Synthesis and characterization of a new mesoporous alumina-pillared titanate with a double-layer arrangement structure

Abstract

Direct reaction of a colloidal suspension of an exfoliated layered titanate with an aluminium polyoxocation solution produced an ordered phase with a large basal spacing of 2.6 nm. Taking into account the starting Al/titanate molar ratio this swelling can be ascribed to the intercalation of double layers of Al₁₃ polyoxocations between the titanate sheets. Heat-treatment at 600°C resulted in an alumina-pillared titanate with specific surface areas ranging from 270 to 300 m² g⁻¹ and a pore volume of 0.25 mL g⁻¹ (liquid nitrogen). The material was mainly mesoporous, the predominant pores having a diameter close to 4.0 nm. The acidity of the pillared titanate was ca. 0.60 mmol of protons g⁻¹.