Abstract: Heterogeneous catalyst systems, methods of making these systems, and methods of using these systems, wherein catalytically active gold is deposited onto composite support media. The composite support media is formed by providing nanoporous material on at least a portion of the surfaces of carbonaceous host material. In representative embodiments, relatively fine, nanoporous guest particles are coated or otherwise provided on surfaces of relatively coarser activated carbon particles. Catalytically active gold may be deposited onto one or both of the guest or host materials either before or after the guest and host materials are combined to from the composite host material. PVD is the preferred catalyst system of depositing gold.

Abstract: A method for producing nanoparticles includes: producing a nanoparticle dispersion ion gel in which a plurality of nanoparticles are dispersed; and dissolving the nanoparticle dispersion ion gel, thereby producing a liquid in which the plurality of nanoparticles are dispersed.

Abstract: A method for producing a shell catalyst which comprises, in the outer shell, one or more of the following metals: Pd, Pt, Ag and Au. Also the use of the shell catalyst produced using the method according to the invention for the production of vinyl acetate monomer, in the hydrogenation of hydrocarbons, in particular the selective hydrogenation of polyunsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, or in the oxidation of alcohols to ketones/aldehydes/carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A stabilized platinum nanoparticle has a core portion surrounded by a plurality of outer surfaces. The outer surfaces include terrace regions formed of platinum atoms, and edge and corner regions formed of atoms from a second metal. The stabilized nanoparticle may be formed by combining a platinum nanoparticle with a metal salt in a solution. Ions of the second metal react with platinum and replace platinum atoms on the nanoparticle. Platinum atoms from the edge and corner regions react with the second metal ions quicker than surface atoms from the terraces, due to a greater difference in electrode potential between the platinum atoms at the edge and corner regions, as compared to the second metal in the solution. The platinum nanoparticle may include surface defects, such as steps and kinks, which may also be replaced with atoms of the second metal. In an exemplary embodiment, the platinum nanoparticle is a cathode catalyst in an electro-chemical cell.

Abstract: A bi-laterally surfaced substrate in which the first surface consists of one or more than one of cerium oxide, aluminum oxide, tin oxide manganese oxide, copper oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, praseodymium oxide, terbium oxide, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, iridium, platinum and gold and the second surface consists of one or more than one of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, iridium, platinum and gold and micro channel micro component reactors including such substrates in a predetermined formed shape and methods for making the same utilizing a thermal spray on one side and a physical deposition process on the other side.

Abstract: An environment-friendly porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite which has excellent recovery and repeated usage performance and can be used as a catalyst, an antiviral agent, or an antimicrobial, and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite includes a porous bead, a molecule having a first end coupled to the surface of the porous bead and including a functional group at a second end, and satellite nanoparticles coupled to the functional group, wherein the porous bead may have a core-shell structure including a cluster core of nanoparticles and a porous bead shell covering the cluster core.

Abstract: A process and catalyst for the hydro-oxidation of an olefin having three or more carbon atoms, such as propylene, to form an olefin oxide, such as propylene oxide. The process involves contacting the olefin with oxygen in the presence of hydrogen and a hydro-oxidation catalyst under reaction conditions; the catalyst comprising gold nanoparticles deposited on a nanoporous titanium-containing support, prepared by depositing a gold-ligand cluster complex onto the support to form a catalyst precursor, and then heating and/or chemically treating the catalyst precursor to form the hydro-oxidation catalyst composition. The hydro-oxidation catalyst exhibits stabilized catalyst activity, enhanced lifetime, and improved hydrogen efficiency.

Abstract: A catalytic membrane reactor assembly for producing a hydrogen stream from a feed stream having liquid hydrocarbons, steam, and an oxygen source through the use of an autothermal reforming reaction, a water-gas-shift reaction, and a hydrogen permeable membrane.

Abstract: Structural catalyst bodies are described herein which, in some embodiments, can be used in the treatment of nitrogen oxides present in exhaust or flue gases from stationary or mobile combustion sources. In some embodiments, a structural catalyst body described herein comprises an outer peripheral wall and a plurality of inner partition walls having an average thickness less than about 0.5 mm, the outer peripheral wall and the inner partition walls having dispersed throughout a chemical composition comprising 50-99.9% by weight an inorganic oxide composition, less than 3% by weight an inorganic extrusion aid and at least 0.1% by weight a catalytically active metal functional group comprising vanadium, the structural catalyst body having a crystalline vanadium pentoxide content less than 0.1 weight percent.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a particulate material includes alumina hydrate. The particulate material has a 500 psi Compaction Volume Ratio of at least about 4.0 cc/cc.

