Preparation of a hierarchically porous AlPO4 monolith via an epoxide-mediated sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation

Monolithic aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) with a macro-mesoporous structure has been successfully prepared via the sol-gel process accompanied by phase separation in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Gelation of the system has been mediated by propylene oxide (PO), while PEO induces a phase separation. The dried gel is amorphous, whereas the crystalline tridymite phase precipitates upon heating above 1000 °C. Heat treatment does not spoil the macroporous morphology of the AlPO4 monoliths. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements revealed that the skeletons of the dried gels possess a mesostructure with a median pore size of about 30 nm and a surface area as high as 120 m2 g-1. Hydrothermal treatment before heat treatment can increase the surface area to 282 m2 g-1.