One-step mechanochemical transformation of bulk pseudo-boehmite into nanosized α-Al2O3

Economical and environmentally friendly synthesis of nanosized α-Al2O3 with high specific surface area remains considerable challenges due to the thermodynamically instability and high activation energy barrier. Herein, the highly efficient strategy−one-step mechanochemical transformation of bulk pseudo-boehmite into nanosized α-Al2O3 has been developed. Variety of factors, including drying degree, process control agents, texture of media, have been surveyed during mechanochemical process. By optimization, the nanosized α-Al2O3 with average grain size of 16.5 nm and specific surface area of 101. 7 m2 g−1 are successfully prepared. By monitoring ball-milling process, we propose a decrystallization-recrystallization mechanism for the transformation of pseudo-boehmite into α-Al2O3. This work would pave new pathway on one-step mechanochemical synthesis of nanosized α-Al2O3.