A Study of the Influence of Composition on the Microstructural Properties of ZnO/Al2O3 Mixed Oxides

Abstract A series of ZnO/Al 2 O 3 mixed oxide samples with varyingZn/Al ratio is prepared by coprecipitation, ageing, drying, and calcination. Samples are investigated in the state after drying and calcination. The applied methods include X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state 27 Al magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric experiments coupled with evolved gas analysis. Phases present in the dried precursor samples include hydrozincite, zaccagnaite, and an unknown phase. After calcination zinc oxide and spinel can be found. All results indicate the substitution of Al ions for Zn ions in zinc oxide of zinc‐rich samples. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)