Changes in thermal textural and acidic properties of alumina induced by surfactants

ABSTRACT

Alumina gels were precipitated in presence of nonionic, anionic and cationic surfactants. The gel was dried and calcined in the temperature range 400-800C. The textural and acidic properties of these thermal products were compared with the corresponding calcination products of pure alumina gel. Surfactants affected the thermal behavior of the gel, ionic surfactants being more effective. Textural changes resulted also in the thermal products of the gels precipitated in presence of surfactants at their critical micelle concentration [CMC]. Addition of cationic surfactants increased surface acidity whereas anionic surfactants resulted in an opposite effect