Preparation and characterization of alumina membranes and alumina-titania composite membranes

Supported and unsupported gamma-alumina membranes and alumina-titania composite membranes were prepared using the sol-gel method. In the course of preparation, effects of acid concentration, type of acid, alkoxide, and binder on the particle size of the sols and pore size of the membranes were investigated by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis, N-2 physisorption, and light scattering. It was observed that the particle sizes of all the sols had only a small affect on the pore sizes of the membranes. Qualities of the membranes were improved by addition of polyvinyl alcohol as binder to the boehmite precursor. This resulted in less critical but more controllable drying and calcining procedures. Composite membranes with different pore sizes from 3.2 to 4.8 nm and surface areas retained above 100 m(2)/g could be regulated by different alumina-to-titania ratios.