Study on α-alumina precursors prepared using different ammonium salt precipitants

Nano-sized α-Al2O3 platelets have been produced by the precipitation method employing the starting material of Al(NO3)3·9H2O and ammonium salt precipitants, such as the NH4OH, (NH4)2CO3 and NH4HCO3. The effects of chemical composition of ammonium salt precipitants and aging time of precipitated product on the formation of precursor and final product of α-Al2O3 particles were studied. The precursors with different crystal structures were formed depending on the chemical composition of precipitant and the agglomeration of final α-Al2O3 particles was found to be greatly affected by the precipitant. The aging time of precipitated precursor also influenced the agglomeration of final α-alumina particles.

Graphical abstractIn the preparation of nano-sized α-Al2O3 platelets, the precursors with different crystal structures were formed depending on the chemical composition of precipitant and the agglomeration of final α-Al2O3 particles was found to be greatly affected by the precipitant. The aging time of precipitated precursor also influenced the agglomeration of final α-alumina particles.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide