Direct electrochemical preparation of titanium alkoxides

Titanium alkoxides were directly prepared using titanium as sacrificing ano de in absolute alchol, Titanium alkoxides were characterized by FT - IR spe ctra, Raman spectra and element analysis. The influence of temparture, cond uctive additives, and traces of water on the product yield was also investi gated. The results showed that the direct electrochemical perparation of ti tanium alkoxides had high current efficiency and electrolysis yield. These titanium alkoxides have high purity and can be directly used as precursor o f nanometer oxides. The experiments showed that the controlling temperature under 50 similar to 60 degreesC, selecting R4NBr as conductive additives a nd preventing titanium anode from being passiviated can improve product yei ld. The reaction mechanism is also expounded. Ti(III)(OR)(n)Br-m was formed on the anode surface, then the Ti(III)(OR)(n)Br-m was oxided into Ti(IV)(O R)(n)Br-m and transilated to cathode room, On the cathode surface Ti(IV)(OR )(n)Br-m was reduced into Ti(OR)(4). The formation of titanium alkoxides on the anode surface was also investigated by in situ surface Raman spectrosc opy.