Properties and segregation stability of the composite silica-zirconia xerogels prepared via “acidic” and “basic” precipitation routes

Abstract Two series of the composite silica-zirconia xerogels with various SiO2/ZrO2 molar ratios have been prepared by the “acidic” and “basic” precipitation methods. It has been established that the ways of synthesis have significant effect on surface area, morphological and thermal properties of the xerogels. In addition, the segregation processes in dependence on post-synthetic treatment have been examined in the gels with various molar compositions. Optimal molar composition for each synthetic route in terms of the phase segregation stability of the composite SiO2–ZrO2 xerogels has been proposed.