Abstract: A process for producing a catalyst comprising the steps of contacting a support with a mixed metal precursor comprising tin oxalate, a second metal precursor, a solubilizing agent such as ammonium oxalate, and water to form an impregnated support and heating the impregnated support under conditions effective to remove at least a weight majority of the water and reduce the tin from the tin oxalate and the second metal from the second metal precursor and thereby form the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing supported noble metal based alloy catalysts with a high degree of alloying and a small crystallite size. The method involves using polyol solvents as reaction medium and comprises a two-step reduction process in the presence of a support material. In the first step, the first metal (transition metal; e.g. Co, Cr, Ru) is activated by increasing the reaction temperature to 80 to 160° C. In the second step, the second metal (noble metal; e.g. Pt, Pd, Au) is added and the slurry is heated to the boiling point of the polyol solvent in a range of 160 to 300 ° C. The catalysts manufactured according to the method are used as electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), direct-methanol fuel cells (DMFC) or as gas phase catalysts for CO oxidation or exhaust gas purification.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying catalyst includes: rhodium; a zirconium-containing oxide which supports rhodium, and comprises: at least one element selected from the group consisting of calcium, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and yttrium; and zirconium; and a NOx absorbing material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of magnesium, barium, sodium, potassium and cesium. A degree of dispersion of rhodium is 20% or more after baking at 900° C. in air for three hours. A method for manufacturing the exhaust gas purifying catalyst includes: mixing the zirconium-containing oxide with water, thereby preparing an aqueous liquid of the zirconium-containing oxide; and supporting rhodium on the zirconium-containing oxide by mixing the aqueous liquid of the zirconium-containing oxide with an aqueous solution of a rhodium salt. A pH of a mixed liquid of the aqueous solution of the rhodium salt and the aqueous liquid of the zirconium-containing oxide is adjusted to 7 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixed metal oxide catalyst in which a hydrotalcite precursor containing an alkali metal is impregnated or intercalated with a nonprecious metal, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of decomposing nitrogen oxide using the mixed metal oxide catalyst. The mixed metal oxide catalyst has excellent catalytic activity because it can decompose NOx, N2O or a mixture thereof even at low temperature, and is economical because it does not use a precious metal.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst comprises an extruded solid body comprising: 10-95% by weight of at least one binder/matrix component; 5-90% by weight of a zeolitic molecular sieve, a non-zeolitic molecular sieve or a mixture of any two or more thereof; and 0-80% by weight optionally stabilized ceria, which catalyst comprising at least one precious metal and optionally at least one non-precious metal, wherein: (i) a majority of the at least one precious metal is located at a surface of the extruded solid body; (ii) the at least one precious metal is carried in one or more coating layer(s) on a surface; (iii) at least one metal is present throughout the extruded solid body and in a higher concentration at a surface; (iv) at least one metal is present throughout the extruded solid body and in a coating layer(s) on a surface; or (v) a combination of (ii) and (iii).

Abstract: Disclosed are monodisperse gold nanoparticles (GNPs) manufactured by a facile, environmentally favorable process. Such a “green” synthesis process according to an embodiment of the invention effects the production of highly monodisperse, stable, catalytically active, and water-soluble GNPs in a considerable size range and advantageous yields. The production is accomplished inter alia through a single-step/single-phase method using dextrose as a reducing agent and as a capping agent in a buffered aqueous solution at moderate temperature. Disclosed also is a process for the direct embedment/integration of GNPs into biological systems such as the Escherichia coli bacterium without additional capping ligand or surface modification processes.

Abstract: First, an ionic liquid is placed on a glass slide, which is then installed in an evaporation apparatus, and a metal (for example, indium) is mounted as a target material at a position facing the ionic liquid, followed by sputter deposition of the metal. After sputtering, the ionic liquid containing nanoparticles dispersed therein is recovered. The nanoparticles are solid nanoparticles. Next, the ionic liquid containing the solid nanoparticles dispersed therein is placed in a test tube and then oxidized by heating in air at 250° C. for 1 hour. As a result, hollow nanoparticles having cavities formed in core portions of the solid nanoparticles are produced.

