A hydrothermal method of preparing uniform, monodisperse ceramic lanthanum hydroxyl carbonate (LaCO.sub.3OH) having cherry-blossom-like nanogears and/or nanocubes is described. The method produced a hexagonal crystal with a crystal lattice in which at least on lanthanum ion is substituted with calcium ion. The ceramic nanoparticles produced by the method are good catalyst for the reduction of nitrogen oxides with a hydrocarbon. A method of reducing exhaust gases is described.

A hydrothermal method of preparing uniform, monodisperse ceramic lanthanum hydroxyl carbonate (LaCO.sub.3OH) having cherry-blossom-like nanogears and/or nanocubes is described. The method produced a hexagonal crystal with a crystal lattice in which at least on lanthanum ion is substituted with calcium ion. The ceramic nanoparticles produced by the method are good catalyst for the reduction of nitrogen oxides with a hydrocarbon. A method of reducing exhaust gases is described.

The invention herein concerns a catalyst of gold particles on a layered double hydroxide (LDH) that assists in oxidation of alcohols in lignins. In some embodiments, the LDH comprises lithium and aluminum metals. Also considered are methods of using the catalyst to oxidize lignins and methods of preparing the catalyst.

A hydrothermal method of preparing uniform, monodisperse ceramic lanthanum hydroxyl carbonate (LaCO.sub.3OH) having cherry-blossom-like nanogears and/or nanocubes is described. The method produced a hexagonal crystal with a crystal lattice in which at least on lanthanum ion is substituted with calcium ion. The ceramic nanoparticles produced by the method are good catalyst for the reduction of nitrogen oxides with a hydrocarbon. A method of reducing exhaust gases is described.

A hydrothermal method of preparing uniform, monodisperse ceramic lanthanum hydroxyl carbonate (LaCO.sub.3OH) having cherry-blossom-like nanogears and/or nanocubes is described. The method produced a hexagonal crystal with a crystal lattice in which at least on lanthanum ion is substituted with calcium ion. The ceramic nanoparticles produced by the method are good catalyst for the reduction of nitrogen oxides with a hydrocarbon. A method of reducing exhaust gases is described.

A catalyst and a process for using the catalyst are presented. The catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst and includes active metal halides bonded to functional groups. The functional groups are bonded to a polymeric backbone to form the structure supporting the catalyst. The catalyst is useful for the dimerization of acetylene to convert the acetylene to a larger hydrocarbon, and in particular to dimerize acetylene to vinylacetylene.

An autothermal reforming catalytic structure for generating hydrogen gas from liquid hydrocarbons, steam and an oxygen source. The autothermal reforming catalytic structure includes a support structure and nanosized mixed metal oxide particles dispersed homogenously throughout the support structure.

An autothermal reforming catalytic structure for generating hydrogen gas from liquid hydrocarbons, steam and an oxygen source. The autothermal reforming catalytic structure includes a support structure and nanosized mixed metal oxide particles dispersed homogenously throughout the support structure.

An autothermal reforming catalytic structure for generating hydrogen gas from liquid hydrocarbons, steam and an oxygen source. The autothermal reforming catalytic structure includes a support structure and nanosized mixed metal oxide particles dispersed homogenously throughout the support structure.

An autothermal reforming catalytic structure for generating hydrogen gas from liquid hydrocarbons, steam and an oxygen source. The autothermal reforming catalytic structure includes a support structure and nanosized mixed metal oxide particles dispersed homogenously throughout the support structure.