This application relates to the production of functionalized lower hydrocarbons and more particularly to the process of converting ethanol to functionalized lower hydrocarbons. In particular embodiments, the ethanol to functionalized lower hydrocarbon conversion is catalyzed by a Zn.sub.xZr.sub.yA.sub.vQ.sub.sMn.sub.wO.sub.z mixed oxide catalyst or a bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst. In particular embodiments, the ethanol to be converted is present at molar concentrations in the reactor feed equal to or exceeding 14%.

Provided are a catalyst for dehydration reaction of a primary alcohol, a method for preparing the same, and a method for preparing alpha-olefins using the same. According to the present invention, there is provided a catalyst for dehydration reaction of primary alcohols capable of adjusting the strength and distribution of Lewis acid sites (LASs) on a surface of an alumina catalyst to realize high selectivity to alpha-olefins as well as a high conversion rate in the dehydration reaction of primary alcohols. Therefore, high-purity alpha-olefins having a low isomeric yield fraction as well as a high conversion rate can be produced from the primary alcohols.

Provided are a catalyst for dehydration reaction of a primary alcohol, a method for preparing the same, and a method for preparing alpha-olefins using the same. According to the present invention, there is provided a catalyst for dehydration reaction of primary alcohols capable of adjusting the strength and distribution of Lewis acid sites (LASs) on a surface of an alumina catalyst to realize high selectivity to alpha-olefins as well as a high conversion rate in the dehydration reaction of primary alcohols. Therefore, high-purity alpha-olefins having a low isomeric yield fraction as well as a high conversion rate can be produced from the primary alcohols.

The present invention relates to a high-performance polyoxometalate catalyst and a method of preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a high-performance polyoxometalate catalyst, the activity and selectivity of which may be improved by controlling the content of vanadium and the like and which has superior reproducibility and may unsaturated carboxylic acid from unsaturated aldehyde in a high yield for a long time, a method of preparing the same, and the like.

The present invention relates to a high-performance polyoxometalate catalyst and a method of preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a high-performance polyoxometalate catalyst, the activity and selectivity of which may be improved by controlling the content of vanadium and the like and which has superior reproducibility and may unsaturated carboxylic acid from unsaturated aldehyde in a high yield for a long time, a method of preparing the same, and the like.

The present invention refers to lightweight and settable photocatalytic compositions and solid composites; methods of preparing the compositions and solid composites; and their use in water purification. The compositions are comprised of photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), lightweight glass bubbles, and a hydraulic cementing binder. The lightweight and settable photocatalytic compositions can be formed into lightweight photocatalytic solid composites and/or structures by mixing with water and moist curing. This invention also describes relatively simple, fast, and cost effective methodologies to photodope the TiO.sub.2—ZnO compositions and composites with silver (Ag), to enhance and extend the photocatalytic activity from the ultraviolet into the visible light spectrum. The lightweight and settable TiO.sub.2—ZnO and Ag—TiO.sub.2—ZnO compositions are used in making solids, structures, coatings, and continuous or semi-continuous water purification panels for purifying contaminated water.

The present invention refers to lightweight and settable photocatalytic compositions and solid composites; methods of preparing the compositions and solid composites; and their use in water purification. The compositions are comprised of photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), lightweight glass bubbles, and a hydraulic cementing binder. The lightweight and settable photocatalytic compositions can be formed into lightweight photocatalytic solid composites and/or structures by mixing with water and moist curing. This invention also describes relatively simple, fast, and cost effective methodologies to photodope the TiO.sub.2—ZnO compositions and composites with silver (Ag), to enhance and extend the photocatalytic activity from the ultraviolet into the visible light spectrum. The lightweight and settable TiO.sub.2—ZnO and Ag—TiO.sub.2—ZnO compositions are used in making solids, structures, coatings, and continuous or semi-continuous water purification panels for purifying contaminated water.

The invention relates to a catalyst system for reducing nitrogen oxides, which comprises a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst and an SCR catalyst, wherein the nitrogen oxide storage catalyst consists of at least two catalytically active washcoat layers on a supporting body, wherein a lower washcoat layer A contains cerium oxide, an alkaline earth compound and/or alkali compound, as well as platinum and palladium, and an upper washcoat layer B, which is arranged over the washcoat layer A, contains cerium oxide, platinum and palladium, and no alkali compound and no alkaline earth compound. The invention also relates to a method for converting NOx in exhaust gases of motor vehicles that are operated by means of engines that are operated in a lean manner.

The invention relates to a catalyst system for reducing nitrogen oxides, which comprises a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst and an SCR catalyst, wherein the nitrogen oxide storage catalyst consists of at least two catalytically active washcoat layers on a supporting body, wherein a lower washcoat layer A contains cerium oxide, an alkaline earth compound and/or alkali compound, as well as platinum and palladium, and an upper washcoat layer B, which is arranged over the washcoat layer A, contains cerium oxide, platinum and palladium, and no alkali compound and no alkaline earth compound. The invention also relates to a method for converting NOx in exhaust gases of motor vehicles that are operated by means of engines that are operated in a lean manner.

There is provided a method for producing an optionally substituted olefin, comprising the steps of: dehydrogenating an optionally substituted alcohol in a first reaction zone comprising a first catalyst supported on a porous silica-based particle to form an optionally substituted carbonyl at a first set of reaction conditions; converting the optionally substituted alcohol and the optionally substituted carbonyl from the first reaction zone in a second reaction zone at a second set of reaction conditions that is different to the first set of reaction conditions and is selected to form the optionally substituted olefin, wherein the second reaction zone comprises a second catalyst supported on a porous silica-based particle. There is also provided a system for producing the optionally substituted olefin.