In situ time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering observation of the fractal aggregation process in tin alkoxide polymeric solution

SnO₂ transparent gels have been synthesized from alkoxide precursor in toluene-2-propanol solvents. The chemical reactivity of transition metal alkoxides must be controlled in order to obtain sols and gels. In tin alkoxide based systems, this control can be achieved through complexation by a chelating agent such as acetylacetone. The gelation of the sols has been studied by in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble on the BM02 beamline. After the addition of water, primary particles are created and stick progressively together to form fractal aggregates. The primary particles are continually created during the aggregation process, which causes an evolution of the fractal dimension of the aggregate during gelation. This evolution is similar whatever the chemical composition is, meaning that the aggregation is ruled by one process which has been identified as reaction-limited cluster aggregation. Nevertheless, the final size of the aggregates is dependent on the chemical composition of the sols.