Effect of Peptization on Densification and Phase‐Transformation Behavior of Sol–Gel‐Derived Nanostructured Titania

Porosity reduction, packing, pore‐size distribution, and anatase to rutile phase transformation behavior of nanostructured titania ceramics prepared from both peptized and unpeptized sols were studied and compared using XRD, DSC, and nitrogen‐gas physisorption techniques. Precursor gels prepared from the peptized sol had a green density of about 70% after drying at 40°C, whereas the samples prepared from the unpeptized sol had a green density of only 50%. Samples prepared from the peptized sol showed higher sintering and phase transformation rates compared to the unpeptized sols.