Transition Metal-Containing Catalysts and Processes for Their Preparation and Use As Oxidation and Dehydrogenation Catalysts

An oxidation catalyst, the catalyst comprising a particulate carbon support having formed thereon a transition metal composition comprising a transition metal and nitrogen, wherein:

• the transition metal composition comprises a transition metal nitride, transition metal carbide-nitride, or a combination thereof;
• the total Langmuir surface area of the catalyst is at least about 1000 m2/g;
• the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and combinations thereof;
• the transition metal constitutes from about 0.5 to about 10% by weight of the catalyst;
• and
• the oxidation catalyst further comprises carbon nanotubes at the surface of the carbon support.

An oxidation catalyst, the catalyst comprising a particulate carbon support having formed thereon a transition metal composition comprising a transition metal and nitrogen, wherein:

• the total Langmuir surface area of the catalyst is at least about 1000 m2/g;
• the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and combinations thereof;
• the transition metal constitutes from about 0.5 to about 10% by weight of the catalyst;
• the oxidation catalyst further comprises carbon nanotubes at the surface of the carbon support;
• and
• at least about 40% by weight of the transition metal is present in a non-zero oxidation state.