Preparation of high pure α-Al2O3 nanoparticles at low temperatures using Pechini method

Abstract A Pechini process was successfully used to synthesize alpha-alumina (98.95% mass fraction) at relatively low calcination temperature (925 °C). The synthesis of these nanoparticles was carried out using a polymer prepared from citric acid and ethylene glycol by the melt blending method. This polymer worked as a chelating agent for aluminum cations. The final products were produced after a dual-stages thermal treatment. The resulting α-alumina consisted of nanoparticles of 8–16 nm in diameters with a surface area (∼8 m 2 g −1 ). The mass fraction of α-alumina was dependent on the concentration of aluminum salt and polymer precursor's solutions, while the surface area of the final product was dependent on the mass fraction of θ-alumina.