Changes in the Thermal Behavior and Surface Area of Transitional Alumina Induced by the Inclusion of Metallic Ions

What is it about?

Transitional alumina was synthesized from economical precursors and by precipitation route. The precipitation was carried out by the addition of sodium hydroxide drop by drop to an aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate. The powder obtained was aged for 24 h and then annealed at 600 and 800°C with the purpose to study the changes of surface area and porosity of the material. The textural characteristics of this material were compared with solid containing copper, zinc and iron species. The powder characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption at 77 K.

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Why is it important?

The inclusion of both sulfate and metallic ions during alumina synthesis can promote better characteristics either for adsorptive or catalytic applications; nevertheless, it is necessary to have a better characterization of the alumina obtained in the presence of both sulfate and metallic ions in order to understand the influence of these metals in thermal processes to obtain alumina materials. Thus, the aim of this article is to discuss the differences in the surface area and porosity of the alumina obtained by precipitation of aluminum sulfate in the presence of copper, zinc and iron, once the solid has aged for 24 h and annealed at 600 and 800°C.