Some features of the Structure Rearrangement in Mixed and Binary Zr-Ti Sol-xerogels

Process of thermal decomposition at different temperatures of the Zr/Ti sol-xerogels, chemically identical but prepared by different methods (mixed and binary), was studied by SAXS/WAXD with the use of synchrotron radiation. Primary particles in mixed and binary Zr/Ti sols have different structure and size. Using the qualitative contrast-variation method it was suggested that primary particle in mixed system consists of Ti nuclear surrounded by Zr atoms in the outer layer and the size of primary particle is about 20 nm. Primary particle in binary system consists of Zr nuclear surrounded by Ti atoms in the outer layer and the size of primary particle is about 5 nm. Multistage thermal decomposition of the Zr/Ti xerogels proceeds through an intermediate phase formation. The intermediate phase of mixed Zr/Ti sol has an amorphous anatase (TiO2) structure, which is formed presumably inside the primary particle. The intermediate phase of binary Zr/Ti sol has an amorphous structure consisting probably of the disordered metal atoms surrounded by water molecules. The final product of mixed Zr/Ti system with the crystallite size about of 10÷15 nm is formed during the third stage. The final product of binary Zr/Ti system with the crystallite size about of 20÷25 nm is formed during the second and third stages.