Influence of the synthesis route on sol–gel SiO2–TiO2 (1:1) xerogels and powders

Five different sol–gel routes are used in order to synthesize mixed SiO2–TiO2 materials. Simple mixing of the Ti and Si precursors, pre-hydrolyzing of TEOS, modification of the Ti alkoxide with acetic acid, isoamyl alcohol and acetylacetone lead to translucent gels with different time of gelation. Different techniques such as TGA, DTA, XRD and IR spectroscopy are used to characterize each material. IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of Si–O–Ti and Si–O–Si bonds for all the xerogels letting suppose a composite microstructure of the gels. Pre-hydrolyzing of TEOS and modification of Ti alkoxide with isoamyl alcohol are the most appropriate routes to retain the anatase phase up to 1100 °C.