Alumina gels that form porous transparent Al2O3

Formation of a porous transparent Al₂O₃ from aluminium alkoxides has been previously reported. During the process, alkoxides are hydrolyzed and the resultant hydroxide is peptized to a clear sol. The sol then must be gelled and pyrolyzed to 500° C to obtain the aluminium oxide. This paper discusses the gel state and the requirements for the system to retain its integrity during the drying and pyrolysis. Influence of electrolytes on the sol-gel transformation shows that there is a critical electrolyte concentration at which the gelling volume goes through a pronounced minimum. Deviation in either direction of this electrolyte concentration causes a sharp increase in the relative gelling volume and detrimentally effects the capability of the gel to retain its integrity. The sols that gel at concentrations less than ～4 g equivalent oxide per 100 ml do not retain their integrity during pyrolysis.