a. Catalysts Formulation: Starting with selection of several active phases known for water dissociation, carbon oxidation and native hydrogen release.

b. Dispersion Methods: Studies on the dispersion methods of the catalyst precursors and the effect of them on: the particle size (from microns to nanometers); the activity/cost of the formula; and, the type of active phases generated.

c. Activation Methods: Studies on the methods of activation and on the process control. In the dispersion media, the heaviest fractions of bitumen, consist of a complex variety of compounds that could have an effect on the activation and final activity of the catalyst; this complexity has to be addressed and at least schematically understood.

d. Solid Characterization Studies: Detailed physical, compositional, superficial and structural characterization of the proven catalytic dispersed phases.

e. Designing Laboratory Experiments: By close interaction with professors Moore and Mehta from the In Situ Combustion Research Group, experimental procedures and equipment for applying the advances in ultra-dispersed adsorbents and catalysts for in situ upgrading will be developed.

a. On the potential catalytic active phases for producing it from heavy hydrocarbons and on the potential versatility of the upgrading catalyst to generate hydrogen/methane under different conditions.

b. Establishing reactivity tests for comparison of the different active phases and eventual deactivation mechanisms. The focus of the hydrogen generation research will be based on utilizing the carbon-rejected fractions using either steam reforming or partial oxidation. As a result, an upstream process will be necessary to recover and regenerate the catalyst from the high carbon content fractions in which it is dispersed.

c. The design and staged setup of a modular Pilot Plant Unit capable of simulating the envisioned integrated process.

d. The kinetics studies to be performed in the catalytic processes, such as TCSC/Visbreaking, hydrogen/methane production by gasification of asphaltenes via Steam Gasification with twofold goals, to determine the physical or chemical control of each process and to generate the set of controlling variables to ensure the transfer of knowledge, targeting eventual up-scaling by potential interested clients.

e. Developing effective forms of "wetting" solid carbonaceous materials such as coal and coke with catalytic forms derived from the above activity.