Tropsch catalysts including iron homogeneously modified with a zirconium promoter/stabilizer. The homogeneously mixed solid catalysts can be formed through co-precipitation of iron and zirconium precursors followed by calcination and reduction to form the active catalyst materials. The catalysts can optionally include additional materials such as copper, potassium, and silicon promoters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal catalyst containing fine metal particles, characterized in that the fine metal particles have a particle diameter of 3 nm or less and also have a proportion of metallic bond state of 40% or more, which is ascribed by subjecting to waveform separation of a binding energy peak peculiar to the metal as measured by using an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. The fine metal particles are preferably fine platinum particles. The fine metal particles are preferably supported on the surface of carrier particles by reducing ions of metal to be deposited through the action of a reducing agent in a reaction system of a liquid phase containing the carrier particles dispersed therein, thereby to deposit the metal on the surface of carrier particles in the form of fine particles. The proportion of metallic bond state of the fine metal particles is adjusted within the above range by reducing after deposition thereby to decrease the oxidation state.

Abstract: A catalyst carrier body, which is suitable for use in an exhaust system close to an internal combustion engine, has a multiplicity of passages through which a gas stream can flow and which extend next to one another between an inlet side and an outlet side. In order to allow efficient and permanent installation of an exhaust-gas treatment device, which can be subjected to high thermal and dynamic loads, the catalyst carrier body has at least one metallic sheet, which at a temperature of 900° C. at least has a proof stress Rp0.2 of 50 N/mm2. A catalytic converter, which is likewise suitable for this purpose, a corresponding exhaust system and a corresponding vehicle, are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a reforming catalyst can include indium, tin, and a catalytically effective amount of a group VIII element for one or more reforming reactions. Typically, at least about 25%, by mole, of the indium is an In(3+) species based on the total moles of indium after exposure for about 30 minutes in an atmosphere including about 100% hydrogen, by mole, at a temperature of about 565° C. Usually, no more than about 25%, by mole, of the tin is a Sn(4+) species based on the total moles of tin after exposure for about 30 minutes in an atmosphere including about 100% hydrogen, by mole, at a temperature of about 565° C.

Abstract: A layered composition which can be used in various processes has been developed. The composition comprises an inner core such as a cordierite core and an outer layer comprising a refractory inorganic oxide, a fibrous component and an inorganic binder. The refractory inorganic oxide layer can be alumina, zirconia, titania, etc. while the fibrous component can be titania fibers, silica fibers, carbon fibers, etc. The inorganic oxide binder can be alumina, silica, zirconia, etc. The layer can also contain catalytic metals such as gold and platinum plus other modifiers. The layered composition is prepared by coating the inner core with a slurry comprising the refractory inorganic oxide, fibrous component, an inorganic binder precursor and an organic binding agent such as polyvinyl alcohol. The composition can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Abstract: A catalyst composition and a process for using it to decompose nitrous oxide into nitrogen and oxygen are disclosed. The catalyst composition has surface area of about 1 to about 200 m2/g after exposure to a calcination temperature of between about 400° C. and about 900° C., or about 1 to about 100 m2/g after exposure to a calcination temperature of between about 400° C. and about 950° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catalyst for catalyzing hydrogen releasing reaction includes following steps. First, a solution with metal catalyst ions is provided. Next, several catalyst supports are provided. Each catalyst support includes several chelating units. Then, the catalyst supports are mixed with the solution, so that the metal catalyst ions in the solution chelate with the chelating units on the surface of each catalyst support. Subsequently, the metal catalyst ions chelating with the surface of the catalyst supports are reduced, so that metal catalyst nano-structures and/or metal catalyst atoms are coated on the surface of the catalyst supports, for forming catalysts.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method comprises reacting a reactive solution and a templating agent to form a gel; and calcining the gel to form a catalyst composition comprising homogeneous solid mixture. The homogenous solid mixture contains (i) at least one catalytic metal and (ii) at least one metal inorganic network. The templating agent comprises an octylphenol ethoxylate having a structure [I]: wherein “n” is an integer having a value of about 8 to 20. A catalyst composition prepared using the templating agent having a structure [1] is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a catalyst. The process allows the delamination of layered crystals which are used as a starting material for a catalyst. The starting material is subsequently converted into an active portion of a catalyst with an increased dispersion resulting in a higher activity. Preferred delaminating agents are di-carboxylic acids and one particular example is citric acid. Preferably at least 0.75 wt %, more preferably at least 1.5 wt % of a delaminating agent is added to the catalyst starting material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing chain agglomerations of nano-scale metal particles includes feeding at least one decomposable moiety selected from the group consisting of organometallic compounds, metal complexes, metal coordination compounds and mixtures thereof into a reactor vessel; exposing the decomposable moiety to a source of energy sufficient to decompose the moiety and produce nano-scale metal particles; and deposit or collection of chain agglomerations of nano-scale metal particles.

