Catalysts and composite materials comprised of catalytically active materials intercalated with alkali metals and/or optionally coated on alkali metals or combinations of alkali and alkali earth metals are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for enhancing reactions between hydrogen and organic materials by reacting said catalysts with solvents where such reactions generate a portion of the hydrogen and heat necessary to cause the desired reaction between an organic material and hydrogen and also act to fracture said catalytically active material into higher surface area particles with enhanced catalytic ability. Said catalysts may be dispersed in immiscible aprotic solvents to enhance transportation and safety considerations prior to use.