Systems and methods for contacting a crude feed with one or more catalysts produces a total product that include a crude product are described. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25.degree. C. and 0.101 MPa. The one or more catalysts may include one or more vanadium catalysts. Methods and compositions of the one or more vanadium catalysts are described. One or more properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed. In some embodiments, hydrogen is generated.