Synthesis of well-defined hierarchical porous La2Zr2O7 monoliths via non-alkoxide sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation

• Hierarchical porous La2Zr2O7 monoliths were synthesized via a sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation.
• Adjusting the content of gelation and separation inducers can control the size of the pores.
• The mechanism of gelation process and competitive reaction between gelation and phase separation has been discussed.
• The evolution of pores in La2Zr2O7 monoliths was investigated.

Hierarchical porous lanthanum zirconate (La2Zr2O7, LZO) monoliths have attracted numerous attentions as adsorption, catalysis, especially in high-temperature and high water-vapor-containing environments. Herein, La2Zr2O7 monoliths with hierarchially distributed pores have been synthesized via a spontaneous route based on a non-alkoxide sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation. Nitrates of Zr(IV) and La(III) were used as precursors, propylene oxide and formamide were used as gelation inducers, and polyethylene glycol was used as phase separation inducer. The mechanisms of Zr(IV)/La(III) binary gelation process and competitive reaction between gelation and phase separation have been discussed. Zr(IV)/La(III) binary gels exist in the form of Zr(IV)-rich gel networks coupled with La(III)-rich discrete entities. The size of the pores can be controlled by adjusting the amount of gelation and separation inducers. The surface area of the as-prepared La2Zr2O7 monoliths is 89 m2/g. La2Zr2O7 monoliths are amorphous and heating in air at more than 600 °C leads to the formation of pyrochlore structure La2Zr2O7. With further increase in temperature, the crystalline degree of LZO monoliths increased. After heat treatment, the macroporous skeleton can be well retained. However, the macropores became slightly smaller and the solid skeleton became fragile. Sintering of the continuous skeleton occurred after heat treatment.

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