Morphology and Phase Composition of Sol-Gel Derived Aluminum Borate Nanowhiskers

Aluminium borate nanowhiskers with varying aspect ratio were synthesized via sol–gel synthesis. The morphology of aluminum borate (Al 4 B 2 O 9 and Al 18 B 4 O 33 ) nanowhiskers could be controlled by varying the aluminum to boron (Al:B) molar ratio in the sol–gel derived precursors. Sintering temperatures (850 and 1100°C) and sintering times (4 and 32 hours) also affected the phase composition and size of the nanowhiskers. Citric acid was also added in the sol–gel derived precursors as a surface stabilizer for obtaining uniform finely dispersed nanostructures. Fine nanowhiskers were obtained by the calcination at 850°C, whereas higher temperature of 1100°C led to thicker and longer nanowhiskers and became rod-like crystals. The morphology and phase composition were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Chemical bond vibrations in the synthesized nanowhiskers were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.