Solvent free synthesis of carboxylate–alumoxane nanoparticles using mechanical shear

Abstract

Carboxylate-substituted alumina nanoparticles are produced solvent free using a Rheomixer. The general nature of this method has been demonstrated for L-lysine-, stearate-, and p-hydroxybenzoate-derived materials. The reaction rate and particle size are controlled by a combination of temperature and shear rate. The nanoparticles are spectroscopically equivalent to those reported from aqueous syntheses, however, the average particle size can be decreased and the particle size distribution narrowed depending on the reaction conditions.