Processes, systems, and catalysts for the conversion of 2-butene to 1,3-butaidene without the use of steam or, in some embodiments, with a reduced use of steam as compared to prior art processes are provided. The catalyst includes tungsten trioxide (WO.sub.3) on an inorganic support includes activated magnesium oxide (MgO) and may be referred to as a dual catalyst or a co-catalyst. Embodiments of the catalyst. A process for the production of 1,3-butadiene may include contacting a feed stream of 2-butene with a WO.sub.3-inorganic support catalyst or a MgO and WO.sub.3-inorganic support catalyst and may be performed without steam in the feed stream.

The present invention relates to a process for obtaining 1-octanol which comprises a contact step between ethanol, n-hexanol and a catalyst, wherein said catalyst comprises: i) a metal oxide that comprises the following metals: M1 is at least one bivalent metal selected from Mg, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Fe, Ni and Ca; M2 is at least one trivalent metal selected from Al, La, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, and Ga; ii) a noble metal selected from Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh and Re; and iii) optionally, comprises V; with the proviso that the catalyst comprises at least V, Ga or any of their combinations.

The present invention relates to a process for obtaining 1-octanol which comprises a contact step between ethanol, n-hexanol and a catalyst, wherein said catalyst comprises: i) a metal oxide that comprises the following metals: M1 is at least one bivalent metal selected from Mg, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Fe, Ni and Ca; M2 is at least one trivalent metal selected from Al, La, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, and Ga; ii) a noble metal selected from Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh and Re; and iii) optionally, comprises V; with the proviso that the catalyst comprises at least V, Ga or any of their combinations.

A method for producing elemental carbon and hydrogen gas directly from a hydrocarbon (for example, natural gas or methane) using a chemical reaction or series of reactions. In an aspect, other materials involved such as, for example, elemental magnesium, remain unchanged and function as a catalyst.

A method for producing elemental carbon and hydrogen gas directly from a hydrocarbon (for example, natural gas or methane) using a chemical reaction or series of reactions. In an aspect, other materials involved such as, for example, elemental magnesium, remain unchanged and function as a catalyst.

Embodiments are directed to adamantane-intercalated layered double-hydroxide (LDH) particles and the methods of producing adamantane-intercalated LDH particles. The adamantane-intercalated LDH particles have a general formula defined by [M.sub.1-xAl.sub.x(OH).sub.2](A).sub.x.mH.sub.2O, where x is from 0.14 to 0.33, m is from 0.33 to 0.50, M is chosen from Mg, Ca, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn, and A is adamantane carboxylate. The adamantane-intercalated LDH particles further have an aspect ratio greater than 100. The aspect ratio is defined by the width of an adamantane-intercalated LDH particle divided by the thickness of the adamantane-intercalated LDH particle.

Embodiments are directed to adamantane-intercalated layered double-hydroxide (LDH) particles and the methods of producing adamantane-intercalated LDH particles. The adamantane-intercalated LDH particles have a general formula defined by [M.sub.1-xAl.sub.x(OH).sub.2](A).sub.x.mH.sub.2O, where x is from 0.14 to 0.33, m is from 0.33 to 0.50, M is chosen from Mg, Ca, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn, and A is adamantane carboxylate. The adamantane-intercalated LDH particles further have an aspect ratio greater than 100. The aspect ratio is defined by the width of an adamantane-intercalated LDH particle divided by the thickness of the adamantane-intercalated LDH particle.

Nanowires useful as heterogeneous catalysts are provided. The nanowire catalysts are useful in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.

Nanowires useful as heterogeneous catalysts are provided. The nanowire catalysts are useful in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.

A catalysed soot filter comprises an oxidation catalyst for oxidizing NO to NO.sub.2 and/or oxidizing CO to CO.sub.2 and/or HC to CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2O disposed on a wall flow filter monolithic substrate, the oxidation catalyst comprising: a platinum group metal component, and a pre-calcined support material comprising a mixed magnesium aluminium metal oxide having a magnesium content, calculated as Mg, of 15 wt % Mg or lower.