Abstract: A multimetallic nanoscale catalyst having a core portion enveloped by a shell portion and exhibiting high catalytic activity and improved catalytic durability. In various embodiments, the core/shell nanoparticles comprise a gold particle coated with a catalytically active platinum bimetallic material. The shape of the nanoparticles is substantially defined by the particle shape of the core portion. The nanoparticles may be dispersed on a high surface area substrate for use as a catalyst and is characterized by no significant loss in surface area and specific activity following extended potential cycling.

Abstract: A particulate desulfurization material includes one or more nickel compounds, a zinc oxide support material, and one or more alkali metal compounds wherein the nickel content of the material is in the range 0.3 to 10% by weight and the alkali metal content of the material is in the range 0.2 to 10% by weight. A method of making the desulfurization material includes the steps: (i) contacting a nickel compound with a particulate zinc support material and an alkali metal compound to form an alkali-doped composition, (ii) shaping the alkali-doped composition, and (iii) drying, calcining, and optionally reducing the resulting material. The desulfurization material may be used to desulfurize hydrocarbon gas streams with reduced levels of hydrocarbon hydrogenolysis.

Abstract: A layered heterostructured coating has functional characteristics that enable the controlled release of volatile agents. The coating has photocatalytic properties, since it uses titanium dioxide, its derivatives or materials with similar photocatalytic properties (2), which upon solar irradiation open and/or degrade nano or microcapsules (3) and subsequently releases in a controlled form the volatile agents contained in them.

Abstract: An inorganic material that consists of at least two elementary spherical particles, each of said spherical particles comprising metal nanoparticles that are between 1 and 300 nm in size and a mesostructured matrix with an oxide base of at least one element X that is selected from the group that consists of aluminum, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, gallium, germanium, tin, antimony, lead, vanadium, iron, manganese, hafnium, niobium, tantalum, yttrium, cerium, gadolinium, europium and neodymium is described, whereby said matrix has a pore size of between 1.5 and 30 nm and has amorphous walls with a thickness of between 1 and 30 nm, said elementary spherical particles having a maximum diameter of 10 ?m. Said material can also contain zeolitic nanocrystals that are trapped within said mesostructured matrix.

Abstract: A catalyst including active particles that have a core including a first metal oxide, and a shell including an alloy of a second metal with a reduction product of the first metal oxide; a method of preparing the catalyst; a fuel cell including the catalyst; an electrode for lithium air battery that includes the active particles; and a lithium air battery including the electrode.

Abstract: A CO2 reforming catalyst composition includes a hydroxyl group-containing porous oxide, and a composite porous catalyst supported by a porous supporter. The composite porous catalyst includes a catalyst metal.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a method of making a catalytic material, and uses of the material. The catalytic material is made by depositing catalytic metals, such as gold or platinum, on substrate materials, such as lanthanum-doped ceria or other oxides. The catalytic metal, which comprises both crystalline and non-crystalline structures, is treated, for example with aqueous basic NaCN solution, to leach away at least some of the crystalline metallic component. The remaining noncrystalline metallic component associated with the substrate exhibits catalytic activity that is substantially similar to the catalyst as prepared. The use of the catalyst in an apparatus such as a reactor or analytic instrument is contemplated, as is the use of the catalyst in efficient, cost-effective reactions, such as removal of carbon monoxide from fuel gases, for example by performing the water gas shift reaction.

Abstract: The present invention addresses at least four different aspects relating to catalyst structure, methods of making those catalysts and methods of using those catalysts for making alkenyl alkanoates. Separately or together in combination, the various aspects of the invention are directed at improving the production of alkenyl alkanoates and VA in particular, including reduction of by-products and improved production efficiency. A first aspect of the present invention pertains to a unique palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst (optionally calcined) that includes rhodium or another metal. A second aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst that is based on a layered support material where one layer of the support material is substantially free of catalytic components. A third aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst on a zirconia containing support material.

