Synthesis of chiral polyvinylpyrrolidinone (CSPVP) compounds, complexes of CSPVP with a core species, such as a bimetallic nanocluster catalyst, and selective C—H bond oxidation reactions utilizing such complexes are disclosed. These reaction products can be used as reagents in the synthesis of complex organic molecules, such as bioactive products, and C—H bond oxidation of complex molecules including various drugs and natural products.

A method of providing a particulate material from an at least substantially metallic and/or ceramic starting material, comprising the following steps: (a) generating the particulate material from the starting material by vaporizing the starting material by introducing energy, preferably radiation energy, in particular by means of at least one laser, into the starting material and subsequently at least partially condensing the vaporized starting material, b) collecting the particulate material in at least one receiving and/or transporting device, in particular at least one container, c) receiving, in particular storing, and/or transporting the particulate material in the receiving and/or transporting device and/or in a further receiving and/or transporting device such that it can be used for a subsequent process, in particular in a state of at least non-permanent passivation, and d) providing the particulate material for the subsequent process.

The present invention relates to a compound for splitting water by means of an electrolysis process. More specifically, the compound is useful for producing hydrogen and for producing oxygen. The invention also relates to an electrode, a battery and the methods for preparing the electrode.

Metal carbon and oxide nanocomposites prepared by a simple, low energy demanding, and high yield method are provided. The metal carbon nanocomposites can be prepared with or without a support such as silica, graphite, silicates, and zeolites. Both metal carbon and metal oxides nanocomposites are more efficient in catalytic reduction and oxidation of p-nitrophenol and azo dyes than other reported materials. They have high rate constants, number of catalytic cycles and catalytic turn over number (TON) compared to currently used materials.

Provided in this disclosure are oxidative dehydrogenation catalysts that include a mixed metal oxide having the empirical formula:

Mo.sub.1.0V.sub.0.12-0.49Te.sub.0.05-0.17Nb.sub.0.10-0.20O.sub.d

wherein d is a number to satisfy the valence of the oxide. The oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst is characterized by having XRD diffraction peaks (2θ degrees) at 22±0.2, 27±0.2, 28.0±0.2, and 28.3±0.1. The disclosure also provides methods of making the catalysts that include wet ball milling.

Compositions, articles, and methods related to a three-way-catalyst composition comprising a perovskite-type compound of formula (I): La.sub.zB.sub.1-qB′.sub.qO.sub.3±δ or formula (II):[BO.sub.x].sub.y:[La.sub.zBO.sub.3±δ].sub.1-y and a non-redox active component; wherein B or B′ is Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Ti, or Zr; q is in a range from about 0 to about 0.5; x is from about 1 to about 2.5; y is from about 1 to about 30 wt %; z is about 0.6 to about 1.1; δ is in a range from about 0 to about 0.6.

An antimicrobial coating composition comprising a nanoparticle composite having a core and at least one shell, wherein the core comprises a silver nanoparticle having an antimicrobial action. The at least one shell is formed by a doped semiconductor providing a photocatalytic action and increasing the stability of silver nanoparticle core by controlling the releasing of Ag ions. The nanoparticle composite comprises a nanoparticle of a noble metal providing surface plasmon under the presence of electromagnetic radiation.

Disclosed is a method for preparing β-phenylethanol. The method comprises the following steps: (1) reducing a catalyst in a reactor in advance; (2) introducing pre-heated hydrogen gas to warm the reactor to a predetermined temperature; and (3) introducing a raw material styrene oxide to perform a hydrogenation reaction so as to obtain the β-phenylethanol. The catalyst is Ni—Cu/Al.sub.2O.sub.3 nanosized self-assembled catalyst. The reactor is an ultrasonic field micro-packed bed reactor. The method of the present invention enables the selectivity of the β-phenylethanol to reach 99% or more.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods that allow access to the interior of porous particles by inserting nanotubes into the particles. The compositions and methods disclosed herein are useful in several applications such as in catalytic reactions, plant active delivery, pharmaceutical drug delivery, and in absorbing environmental contaminants.

Nonabsorptive presulfided catalyst particles are provided which are coated with a suitable coating material such as paraffinic oil/wax, or a suitable polymer material, to prevent water adsorption on the catalyst particles.