Designed sol–gel precursors for atomically dispersed Nb and Pb within TiO2 as catalysts for dihydroxyacetone transformation

Abstract

The ‘bottom-up’ synthesis of homogeneously doped metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with precision at the atomic/molecular level offers many advantages. We report here the synthesis, structural characterization and hydrolytic behavior of new N-methyldiethanolamine-modified precursors of Ti(IV), Nb(V) and Pb(II) and their application as excellent sol–gel precursors for obtaining atomically dispersed Nb and Pb within TiO₂ having high surface areas (253–355 m² g⁻¹) and tunable acidic properties. Preliminary results on the use of these doped TiO₂ as water-tolerant catalysts in transforming dihydroxyacetone to lactic acid are presented.