Microwave-assisted solvothermal ionic liquid rapid synthesis of aluminum fluorohydroxide single-crystalline octahedra

Herein, we report a microwave-assisted solvothermal ionic liquid method for rapid synthesis of aluminum fluorohydroxide AlFx(OH)3−x·nH2O single-crystalline octahedra with sizes of several micrometers using AlCl3·6H2O, urea and room-temperature ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM[BF4]) as starting reagents in water at 16 °C for 15 min. AlFx(OH)3−x·nH2O perfect single-crystalline octahedra with a well-defined morphology are obtained in a short period of microwave processing time. The effects of experimental parameters on the product are studied. A reaction mechanism for the formation of AlFx(OH)3−x·nH2O single-crystalline octahedra is discussed. The products are characterized with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Graphical abstractA microwave-assisted solvothermal ionic liquid method is demonstrated for rapid synthesis of aluminum fluorohydroxide AlFx(OH)3−x·nH2O single-crystalline octahedra.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► AlFx(OH)3−x·nH2O single-crystalline octahedra are rapidly prepared. ► A rapid microwave-solvothermal ionic liquid method is demonstrated. ► Effects of experimental parameters on the product are investigated.