Abstract: An iron-free supported catalyst for the selective conversion of hydrocarbons to carbon nanotubes may include cobalt and vanadium as active catalytic metals in any oxidation state on a catalyst support comprising aluminum oxide hydroxide. The mass ratio of cobalt to vanadium is between 2 and 15; the mass ratio of cobalt to aluminum is between 5.8 10?2 and 5.8 10?1; and the mass ratio vanadium to aluminum is between 5.8 10?3 and 8.7 10?2. The present disclosure is further related to a method for the production of this iron-free supported catalyst and to a method for the production of carbon nanotubes using the iron-free supported catalyst.

Abstract: A member for a metal oxide nanofiber based gas sensor can include a metal nanoparticle catalyst and can be formed to be functionalized by binding the metal nanoparticle catalyst and an alkali or alkaline earth metal through electrospinning and heat treatment processes. The member can detect a trace amount of a gas with high selectivity and ultra-high sensitivity by uniformly binding the alkali or alkaline earth metal and the metal nanoparticle catalyst through electrospinning and high-temperature heat treatment.

Abstract: Sintering is an important issue in creating crystalline metal oxides with high porosity and surface area, especially in the case of high-temperature materials such as metal aluminates. Herein we report a rationally designed synthesis of metal aluminates that diminishes the surface area loss due to sintering. Metal aluminate (e.g. MeAl2O4or MeAlO3?Me=Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, La, or Ce; or mixture thereof) supported on ?-Al2O3 with ultralarge mesopores (up to 30 nm) was synthesized through microwave-assisted peptization of boehmite nanoparticles and their self-assembly in the presence of a triblock copolymer (Pluronic P123) and metal nitrates, followed by co-condensation and thermal treatment. The resulting materials showed the surface area up to about 410 m2·g?1, porosity up to about 2.5 cm3·g?1, and very good thermal stability. The observed enhancement in their thermomechanical resistance is associated with the faster formation of the metal aluminate phases.

Abstract: A low-temperature NOx storage catalyst for automobile exhaust purification and a preparation method thereof. Loading a noble metal salt solution on molecular sieve by equal volume impregnation method, wherein the noble metal salt solution comprises palladium nitrate and platinum nitrate, and the molecular sieve comprises SSZ, SAPO and BETA, then drying at 60-120° C. for 2-6 h, roasting at 500-550° C. in air for 2-5 h, and further roasting at 750-850° C. in air for 2-5 h, and then mixing with aluminum sol, ball milling and pulping, and then coating the slurry on a carrier, wherein the loading on the coating is 100-250 g/L and the noble metal content is 10-150 g/ft3, drying at 60-120° C. for 2-6 h, then roasting at 500-550° C. in air for 2-5 h, and further continuing roasting at 750-850° C. in air for 2-5 h, to obtain the catalyst.

Abstract: An alumina-based adsorbent and method of making exhibiting high affinity and capacity towards cations and oxyanions in a broad pH range and presence of large excess of competitive ions. Alumina based adsorbent is a mixed oxide of alumina existing in tetra-, penta-, and octahedral coordination at specific ratio, and oxides of polyvalent metals of elements titanium, zirconium, tin, cerium, lanthanum, iron, or combinations thereof. The alumina-based adsorbent may be used for selective removal of oxyanions of fluoride, phosphorus, arsenic, chromium, and/or selenium, and/or cations of lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, and/or zinc, from drinking water, industrial streams and wastes, in medicine and food industry.

Abstract: A propulsion element including a catalyzing reactor is disclosed. The catalyzing reactor comprises a reactor entrance and a reactor exit and an internal structure arranged for flowing a reacting medium through the reactor from the reactor entrance to the reactor exit. The reactor structure comprising at least one thin walled reactor channel arranged between the entrance and the exit of the reactor. The channel having a channel wall that includes a catalyst and that defines a flow path, in which channel in use, a catalyzed exothermic reaction takes place in the medium as it flows along the flow path. The at least one channel is looped to have a portion of its flow path that is downstream with respect to the reactor entrance in heat exchanging contact with a portion of a flow path that is that is more upstream with respect to the reactor entrance, so as to transfer heat between a downstream portion of the reacting medium to an upstream portion thereof.

