HYDROLYSIS CATALYST EFFECT ON SOL-GEL SILICA STRUCTURE

Silica samples were prepared by the sol-gel process varying the hydrol ysis catalyst. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and the radial distribution function was determined (R.D.F.). Fourier tra nsform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis were also used. It w as found that OH-retention capacity as well as order in the material m ay be modified with hydrolysis catalysts. When the hydrolysis catalyst was NH4OH the sample did not dehydroxylate even at 1000 degrees C. (C ) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.