Physical-Chemical Properties of TiO2 Membranes Controlled By Sol-Gel Processing

Abstract

ABSTRACTParticulate TiO2 membranes have been prepared by sol-gel techniques from alkoxide precursors. The degree of aggregation, which is controlled by physical chemical processes during sol preparation influences the gelling volume and gel structure. While three types of gel structures have been proposed, the porosity of the final membrane seems to be little affected by these hydrogel structures. Firing temperature is a much more critical parameter. It is concluded that the primary particle size determines the final membrane porosity in this TiO2 system.