Green, One-Pot Synthesis for Preparation of TiO2 Supports

We have discovered a unique method for synthesizing high surface area TiO2 supports which involves water-deficient mixing of a metal salt with a base to form a solid precursor material which is then calcined. This process is green, low cost, simple, and general-it can be extended to prepare many different support materials. Using this process, we have prepared microporous, 3 nm rutile with a surface area of 100 m2/g and 8 nm anatase with a surface area of 364 m2/g and pore diameter of 5 nm. Phase structure, crystallite size, pore size, surface area, and thermal stability can be controlled by the addition of dopants and variations in precursor treatment (i.e., drying and calcination conditions). Precise control of these variables can improve the performance and broaden the applications of TiO2 supports, including the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide.