γ-Alumina as a support for catalysts:: A review of fundamental aspects

The present review discusses the most important aspects to take into consideration to improve the properties of gamma-Al2O3 as a support for catalytic applications. We show that the synthetic route to gamma-Al2O3 is the starting point that determines the micro- and macrostructure of the oxide and, consequently, allows control of the support characteristics. The relevance of the adequate structural characterization of the oxide as well as of its surface sorption behavior through the proton-affinity distributions, are considered. The usefulness of the latter during supported catalyst preparation, for catalytic active sites characterization, and for stability evaluation after calcination are discussed for the Co/gamma-Al2O3 system in particular. ((c) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005).