An Overview of Mesoporous Alumina Synthesis with Controlled Particle Size Distribution and Improved Textural Morphology

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kano University of Science and Technology Wodil, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

The M41S material invented by Mobil Oil Corporation scientists in the 1990s motivated material scientists to synthesize mesoporous silica and alumina-type materials. However, the unique chemical behavior of metal oxides has complicated the synthesis of alumina with uniform mesoporosity. Thus, a revision of the synthetic method of the M41S materials has been adopted to synthesize organized mesoporous alumina. Various chemical routes have been reported for mesoporous alumina synthesis including; hydrolysis, sol-gel, and hydrothermal process using precursors such as; salts, alkoxides, and powders of aluminum, as well as kaolin. As a result of its superb properties; physical, chemical, thermal, and textural, alumina has been utilized as; a catalyst, adsorbent, structural material for aircraft, abrasive, and thermal wear coatings. It is also the most extensively used catalyst support on account of its large surface area and relative stability over the temperature ranges for catalytic processes. The organized structural properties and excellent textural properties offer mesoporous alumina an edge over other bulk materials. These superior properties permit high doping of active sites, plus better adsorption characteristics. The review is an overview of mesoporous alumina synthesis through different methods, with a focus on the synthesis of high-purity alumina with uniform particle size distribution and enhanced textural properties, based on optimization of the reaction conditions. It also presents a discussion on the various precursors used to identify cheaper and more environmentally benign synthesis methods for alumina production.

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