Structure and Properties of Silica Derived from Silicon Alkoxide Reacted with Tartaric Acid

The effects of tartaric acid that was used in sol–gel processing on specific surface area, pore-size distribution, and gel structure of sol–gel-derived silica gels were investigated. The specific surface area of silicas that were calcined at 450°C increased from ∼600 m2/g to ∼1200 m2/g as the amount of tartaric acid that was used increased. The pore-size distribution changed as the surface area increased, and only the gels that had a surface area of 930-990 m2/g showed a very sharp pore-size distribution in the mesopore range. The difference in gel structure and properties was explained in terms of the acidity of tartaric acid and the inhibition of condensation among primary particles through the coordination or adsorption of tartaric acid on the particle surface. From the thermal behavior of the gels with different features, it was concluded that gel properties are determined not only by the structure of the precursor gel but also by the surface activity. The gel with uniform mesopores gave a high surface area over a wide range of calcination temperatures.