SUBMITTED BY,
Krishna V Kumar TCR20CH030
K S Aavani TCR20CH031
Lakshmipriya Nair TCR20CH032
Maria Chackochan TCR20CH033
SYNTHESIS PROPERTIES
AND APPLICATIONS OF
ALUMINA NANOPARTICLES
SYNTHESIS OF ALUMINA NANOPARTICLE
1. SOL-GEL METHOD
Alumina nanoparticles were synthesized using sol -gel method. Aluminium nitrate was dissolved
with citric acid in the deionzed water. The solution stirred continuously for several hours at 60°C
until turned into yellowish sol. Solution heated up to 80°C until transparent gel was formed. Gel
was dried at 90°C for 12 hours and calcined at 1100°C-1200°C and is characterized using XRD
SEM, TEM.
2. SPRAY PYROLYSIS
The spray pyrolysis process includes four main steps:
(i)Generation of droplets from precursor solution, (ii) shrinkage of droplets, (iii) conversion of
precursors to metal oxides, and (iv) solid particle formation. Boehmite sol and titania sol (0.25 M)
were prepared by hydrolysis of aluminium isopropoxide and titania isopropoxide precursors, For
spray pyrolysis, the calculated volumes of these solutions were mixed, citric acid (CA), being a
surfactant, was added to enhance the surface area and pore volume of the produced materials. The
sol mixture was then transferred into a nebulizer to produce fine sol droplets. It enters into a quartz
column heated at 650 °C utilizing an air flow. The resulting product was collected and heated in
the air for 2 h to eliminate carbonaceous materials. The obtained microspheres were named
TiO2/Al2O3 #x, where x is the weight percentage of TiO2.
3. SPUTTERING
Target Preparation: Prepare a pure AL2O3 target. The target should be of high purity and
uniform composition.
Sputtering Chamber Preparation: Load the AL2O3 target and the substrate into the
sputtering chamber. Ensure that the substrate is clean and compatible with the sputtering
process.
Evacuate the Chamber: Create a vacuum in the sputtering chamber to remove air and
other gases.
Introduce Argon Gas: Introduce argon gas into the chamber to serve as the sputtering
gas.
Sputtering Process: Apply a high voltage to the target to ionize the argon gas. The ions
will bombard the target, causing AL2O3 atoms to be ejected and deposited onto the
substrate.
Characterization: Characterize the synthesized nanoparticles using techniques such as
electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction to determine their size, shape, and
composition
4.HYDROTHERMAL SYNTHESIS
Steps in Hydothermal synthesis
Prepare the Precursor Solution: Dissolve a suitable aluminum precursor (e.g., aluminum
chloride, aluminum nitrate) in water to form a clear solution. Optionally, add a stabilizing agent
or surfactant to control nanoparticle size and stability.
Adjust pH (Optional): Adjust the pH of the solution to a suitable range using a base (e.g., sodium
hydroxide) if necessary. This can help control the size and morphology of the nanoparticles.
Transfer to Autoclave: Transfer the precursor solution to a sealed autoclave or hydrothermal
reactor. Ensure that the reactor is clean and free of impurities.
Hydrothermal Treatment: Heat the precursor solution under autogenous pressure at a specific
temperature (e.g., 100-200°C) for a certain duration (e.g., several hours). The high temperature
and pressure promote the nucleation and growth of AL2O3 nanoparticles.
Cooling and Depressurization: After the hydrothermal treatment, allow the reactor to cool down
gradually to room temperature. Depressurize the reactor carefully to avoid sudden pressure
release.
Nanoparticle Collection: Collect the AL2O3 nanoparticles by centrifugation or filtration. Wash
the nanoparticles several times with a suitable solvent (e.g., water, ethanol) to remove any
unreacted precursors or by-products.
Drying and Characterization: Dry the collected nanoparticles under vacuum or at a low
temperature. Characterize the nanoparticles using techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray
diffraction, and spectroscopy to determine their size, shape, and crystalline structure
5.LASER ABRATION METHOD
Laser ablation is a commonly used technique to produce nano particles since they can be
synthesized in a gas, vacuum or liquid.
