Mesoporous alumina materials synthesized in different gel templates

In this study, mesoporous alumina materials were constructed by using GP-1/PG organogel or agarose hydrogel respectively as a template. The XRD, SEM and TEM characterizations were performed to determine the crystalline phase and microstructure of the alumina. Our results suggest that different mesostructures could be formed using different gel systems. The alumina synthesized in GP-1/propylene glycol organogel is γ-Al2O3 with wormlike mesochannels whilst the alumina prepared in agarose hydrogel is η-Al2O3 with parallel lath mesostructure. The gel system induces the formation of alumina crystalline phase and morphology, as a result, different mesoporous alumina materials can be formed in different gel templates.

► We prepare mesoporous alumina in two gel systems: GP-1/PG organogel and agarose hydrogel system.
► The alumina prepared in GP-1/PG organogel is γ-Al2O3 with wormlike mesochannels.
► The alumina prepared in agarose hydrogel is η-Al2O3 with parallel lath mesostructure.