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: A hydrodesulfurization catalyst used for hydrodesulfurization of catalytically cracked gasoline comprises a support composed mainly of alumina modified with an oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, scandium and lanthanoid-based metals, with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group 6A and Group 8 metals loaded as an active metal on the support. Hydrogenation of olefins generated as by-products during hydrodesulfurization of the catalytically cracked gasoline fraction, as an important constituent base of gasoline, can be adequately inhibited to maintain the octane number, while sufficiently reducing the sulfur content of the hydrodesulfurized catalytically cracked gasoline fraction.

Abstract: A strontium-doped, calcium-alumina nickel supported reforming catalyst is useful for reforming reactions when it is desired to generate a low H2/CO ratio synthesis gas and to reduce coking. The catalyst can generate a synthesis gas having a H2/CO ratio of less than about 2.3. The catalyst includes alumina, from about 0.3 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of calcium oxide, from about 0.1 wl % to about 35 wt. % of a strontium promoter, and about 0.5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % nickel. The support is prepared by a method wherein the calcium oxide is combined with the alumina to form aluminum-rich calcium aluminates.

Abstract: A solid catalyst carrier substrate coated with a surface area-enhancing washcoat composition including a catalytic component, a metal oxide and a refractory fibrous or whisker-like material having an aspect ratio of length to thickness in excess of 5:1.

Abstract: A promoted calcium-alumina supported reforming catalyst that is particularly useful for reforming reactions where low H2/CO ratio synthesis gas, such as less than 2.3 is generated directly is disclosed. The catalyst comprises from about 25 wt % to about 98 wt % alumina, from about 0.5 wt % to about 35 wt % calcium oxide, from about 0.01 wt % to about 35 wt % of a promoter, and from about 0.05 wt % to about 30 wt % of an active metal. The promoter is selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, yttrium, niobium, elements of the lanthanum-series, such as, without limitation, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, ytterbium, and combinations thereof. The active metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, platinum, iridium and combinations thereof as active metal, wherein the calcium oxide is combined with the alumina to form aluminum-rich calcium aluminates.

Abstract: A method for producing a shell catalyst comprising a porous catalyst support shaped body with an outer shell containing at least one transition metal in metal form. To provide a shell catalyst with a relatively small shell thickness, a device is set up to circulate the catalyst support shaped bodies by means of process gases with a reductive effect. The device is charged with catalyst support shaped bodies that are circulated by means of a process gas with a reductive effect, an outer shell of the catalyst support shaped bodies is impregnated with a transition-metal precursor compound by spraying the circulating catalyst support shaped bodies with a solution containing the transition-metal precursor compound, the metal component of the transition-metal precursor compound is converted into the metal form by reduction by means of the process gas, and the catalyst support shaped bodies sprayed with the solution are dried.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process and materials for simultaneous desulfurization and water gas shift of a gaseous stream comprising contacting the gas stream with a nickel aluminate catalyst. The nickel aluminate catalyst is preferably selected from the group consisting of Ni2xAl2O2x+3, Ni(2?y)Ni0yAl2O(5?y), Ni(4?y)Ni0yAl2O(7?y), Ni(6?y)Ni0yAl2O(9?y), and intermediates thereof, wherein x?0.5 and 0.01?y?2. Preferably, x is between 1 and 3. More preferably, the nickel containing compound further comprises Ni2xAl2O2x+3?zSz wherein 0?z?2x.