Synthesis of Uniform Spherical Alumina Powders by Homogeneous Precipitation

Abstract

Uniform spherical alumina powders have been synthesized via homogeneous precipitation method from aluminum nitrate using urea as the precipitant. The amount of ammonium sulfate has a significant effect on morphology and particle size of the precursor powders. It was found that spherical particles can be obtained when the molar ratio of ammonium sulfate to aluminum nitrate is about 0.72 and the concentration of the aluminum nitrate is 0.005M. Spherical alumina particles with 400 nm in diameter were obtained by calcining the precursors at 1100°C for 4 hrs.