A novel synthesis and characterization of ordered meso/macroporous alumina with hierarchical and adjustable pore size

The sub-micron polystyrene (PS) microspheres with adjustable size were firstly synthesized using emulsion polymerization method by adding only a small amount of emulsifier. Then, three dimensionally ordered macroporous alumina with mesoporous walls and adjustable macropore size was facilely prepared by the colloidal template method. The alumina and PS spheres were characterized by nanoparticle size analyzer, SEM, XRD and N2 adsorption. The results show that the polystyrene microsphere has adjustable single-sized pore with diameter in the range of 100-350 nm and the yield is higher than that prepared by soap free emulsion polymerization. The alumina materials as prepared using the PS colloidal crystals as the template, had ordered meso-macroporous structures and adjustable apertures. The mesopores (about 3.6 nm) in γ-alumina were formed by controlling the heat treatment of alumina precursor. BET surface area and pore volume of the hierarchical alumina as obtained can reach to 241.3 m2/g and 0.33 cm3/g, respectively.