Methods for reducing small pores of catalyst carriers

A method of reducing small pore size distribution of a catalyst carrier comprising:

• contacting a preformed catalyst carrier having a pore size distribution of less than 0.3 microns with a caustic solution to provide an admixture of the caustic solution and preformed catalyst carrier;
• heating the admixture to a temperature of about 70° C. or greater to provide a caustic solution treated preformed catalyst carrier;
• cooling the caustic solution treated preformed catalyst carrier to nominal room temperature;
• drying the cooled caustic solution treated preformed catalyst carrier;
• calcining the dried caustic solution treated preformed catalyst carrier at a temperature of about 1200° C. or greater;
• and
• washing the calcined caustic solution treated preformed catalyst carrier to provide a catalyst carrier having a reduced pore volumes of pores having a pore size of less than 0.3 microns as compared to the preformed catalyst carrier.