Studies on the catalytic properties of magnesia supported on γ-alumina

We have shown that MgO can be dispersed on γ-Al₂O₃ with different loadings. The observed dispersion capacity of MgO on the surface of γ-Al₂O₃ is higher than the theoretical monolayer dispersion value. The surface area and the maximum in the pore size distribution gradually decrease with the increase in MgO content at low loadings. The surface area and the maximum in the pore size distribution of MgO/γ-Al₂O₃ decreases more rapidly when the MgO content is large because the pores of γ-Al₂O₃ become blocked. When small amounts of MgO are dispersed on the surface of γ-Al₂O₃, the catalyst is very active and shows a good selectivity for the synthesis of glycol ethers.