Preparation of a hierarchically porous AlPO4 monolith via an epoxide-mediated sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation

Abstract

Monolithic aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) with a macro–mesoporous structure has been successfully prepared via the sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Gelation of the system has been mediated by propylene oxide (PO), while PEO induces a phase separation. The dried gel is amorphous, whereas the crystalline tridymite phase precipitates upon heating above 1000 °C. Heat treatment does not spoil the macroporous morphology of the AlPO4 monoliths. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements revealed that the skeletons of the dried gels possess a mesostructure with a median pore size of about 30 nm and a surface area as high as 120 m2 g−1. Hydrothermal treatment before heat treatment can increase the surface area to 282 m2 g−1.