SUPPORTED GROUP-4, GROUP-5, AND GROUP-6 METAL CLUSTERS, PREPARATION OF THE MATERIAL AND USE OF THE MATERIAL AS A CATALYST

摘要

A method of forming supported group 4, and/or 5, and/or 6 metal clusters, which may be used as a catalyst for alkane reactions. The method includes combining a solid support and a precursor compound of group 4, 5, or 6 metals, or precursor compounds of group 4, and/or 5, and/or 6 metals, or a precursor compound of a combination of group 4, 5, and/or 6 metals, and combinations thereof; and optionally treating the combination to form the supported group 4, and/or 5, and/or 6 clusters. The material formed by the combination of the precursor or precursors with a solid support following an optional treatment can be used as a catalyst for disproportionation of alkanes and/or conversion of one or more alkanes with another alkane or other alkanes by contacting the material with the alkanes.