Preparation of supports for catalysis by the “gel route”

Abstract The surface area thermal stability of SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 /Na 2 O supports prepared from alkoxides was studied as a function of time and temperature. The results indicate substantial stability in time at temperatures ⩽ 250°C, whereas a progressive fall in porosity was observed at higher temperatures. New supports were prepared by coating glass microspheres with a thin layer of porous oxides. The formation of the porous layer was achieved by extending the gel method to the coating technique. Surface area, electron microscopy results and other features relevant to these systems are presented and discussed. The data suggest that these materials may be exploited as effective supports for metallic catalysts.