Synthesis of macro-mesoporous alumina with yeast cell as bio-template

Macro-mesoporous alumina materials were synthesized by using yeast cell as bio-template and triethanolamine (TEA) as precipitator. The synthesized samples were characterized by various means such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption method and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effect of both the mass ratio of yeast/Al(NO3)3·9H2O and the synthesized temperature on the properties of samples was investigated in detail. The SEM and TEM results showed that the synthesized alumina possessed macroporous structure with sizes of 1.5–3 μm, where the interconnected wormlike mesopores with sizes of 3–4.5 nm were within the walls of the macroporous cages. XRD patterns and BET results revealed that the synthesized alumina had a higher formation temperature of γ-Al2O3 crystal phase, as well as better thermal stability.

The synthesized alumina by using yeast cell as bio-template possessed macroporous structure with sizes of 1.5–3 μm, where the interconnected wormlike mesopores with sizes of 3–4.5 nm were within the walls of the macroporous cages. Even after calcinating at 900 °C, the sample still exhibited regulative macro-mesoporous structure.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Yeast cells were utilized as bio-template to synthesize macro-mesoporous alumina.
► Alumina calcinated at 900 °C still exhibited regulative macro-mesoporous structure.
► The alumina sample was still amorphous after calcinating at 750 °C.