The present invention relates to photocatalytic materials for use in the conversion of CO.sub.2 to non-CO.sub.2 carbon containing products. The photocatalytic materials comprise a metal nanofiber and a carbon-based nanostructure bound to the surface of the metal nanofiber. Methods for preparing such materials are described, as well as their use in the conversion of CO.sub.2 to non-CO.sub.2 carbon containing products. For example, the photocatalytic materials of the invention may be used to convert CO.sub.2 to methanol and/or ethanol with high conversion rates.

The present invention relates to a photocatalyst nanomaterial comprising a solid substrate and a metal oxide/oxyhydroxide arranged on the solid substrate forming a coating having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 1 micrometer and having an amorphous structure. The invention also relates to a nanometric coating which comprises the described photocatalyst material and metallic nanoparticles, as well as to the method for obtaining the catalyst material, to the use of the catalyst material as a photocatalyst in the ultrafast synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, and to the use of the nanometric coating in the manufacture of optical sensors, biocidal coatings and elimination of reactive oxygen species.

The present invention relates to a photocatalyst nanomaterial comprising a solid substrate and a metal oxide/oxyhydroxide arranged on the solid substrate forming a coating having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 1 micrometer and having an amorphous structure. The invention also relates to a nanometric coating which comprises the described photocatalyst material and metallic nanoparticles, as well as to the method for obtaining the catalyst material, to the use of the catalyst material as a photocatalyst in the ultrafast synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, and to the use of the nanometric coating in the manufacture of optical sensors, biocidal coatings and elimination of reactive oxygen species.

Provided are the following: a mixture of visible light-responsive photocatalytic titanium oxide fine particles which can conveniently produce a photocatalyst thin film that exhibits photocatalyst activity even with only visible light (400-800 nm) and that exhibits high transparency; a dispersion liquid of the fine particles; a method for producing the dispersion liquid; a photocatalyst thin film; and a member having the photocatalyst thin film on a surface thereof. The mixture of visible light-responsive photocatalytic titanium oxide fine particles is characterized by containing two kinds of titanium dioxide fine particles: first titanium oxide fine particles, in which a tin component and a transition metal component (excluding an iron group element component) that increases visible light response properties form a solid solution, and second titanium oxide fine particles, in which an iron group element component and a chromium group element component form a solid solution.

The present invention relates to a multifunctional hybrid catalyst with niobium and tin supported on hexagonal mesoporous silicas (HMS.sub.NbSn), synthesis process thereof through isomorphic substitutions and the process for obtaining biodegradable lubricating base oils using said catalyst.

The present invention relates to a multifunctional hybrid catalyst with niobium and tin supported on hexagonal mesoporous silicas (HMS.sub.NbSn), synthesis process thereof through isomorphic substitutions and the process for obtaining biodegradable lubricating base oils using said catalyst.

Nanoparticles comprising a platinum group metal and a base metal, catalytic compositions comprising such nanoparticles and a support material, and methods of making such nanoparticles and catalytic compositions are disclosed. Catalytic articles and exhaust gas treatment systems, as well as methods of treating an exhaust gas stream comprising a pollutant using these catalytic articles and exhaust gas treatment systems, are also disclosed.

Nanoparticles comprising a platinum group metal and a base metal, catalytic compositions comprising such nanoparticles and a support material, and methods of making such nanoparticles and catalytic compositions are disclosed. Catalytic articles and exhaust gas treatment systems, as well as methods of treating an exhaust gas stream comprising a pollutant using these catalytic articles and exhaust gas treatment systems, are also disclosed.

A method is described for the production of a polyhydric alcohol from a urethane containing polymer. The method first provides a reaction mixture comprising said polymer, a solvent, which comprises a polyol capable of reacting with said polymer to depolymerize said polymer; and a catalyst, which comprises catalyst particles. Said polymer is depolymerized in said reaction mixture by reacting with said polyol to produce said polyhydric alcohol. A further step allows said reaction mixture containing said polyhydric alcohol product to separate into an, upper, product phase containing said polyhydric alcohol and another, lower, phase mainly containing said polyol and said catalyst. The catalyst is recovered from said another phase, while said polyhydric alcohol product is recovered from said product phase.

A method is described for the production of a polyhydric alcohol from a urethane containing polymer. The method first provides a reaction mixture comprising said polymer, a solvent, which comprises a polyol capable of reacting with said polymer to depolymerize said polymer; and a catalyst, which comprises catalyst particles. Said polymer is depolymerized in said reaction mixture by reacting with said polyol to produce said polyhydric alcohol. A further step allows said reaction mixture containing said polyhydric alcohol product to separate into an, upper, product phase containing said polyhydric alcohol and another, lower, phase mainly containing said polyol and said catalyst. The catalyst is recovered from said another phase, while said polyhydric alcohol product is recovered from said product phase.