Effect of iron source on nonhydrolytic sol-gel synthesis of Fe2TiO5

Abstract

Fe2TiO5 was synthesized via nonhydrolytic sol-gel method at 600?C. The effects of iron sources on the synthesis of Fe2TiO5 were investigated. It was demonstrated that Fe-O-Ti bonds will not be formed in the xerogels prepared by taking FeCl3 as iron source because it is strong Lewis acid and induces homocondensation. Fe-O-Ti bonds were formed in the xerogels prepared by using Fe(OC2H5)3 and FeOH(CH3COO)2 as iron sources. However, the hydroxyl group in FeOH(CH3COO)2 easily leads to homocondensation and particles agglomeration. Thus, Fe(OC2H5)3 is optimal iron source with both excellent synthesis and particle dispersion effects.