Abstract: A nanocatalyst including single atoms of platinum dispersed on a nanoscale metal oxide, and the nanocatalyst comprises 0.01 wt % to 1 wt % platinum. Preparing the nanocatalyst includes combining a solution comprising a nanoscale metal oxide and a compound containing a Group 10 metal to yield a mixture, aging the mixture for a length of time, filtering the mixture to yield a solid, washing the solid to eliminate water soluble anions, and calcining the solid to yield a nanocatalyst including single atoms or clusters of atoms of the Group 10 metal on the nanoscale metal oxide.

Abstract: This disclosure features a urea conversion catalyst located within a urea decomposition reactor (e.g., a urea decomposition pipe) of a diesel exhaust aftertreatment system. The urea conversion catalyst includes a refractory metal oxide and a cationic dopant. The urea conversion catalyst can decrease the temperature at which urea converts to ammonia, can increase the urea conversion yield, and can decrease the likelihood of incomplete urea conversion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for the decomposition of nitrous oxide, said catalyst comprising oxides of cobalt, zinc and aluminum and an alkali metal promoter.

Abstract: A catalyst composition and process for preparing it and for using it to enhance the selectivity to light (C2 to C3) olefins in a Fischer-Tropsch conversion of synthesis gas is disclosed. The catalyst composition is an iron-based catalyst on an yttria/zirconia support. In a Fischer-Tropsch reaction the selectivity to ethylene may be enhanced by at least 20 mole percent and to propylene by at least 4 mole percent, in comparison with use of an otherwise identical catalyst that is free of yttria, in an otherwise identical Fischer-Tropsch reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst for methanation reaction producing methane with high conversion by reaction of hydrogen with carbon dioxide, or a gas mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, or a gas mixture containing these compounds as the main components. The catalyst is prepared by the steps of mixing (A) aqueous zirconia sol with salts of (B) stabilizing element(s), which is selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Ca and Mg, and (C) iron group element(s), drying and calcining the mixture to obtain a catalyst precursor, and subsequent reduction of the precursor. The catalyst comprises, by atomic %, A: 18-70%, B: 1-20% and C: 25-80% based on the elemental states of the metals. The catalyst is characterized by multiple oxide of tetragonal zirconia structure, in which not only the stabilizing element(s) but also a part of the iron group element(s) is incorporated, and on which the iron group element(s) in the metallic state is supported.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification catalytic material for purifying exhaust gas from an engine includes ZrLaY composite oxide containing ZrO2 as a main component, 2% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of La2O3, and 2% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less of Y2O3, and Rh is loaded on the composite oxide.

Abstract: Spinels having a general formula of AB2O4, where A and B are a transition metal but not the same transition metal are disclosed. Spinel and spinel compositions of the application are useful in various applications and methods as further described.

Abstract: Nanoparticle catalyst compositions and methods for preparation of same are described. The nanoparticle catalysts are platinum-free and are useful in effecting selective ring-opening reactions, for example in upgrading heavy oil. The catalyst may be of monometallic composition, or may comprise an alloyed or core-shell bimetallic composition. The nanoparticles are of controlled size and shape.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a compression ignition engine comprising an oxidation catalyst for treating carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs) in exhaust gas from the compression ignition engine, wherein the oxidation catalyst comprises: a platinum group metal (PGM) component selected from the group consisting of a platinum (Pt) component, a palladium (Pd) component and a combination thereof; an alkaline earth metal component; a support material comprising a modified alumina incorporating a heteroatom component; and a substrate, wherein the platinum group metal (PGM) component, the alkaline earth metal component and the support material are disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A catalyst which comprises nickel and/or cobalt supported on a support that includes a mixed oxide containing metals, such as aluminum, zirconium, lanthanum, magnesium, cerium, calcium, and yttrium. Such catalysts are useful for converting carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, and for converting methane to hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diesel oxidation catalyst comprising a carrier substrate, and a first washcoat layer disposed on the substrate, the first washcoat layer comprising palladium supported on a support material comprising a metal oxide, gold supported on a support material comprising a metal oxide, and a ceria comprising compound, as well as a process for the preparation of such catalyst.

