An approach for highly transparent titania aerogels preparation

Titania aerogels are synthesized using various solvents for sol preparation. The morphology, the optical transmittance, the phase composition and the specific surface area of samples are determined. The sample prepared from isopropanol is found to be white and light-tight and to consist of fibers about 17 nm wide. The fibers are crystalline and have an anatase structure. The specific surface area of the sample is 150 m2/g. The samples prepared from methoxy- or etoxyethanol are transparent yellowish monoliths. They are X-ray amorphous and consist of spherical nanoparticles 1.5-3.5 nm. The specific surface area of these samples is more than 500 m2/g. Transparent titania aerogels are prepared in all-solution approach for the first time.