Synthesis of Mesoporous Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticle using Aluminum Waste Recycling for use as a Catalyst Substrat

In this study, by selecting the appropriate process conditions and using aluminum cans, the aluminum alkoxide compound was prepared and used as a precursor in aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticle synthesis processes by sol-gel method. In the production of mesoporous Al2O3 nanoparticle via sol-gel process, the aging temperature of 25, 60, 80 °C and time of 12, 24 and 48 h were selected and investigated as the main parameters in determining the solute particle size and bonding during the gel process. The results showed that the aging temperature is 80 °C and 24h time as the optimal conditions for the synthesis of Al2O3 nanoparticle with superior properties in terms of specific surface area and porosity. The calcination temperature showed that the minimum temperature required to reach the alumina phase is 500 °C. However, due to the necessity of the presence of crystalline phase with maximum ordering in the layout of the atomic plates of 900 °C and 1 hour storage time, the optimum calcination conditions were selected. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies of the optimum sample showed that the final product had the same appearance as the nanoparticles, and the particle size distribution was in the range of 20 to 40 nm. It was also found that the synthesized nanoparticles have very distinct crystalline plates, and as a result of the nanoparticles bonding to each other and forming larger masses, porosities in the meso-range were formed in their microstructure which made the end product to be used as a catalyst substrate.