Preparation of Nano-Alumina by Reverse Microemulsion Method

Abstract

Al2O3nanoparticles were prepared by reverse microemulsion method that uses cyclohexane,polyethylene glycol octylphenyl ether(TritonX-100),n-butylalcohol,and water.The structure,morphology,and specific surface area of the nano-alumina particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and specific surface area analysis.The specific surface area of the nano-alumina particles was about 450 m2·g-1(changing with different reaction parameters) and the crystal structure was γ-Al2O3.The particle size was smaller than 10 nm and very uniform.The effect of molar ratio of water to surfactant(r0),volume ratio of surfactant to assistant-surfactant(φ),and calcination temperature(T) on the characteristics of the product were studied.The results indicated that the nano Al2O3 powder with a high specific surface area,high pore volume,good dispersibility,and narrow particle size distribution was obtained at r0=20,φ=0.5,and T=500 ℃.