Chunqing Liu

A simple, template-free route for the synthesis of mesoporous titanium dioxide materials

Mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) materials have been synthesized by a novel simple, template-free synthetic approach, which was carried out via nitric acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions of titanium(IV) n-butoxide. The as-prepared and calcinated mesoporous TiO2 materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and N2 adsorption/desorption measurements. The as-prepared amorphous TiO2 possesses a high BET surface area of 470 m2 g−1 and a pore volume of 0.28 cm3 g−1. After calcinations at 450 °C, anatase mesoporous TiO2 is formed with a BET surface area of 106 m2 g−1 and an average pore size of 4.8 nm. Avoidance of the structure-directing template during the synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 is of significant importance for application from both environmental and industrial points of view.

Ordered mesoporous organic–inorganic hybrid materials containing microporous functional calix[8]arene amides

Ordered mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrid materials containing microporous functional calix[8]arene amides have been synthesized and characterized for the first time, and are shown to be effective in removal of trace humic acid contaminant from water.

Novel nanoporous hybrid organic–inorganic silica containing iminodiethanol chelating groups inside the channel pores

Novel nanoporous hybrid organic-inorganic silica with covalently bound iminodiethanol chelating groups inside the channel pores has been synthesized by template-directed co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and organo-trimethoxysilane (CH3O)3SiR [IDES, R = (HOCH2CH2)2NCH2CH(OH)CH2O(CH2)3], and is shown to be very efficient in recovery of germanium and antimony oxides from water.