Investigation of thermal transformations in aluminium hydroxides subjected to mechanical treatment

The influence of the mechanical activation of hydrargillite Al(OH)₃ on the mechanism of its' thermal dehydration and crystallization in response to treatment with steam was studied. The effects of grinding on the texture, structure and thermal behavior were examined by means of XRD, DTA, TG, DSC, IR spectroscopy and SEM. The mechanical activation of hydrargillite leads to formation of the amorphous state, and also results in a change in the thermal dehydration mechanism in the dynamic mode in the air, with a decrease in the H value of dehydration. The transition of hydrargillite into corundum on treatment with steam is facilitated after mechanical activation. The activated state of hydrargillite was found to be unstable and its reactivity decreases as time elapses.     

Formation mechanism of nanocrystalline yttrium orthoferrite under heat treatment of the coprecipitated hydroxides

Formation of nanocrystalline yttrium orthoferrite of ～30 nm average crystallite size from coprecipitated iron(III) and yttrium hydroxides was studied by thermo-X-ray diffractometry and simultaneous thermal analysis over 25–900°C temperature range. A mechanism of physicochemical transformations leading to the formation of YFeO₃ nanoparticles was suggested.     

On the modelling of solid state reactions.Synthesis of YAG

There is a model of yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) synthesis presented in this article. The developed model is based on nonlinear reaction–diffusion partial differential equations. The solution was carried out numerically using finite difference techniques. We got dependability curves for diffusion and reaction rates and offered possible method to localize values of diffusion and reaction rate constants precisely enough.AMS subject classification: 35K57, 65M06     

Influence of aluminium precursor on physico-chemical properties of aluminium hydroxides and oxides

An attempt to obtain aluminium hydroxide that could give aluminium oxides of increased thermal stability was made. Aluminium hydroxide was precipitated during a hydrolysis of aluminium chloride in ammonia medium. The influence of preparative conditions, such as a dosing rate of aluminium precursor, pH, duration of the precipitate refluxing and temperature of calcination, on the properties of obtained hydroxides and oxides was investigated. The materials were studied with the following methods: thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and adsorption–desorption of benzene vapours. Precipitated boehmites had high values of S _BET determined from nitrogen adsorption (220–300 m²g^–1), good sorption capacity for benzene vapours, developed mesoporous structure and hydrophilic character. It has been proved that a high pH value during the precipitation of aluminium hydroxide favoured better crystallisation of boehmite structure, higher temperature of its dehydroxylation into γ-Al₂O₃, and delayed transformation of γ phase into α-Al₂O₃. Aluminium oxides derived from the hydroxides precipitated at a high pH were the most stable at high temperatures, and were characterised with the best surface properties. The online version of the original article can be found at     

直接反应法合成异丙醇钇中AlCl3的催化作用

在用直接反应法合成稀土金属醇盐的反应中,传统上一直以I2或Hg2 系列盐(如HgCl2,Hg(C2H3O2)2和HgI2等)或其混合物做催化剂.对某些金属合成反应会存在反应速率低、产率低的问题.通过以无水AlCl3做催化剂、金属钇薄片和异丙醇为原料,加热回流直接反应,成功地合成了异丙醇钇.反应中放出大量H2和红外吸收光谱分析结果证明产物确为异丙醇钇.实验证明以无水AlCl3做催化剂可以大大提高反应速率和产率.实验和理论分析揭示了无水AlCl3的催化机理:无水AlCl3与异丙醇作用生成了HCl和可表示为AlCl2(OPri).2AlCl3.PriOH的中间产物,使整个体系的酸性提高,从而加速了反应的进行.AlCl3催化机理完全不同于I2和Hg2 系列盐类,这里H 为氧化剂,起重要作用.使用无水AlCl3替代传统催化剂可以解决I2做催化剂对某些反应的效率低下问题,或Hg2 系列盐类的毒性问题.     

Influence of aluminium precursor on physico-chemical properties of aluminium hydroxides and oxides

The process of hydrolysis of aqueous aluminium sulfate was carried on in ammonia medium at 100°C and for different time intervals (0, 20, 39 or 59 h). The products thus obtained were calcined at 550, 900 or 1200°C for 2 h with the aim to obtain aluminium oxides. The materials were studied with the following methods: thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, adsorption–desorption of benzene vapours and scanning electron microscopy. Freshly precipitated material was an amorphous basic aluminium sulfate which after prolonged refluxing at elevated temperature in a mother liquor underwent a phase transformation into highly crystalline NH₄Al₁₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆ containing tridecameric unit Al₁₃. It was accompanied by a decrease of specific surface area and the formation of a porous structure less accessible for benzene molecules. Regardless of the duration of the hydrolysis process, all products were characterised with poorly developed porous structure and hydrophilic character. Their calcination at the temperature up to 1200°C resulted in the formation of α-Al₂O₃ via transition forms of γ/η- and δ-Al₂O₃. The samples of aluminium oxides obtained after calcination at 550 and 900°C had higher values of specific surface area than starting materials due to processes of dehydroxylation and desulfurization. The process of calcination up to 900°C was reflected in developing of not only porous structure but also hydrophobic character of prepared materials. The S _BET values calculated for the oxide samples obtained from aged products of hydrolysis at 1200°C were lower than for the analogous sample prepared without the ageing step. It was concluded that prolonged refluxing at elevated temperature of the products of hydrolysis of aluminium sulfate decreased thermal stability of final aluminium oxides.     

Static SIMS studies of the oxides and hydroxides of aluminium

The degree of hydroxylation or hydration of aluminium surfaces has been examined by static secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SSIMS). The SSIMS spectra of a series of aluminium oxide, oxyhydroxide and hydroxide surfaces have been obtained using instruments in three configurations. Similarities were observed in both negative and positive secondary ions spectra. Even though a direct comparison of the relative intensities cannot be made from one instrument to the other, a similar ranking of the various aluminium hydroxylation states was observed. Several ranking methods are discussed, as well as the similarities and differences observed while using the three instruments. Similar secondary ions were detected whatever the degree of hydroxylation of the aluminium oxide. This argues in favour of the formation of fragments by the combination of individually sputtered atoms or clusters to form the more stable secondaries, rather than the kick-off of 'structure-related' clusters originating directly from the upper surface layer.     

Computational modelling of the YAG synthesis

Mathematical and numerical models of the yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) synthesis are presented in the article. The models allow the effective computer simulation of the YAG synthesis. The synthesis by sol–gel and solid-state reaction methods is considered in the article. The question concerning the reasons for the observed changes in the preparation temperature by changing synthesis method is answered. The inverse modelling problem is solved: using known experimental data (synthesis time, dimensions of reactants) the unknown input parameters of the model (diffusion and reaction rate coefficients) are calculated.     

Thermal decomposition behavior of precursors for yttrium aluminum garnet

Precursor powders for yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) were synthesized by solution combustion reactions (nitrate–glycine reaction with stoichiometric and sub-stoichiometric amount of fuel) and simple decomposition of nitrate solution. The TG-DTA, FTIR and XRD analyses of the precursors and the typical heat-treated samples were carried out to understand the processes occurring at various stages during heating to obtain phase pure YAG. Precursors from all the reactions exhibited dehydration of adsorbed moisture in the temperature range of 30 to 300°C. The precursor from nitrate–glycine reaction with stoichiometric amount of fuel (precursor- A) contained entrapped oxides of carbon (CO and CO₂) and a carbonaceous contaminant. It exhibited burning away of the carbonaceous contaminant and crystallization to pure YAG accompanied by loss of oxides of carbon in the temperature ranges of 400 to 600 and 880 to 1050°C. The precursor from simple decomposition of nitrates (precursor-B) exhibited denitration cum dehydroxylation and crystallization in the temperature ranges of 300 to 600 and 850 to 1050°C. The precursor from nitrate–glycine reaction with sub-stoichiometric amount of fuel (precursor-C) contained entrapped carbon dioxide and exhibited its release during crystallization in the temperature range of 850 to 1050°C. This study established that, in case of metal nitrate–glycine combustion reactions, crystalline YAG formation occurs from an amorphous compound with entrapped oxides of carbon. In case of simple decomposition of metal nitrates, formation of crystalline YAG occurs from an amorphous oxide intermediate.     

Diffusion and Reaction Rates of the Yttrium Aluminium Garnet Synthesis using Different Techniques

The mathematical model of the yttrium aluminium garnet synthesis presented in this article. The model based on a system of non-stationary diffusion equations containing a non-linear term related to kinetics of reaction. Using computer-simulation tools and known experimental results we estimated the diffusion and reaction rates of the synthesis. Also it was shown that diffusion rate is a limited stage of the synthesis.     

