Group iv metal oxide monolithic columns

Abstract

The present invention discloses methods of preparing a continuous, porous metal oxide monolith in a container. The method involves providing a reaction mixture containing a metal salt or metal alkoxide compound, a solvent, and a porogenic reagent. Next, an epoxide is added to the reaction mixture under conditions effective to initiate condensation and polymerization of the reaction mixture. Then, a container is filled with the reaction mixture after epoxide addition to obtain a continuous, porous metal oxide monolith in the container. The present invention also discloses columns including a tubular container and a continuous, porous Group IV metal oxide monolith in contact with the inner walls of the tubular container, where the Group IV metal oxide monolith is free of any support or matrix material, and other articles including a continuous, porous Group IV metal oxide monolith, where the metal oxide monolith is free of any support or matrix material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.