Spherical particles of zirconia-titania of hexagonal structure from a neutral amine route

Through the sol-gel process, using the so-called neutral amine route, spher ical particles of 1:1 zirconia-titania were synthesized from zirconium(IV) and titanium(IV) butoxides as well as 1,12-diaminododecane as precursor spe cies. The obtained product exhibited a hexagonal structure, as determinated by X-ray diffraction data. The obtained material was also characterized by thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy , scanning electron microscopy, and surface area measurements. Despite the release of template molecules on heating, the spherical morphology was reta ined up to about 1200 degrees C, at Which the disruption of the spheres too k place. (C) 1999 Academic Press.