Abstract: A method of making a metal oxide nanoparticle comprising contacting an aqueous solution of a metal salt with an oxidant. The method is safe, environmentally benign, and uses readily available precursors. The size of the nanoparticles, which can be as small as 1 nm or smaller, can be controlled by selecting appropriate conditions. The method is compatible with biologically derived scaffolds, such as virus particles chosen to bind a desired material. The resulting nanoparticles can be porous and provide advantageous properties as a catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for converting ethanol to higher alcohols, such as butanol, is disclosed. The catalyst composition comprises at least one alkali metal, at least a second metal and a support. The second metal is selected from the group consisting of palladium, platinum, copper, nickel, and cobalt. The support is selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, ZrO2, MgO, TiO2, zeolite, ZnO, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for converting a reactant composition comprising H2 and CO to a product comprising at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least about 5 carbon atoms, the process comprising: flowing the reactant composition through a microchannel reactor in contact with a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst to convert the reactant composition to the product, the microchannel reactor comprising a plurality of process microchannels containing the catalyst; transferring heat from the process microchannels to a heat exchanger; and removing the product from the microchannel reactor; the process producing at least about 0.5 gram of aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least about 5 carbon atoms per gram of catalyst per hour; the selectivity to methane in the product being less than about 25%. Also disclosed is a supported catalyst comprising Co, and a microchannel reactor comprising at least one process microchannel and at least one adjacent heat exchange zone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for NiPt nanoparticles, compositions and supports including NiPt nanoparticles, methods of making NiPt nanoparticles, methods of supporting NiPt nanoparticles, methods of using NiPt nanoparticles, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas purifying catalyst in which grain growth of a noble metal particle supported on a support is suppressed. Also disclosed is a production process for producing an exhaust gas purifying catalyst. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprises a crystalline metal oxide support and a noble metal particle supported on the support, wherein the noble metal particle is epitaxially grown on the support, and wherein the noble metal particle is dispersed and supported on the outer and inner surfaces of the support. The process for producing an exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprises masking, in a solution, at least a part of the surface of a crystalline metal oxide support by a masking agent, introducing the support into a noble metal-containing solution containing a noble metal, and drying and firing the support and the noble metal-containing solution to support the noble metal on the support.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a catalyst composition for exhaust gas purification, which is superior in purification performance for nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) in exhaust gas to be discharged from an internal combustion engine of a gasoline vehicle or the like; and an catalyst for exhaust gas purification for automobiles. The present invention is a catalyst composition for exhaust gas purification for purifying nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons in exhaust gas, which includes a catalyst composition wherein rhodium is supported, together with an ?-alumina particle, on a zirconia-type base material, characterized in that average particle size of the ?-alumina particle is 10 nm to 1 ?m, and also is smaller than average particle size of the zirconia (ZrO2)-type base material.

Abstract: Disclosed are three-way catalysts that are able to simultaneously convert nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons in exhaust gas emissions into less toxic compounds. Also disclosed are three-way catalyst formulations comprising palladium (Pd)-containing oxygen storage materials. In some embodiments, the three-way catalyst formulations of the invention do not contain rhodium. Further disclosed are improved methods for making Pd-containing oxygen storage materials. The relates to methods of making and using three-way catalyst formulations of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis which has excellent heat transfer capability. This catalyst contains (1) central core particle or particles made of a heat transfer material (HTM) selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal oxide, a ceramic, and a mixture thereof; and (2) outer particle layer which surrounds the central core particles and is attached to the surfaces of the central core particles by a binder material layer. The outer particle layer has a support and catalyst particles in a powder form containing metal particles disposed on the support. The catalyst having such a dual particle structure shows excellent heat transfer capability and, thus, exhibits high selectivity to a target hydrocarbon. Therefore, the catalyst of the present invention is useful in a fixed-bed reactor for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for producing hydrocarbons from synthetic gas.

