Factors affecting homogeneous precipitation of aluminum hydroxide gel

The variables affecting homogeneous precipitation in the hydrolysis of aluminum nitrate by sodium carbonate were studied. Increased temperature, decreased concentration of reactants, and decreased rate of addition of titrant favor conditions that achieve homogeneous precipitation. During acid hydrolysis, the nitrate anion was the major anion associated with the gel and only small amounts of carbonate were observed. It is recommended that homogeneous conditions be achieved during the precipitation of aluminum hydroxide gel to improve reporducibility.