Preparation of extrusions of bulk mixed oxide compounds with high macroporosity and mechanical strength

This paper discusses a method of preparing bodies of bulk metal oxide-based solid catalysts and absorbents having controllable surface area greater than 5 m2/g, macroporosity, high pore volume. It comprises a compressive crush strength in the range of approximately 1-10 lb/mm.; preparing a citrate precursor having, in desired proportions metals selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zinc, transition metals, alkali metals, alkaline earth elements, rare earth elements and mixtures thereof; calcining the citrate precursor at a temperature ranging between 550 degrees C.-850 degrees C. for approximately 4-8 hours to yield a highly dispersed and macroporous metal oxide solid; treating the metal oxide solid by crushing the sizing to yield a highly dispersed, macroporous powder having a continuous particle size distribution such that fine and coarse size particles are retained, and macropores, in the size range of 0.1 μm to 25 μm in diameter, comprise at least 60% of the total pore volume of the powder and the remaining pores have a diameter less than 0.1μm; adding about 2-7 percent by weight of a clay binder material to the powder; forming solid bodies from the powder; shaping the bodies to an appropriate size and shape; drying the bodies in air at 100 degrees C.-120 degrees C. for approximately 16 hours; and heat treating the bodies for approximately 2-6 hours at a temperature in the range of approximately 650 degrees C.-850 degrees C. This paper discusses the product produced by the method