Abstract: Nanoscale alumina powders were successfully prepared by an improved sol-gel method. Effects of different drying methods on prepared grain properties
were studied. The results show that heterogeneous azeotropic distillation processing can dehydrate effectively during gel drying, and prevent the
formations of agglomeration. The products were identified by TEM, XRD, BET, TG and DTA. Al₂O₃ powders with nanoscale sizes (about 68nm), homogeneous
disperse, better sphere and low impurity content were obtained, meanwhile, the dried gel powders can be converted to α-phase completely at lower
temperature (1150℃) and shorter time (30 min).

Key words: sol-gel method, nanoscale alumina, heterogeneous azeotropic distillation processing, agglomerations