Facile synthesis of gallium oxide hydroxide by ultrasonic irradiation of molten gallium in water

• The dispersion of the molten Ga into microscopic spheres was induced by the acoustic cavitation.
• Ultrasonic irradiation of molten gallium in water induces a reaction between Ga, OH radicals and dissolved O2.
• Quantitative formation of GaO(OH) can be done by this method.

This work describes the single-step synthesis of GaO(OH) by ultrasonic irradiation of molten gallium in warm water. The ultrasonic energy causes dispersion of the liquid gallium into micrometric spheres, as-well-as decomposition of some of the water into H and OH radicals. The OH radicals and the dissolved oxygen react on the surface of the gallium spheres to form crystallites of GaO(OH). These crystallites prevent the re-coalescence of the gallium spheres, and as the reaction proceeds all the gallium is converted into crystalline GaO(OH).