Abstract: Embodiments include metal (102) containing composites (100) and methods of forming metal containing composites. A metal containing composite can be formed by contacting an oxide support surface (104) with coordination compounds having metal atoms for a first predetermined time, where the metal atoms of the coordination compounds deposit on the oxide support surface; contacting the oxide support surface with a first reagent for a second predetermined time; and contacting the first reagent with a second reagent for a third predetermined time, where the first reagent and the second reagent react to form another layer of the oxide support surface.

Abstract: A selective hydrogenation catalyst, with alumina as carrier, and palladium as active component that distributed on the surface of the carrier in an egg-shell form, characterized in that: provided that the catalyst is weighed 100%, it comprises 0.2-0.5 wt % active component Pd, 2-8 wt % aids lanthanum and/or cerium, and 2-8 wt % alkaline earth metal. The specific surface area of the catalyst is 70-150 m2/g, the pore volume is 0.3-0.6 ml/g, and the crystal form of the carrier may be ? form or ?, ? mixed form mainly composed of ? form. The catalyst is suitable for the selective hydrogenation of medium or low distillate oil, especially for the first stage selective hydrogenation of pyrolysis gasoline. The catalyst has good hydrogenation performance, and can keep good hydrogenation activity and stability especially under the condition that the feed contains a small quantity of water, and the content of colloid, arsenic, and diolefin is higher.

Abstract: A procedure for obtaining mixed multimetallic oxides derived from hydrotalcite type compounds, characterized in that the laminar metallic hydroxides obtained are constituted by three or four metallic cations, forming part of the sheets of the hydrotalcite type material represented by the formula: [M(II)1?x?y?zM(II)?xM(III)yM(III)?z(OH)2](An?y+z/n).mH2O. by a process comprising: (1) preparing an aqueous or organic solution containing three or more cations; (2) preparing an alkaline solution; (3) slowly combining solutions (1) and (2) to cause the co-precipitation of the cations in the form of hydroxides; (4) washing the precipitate containing the hydrotalcites with water, until removal of the non-precipitated ions; (5) drying; and (6) calcining the hydrotalcites.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the hydrogenation of unsaturated triglycerides in the presence of a supported precious metal catalyst and hydrogen, in which process a precious metal catalyst is used, comprising an aggregate of solid support, precious metal nano particles and surfactant or polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell catalyst containing ruthenium as an active metal, alone or together with at least one other metal of the auxiliary group IB, VIIB or VIII of the periodical system of the elements (CAS version), and applied to a carrier containing silicon dioxide as a carrier material. The invention also relates to a method for producing said shell catalyst, and to a method for hydrogenating an organic compound containing hydrogenable groups, preferably for hydrogenating a carbocyclic aromatic group to form the corresponding carbocyclic aliphatic groups or for hydrogenating aldehydes to form the corresponding alcohols, using the inventive shell catalyst. The invention further relates to the use of the inventive shell catalyst for hydrogenating an organic compound containing hydrogenable groups, preferably for hydrogenating a carbocyclic aromatic group to form the corresponding carbocyclic aliphatic groups or for hydrogenating aldehydes to form the corresponding alcohols.

Abstract: A photocatalytic coating composition comprising photocatalytic titanium oxide, silver, copper and a quaternary ammonium hydroxide. The photocatalytic coating composition may include a photocatalytic titanium oxide sol dispersed in a binder. Furthermore, a photocatalytic member includes a substrate having a surface coated with the photocatalytic coating composition. The photocatalyst coating composition can contain highly antibacterial silver by skillfully utilizing copper and a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and accordingly can show an antibacterial effect not only in a dark place simply due to silver, but also a higher antibacterial effect in a conventional application of employing ultraviolet sterilization by concomitantly using the photocatalyst titanium oxide sol according to the present invention and an ultraviolet sterilizer.

Abstract: Presented are one or more aspects and/or one or more embodiments of catalysts, methods of preparation of catalyst, methods of deoxygenation, and methods of fuel production.

