The present disclosure relates to a method that includes heating a mixture that includes a metal phenylphosphine-containing precursor that includes at least one of Mo(PPh.sub.3).sub.2(CO).sub.4, Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4, Ru(PPh.sub.3).sub.3Cl.sub.2, Ru(PPh.sub.3).sub.2(CO).sub.2Cl.sub.2, Co(PPh.sub.3)(CO).sub.2(NO), and/or Rh(PPh.sub.3).sub.2(CO)Cl, a surfactant, and a solvent. The heating is to a target temperature to form a heated mixture containing a metal phosphide nanoparticle that includes at least one of MoP, Ru.sub.2P, Co.sub.2P, Rh.sub.2P, and/or Pd.sub.3P, and the metal phosphide nanoparticle is not hollow.

A hollow cylindrical shaped catalyst body for gas phase oxidation of an alkene to an ,-unsaturated aldehyde and/or an ,-unsaturated carboxylic acid comprises a compacted multimetal oxide having an external diameter ED, an internal diameter ID and a height H, wherein ED is in the range from 3.5 to 4.5 mm; the ratio q=ID/ED is in the range from 0.4 to 0.55; and the ratio p=H/ED is in the range from 0.5 to 1. The shaped catalyst body is mechanically stable and catalyzes the partial oxidation of an alkene to the products of value with high selectivity. It provides a sufficiently high catalyst mass density of the catalyst bed and good long-term stability with acceptable pressure drop.

A zinc-based nanohybrid was prepared using a facile wet chemistry process. This nanohybrid has zinc oxide nanostructures connected to zinc phthalocyanine molecules via biologically important ligands. In addition, this nanohybrid has photocatalytic properties and photodegrades water pollutants, such as methyl orange.

A catalytic composition is disclosed, which exhibits an X-ray amorphous oxide with a spinel formula, and crystals of ZnO, CuO, and at least one Group VIB metal oxide, and preferably, at least one acidic oxide of B, P. or Si, as well. The composition is useful in oxidative processes for removing sulfur from gaseous hydrocarbons.

This present disclosure is directed to methods for the preparation of a hydrotreatment catalyst, such as nanoscale nickel phosphide (i.e., Ni.sub.2P) particles supported on high-surface area metal oxides (e.g., silica, alumina, amorphous silica-alumina), in a manner that is compatible with conditions employed in commercial hydrotreating units. The catalyst synthesis includes impregnation, drying, and in situ reduction, and can provide highly active catalysts for the removal of S and N impurities from crude oil fractions.

The present disclosure relates generally to ceramic materials suitable for use as catalyst support materials, catalysts using such materials and methods for using them, such as methods for converting sugars, sugar alcohols, glycerol, and bio-renewable organic acids to commercially-valuable chemicals and intermediates. One aspect of the invention is a ceramic material including zirconium oxide and one or more metal oxides selected from nickel oxide, copper oxide, cobalt oxide, iron oxide and zinc oxide, the ceramic material being at least about 50 wt. % zirconium oxide. In certain embodiments, the ceramic material is substantially free of any binder, extrusion aid or additional stabilizing agent.

A new crystalline zinc (silico)aluminophosphate molecular sieve designated SSZ-90 is disclosed. SSZ-90 is isostructural with the DFO framework type and is synthesized using an ionic liquid as both the solvent and the structure directing agent. The ionic liquid [Q.sup.+A.sup.] comprises a cation (Q.sup.+) selected from the group consisting of 1,3-diisopropylimidazolium, 1,3-diisobutylimidazolium, and 1-isopropyl-3-isobutylimidazolium and an anion (A.sup.) which is not detrimental to the formation of the molecular sieve.

This invention provides a catalyst comprising a new form of ZnFe.sub.2O.sub.4 spinel nanoparticles, and a method for preparing same. The catalyst is useful for catalyzing the esterification of fatty acids or transesterification of triglycerides, wherein the reaction rate and conversion can be enhanced by free fatty acids.

A catalyst support comprising samarium, zirconium and aluminum is disclosed. The catalyst support may have a general formula of Sm.sub.2xZr.sub.xAl.sub.2xO.sub.4, in which x is a molar ratio that may be between 0.3 and 0.6.

A semiconductor material basically consists of titanium oxide, with the special feature of being like nanostructures, which gives special physicochemical properties, with ability to disperse and stabilize metal particles with high activity and selectivity in catalytic processes mainly. The process of producing the semiconductor material includes adding a titanium alkoxide to an alcoholic solution, adding an acid to the alcoholic solution, controlling the pH from 1 to 5; subjecting the acidic solution to agitation and reflux conditions at 70 to 80 C.; stabilizing the medium and adding bidistilled water in a water/alkoxide molar ratio of 1-2/0.100-0.150, continuing with reflux until gelation; aging the gel for 1 to 24 hours for complete formation of the titania; drying the titania nanostructured at of 50 to 80 C. for about 1 to 24 hours, and subjecting the dried titania to a calcination step at 200 to 600 C. for 1 to 12 hours.