Synthesis and Characterization of Chromium Doped Alumina Nanoparticles

Abstract

Fine powders of chromium doped alumina were prepared by employing combustion method. The materials used in the reaction are aluminum nitrate (oxidizer), sugar (fuel) and ammonium dichromate (catalyst). The currant study was aimed to study the effect of sintering temperature on the formation of chromium doped alumina. The powder samples were sintered at three different temperatures; 900, 1000 and 11000C. Various characterization methods have been used in order to analyze the powder characteristics such as DTA, XRD, SEM and FTIR. To investigate the phases exist in the samples, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out, while the morphology of the samples was investigated using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Finally, to investigate the types of bonding in the sample, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis was carried out. Within the limitation of the current study, the sintering temperature is considered the key criteria in the formation of chromium doped alumina. Moreover, the formation of chromium doped alumina phases is fully achieved at higher sintering temperature. Higher temperatures promote the formation of the desired, stable alumina phase and the full incorporation of chromium ions into the crystal lattice.