Synthesis and characterization of MTiO3(M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) sol-gel

Multiple oxide titanates have been prepared via the sol-gel method by the reaction of an alcoholic solution of titanium n-butoxide, Ti(OC4H9)4, with nitrate solutions, M(NO3)2(M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba), at room temperature. The amorphous gels so obtained under acidic conditions were calcined at temperatures between 700 and 900 °C to obtain high-purity, crystalline MTiO3 powders. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and energy-dispersive electron microscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) and BET surface area measurements. The stability and large surface area obtained for the Sr and Ba compounds make them suitable for use as catalyst supports.