铈掺杂钇铝石榴石黄色荧光粉形貌和粒度的制备工艺调控研究进展

铈掺杂钇铝石榴石（YAG∶Ce）黄色荧光粉的形貌和粒度对其发光性能及其应用均非常重要,理想的形貌应是晶粒尺寸可控的球形。 本文总结了制备方法、工艺参数及后处理条件在YAG∶Ce荧光粉形貌调控中的研究概况,分析了各种形貌调控手段的优缺点,归纳了粉体形貌与粒度调控的主要特点。     

Kinetic study of Y, Ba, Cu oxalates and coprecipitated Y-Ba-Cu oxalate

The kinetics of the decomposition of Y, Ba and Cu oxalates and coprecipitanted Y-Ba-Cu oxalate was investigated under a nitrogen atmosphere on the basis of dynamic thermogravimetric data, the average activation energies of the decomposition of Y, Ba and Cu oxalates were obtained from the slopes of the T. Ozawa plot. The average activation energies for the dehydration of these oxalate and coprecipitated Y-Ba-Cu oxalate were also evaluated from the thermogravimetric curves.     

Influence of aluminium precursor on physico-chemical properties of aluminium hydroxides and oxides Part II. Al(ClO4)3·9H2O

Aluminium hydroxide was precipitated during a hydrolysis of aluminium perchlorate in ammonia medium. The materials were studied with the following methods: thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and adsorption–desorption of benzene vapours. Freshly precipitated boehmite had a high value of S_BET=211 m² g^–1 determined from nitrogen adsorption, good sorption capacity for benzene vapours, developed mesoporous structure and hydrophobic character. After prolonged refluxing at elevated temperature its crystallinity increased which was accompanied by an increase of specific surface determined from nitrogen adsorption up to 262m²g^–1 , decrease of sorption capacity for benzene vapours and stronger hydrophobic character. The calcinations of all boehmites at temperature up to 1200°C resulted in formation of à-Al₂O₃ via transition form of γ-, δ- and θ-Al₂O₃. The samples of aluminium oxides obtained after calcination at 550 and 900°C were characterised with high values of specific surface area of 205–220 and 138–153 m² g^–1 , respectively. The SBET values calculated for the oxide samples derived from aged hydroxides and calcined at 1200°C are higher than for the analogous sample prepared without the ageing step. It was concluded that the process of ageing at elevated temperature developed thermal stability of aluminium oxides.     

Chromium and yttrium-doped magnesium aluminum oxides prepared from layered double hydroxides

Layered double hydroxides with the hydrotalcite-like structures, containing Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺, doped with Cr³⁺ and Y³⁺, have been prepared by precipitation at constant pH. The weight percentages of Cr³⁺ and Y³⁺ were 1, 2, or 3%, and 0.5 or 1%, respectively. Single phases were obtained in all cases, whose crystallinity decreased as the content in Cr and Y was increased. The solids have been characterised by element chemical analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses (differential, thermogravimetric and programmed reduction), FT-IR and UV–vis spectroscopies; the specific surface areas have been determined from nitrogen adsorption isotherms at −196 °C. Upon calcination at 1200 °C for 5 h in air all solids display a mixed structure (spinel and rock salt for MgO); these solids have also been characterised by these techniques and their chromatic coordinates (CIE – L^*a^*b^*) have been determined. Their pink colour makes these solids suitable for being used as ceramic pigments.     

Synthesis and intracrystalline oxidation of nitrite-intercalated layered double hydroxides

Nitrite-intercalated LDHs could be prepared by a two-stage process that involves coprecipitation in the presence of nitrite ions followed by stirring the product with excess of nitrite ions. The nitrite ion lies flat in these LDHs with its c₂-axis lying approximately perpendicular to the crystallographic c-axis. The interlayer nitrite ions in these LDHs could be quantitatively oxidized to nitrate ions using H₂O₂ solution. In the LDHs thus obtained the nitrate ion lies flat with its c₃-axis parallel to the crystallographic c-axis (D_3h symmetry) in the interlayer region resulting in lower basal spacing.     

Direct decarbonation of micrometer-scale layered double hydroxides without morphology damage

A direct decarbonation route without obvious morphology damage was developed for large micrometer-scale layered double hydroxides（LDHs）.First,we synthesized pure,hexagonal-shaped LDHs with lateral dimension of micrometer-size by the recently reported urea hydrolysis method.Then,using HNO₃-NaNO₃ mixed solution,the obtained LDH with carbonate anions in the interlayer（LDH_CO₃） was directly decarbonated to its nitrate form,LDH_NO₃,its morphology and particle size were still unchanged.Compared with the recently published two-step decarbonation method,the direct decarbonation reported herein is very convenient.     

