Microwave synthesis of colloidal stable AlPO-5 nanocrystals with high water adsorption capacity and unique morphology

• Microwave synthesis of AlPO-5 nanocrystals is reported.
• Nanosized AlPO-5 is synthesized using a new imidazolium template.
• Microwave heating shortens the crystallization time.
• AlPO-5 nanocrystals possess unique morphology and are sized ca. 300 nm.
• The nanocrystals are colloid stable and exhibit hydrophilic character.

Colloidal stable nanosized AlPO-5 crystals (ca. 300 nm) were synthesized via microwave-assisted hydrothermal method using a new template 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium hydroxide, [edmim]OH. The results revealed that [edmim]OH has a templating effect on the AlPO-5 nanocrystals. With microwave energy, colloidal AlPO-5 nanocrystals of high crystallinity and porosity were produced. Additionally, an interesting morphology of AlPO-5 nanocrystals was exhibited due to the microwave energy and unique properties of [edmim]+. The microwave-prepared AlPO-5 nanocrystals were also found to have a higher water adsorption capacity than those prepared from hydrothermal method.

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