| abstract |
There is disclosed the preparation of high purity oxide products by hydrolyzing a silicon alkoxide with less than a stoichiometric amount of water so as to provide a partially hydrolyzed product. The partially hydrolyzed product is then reacted with a metal alkoxide and/or a metal salt in the presence of sufficient water to initially form a clear solution which subsequently converts to a clear gel. The gel is then heated so as to substantially remove organic and free liquid components therefrom. A homogeneous, high purity oxide product is recovered. |