Abstract: An eggshell catalyst useful for a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis or other reactions comprises a homogeneously dispersed transition metal and a promoter situated in an active phase in a precisely selected outer region of a catalyst pellet. The active phase region is controlled to a specific depth, which permits the control of the catalysts selectivity, for example, the size of the hydrocarbon chains formed in the FT process. A method of preparing these eggshell catalysts involves a non-aqueous synthesis where polar and non-polar solvents of relatively low vapor pressure are employed to define the depth of penetration of metal species in a refractory oxide substrate, which is followed by fixing and activating metallic catalytic species in the structure by calcination of the catalyst particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reactor, a retained catalyst structure, and a method for increasing the rate of decomposition of polysulfides and removal of hydrogen sulfide in liquid sulfur. The reactor, the retained catalyst structure, and the method include a retained catalyst structure arranged and disposed for contacting a first stream and a second stream in a reactor including a catalyst. The catalyst increases the rate of decomposition of polysulfides and facilitates the removal of hydrogen sulfide in the liquid sulfur of the first stream with the second stream. The first stream includes liquid sulfur containing polysulfides and dissolved hydrogen sulfide. The second stream includes an inert gas or a low oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: Catalysts, catalyst systems, and methods for removing ammonia and/or carbon monoxide in flue gases are provided where ammonia is used with a selective catalytic reduction catalyst for reducing oxides of nitrogen. A dual oxidation catalyst generally comprises an alkali component, a transition metal, and a metal oxide support. This catalyst is also substantially free from precious metal components and effective for substantially simultaneously oxidizing ammonia (NH3) and carbon monoxide (CO) when placed in an exhaust gas stream. The catalyst is effective to provide low ammonia to nitrogen oxides selectivity.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying catalyst (1) of the present invention includes anchor/promoter simultaneous enclosure particles (5) including catalyst units (13) which contain: noble metal particles (8); and anchor particles (9) as an anchor material of the noble metal particles (8) supporting the noble metal particles (8); promoter units (14) which are provided not in contact with the noble metal particles (8) and contain first promoter particles (11) having an oxygen storage and release capacity; and an enclosure material (12) which encloses both the catalyst units (13) and the promoter units (14), and separates the noble metal particles (8) and the anchor particles (9) in the catalyst units (13) from the first promoter particles (11) in the promoter units (14). The exhaust gas purifying catalyst (1) further includes second promoter particles (6) which have the oxygen storage and release capacity, and are not enclosed in the anchor/promoter simultaneous enclosure particles (5) by the enclosure material (12).

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing an electrocatalyst for fuel cells in a core-shell structure, an electrocatalyst for fuel cells having a core-shell structure, and a fuel cell including the electrocatalyst for fuel cells. The method may be useful in forming a core and a shell layer without performing a subsequent process such as chemical treatment or heat treatment and forming a core support in which core particles having a nanosize diameter are homogeneously supported, followed by selectively forming shell layers on surfaces of the core particles in the support. Also, the electrocatalyst for fuel cells has a high catalyst-supporting amount and excellent catalyst activity and electrochemical property.

Abstract: A water gas shift catalyst for use at temperatures above about 450° C. up to about 900° C. or so comprising rhenium deposited on a support, preferably without a precious metal, wherein the support is prepared from a high surface area material, such as a mixed metal oxide, particularly a mixture of zirconia and ceria, to which may be added one or more of a high surface area transitional alumina, an alkali or alkaline earth metal dopant and/or an additional dopant selected from Ga, Nd, Pr, W, Ge, Fe, oxides thereof and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst comprises an extruded solid body comprising: 10-95% by weight of at least one binder/matrix component; 5-90% by weight of a zeolitic molecular sieve, a non-zeolitic molecular sieve or a mixture of any two or more thereof; and 0-80% by weight optionally stabilised ceria, which catalyst comprising at least one precious metal and optionally at least one non-precious metal, wherein: (i) a majority of the at least one precious metal is located at a surface of the extruded solid body; (ii) the at least one precious metal is carried in one or more coating layer(s) on a surface; (iii) at least one metal is present throughout the extruded solid body and in a higher concentration at a surface; (iv) at least one metal is present throughout the extruded solid body and in a coating layer(s) on a surface; or (v) a combination of (ii) and (iii).

Abstract: Herein are disclosed adducts of amines and polycarboxylic acids, and methods of making such adducts. Such adducts can be used to remove cyanogen chloride. Also disclosed are methods of providing such adducts on supports to form filter media. Also disclosed are methods of combining such filter media with catalysts and/or with porous polymeric webs to form filter systems.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a particulate material includes alumina hydrate. The particulate material has a 500 psi Compaction Volume Ratio of at least about 4.0 cc/cc.

