Thermal Decomposition of Alkoxides in an Inert Organic Solvent: Novel Method for the Synthesis of Homogeneous Mullite Precursor

Thermal decomposition of a mixture of aluminum iso-propoxide and tetraethoxysilane (Al/Si = 3) in toluene at 300°C was examined. The reaction completely proceeded and yielded an amorphous product. The DTA profile of the product showed a sharp peak at ∼1000°C which was associated with crystallization of mullite and a small amount of the spinel phase. The mullite prepared by calcination of the product at 1300°C was composed of micro-crystals having an average diameter of 30 nm and had a large surface area of 41 m2g.