The process involves focusing a laser beam onto a target material submerged in a liquid medium.
1.Selection of target material: A solid target Al2o3 is chosen depending on the desired
composition and properties of nano particles.
2. Preparation of the liquid medium
The target material is submerged in a liquid - medium typically deionzed water or an organic
solvent.
3. Laser ablation
A high powered laser is focused on the target material's surface. The laser ablates the target
material, generating a plasma plume that expand and cools in the liquid leading to condensation
of liquid.
As the ablates material cools the liquid medium, nanoparticles begin to form
PROPERTIES OF ALUMINA
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. Appearance
Alumina can exist in various forms, including a white or off-white powder, as well as in
crystalline or amorphous structures.
2. Melting Point
The melting point of alumina is very high, around 2,072 degrees Celsius (3,762 degrees
Fahrenheit). This high melting point contributes to its use in high-temperature applications.
3. Density
The density of alumina depends on its specific form and can range from 3.95 to 4.10 g/cm³.
It is generally a relatively lightweight material.
4. Hardness
Alumina is known for its hardness, ranking just below that of diamond on the Mohs scale.
This property makes it suitable for various abrasive applications.
5. Transparency
In its pure form, alumina is a transparent material, particularly in the crystalline form
known as sapphire. However, impurities or defects can affect transparency.
6. Electrical Insulation
Alumina is an excellent electrical insulator, making it useful in electronic and electrical
applications. This property is enhanced when it is in a ceramic form.
7. Thermal Conductivity
Alumina has relatively high thermal conductivity compared to other ceramic materials.
This property is important in applications where heat dissipation is a consideration.
8. Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
Alumina has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it expands and contracts
minimally with changes in temperature. This makes it useful in applications requiring
dimensional stability over a range of temperatures.
9. Chemical Inertness
Alumina is chemically inert, resisting corrosion and chemical attack. This property makes
it suitable for use in harsh chemical environments.
10. Dielectric Strength
Alumina exhibits a high dielectric strength, making it suitable for use in electrical
insulating applications.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. High Chemical Stability:
Aluminum oxide nanoparticles are highly stable chemically, particularly in inert
environments. This stability arises from the strong covalent bonds between aluminum and
oxygen atoms in the crystal lattice.
2. Acidic and Basic properties:
The surface of nanoparticles may exhibit either acidic or basic properties depending on
the conditions and surface modifications. Functionalization of the nanoparticle surface
can impart specific acidic or basic functionalities, making them useful in catalysis and
other applications.
3. Surface Reactivity:
The high surface area-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles increases their surface reactivity
compared to bulk materials.
4. Catalytic Activity:
The high surface area-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles increases their surface reactivity
compared to bulk materials. This enhanced reactivity makes them suitable for catalytic
applications, adsorption processes, and chemical sensing.
5. Adsorption Properties:
The large surface area and surface energy of Al2O3 nanoparticles make them effective
adsorbents for various molecules, ions, and pollutants in aqueous and gaseous
environments. This property is useful in wastewater treatment, gas purification, and
environmental remediation applications.
6. Redox activity:
The large surface area and surface energy of Al2O3 nanoparticles make them effective
adsorbents for various molecules, ions, and pollutants in aqueous and gaseous
environments. This property is useful in wastewater treatment, gas purification, and
environmental remediation applications.
APPLICATIONS
1. Electronics and Optoelectronics
Integrated circuit baseboards for enhanced performance.
Transparent ceramics, high-pressure sodium lamps
2. Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
Cutting tools and high-purity crucibles for material processing.
Polishing materials for glass, metal, and semiconductor products.
3. Coatings and Functional Materials:
Paints, rubber, and plastic additives, increasing wear resistance.
Advanced waterproof materials, ensuring protection in various environments.
4. Aerospace and Aviation:
Aircraft wing leading edges, where they enhance durability and resistance to high-speed airflow.
5. Special glass and fluorescent materials, enhancing optical properties.
6. Composite materials and resins, strengthening structural components.
