Surface Characterization of γ-Al2O3 Powders and Their Co2+ Adsorption Properties

The relationship between structural and surface properties of -alumina prepared by various methods has been studied, and the adsorption ability of the powders for cobalt ions from aqueous solution is presented, based on the results of X-ray diffraction, specific surface area, scanning electron microscopy, and surface hydroxyl group concentration of the resulting products. Results show that -alumina obtained by solution-combustion method (specific surface area: 232.9m(2)/g; morphology: lamellar and mesoporous; hydroxyl group content: 0.24meq OH-/g) exhibited the best Co2+ adsorption. Furthermore, the synthesis of -alumina is highly helpful to study various structural and surface properties of this material.