Preparation of monolithic aluminium titanate with well-defined macropores via a sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation

Abstract

Abstract Monolithic aluminium titanate with well-defined macropores has been prepared through a sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation, using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) to induce the phase separation and formamide (FA) to control the gelation of Al 2 O 3 –TiO 2 system. Appropriate amounts of PEO and formamide allow the formation of aluminium titanate xerogel with cocontinuous macroporous structure and a monolithic shape. The pore size of the resultant dried gels is in the range of 2–3 μm and the porosity is above 60%. The as-dried gel is amorphous and completely transforms into a single phase Al 2 TiO 5 after heat-treated at 1300 °C. The macroporous structure is well maintained while the skeleton becomes smooth after heat-treatment.