Abstract: An ammonia oxidation catalyst being superior in heat resistance and capable of suppressing by-production of N2O or NOx. The ammonia oxidation catalyst is made by coating at least two catalyst layers having a catalyst layer (lower layer) including a catalyst supported a noble metal on an inorganic base material including any of a composite oxide (A) having at least titania and silica as main components, alumina, and a composite oxide (B) consisting of alumina and silica; and a catalyst layer (upper layer) including a composite oxide (C) consisting of at least silica, tungsten oxide, ceria and zirconia, at the surface of an integral structure-type substrate, wherein a composition of the composite oxide (C) is silica: 20% by weight or less, tungsten oxide: 1 to 50% by weight, ceria: 1 to 60% by weight, and zirconia: 30 to 90% by weight.

Abstract: A method for producing a dehydrogenation catalyst including an immersion step of impregnating an alumina layer of an alumina carrier with a platinum solution containing hexahydroxo platinate (IV) ions with an immersion method, wherein the alumina carrier has the alumina layer formed by anodic oxidation on at least a part of the surface of an aluminum support; and a calcination step of calcining the alumina carrier subjected to the immersion step to provide a dehydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: A method of preparing catalytic materials comprising depositing platinum or non-platinum group metals, or alloys thereof on a porous oxide support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising 0.1-10 mol % Co3-xMxO4, where M is Fe or Al and x=0-2, on a cerium oxide support for decomposition of N2O in gases containing NO. The catalyst may also contain 0.01-2 weight % ZrO2. The invention further comprises a method for performing a process comprising formation of N2O. The N2O containing gas is brought in contact with a catalyst comprising 0.1-10 mol % Co3-xMxO4, where M is Fe or Al and x=0-2, on a cerium oxide support, at 250-1000° C. The method may comprise that ammonia is oxidized in presence of an oxidation catalyst and that the thereby formed gas mixture is brought in contact with the catalyst comprising the cobalt component on cerium oxide support at a temperature of 500-1000° C.

Abstract: A method for producing a dehydrogenation catalyst including an immersion step of impregnating an alumina layer of an alumina carrier with a platinum solution containing hexahydroxo platinate (IV) ions with an immersion method, wherein the alumina carrier has the alumina layer formed by anodic oxidation on at least a part of the surface of an aluminum support; and a calcination step of calcining the alumina carrier subjected to the immersion step to provide a dehydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: An emission control catalyst composition comprising a supported bimetallic catalyst consisting of gold and a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, copper and nickel is disclosed. Also disclosed is a catalytic convertor comprising a substrate monolith coated with the emission control catalyst composition and a lean burn internal combustion engine exhaust gas emission treatment system comprising the catalytic convertor. A variety of processes for preparing the catalyst composition are claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst for converting nitrogen oxide into ammonia, which is capable of converting nitrogen oxide into ammonia under fuel lean exhaust gas conditions of more than theoretical air-fuel ratio (A/F=14.7), and a method for manufacturing the same. The catalyst according to the present invention comprises a metal oxide support impregnated with a precious metal, such that conversion of nitrogen oxide into ammonia under fuel lean exhaust gas conditions of more than theoretical air-fuel ratio (A/F=14.7) is possible.

