Surface Characterization of γ‐ Al 2 O 3 Powders and Their Co 2+ Adsorption Properties

The relationship between structural and surface properties of γ‐alumina prepared by various methods has been studied, and the adsorption ability of the powders for cobalt ions from aqueous solution is presented, based on the results of X‐ray diffraction, specific surface area, scanning electron microscopy, and surface hydroxyl group concentration of the resulting products. Results show that γ‐alumina obtained by solution‐combustion method (specific surface area: 232.9 m 2 /g; morphology: lamellar and mesoporous; hydroxyl group content: 0.24 meq OH − /g) exhibited the best Co 2+ adsorption. Furthermore, the synthesis of γ‐alumina is highly helpful to study various structural and surface properties of this material.