Formation Process of Monolithic TiO_2 Aerogels and Its Effect on Aerogels' Properties

Monolithic TiO2 aerogels were prepared by the process of hydrolysis and condensation of tetrabutyl titanate as precursor, and following by supercritical drying. The effect of the preparing conditions and gelation process on macroscopic properties of monolithic TiO2 aerogels was studied. The results indicate that the final aerogels, which consist of amorphous TiO2 with particle sizes of about 4-6nm, are uniform continuous network structural superlight monolithic materials with high porosity. The monolithic TiO2 aerogels with different densities and properties can be prepared by controlling the conditions of gelation process vigorously.