Direct preparation and conversion of copper hydroxide-based monolithic xerogels with hierarchical pores

摘要: Copper hydroxide-based monolithic xerogels with controlled hierarchical pores have been prepared directly by a sol–gel process from an ionic precursor, CuCl2·2H2O. Propylene oxide acts as gelation inducer increasing pH homogeneously in reaction solution. Poly(acrylamide) is utilized not only to control macroscopic phase separation but also support the network physically. Glycerol contributes formation of gels suppressing growth copper hydroxide crystals. An appropriate starting composition leads co-continuous gel skeletons and macropores. Although as-dried were amorphous, post-treatments (calcination solvothermal treatment) formed metallic oxides (CuO Cu2O) without collapse form macrostructure.