Abstract: A method of producing an alumina-supported cobalt catalyst for use in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, which comprises: calcining an initial ?-alumina support material at a temperature to produce a modified alumina support material; impregnating the modified alumina support material with a source of cobalt; calcining the impregnated support material, activating the catalyst with a reducing gas, steam treating the activated catalyst, and activating the steam treated catalyst with a reducing gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst used for steam carbon dioxide reforming of natural gas, wherein an alkaline earth metal alone or an alkaline earth metal and a group 8B metal are supported on a hydrotalcite-like catalyst containing nickel, magnesium and aluminum. The disclosed catalyst is useful as a steam carbon dioxide reforming (SCR) catalyst of natural gas at high temperature and high pressure, while minimizing deactivation of the catalyst due to sintering of the active component nickel and deactivation of the catalyst due to coke generation at the same time. A synthesis gas prepared using the catalyst has a H2/CO molar ratio maintained at 1-2.2. A synthesis gas having a H2/CO molar ratio of 1.8-2.2 may be used as a raw material for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or methanol synthesis and a synthesis gas having a H2/CO molar ratio of may be used as a raw material for dimethyl ether synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a layered three-way catalytic system being separated in a front and a rear portion having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides. Provided is a catalyst composite comprising a single front catalytic layer and two rear catalytic layers in conjunction with a substrate, where the single font layer and the rear bottom layer comprise a Pd component, the rear top layer comprises a Rh component, and the rear bottom layer is substantially free of an oxygen storage component (OSC).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a catalyst composition for converting ethanol to higher alcohols, such as butanol. The catalyst composition comprises one or more metals and one or more supports. The one or more metals selected from the group consisting of cobalt, nickel, palladium, platinum, zinc, iron, tin and copper. The one or more supports are selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, ZrO2, MgO, TiO2, zeolite, ZnO, and mixtures thereof, wherein the catalyst is substantially free of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a catalyst supported for the selective oxidation of sulphur compounds of the tail gas from the Claus process or streams with an equivalent composition to elemental sulphur or sulphur dioxide (SO2). It is also the object of the present invention, a process for the preparation of a catalyst of this type, as well as the process of selective oxidation of sulphur compounds to elemental sulphur using the catalyst of the invention, as well as the process of catalytic incineration of the tail gas from the Claus process using the catalyst of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of producing an alumina-supported catalyst for use in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, which comprises: calcining an initial ?-alumina support material at a temperature of at least 550° C. to produce a modified alumina support material; impregnating the modified alumina support material with a source cobalt; calcining the impregnated support material at a temperature of 700° C. to 1200° C., and activating the catalyst.

Abstract: The noble metal fine particle supported catalyst of the present invention includes a substrate, and a porous membrane formed on the substrate. The porous membrane contains support particles, noble metal fine particles, and an inorganic binder. In the porous membrane, the noble metal fine particles are supported on surfaces of the support particles, and the support particles form secondary particles each having a porous structure. The porous membrane is formed by binding, with the inorganic binder, the secondary particles formed of the support particles so that a gap is present at least partly between the secondary particles adjacent to each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the oxidation of organic compounds contained in a gas stream and comprises the step of introducing the gas stream containing the organic compounds together with sufficient oxygen to effect the desired amount of oxidation into an oxidation reactor containing an oxidation catalyst and maintaining the temperature of said gas stream at a temperature sufficient to effect oxidation, characterised in that the oxidation catalyst contains at least 0.01% by weight of ruthenium, cobalt or manganese.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas purifying catalyst for an internal combustion engine comprising: a carrier and a catalyst layer formed on the carrier, the catalyst layer including a first catalyst, a second catalyst and a third catalyst. The first catalyst comprises Pd supported in a first support, the first support comprising alumina. The second catalyst comprises Rh supported in a second support, the second support comprising a complex oxide of ceria-zirconia. The third catalyst comprising Pd supported in a third support, the third support comprising a complex oxide of ceria-zirconia.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control catalyst disclosed herein is equipped with a rhodium catalytic layer and a platinum catalytic layer, and is characterized in that a relationship between a mole average (X) of a Pauling's electronegativity that is calculated as to elements included in the rhodium catalytic layer except platinum group elements and oxygen and a mole average (Y) of a Pauling's electronegativity that is calculated as to elements included in the platinum catalytic layer except platinum group elements and oxygen is 1.30?X?1.45 and 1.47?Y?2.0. According to this exhaust emission control catalyst, an interlayer transfer of platinum and/or rhodium and the alloying of platinum and/or rhodium are suppressed during use of the catalyst, and high exhaust gas purification performance can be exerted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalysts, to processes for making catalysts and to chemical processes employing such catalysts. The multifunctional catalysts are preferably used for converting acetic acid and ethyl acetate to ethanol. The catalyst is effective for providing an acetic acid conversion greater than 20% and an ethyl acetate conversion greater than 0%. The catalyst comprises a precious metal and one or more active metals on a modified support. The modified support includes a metal selected from the group consisting of tungsten, vanadium, and tantalum, provided that the modified support does not contain phosphorous.

