Use of nano-silica carriers for the fabrication of Li2o/MgO catalyst nano-particles on the surface of alpha-alumina supports

A novel method for the production of detached ceramic oxide catalyst nano-particles on ceramic supports is presented. By the addition of a W/O micro-emulsion of colloidal silica to a W/O micro-emulsion of lithium and magnesium nitrate salts, a micro-emulsion of silica aggregates containing detached groups of the ceramic parent salts is prepared. The solid support (porous alpha-alumina) is put into contact with the latter and, after proper heat treatment, nano-sized particles of Li₂O/MgO ceramic oxides are formed on separate islands of silica in a detached fashion. The obtained composite shows significant activity for the oxidative coupling of the methane reaction.