Ultrasound-assisted preparation of titania–alumina support with high surface area and large pore diameter by modified precipitation method

Titania–alumina supports were prepared successfully using the ultrasound-assisted precipitation method. The resulting supports were characterized by fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 physisorption. The effects of precipitants, washing method and the addition of surfactant CTAB were studied. The supports prepared with NH4HCO3 showed better textural properties compared with that with NH3·H2O, which was attributed to the low NH4+ release rate of NH4HCO3. TiO2–Al2O3 support with SBET = 283 m2/g, Vp = 2.34 mL/g and Dp = 33.0 nm was obtained with this modified precipitation method.

Research highlights▶ A new method for preparation of TiO2–Al2O3 support with high surface area and large pore diameter was developed. Ultrasound was introduced into the preparation of support. The water in as-prepared precipitate was replaced with anhydrous ethanol and then CTAB was added in as-prepared support before drying. ▶ TiO2–Al2O3 support with SBET = 283 m2/g, Vp = 2.34 mL/g and Dp = 33.0 nm was obtained with this modified precipitation method. ▶ This modified precipitation method was also suitable for the preparation of other supports such as TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2 and ZrO2–Al2O3 with high surface area and large pore diameter.