Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
The high cost of materials prepared by sol-gel processing and the loss of useful surface properties at elevated temperature has prevented the application of sol-gel processed materials in automotive exhaust reduction catalyst formulations. In this report, we briefly describe the important developments needed in the next generation automotive catalysts and the role of sol-gel processed materials. We will also discuss the application of heterometallic alkoxides as sol-gel precursors to achieve the molecular distribution of lanthanides and alkaline earths in alumina matrices needed for the stabilization of alumina based materials at elevated temperatures.