Fabrication and characterization of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous niobium oxide

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3-DOM) niobium oxide was fabricated by aqueous organic gel method through the interstitial spaces between polystyrene spheres assembled on glass substrates. Freshly precipitated hydrous niobium oxide (Nb2O5·nH2O), which was prepared starting from Nb2O5, was used in combination with citric acid in an aqueous solution and then was transferred as a niobium source to synthesize 3-DOM Nb2O5. The morphologies of porous Nb2O5 were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermal decomposition and phase composition of 3-DOM Nb2O5 were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide