Catalyst, catalyst precursor, and catalyst carrier

Abstract

A catalyst, catalyst precursor, or catalyst carrier formed as an elongated shaped particle having a cross section comprising three protrusions each extending from and attached to a central position. The central position is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the particle. The cross-section of the particle occupies the space encompassed by the outer edges of six outer circles around a central circle, each of the six outer circles contacting two neighbouring outer circles, the particle occupying three alternating outer circles equidistant to the central circle and the six interstitial regions, the particle not occupying the three remaining outer circles which are between the alternating occupied outer circles. The ratio of the diameter of the central circle to the diameter of the outer occupied circle is more than 1, and the ratio of the diameter of the outer unoccupied circle to the diameter of the outer occupied circle is more than 1. The ratio of the diameter of the outer unoccupied circle to the diameter of the outer occupied circle is more than the ratio of the diameter of the central circle to the diameter of the outer occupied circle.