Synthesis and characterization of gibbsite nanostructures

Single-crystal gibbsite nanorods with a high aspect ratio were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Characterizations by HRTEM, SAED, and XRD revealed that the nanorods prefer to grow along the c-axis. The nanorods can be easily transformed to chi-alumina by calcination at 250 degrees C, while the nanorod morphology is well-maintained. HRTEM indicates that the chi-alumina nanorod possesses a single-crystal-like structure formed by orientated connection of crystalline nanodomains. Altering the synthetic procedure will lead to alumina nanostructures with a different phase structure and morphology, such as alumina nanotubes.