Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1430902 | Materials Science and Engineering: C | 2009 | 6 Pages |
The lithium borosilicate gels were prepared from the cohydrolysis of the tetraehtylorthosilicate (Si(C2H5O)4) and triethylborate (B(C2H5O)3) by using an ethanolic solution of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) as surfactant. The Li+ ions were introduced from an acidic solution of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3). Depending on the B/Si, Li/Si and TTAB/Si molar ratios at pH equal to 1 and at room temperature, monolithic and transparent colourless gels were obtained. The structure of the gel was investigated by infrared spectroscopy (IR), 29Si, 11B and 7Li solid-state magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and by thermal analysis (DTA–TG). The results show the possibility of obtaining a borosilicate network via B–O–Si bonds in which Li+ ions were dispersed. The adsorption–desorption isotherms of the xerogel were characteristic of mesoporous materials. These materials may provide a greater free volume through which conducting ions can move.