Environmentally benign processing of aluminum-based ceramic materials: water soluble alumoxanes

摘要

The objective of our research is the development of an environmentally-benign process for the fabrication of alumina-based ceramics. We have designed an alternative synthetic pathway to alumina ceramics which does not utilize toxic reagents or volatile organic chemicals (VOCs); the aqueous synthesis of water soluble carboxylate-alumoxane precursors from inexpensive boehmite feedstock. The synthesis and characterization of these new alumoxanes is reported along with their conversion to alumina. Physical and spectroscopic characterization of the alumoxane will be discussed. The potential environmental impact of the new alumoxane methodology as compared to traditional approaches will be discussed.