Skip to main content

Solid-State NMR Characterization of the Surface Sites of Alumina Nanofibers


EMSL Project ID
17793

Abstract

We have recently developed a technique to produce submicron diameter fibers (nanofibers) of alumina with very large aspect ratios. Solid-state NMR characterization of these materials has shown that the alumina phase present and surface composition and structure is highly dependent on the temperature during sample preparation and is different from alumina powders. The alumina nanofibers readily react with alkylphosphates through dehydration reactions to form 1, 2 or 3 Al-O-P bonds. The aim of this research is to determine the surface sites of the nanofibers, heated to different temperatures, which are reacting with the alkylphosphate. This study will provide insights into the correlation between sample treatment conditions and surface reactivity. The studies involve the use of 31P ? 27Al cross polarization under MAS for the selection of the surface alumina sites involved in bonding with the phosphate groups.

Project Details

Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2006-05-15
End Date
2007-05-21
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Matthew Espe
Institution
The University of Akron

Team Members

Jennifer Cross
Institution
The University of Akron