Structural characterisation of heat-treated anodic alumina membranes prepared using a simplified fabrication process

• Published in: Journal of membrane science Vol. 287; no. 2; pp. 264 - 270
• Main Authors: Kirchner, A., MacKenzie, K.J.D., Brown, I.W.M., Kemmitt, T., Bowden, M.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.01.2007
• Subjects: Oxide membrane preparation; Porous anodic alumina; Thermal analysis; Oxide membrane preparation; Porous anodic alumina; Thermal analysis
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2006.10.045

A facile method for forming porous anodic alumina membranes based on one-step anodising in sulphuric acid is reported. A flat and well-ordered basal surface incorporating uniformly sized pores was obtained without the need for electrolytic polishing. Excess metallic aluminium was removed from the film using a saturated solution of iodine in methanol. The high-temperature properties of the oxide ceramic membranes were investigated using thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. At 970 °C the amorphous alumina crystallises to γ-Al 2O 3 with the release of SO 2 and O 2. Finally at 1228 °C the alumina converts into the thermodynamically preferred phase, corundum. The pore structure of the oxide membrane was found to be very stable at elevated temperatures, suggesting applications in materials synthesis, catalysis and gas separation.