Variation of sol–gel synthesis parameters and their consequence for the surface area and structure of magnesium fluoride

Abstract

High surface area MgF₂ was prepared by the sol–gel technique from magnesium alkoxides. The influence of different ratios of Mg(OCH₃)₂ to HF, of different magnesium alkoxides, catalysts, solvents as well as different aging times was investigated. XRD, MAS-NMR, FT-IR, thermal analysis and elemental analysis were applied to study the structure, composition and thermal behaviour of the bulk materials. The determination of the surface properties was accomplished with N₂ and Ar adsorption–desorption isotherms.