The Synthesis of Pseudoboehmite Using Factorial Experimental Design

Abstract

Different samples of pseudoboehmite were synthesized through the sol-gel process, using aluminum nitrate as precursor. The influence of variables on the product of the synthesis of pseudoboehmite was studied. The variables were the ageing temperature (25 and 130°C), addition or not of polyvinyl alcohol to the precursor solution and the ageing time of the PB. The pH adjustment of the precursor solution was made by using ammonium carbonate. The pseudoboehmites, which were obtained on different conditions, were then characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis) and the desorption-absorption curves were obtained as well, in order to measure the pore volume of the samples and the specific surface area measurements through the BET method. Finally, the results were analyzed through an experimental factorial planning, which showed that high specific surface area pseudoboehmite was obtained.