Abstract: An improved alpha-alumina carrier useful for preparing a catalyst having excellent catalytic performance when used in the production of alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide. The carrier is obtained by impregnating a preformed alpha-alumina carrier with at least one alkali metal hydroxide modifier, drying said impregnated carrier, calcining, said dried carrier, and washing said calcined carrier. A particularly useful alkali metal hydroxide is sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: An improved carrier useful for preparing a catalyst having excellent catalytic performance when used in the production of alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide. The carrier is obtained by a) impregnating a preformed alpha-alumina carrier with at least one modifier selected from among alkali metal silicates and alkaline earth metal silicates, b) drying said impregnated carrier; and c) calcining said dried carrier. The carrier may optionally be washed, prior to being impregnated by conventional catalytic material and/or promoter material.