Materials and methods for the removal of sulfur compounds from feedstock

A multi-step method for preparing a composite material which comprises a ceramic matrix having a metal nanodispersed therein, said method including the steps of:

• providing a precursor of the ceramic matrix;
• providing a precursor of the metal, said precursor of the metal having a melting point which is greater than the melting point of the precursor of the ceramic matrix;
• mixing said precursor of the ceramic matrix and the precursor of the metal so as to produce a mixture comprised of particles of the precursor of the ceramic matrix and particles of the precursor of the metal;
• heating said mixture to a first temperature which is greater than the melting point of the precursor of the ceramic matrix and less than the melting point of the precursor of the metal, under conditions which will not convert said precursor of said ceramic matrix to said ceramic matrix and said precursor of said metal to said metal, whereby the particles of the precursor of the metal are at least partially coated with the precursor of the ceramic matrix;
• carrying out a conversion reaction which converts the precursor of the ceramic matrix into said ceramic matrix wherein said ceramic matrix is porous, said reaction being carried out in a carburizing atmosphere, and at a second temperature which is less than the melting point of the precursor of the metal;
• and
• carrying out a conversion reaction which converts the precursor of the metal to said metal, said reaction being carried out in a reducing atmosphere, and at a third temperature which is greater than said second temperature, so as to produce said composite material.