| abstract |
A silica-free, alpha -alumina containing catalyst support (I) is in the form of a hollow body in which at least part of the outer wall is cut through. Also claimed are: (i) a catalyst (II) consisting of alkali or alkaline earth metal(s) on support (I), (ii) production of (I) by forming a mixture of (A) a powder containing at least 95 wt% alpha -alumina and (B) a polymeric binder, removing the binder (B) and presintering the moulded product; (iii) production of catalyst (II) by making the formed support as in (ii), impregnating with solution(s) of metal salt(s) (as in i) and drying the impregnated support, and (iv) a silica-free, alpha -alumina containing catalyst (II) made by process (iii). |