Pore structure and sorption characterization of titanosilicates obtained from concentrated precursors by the sol–gel method

Abstract

A modified approach using the sol–gel synthesis of titanosilicate (TiSi) with a developed pore structure under relatively mild synthesis conditions was developed. To identify the controlling factors for the preparation of gels with the desired properties, the influences of the synthesis parameters on the structure and sorption capacity of the materials were studied. The chosen synthesis conditions allowed the preparation of TiSi xerogels with a high decontamination factor for both Sr²⁺ and Cs⁺. Effects of competitive ions on the separation factors, distribution and selectivity coefficients were studied from different background solutions containing Sr²⁺ and Cs⁺ simultaneously. It could be shown that it is possible to produce TiSi gels with developed pore structures that are capable of removing Sr²⁺ and Cs⁺ from complex aqueous solutions.