Changes in the Thermal Behavior and Surface Area of Transitional Alumina Induced by the Inclusion of Metallic Ions

Transitional alumina was synthesized from economical precursors and by precipitation route. The precipitation was carried out by the addition of sodium hydroxide drop by drop to an aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate. The powder obtained was aged for 24 h and then annealed at 600 and 800°C with the purpose to study the changes of surface area and porosity of the material. The textural characteristics of this material were compared with solid containing copper, zinc and iron species. The powder characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and N₂ adsorption at 77 K.