Phase-separation-induced Titania monoliths with well-derined macropores and mesostructured framework from colloid-derived sol-gel systems

A simple and reproducible method for the fabrication of titania monoliths with well-defined macropores, based on sol-gel route and accompanied by the phase separation, was illustrated. The sol-gel process on the basis of polymerization-induced phase separation has been proven successful for designing well-defined macroporous monoliths in various silica-based systems. A remarkable feature of the method is the ability to produce macroporous monoliths via a spontaneous chemical process without the aid of templates. The results obtained from the tests conducted show that the technique will facilitate the development of hierarchical macro-mesoporous monoliths based on transition metal oxides.