Process for preparing catalyst supports having reduced levels of contaminants

摘要

A method of preparing a catalyst support is described comprising washing a precipitated metal oxide material with water and an aqueous solution of acid such that contaminant levels in said precipitated metal oxide are reduced. The method may be applied to precipitated alumina materials to reduce contaminants selected from sulphur, chlorine, Group 1A and Group 2A metals. The catalyst supports may be used to prepare catalysts for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons.