Characterization of La2Mo2O9 aerogels synthesized by the sol-gel chemistry and high-temperature supercritical drying

A lanthanum molybdate aerogel, La2Mo2O9, with a mean particle size in the range from 100 to 150 nm, was synthesized by the sol-gel method and high-temperature supercritical drying. In this communication it is shown that control over the crystallinity of product aerogels can be exercised by changing the amount of water used for hydrolysis and the temperature for subsequent heat treatment. Methoxy species are formed on the surface during synthesis. The new aerogel may prove useful as a catalyst for the oxidation of hydrocarbons to oxygenated organic compounds.