Formation of V2O5-based mixed oxides in flames

V2O5--TiO2 and V2O5--Al2O3 mixed oxide powders were synthesized in a hydrogen-oxygen flame using VOCl3, TiCl4, and Al(CH3)3 as precursors. The particle formation processes were investigated as a function of VOCl3 concentration by laser light-scattering and by collecting particles directly onto transmission electron microscopy grids. In the V2O5--TiO2 system, the oxides condense as an intimate mixture at all three VOCl3 concentrations. Spherical particles, 40 to 70 nm in diameter, are obtained. In the V2O5--Al2O3 system, chain-like particles composed of an intimate mixture of V2O5 and Al2O3 form at the lowest VOCl3 concentration. At high VOCl3 concentrations, the chain-like particles have a core-mantle structure (a core mainly of Al2O3 and a mantle mainly of V2O5). The crystalline form and surface area of these mixed oxides were determined by x-ray diffractometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, and BET analysis by nitrogen desorption. These measurements indicate that amorphous vanadium oxide forms at low VOCl3 concentrations, and V2O5 is obtained at the higher VOCl3 concentrations. The structure of the amorphous vanadium oxide matches that published for vanadium oxide ''supported'' catalysts