Room-temperature synthesis of chi-Al2O3 and ruby (alpha-Cr:Al2O3)

In this work, we present a unique crystal growth synthesis of chi-Al2O3 accompanied with alpha-Cr:Al2O3 at room temperature. Raman spectroscopy and additions of Cr2O3 are key to identifying alpha-Cr:Al2O3 in trace amounts by the room temperature synthesis of ruby (alpha-Cr: Al2O3). The presence of this phase is further confirmed with HRTEM. The raw materials are pseudoboehmite and Cr2O3 that are treated mechanochemically for the successful synthesis of ruby and chi-Al2O3. A thermal analysis approach is provided to explain the significant temperature reduction for the complete transformation to alpha-Cr:Al2O3 during annealing. The alpha-Cr:Al2O3 synthesized at room temperature acts as the seed or hetero site for nucleation and is responsible for a temperature drop of approximately 200 degrees C (up to 867 degrees C). This material is ideal for optics, photonics, defense, energy storage and harvesting, among other strategic applications.