The application of thermal solar energy to high temperature processes: case study of the synthesis of alumina from boehmite

ScientificWorldJournal. 2014 Jan 9:2014:825745. doi: 10.1155/2014/825745. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining alumina from boehmite using a free, clean, and unlimited power source as the solar energy. Boehmite was obtained by hydrothermal treatment of a hazardous waste coming from aluminum slag milling. The waste is considered as a hazardous substance because of it releasing toxic gases (hydrogen, ammonia, methane, and hydrogen sulfide) in the presence of water. The as-obtained boehmite was transformed into alumina, in air atmosphere, using a solar energy concentrator (Fresnel lens). The solar installation provides a power density of 260 W · cm(-2) which allows reaching temperatures upper than 1000 °C at few minutes of exposure. Tests were performed at different periods of time that ranged between 5 and 90 min. The percentage of transformation of boehmite into alumina was followed by the water content of samples after solar radiation exposure. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Metastable aluminas started to appear at 5 min and the crystalline and stable phase corundum at 10 min of solar radiation exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Hydroxide / chemistry*
  • Aluminum Oxide / chemical synthesis*
  • Aluminum Oxide / chemistry
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Solar Energy*

Substances

  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • aluminum oxide hydroxide
  • Aluminum Oxide