TITLE:
Synthesis of Low-Cost γ-Nano Alumina-Based Kaolinitic Clay: Effect of Pre-Heating Temperature of the Precursor
AUTHORS:
Gustave Tchanang, Jean M. Kepdieu, Kalaya Goumou, Mamadou Y. Baldé, Cyprien J. Ekani, Chantale N. Djangang, Phillipe Blanchart
KEYWORDS:
Clay, Nanoparticles, Characterization, Yield Synthesis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.12 No.12,
December
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: Nano alumina was synthesised using precursors from pre-heated kaolinitic clay at 600˚C, 700˚C, and 800˚C following by a bottom-up sol gel method that led to Al(OH)3. The latter was subsequently calcinated at 900˚C to form γ-nano alumina (γ-Al2O3). The final products were characterised using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) as well as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) for specific surface area measurement. The γ-nano alumina confirmed by X-ray patterns and infrared spectroscopy was found to be in a poorly crystalized form with 6.8 nm as crystallite size. The specific surface area and the synthesis yield varied with the temperature of pre-heating kaolinitic clay. The best process yield, 17.88%, and specific surface area of 146.78 m2/g, was obtained with 700˚C as the best pre-heating temperature of the precursor. Due to the characteristics of the product obtained, they could be very interesting in many applications such as adsorption given their high specific area and nanoscale structure.