Chapter 21, Problem 21.9A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Using the sol-gel method, write a balanced equation for the hydrolysis of a mixture of metal-alkoxides. This ultimately leads to the formation of the sol, BaTiO₃; explain how this sol is formed from the starting materials provided.

Concept introduction:

• Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic, nonmolecular solids, including both crystalline materials such as quartz and amorphous materials such as glass.
• Sintering is a process in which the particles of a powder are welded together without completely melting in the processing of ceramics.
• Sol-gel method is an approach to making powders in which a metal oxide powder is synthesized from a metal alkoxide, a compound derived from a metal and an alcohol.

To classify:The balanced equation for the sol-gel hydrolysis of metal-alkoxide and explain how BaTiO₃ is formed.