Adsorbate effects on glycothermally produced α-alumina particle morphology

α-Alumina particles were precipitated in 1,4-butanediol at constant temperature and stirring rate for 36 h. Adsorbates were added to determine their effect on particle morphology and nucleation. Degradation of the solvent was characterized and evaluated for morphological effect. The addition of hydroxyl ions promoted the formation of plate-like morphologies by increasing the growth rates perpendicular to the basal plane. Acetic acid demonstrated preferential adsorption to the {1 1 2̄ 2} habit plane without affecting nucleation kinetics. Strong adsorption by pyridine stabilized a plate-like morphology, but affected nucleation kinetics to inhibit the formation of a monosized powder. The effect of solvent degradation products and water upon morphological development is unresolved.