Abstract A process for preparing a catalyst comprising a metallic catalytic agent on a particulate carrier is disclosed which provides improved uniformity of distribution and fineness of division with narrowness of particle size distribution of the metallic catalytic agent on the carrier. The carrier is impregnated with an aqueous solution of a salt of the metallic catalytic agent and of a source, on heating in aqueous solution, of hydroxyl ions. The impregnated carrier is heated without substantial loss by evaporation of the aqueous solution to precipitate the metal or the particles with uniformity of distribution and fineness of division with narrowness of particle size distribution. The metal is converted by conventional methods to the appropriate active, oxidized or reduced, state. The process is particularly significant with carriers, such as alumina and silica, that in alkaline media are liable to undergo structural charges.
A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the carrier impregnated with said aqueous solution is heated in a sealed vessel to develop sufficient hydroxyl ions to precipitate said metal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
said carrier impregnated with said aqueous solution is heated in an atmosphere whose partial water vapor pressure exceeds the partial water vapor pressure of the carrier by 0 to 200 mm. Hg to develop sufficient hydroxyl ions to precipitate the metal on the surface of the particles of said carrier without substantial loss by evaporation of the aqueous solution; and
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
said metal on the surface of said particle is converted by drying and activation to the oxidized or reduced state to provide a catalyst consisting of a metallic catalytic agent distributed uniformly and in a finely divided state with narrow particle size distribution on a particulate carrier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A process as claimed in claim 2 in which the carrier impregnated with said aqueous solution is heated at a temperature from 100* C. to 200* C. and the mole ratio of said source of hydroxyl ions to said metal is from 1:1 to 4:1.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the particulate carrier is selected from the class consisting of silica and alumina.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 in which said metallic catalytic agent is nickel.