The nano-support gamma-Al2O3 was prepared by chemical precipitation and combined with supercritical CO2 drying. The products were characterized by XRD diffraction, N-2 physical adsorption-desorption, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The supercritical CO2 drying method inhibited the agglomeration of particles and increased the sample's surface area. The rare earth metal modified CuO/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method, and the catalytic activity for CO oxidation was investigated. Catalyst particles containing 3-4 components gave excellent catalytic activity. Lanthanum modified CuO/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts show a significant promoting effect and the catalytic activity is comparable to the Ce containing catalysts. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.