Review on applications of carboxylate-alumoxane nanostructures

Carboxylate-alumoxanes are prepared from the reaction of boehmite [Al(O)(OH)](n), with carboxylic acid (HO2CR). Although, they are given the general formula, [Al(O)(x)(OH)(y)(O2CR)(z)](n) where 2x + y + z = 3 and R = C-1-C-14, carboxylate-alumoxanes are in fact alumina nanoparticles between 5 and 200 nm in diameter. The surface of the nanoparticle is covered with covalently bound carboxylate groups. The physical and chemical properties of the alumoxane can be controlled by the choice of organic molecule, and range from water soluble powders to hard solids that are resistant to acids, bases and organic solvents. The selection of carboxylic acid should be purposefully done. There is a large potential in knowing this new class of functionalized materials. Carboxylate-alumoxanes can be used in various applications. The aim of this review is to focus on applications of these new, interesting nanomaterials, for the first time. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.