Synthesis of TiO2 and TiO2—SiO2 xerogels by hydrolysis of tetrabutoxytitanium and tetraethoxysilane in acetic acid atmosphere

Abstract

The TiO₂ and TiO₂—SiO₂ xerogels were prepared by hydrolyzing tetrabutoxytitanium or its mixture with tetraethoxysilane. The synthesis was conducted in an acetic acid—water atmosphere under stationary conditions followed by calcinations. The final TiO₂ and TiO₂—SiO₂ xerogels represented 3D globular pore structure with a narrow globule size distribution. At hydrolysis of terabutoxytitanium, acetic acid vapors favored formation of TiO₂ xerogel with a higher surface area compared to the material produced without acidic catalyst.