Selective Preparation of Macroporous Monoliths of Conductive Titanium Oxides TinO2n–1 (n = 2, 3, 4, 6)

Abstract

Monolithic conductive titanium oxides Ti(n)O(2n-1) (n = 2, 3, 4, 6) with well-defined macropores have been successfully prepared as a single phase, via reduction of a macroporous TiO(2) precursor monolith using zirconium getter. Despite substantial removal of oxide ions, all the reduced monoliths retain the macropore properties of the precursor, i.e., uniform pore size distribution and pore volume. Furthermore, compared to commercial porous Ebonex (shaped conductive Ti(n)O(2n-1)), the bulk densities (1.8 g cm(-3)) are half, and the porosities (60%) are about 3 times higher. The obtained Ti(n)O(2n-1) (n = 2, 3, 4, 6) macroporous monoliths could find applications as electrodes for many electrochemical reactions.