Ionothermal synthesis of aluminophosphite NKX-2

Abstract

Aluminophosphite NKX-2 was ionothermally synthesized using 1-ethyl-2, 3-dimethylimidazolium bromide (EMMIMBr) ionic liquid (IL). The synthesis could be achieved in an open vessel for about 3 h, which was fast and convenient. NKX-2 could also be obtained using the same batch composition in a closed vessel under modified conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the products were in well accordance with previous reports. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) measurements gave P/Al ratios quite close to 1.5, in agreement with the value calculated by the empirical formula (P6Al4O18H6) of NKX-2. The obtained products possessed a novel stick-like morphology with a high aspect ratio of ∼10. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.