Abstract: Catalysts, systems and methods are described to reduce NOx emissions of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, an emissions treatment system for an exhaust stream is provided having a catalyst comprising silver on a particulate alumina support, the silver having a diameter of less than about 20 nm. Methods of manufacturing catalysts are described in which ionic silver is impregnated on particulate hydroxylated alumina particles.

Abstract: Catalytic system comprising at least two components: a catalyst for the hydrolysis reaction of metal borohydrides to hydrogen; and a material in solid form, the dissolution reaction of which in water is exothermic.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of using an alcohol and a primary or secondary amine as the starting material to produce the corresponding secondary amine easily at a high yield and a catalyst used therein. The invention relates to a film-type catalyst for production of a tertiary amine, which is used in producing a tertiary amine from an alcohol and a primary or secondary amine as the starting material, and a process for producing a tertiary amine, which includes reacting an alcohol with a primary or secondary amine in the presence of the film-type catalyst.

Abstract: An oxidation process employing a mechanically stable catalyst of an active metal or combination of active metals supported on aluminum oxide, which is predominantly alpha-aluminum oxide, is provided. The active metal or metals is optionally one or a mixture of ruthenium, copper, gold, an alkaline earth metal, an alkali metal, palladium, platinum, osmium, iridium, silver, and rhenium. The process is applicable to the oxidation of hydrogen chloride to chlorine in a Deacon process.

Abstract: A catalyst composition includes a catalytic metal secured to a porous substrate. The substrate has pores that are templated. The catalyst composition is prepared by a process that includes the steps of mixing a catalytic metal salt, a templating agent, and water to form a mixture, adding a substrate precursor to the mixture to form a slurry, and calcining the slurry to form a substrate having a porous template that is capable of supporting the catalyst composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilizing catalyst, a sterilizing device and a sterilizing system, the sterilizing catalyst includes a metal lattice including a metal oxide, and an oxygen vacancy-inducing metal that is integrated or encompassed within the metal lattice. The metal oxide is an oxide of a divalent or multivalent metal. The oxygen vacancy-inducing metal has an oxidation number lower than that of the divalent or multivalent metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer catalyst for the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons in gaseous phase, comprising a monolithic ceramic or metallic substrate having a solid macroporous structure consisting of one or more structures, on which a first active layer with a crystal-line perovskitic structure is deposited, having general formula AxA? 1-xByB? 1-YO3±? wherein: A is a cation of at least one of the rare earth elements, A? is a cation of at least one element selected from groups Ia, IIa and VIa of the periodic table of elements, B is a cation of at least one element selected from groups IVb, Vb, VIb, VIIb, or VIII of the periodic table of elements, B? is a cation of at least one element selected from groups IVb, Vb, VIb, VIIb or VIII of the periodic table of elements Mg2+ or Al3+, x is a number which is such that 0?x?1, y is a number which is such that 0?y?1, and ? is a number which is such that 0???0, 5, a second more external active layer consisting of a dispersion of a noble metal and a possible s

Abstract: A method of providing solar cell electrode by electroless plating and an activator used therein are disclosed. The method of the present invention can be performed without silver paste, and comprises steps: (A) providing a silicon substrate; (B) contacting the silicon substrate with an activator, wherein the activator comprises: a noble metal or a noble metal compound, a thickening agent, and water; (C) washing the silicon substrate by a cleaning agent; (D) dipping the silicon substrate in an electroless nickel plating solution to perform electroless plating. The method of providing solar cell electrode by electroless plating of the present invention has high selectivity between silicon nitride and silicon, large working window, and is steady, easily to be controlled, therefore is suitable for being used in the fabrication of the electrodes of the solar cell substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides a photocatalyst material, which can be produced at low cost without using platinum, particularly a visible light response-type photocatalyst material, a material having a photocatalyst mechanism not possessed by the conventional photocatalyst material, a process for producing the material, and a method for decomposing a contaminant using the material. The photocatalyst material comprises a) an oxide of a first metal and b) an aqua complex salt of a second metal. In this case, for the oxide of a first metal, the redox potential of a conduction band lower end in the oxide is on a rather negative side than 0.2 V (a value as measured at pH=0, vs. reference electrode potential). For the aqua complex salt of a second metal, the redox potential of a second metal ion in the aqua complex salt is on a rather negative side than 3.0 V (a value as measured at pH=0, vs. reference electrode potential).