Preparation of Al2O3/Al monoliths by anodisation of aluminium as structured catalytic supports

The different variables of the aluminium anodisation process, anodisation time, current density, electrolyte nature, its temperature and concentration, and the effect of agitation, and their effects on the final alumina textural properties have been studied. Characterisation of the alumina generated by anodisation has been carried out by N-2 adsorption, SEM and gravimetry. It has been observed that the texture of the coating depends on two main processes taking place during aluminium anodisation: alumina generation and its dissolution. The proper combination of both processes, given by the choice of the different process variables, will produce an adherent alumina layer with excellent properties to produce catalytic devices based on alumina on aluminium monoliths.