Preparation of lanthanum-β-alumina with high surface area by a homogeneous precipitation method for use as catalyst support

Samples containing mixtures of 5 mol % La 2 O 3 and 95 mol % Al 2 O 3 were prepared by homogeneous precipitation method with or without the presence of various anions, and calcined at different temperatures in the range of 873-1473 K. Sample prepared by urea hydrolysis in the absence of anions, and calcined at about 1273 K results in the formation of pure lanthanum-β-alumina (LBA) with high surface area. However, in the presence of additive anions, the formation of LBA is retarded.