Synthesis and characterization of SBA-15 with titania clusters entrapped in micropores

Titania-containing SBA-15s were synthesized by impregnation of titanium isopropoxide in iso-propanol. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 sorption measurements showed that the mesostructures are intact after impregnations. Raman and UV–vis DRS spectra proved the existence of small anatase TiO2 clusters (∼1.3 nm) after three loading cycles. Disappeared micropores and unchanged mesopore volumes after three loading cycles demonstrated that majority of micropores were consumed to immobilize these small titania clusters, which could provide a new way for the development mesoporous silica-supported titania.