Using modified Pechini method to synthesize α-Al2O3 nanoparticles of high surface area

A modified Pechini method for the preparation of a high surface area a-alumina is proposed. The synthesis of these nanoparticles was carried out using a polymer as a chelating agent. The polymer was prepared from citric acid and acrylic acid by the melt blending method. The resulting alumina (98.16%) after calcination at 900 degrees C consisted of cylindrical nanoparticles of 100-200 nm in length and <25 nm in diameter with a relatively high surface area (18 m(2) g(-1)). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.