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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
In this study we have used commercially available preformed sols as building blocks to systematically explore the effects of composition, particle size, and packing on the textural and acidic properties of alumina-silica. We have prepared single oxides and alumina-silica mixed oxides with varying Al:Si atomic ratios using commercial sols from Vista Chemical Co. (alumina) and Eka Chemicals, Inc. (silica). Simple particle packing models based on the structure and experimentally determined particle size distributions of the sols explain the textural and acidic properties of both the single and mixed oxides. Comparisons with aerogels prepared from alkoxides show that materials with different atomic-scale homogeneity can be obtained. This continuum of precursor sizes from monomer through colloid allows a measure of control over textural and acidic properties in the mixed oxides, even at a fixed composition. These results show that systematic studies using preformed sols add insight into the effect of preparation upon catalytic materials.