A new route to synthesis of γ-alumina nanorods

γ-Alumina single-crystalline nanorods have been successfully synthesized by thermal decomposition of boehmite precursor which was prepared by solvothermally treating AlCl3 ⁎ 6H2O, NaOH, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate in water and dimethylbenzene mixed solvents. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Our experiments show that the surfactant plays an important role in the morphology and assembly of boehmite. Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the boehmite nanorods was also investigated.