Investigation of the mechanism of the surfactant removal from a mesoporous alumina prepared in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate

The mechanism of the thermal decomposition of sodium dodecylsulfate occluded within a mesostructured alumina is studied by sample controlled thermal analysis. The alkyl chain of the surfactant is completely removed below 473 K whereas the sulfate head group is lost in the region between 673 and 823 K. The pore volume and the equivalent surface area increase as the alkyl chain is removed and decrease on removal of the sulfate head group. These results suggest a strong interaction between the sulfate head group and the alumina framework. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.