Preparation of a complete series of single phase homogeneous sol-gels of Al₂O₃ and MgO for basic catalysts

Homogeneous single phase sol-gels of magnesia and alumina were prepared using magnesium and aluminum alkoxides as precursors. The gels were formed through a hydrolysis reactions followed by condensation. These materials behave as basic catalysts and, therefore, are superb anionic interchangers. The solids obtained were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and anionic interchange tests. No evidence for the presence of the individual binary oxides was found. An important effect on the dehydroxylation of the surface and on the anionic exchange was found as a function of alumina content in the magnesia matrix. The best sample was the one containing 50% MgO-50% Al₂O₃.