Synthesis and characterization of a Si–Ti–Zr oxide nanocomposite of hexagonal structure

By using tetraethylorthosilicate, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, titanium and zirconium tetrabutoxide as precursors, an Si–Ti–Zr oxide nanocomposite was synthesized through sol–gel process and characterized by thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. A diffraction peak at 5°, associated with the d₀₀₁ diffraction plane confirms the hexagonal structure of the nanocomposite, which exhibits pores with a diameter of 1.8 nm. An increase of 100°C in the thermal stability of the compound is observed if Cu²⁺ cations are introduced, demonstrating the ability of the hybrid matrix to act as a sequestrating agent.