Synthesis of cerium aluminate by the mechanical activation of aluminum and ceria precursors and firing in controlled atmospheres

Single-phase cerium aluminate was synthesized from mixtures of ceria and metallic aluminum by milling firing under controlled conditions in reducing (10%H2 + 90%N2) or inert atmospheres (N2 CO2). Firing an atmosphere (CO2) did not yield conversion to aluminate, also low after only improved slightly on changing powder with coarse Al (15 µm) submicron (0.77 µm). High-energy promoted reactivity the combined effects homogeneity, decreasing grain size precursor, increase lattice strain decrease crystallite down 40–50 nm. Extensive oxidation precursor long-term prevented complete even at temperatures up 1400°C. Thermodynamic modeling Al–Ce–O system provided interpretation for differences between atmospheres. Controlled time hinders poorly reactive α-Al2O3 polymorph. This supported thermogravimetry yielded phase pure CeAlO3 T ≥ 1200°C. The high achieved 1100°C atmosphere.