A new facile method to synthesize mesoporous γ-Al2O3 of high surface area and catalytic activity

The present investigation describes a new method to prepare a high surface area mesoporous γ-Al2O3 by controlled calcination of Al (III) nitrate with urea. The alumina catalyst thus obtained is characterized by XRD, adsorption–desorption isotherms and acidity measurements. The catalytic activity is evaluated for dehydration of methanol to form dimethyl ether. It showed high conversion and 100% selectivity to DME as compared to the other mesoporous aluminas, as well as zeolite catalysts. The results are discussed in relation to the surface area and the strength of the acid sites.