Process for preparing mixed metal oxide catalyst

The present invention includes a process for preparing an improved catalyst having the Steps of admixing compounds containing the components of the catalyst and at least one Solvent to form a precursor; extracting the precursor with a Supercritical Stream to form a processed precursor, where the extracting Step includes drying the precursor, atomizing the precursor, and combinations thereof, and calcining the pro cessed precursor to form a catalyst. The proceSS may include drying the precursor by introducing the precursor, which has been previously washed with an alcohol, Such as ethanol or methanol, into a vessel and introducing the Supercritical Stream at a preSSure and temperature above the critical point of the Stream into the vessel. The proceSS may include drying and atomizing the precursor by introducing the Supercritical Solvent into the vessel at a pressure and a temperature above critical point of …