A study on the thermal decomposition of iron-cobalt mixed hydroxides

Thermal decomposition of pure Fe(OH)₃ and mixed with Co(OH)₂ were studied using TG, DTA, kinetics of isothermal decomposition and electrical conductivity measurements. The thermal products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. The TG and DTA analysis revealed the presence of Co²⁺ retards the decomposition of ferric hydroxide and the formation of -Fe₂O₃. The kinetics of decomposition showed that the mixed samples need higher energy to achieve thermolysis. The investigation of thermal products of mixed samples indicated the formation of cobalt ferrite on addition ofx=1 or 1.5 cobalt hydroxide. The electrical conductivity accompanying the thermal decomposition decreases in presence of low ratio of Co²⁺ (x=0.2) via the consumption of holes created during thermal analysis. The continuous increase in values on increasing of Co²⁺ concentration corresponded to the electron hopping between Fe²⁺ and Co³⁺.

---

Zusammenfassung Mittels TG, DTA und der Kinetik von Messungen der isothermen Zersetzung und der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit wurde die Zersetzung von Fe(OH)₃ in reinem Zustand und vermengt mit Co(OH)₂ untersucht. Die thermischen Produkte wurden mittels Röntgendiffraktion und IR-Spektroskopie charakterisiert. TG und DTA zeigen, daß die Zersetzung von Eisen(III)-hydroxid und die Bildung von -Fe₂O₃ durch Gegenwart von Co²⁺ verzögert wird. Die Zersetzungskinetik zeigt, daß die Mischproben mehr Energie für die Thermolyse benötigen. Die Untersuchung der thermischen Produkte zeigt die Bildung von Cobaltferrit bei Zusatz vonx=1 oder 1,5 Cobalthydroxid. Die elektrische Leitfähigkeit nimmt bei der thermischen Zersetzung in Gegenwart von niedrigen Co²⁺-Konzentrationen (x=0.2) durch Verbrauch der bei der Thermoanalyse geschaffenen Löcher ab. Das monotone Ansteigen der -Werte bei steigender Co²⁺-Konzentration stimmt mit dem Überspringen von Elektronen zwischen Fe²⁺ und Co³⁺ überein.

     

Mesoporous mixed metal oxides derived from P123-templated Mg-Al layered double hydroxides

We report the preparation of mesoporous mixed metal oxides (MMOs) through a soft template method. Different amounts of P123 were used as structure directing agent to synthesize P123-templated Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs). After calcination of as-synthesized LDHs at 500 °C, the ordered mesopores were obtained by removal of P123. The mesoporous Mg-Al MMOs fabricated by using 2 wt% P123 exhibited a high specific surface area of 108.1 m²/g, and wide distribution of pore size (2-18 nm). An investigation of the “memory effect” of the mesoporous MMOs revealed that they were successfully reconstructed to ibuprofen intercalated LDHs having different gallery heights, which indicated different intercalation capacities. Due to their mesoporosity these unique MMOs have particular potential as drug or catalyst carriers.     

Aqueous sol-gel synthesis route for the preparation of YAG: Evaluation of sol-gel process by mathematical regression model

Yttrium aluminium garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂, YAG) polycrystalline samples have been prepared by a simple aqueous sol-gel methodology. The influence of nineteen sol-gel processing variables on the formation of YAG has been investigated. Effects of different fabrication parameters on the phase purity and morphological properties of the compounds were studied by energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The parameters of the sol-gel processing such as pH of starting solution, concentration and nature of complexing ligand, temperature and duration of gelation, powder rehomogenization during annealing, duration and temperature of the final heat treatment were found to be the most significant. For the evaluation and verification of the experimental results the Brandon's model of a multiple regression was successfully used.     

Structure-property relationships of new polystyrene nanocomposites prepared from initiator-containing layered double hydroxides of zinc aluminum and magnesium aluminum

Polystyrene/layered double hydroxides (PS/LDHs) nanocomposites were prepared by free radical polymerization of styrene monomer in the presence of LDHs intercalated with 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanopentanoate) anions (LDH-ACPA). XRD and ATR-IR are used to confirm that the materials produced are layered and the presence of the azo-initiator anions in these LDHs. These LDHs were used successfully to polymerize styrene and both XRD and TEM images of the composites support the formation of a mixed exfoliated-intercalated nanocomposite for ZnAl-ACPA but a microcomposite for MgAl-ACPA. The magnesium-containing LDHs decreased the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the composites while ZnAl-ACPA did not affect T_g significantly. The T_g depression is related to enhanced polymer dynamics due to the extra free volume at the LDH additive-polymer interface. A reduction in the onset of thermal decomposition temperature was observed in PS/LDH compared to neat PS, likely due to the early decomposition of the LDH. The fire performance, as evaluated by the cone calorimeter, reveal that PS-ZnAl-ACPA shows enhanced fire properties compared to PS-MgAl-ACPA.