Effect of aluminium alkoxide with donor-functionalized group on texture and morphology of the alumina prepared by sol–gel processing

Abstract

A new aluminium alkoxide, Al(OCH 2CH 2OCH 2CH 2OCH 3) 3, with donor-functionalized group was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and 1H, 13C and 27Al NMR spectroscopy. The prepared aluminium alkoxide was used as a precursor for the synthesis of alumina by the sol–gel processing. The physiochemical properties of alumina that were obtained from hydrolysis of Al(OCH 2CH 2OCH 2CH 2OCH 3) 3 were investigated and compared with that of alumina synthesized from aluminium 2-butoxide. Utilizing Al(OCH 2CH 2OCH 2CH 2OCH 3) 3 as a precursor in sol–gel processing resulted in formation of alumina with significantly lower surface area, smaller pore volume, and pore size in comparison with alumina obtained from aluminium 2-butoxide. A novel morphology was observed for the alumina prepared from aluminium alkoxide with donor-functionalized group.