The present invention is in the field of catalysis. More particularly, the present invention is directed to supported precious metal, preferably palladium and/or gold metal catalysts, having a high degree of dispersion and a high degree of edge-coating. The present invention is further directed to a process for producing these catalysts, as well as to the use of these catalysts in chemical reactions.

A hexaaluminate-containing catalyst for reforming hydrocarbons. The catalyst consists of a hexaaluminate-containing phase, which consists of cobalt and at least one further element from the group consisting of La, Ba, and Sr, and an oxidic secondary phase. To prepare the catalyst, an aluminum source is brought into contact with a cobalt-containing metal salt solution, dried, and calcined. The metal salt solution additionally contains the at least one further element. The reforming of methane and carbon dioxide is great economic interest since synthesis gas produced during this process can form a raw material for the preparation of basic chemicals. In addition, the use of carbon dioxide as a starting material is important in the chemical syntheses in order to bind carbon dioxide obtained as waste product in numerous processes by a chemical route and thereby avoid emission into the atmosphere.