Morphology evolution studies of boehmite hollow microspheres synthesized under hydrothermal conditions

Boehmite (γ-AlOOH) hollow microspheres were synthesized via a convenient hydrothermal route. To investigate its crystal form and morphology formation process, samples subjected to different reaction durations from 1 to 24 h were prepared and characterized by techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A spontaneous morphology evolution mechanism driven by Ostwald ripening and dissolution–renucleation was proposed based on the experimental facts. We think that systematically understanding and hereby manipulating the morphology evolution process will contribute to fabricate novel morphologies of the materials.

► Boehmite hollow microspheres were synthesized by hydrothermal route.
► Its crystal form and morphology evolution process was investigated.
► A spontaneous morphology evolution mechanism was proposed.