Novel Mesoporous Gamma-Alumina Catalyst Supports

Nanoparticles of pure aluminum oxide and homogeneous lanthanum/aluminum mixed metal oxide were prepared by a simple, green one-pot, dry mixing/grinding process. BET, TEM, XRD, TGA, PDF and EXAFS analysis are performed on these materials. The results show that alumina and lanthanum-doped aluminas are prepared by this method have surface areas of about 450 m2/g and 270 m2/g after calcination at 350 ºC and 700 ºC respectively; pore diameters are in the range of 3-4 nm, although 10 nm diameter pores can be obtained through variations in pH and /or mixing water volume.