Patent ID: 7361619

Claim:
A method for producing a dispersed active metal catalyst comprising: a) treating a metal particulate selected from the group consisting of cobalt, zinc, aluminum, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, chromium, copper, ruthenium, nickel, steel, alloys and mixtures thereof, said metal particulate having a size in the range of from about 0.1 microns to about 5 millimeters, with a solution capable of oxidizing the metal particulate and comprising at least one compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and ruthenium, the treatment being in an amount and for a time sufficient to form at least one of metal hydroxides and oxides on at least a portion of the metal particulate; and b) contacting the treated metal particulate with a hydrogen containing gas at elevated temperature for a time sufficient to reduce the hydroxides and oxides whereby a dispersed active catalyst is produced.