A reverse cation–anion double hydrolysis approach to the synthesis of mesoporous γ-Al2O3 with a bimodal pore size distribution

Mesoporous γ-Al2O3 with a bimodal pore size distribution was synthesized using a reverse cation–anion double hydrolysis method (CADH). The effect of various synthesis parameters, including crystallization temperature, pH and P123 content on the structural properties of the resultant mesoporous alumina samples was examined. The texture and crystalline phase of the prepared alumina samples were characterized using N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The results showed that the mesoporous aluminas samples prepared in this work exhibited a bimodal pore size distribution with a high surface area (up to 371 m2/g). The chemistry of the synthesis system was found to be crucial in determining the structure of the final solid products.