Synthesis and characterization of nano α-alumina by an inorganic sol–gel method

This work aimed at the synthesis of nano α-alumina by an inorganic sol–gel method and subsequent calcination at 1,200 °C. The concentration of the precipitating agent (sodium hydroxide) and the order of reaction were varied, resulting in aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum chloride and aluminum nitrate were used as precursors. After synthesis, the samples were calcined at 1,200 °C for 1 h to obtain the desired nano alumina phase. The alumina powders were analyzed by DSC/TG, XRD, DLS, zeta potential, FTIR, FESEM and BET techniques. As a result, the use of 12 M NaOH and aluminum chloride and nitrate dripped simultaneously yielded 89 % Al(OH)3 and 58 % Al2O3 after calcination. Nano α-alumina was obtained by a simple method using salts as precursors and a final calcination.