The Synthesis of Aluminum Clusters Via Basic Dissolution of Aluminum Hydroxide Gel to Mimic High pH in an Aqueous Environment.

Abstract

Aluminum clusters have previously been synthesized in acidic aqueous environments. Some are naturally occurring and have various uses in industries like materials science and water purification technologies. These previous clusters were synthesizes, isolated, and characterized, notably by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Using basic starting materials, we are attempting to synthesize these clusters in aqueous systems and isolate them using a similar process to these previously isolated aluminum clusters. An aluminum hydroxide solution was created from Al(OH) 3 dried gel with the addition of various bases. Like previous work, we attempted to crystalize aluminum clusters from these aqueous solutions. As we move forward, we will include additives that may aid in the crystallization of anionic aluminum clusters in the high pH ranges.