SYNTHESIS OF THE SPINEL Al 2 CuO4 THROUGH NITRATES DECOMPOSITION AND SUBSEQUENT THERMAL TREATMENT

Abstract

Composite materials made by a Cu matrix containing ceramic crystals, for example Al2 O3 , could be used for producing non-consumable electrodes with a superior life span in comparison with pure Cu. The operation of the mentioned device in oxidant conditions could lead to the formation of ternary phases of the system Al-Cu-O, the spinel Al2 CuO4 , for example, whose synthesis based on nitrate mixtures thermal decomposition followed by thermal treatment at 1,123 K defines the main goal of the present work. In this context, the effect of some important process variables, such as time and sintering grade of the solid bed, has been studied. The results indicate that the spinel Al2CuO4 is indeed a possible inclusion in electrodes constructed with Cu-Al2O3 composites, with significant formation kinetics for the imposed temperature. Moreover, the compactation of the initial oxide bed can limit the final conversion achieved.

Keywords

• Al2 CuO4 ; Cu-Al2 O3 ; Nitrates; Spinel.