A simple hydrothermal method to synthesise highly pure hexagonal and rhombus α-LiAlO_{2 nanosheets

Pure α-LiAlO2 nanosheets have been successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal route without adding any surfactants. The morphology of LiAlO2 nanosheets was controllable by adjusting the hydrothermal temperature. Hexagonal and rhombus lithium aluminate nanosheets have been obtained at different hydrothermal temperatures of 150°C and 190°C, respectively. The structure and morphology of the products were characterised by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The synthesis procedure provided a simple method to prepare lithium aluminate with high purity. The formation mechanism of the nanostructural lithium aluminate was proposed.