Abstract: A catalytically active particulate filter is proposed which is suitable for use in an exhaust gas cleaning system for diesel engines. The particulate filter removes diesel soot particles from the exhaust gas and is also effective to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and to convert nitrogen monoxide at least proportionally into nitrogen dioxide. The particulate filter comprises a filter body (3) and two catalytically active coatings (1) and (2) which contain platinum and palladium, or platinum or palladium respectively, wherein the platinum content of the second catalytically active coating (2) is higher than the platinum content of the first catalytically active coating (1).

Abstract: An exhaust gas-purifying catalyst includes a support provided with one or more through-holes through which exhaust gas flows, and a catalytic layer supported by the support and containing an oxygen storage material. The exhaust gas-purifying catalyst includes a first section to which the exhaust gas is supplied, and a second section to which the exhaust gas having passed through the first section is supplied. The catalytic layer includes a layered structure of a first catalytic layer containing platinum and/or palladium and a second catalytic layer containing rhodium in the first catalytic section and further includes a third layer containing rhodium in the second section. The second section is smaller in oxygen storage material content per unit volumetric capacity than the first section.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an oxidation catalyst assembly formed by applying a washcoat of platinum and a NOx storage material to a portion of a substrate material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst which can convert ammonia contained in exhaust gas from an engine of a vehicle equipped with a Urea-SCR (Urea-Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, to nitrogen, and a method for preparating the same. The catalyst can convert ammonia which is failed to participate in a conversion reaction of NOx to N2 and slipped out of the SCR catalyst, to nitrogen via a SCO (Selective Catalytic Oxidation) reaction, before the ammonia is released to the air.

Abstract: One embodiment is a catalyst for catalytic reforming of naphtha. The catalyst can have a noble metal including one or more of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium, an alkali or alkaline-earth metal, a lanthanide-series metal, and a support. Generally, an average bulk density of the catalyst is about 0.300 to about 1.00 gram per cubic centimeter. The catalyst has a platinum content of less than about 0.375 wt %, a tin content of about 0.1 to about 2 wt %, a potassium content of about 100 to about 600 wppm, and a cerium content of about 0.1 to about 1 wt %. The lanthanide-series metal can be distributed at a concentration of the lanthanide-series metal in a 100 micron surface layer of the catalyst less than two times a concentration of the lanthanide-series metal at a central core of the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising a carrier substrate, a layer (i) coated on said carrier substrate comprising at least one precious group metal, a layer (ii) comprising Rh, and a layer (iii) comprising Pd and/or Pt and being substantially free of Ce, Ba and Rh, wherein the layer (iii) has a lower weight than the layer (i) or the layer (ii). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for treating an exhaust gas stream using said catalyst composition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns spheroidal alumina particles, catalysts comprising such particles as a support and a process for the production of spheroidal alumina particles, comprising the following steps: a) preparing a suspension comprising water, an acid and at least one boehmite powder for which the ratio of the crystallite dimensions in the [020] and [120] directions obtained using the Scherrer X-ray diffraction formula is in the range 0.7 to 1; b) adding a pore-forming agent, a surfactant and optionally water, or an emulsion comprising at least one pore-forming agent, a surfactant and water to the suspension of step a); c) mixing the suspension obtained in step b); d) shaping the spheroidal particles by the oil-drop method using the suspension obtained in step c); e) drying the particles obtained in step d); f) calcining the particles obtained in step e).