title: A new route to alumoxane gel: a versatile precursor to gamma-alumina and alumina-based ceramic oxides.
abstract: We present a new route for the preparation of gamma-alumina and YAG nanoparticles. Metal salts of ethylhexanoic acids provide good solubility in hydrocarbon solvents and allow efficient ultrasonication. The sonication product is an alumioxane gel, which can reversibly collapse and reform, depending on the solvent used. The dried gel nanoparticles are calcined at temperatures significantly lower than those used in conventional syntheses, resulting in gamma-alumina nanoparticles. This is due to the complete mixing of elements at the atomic level and the small size of the formed nanoparticles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Material Science, Polytechnic University, 6 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA.
authors.forename: Kurikka V P M
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Shafi
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ulman
authors.forename: Jriuan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Nan-Loh
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Min-Hui
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Cui