Synthesis of γ-Al 2O 3 catalyst support from Kaolin of Indonesian origin

Kaolin has been identified as a potential raw material for the production of γ-al 2o 3 for hydrotreating catalyst support. this work explores the technical feasibility of applying the potassium hydroxide (koh) extraction synthesis route on kaolin from the belitung island in indonesia. the application of a published synthesis method to belitung kaolin requires an approximately twofold increase in kaolin calcination time,an increase in kaolin calcinations temperature from 950 to 1000°c,and a tenfold increase in metakaolin extraction time,to obtain a specific surface area higher than 200 m 2/g. the highest specific surface area of 233 m 2/g was obtained when the kaolin was calcined at 1000°c for 24 hours,and the metakaolin was extracted by concentrated koh solution for 12 hours. phase characterization of the final product confirmed the formation of γ-al 2o 3,but with the inclusion of low-surface area α-al 2o 3 phase.