Preparation and surface properties of low-density gels synthesized using prepolymerized silica precursors.

Properties of silica xerogels and aerogels synthesized using a number of prepolymerized silica precursors were probed by 29Si magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy, the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method, the nitrogen adsorption method, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to show that xerogels with attractive textural properties can easily be prepared using this type of precursors and the conventional one-step, base procedure. Pore sizes and overall pore volumes in these materials can be notably larger than those in the corresponding materials synthesized using tetraethoxysilane. This positive effect stems from the stronger structure of the polymeric network due to a higher degree of silica condensation on one side and a larger thickness of polymeric chains on the other. The thorough investigations of the fine silica structure demonstrate, however, that the relationship between the microstructure of the silica precursor and the micro- and macrostructures of dry gels is complex and the use of more condensed precursors favors, but does not necessarily ensure, more porous dry materials, under the same reaction conditions. Ethyl silicate 40 may be recommended as a low-cost precursor suitable for applications in this situation.