Synthesis and characterization of SBA-15 with titania clusters entrapped in micropores

Titania-containing SBA-15s were synthesized by impregnation of titanium isopropoxide in iso-propanol. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and N-2 sorption measurements showed that the mesostructures are intact after impregnations. Raman and UV-vis DRS spectra proved the existence of small anatase TiO2 clusters (similar to 1.3 nm) after three loading cycles. Disappeared micropores and unchanged mesopore volumes after three loading cycles demonstrated that majority of micropores were consumed to immobilize these small titania clusters, which could provide a new way for the development mesoporous silica-supported titania. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.