Formation of bayerite, gibbsite and boehmite particles by laser ablation

Aluminium hydroxides were prepared by the laser ablation method, a nanoseco nd pulsed laser being employed to irradiate an Al rod immersed in H2O solve nt. Through the course of aging, bayerite, gibbsite and boehmite particles were formed simultaneously. These crystals exhibited three different morpho logies. Their shapes were triangular (bayerite), rectangular (gibbsite) and fibrous (boehmite). The dimensions averaged several hundred nanometers. Th e measurements of the UV-vis absorption can serve as a tool to identify whe ther or not the crystalline particles had been obtained, in addition to the TEM images. A dissolution-recrystallization process was observed in the de velopment of aluminous materials. The progression of formation from bulk Al to nano-aluminium hydroxides is discussed. Both basic and acidic condition s showed an influence on the growth of particles. The boehmite products can be generated solely by increasing the solution temperature.