Changes in the acid-base properties of hydrogels of metal oxide hydroxides induced by aging in solutions of electrolytes

Changes in the acid-base properties of titanium(IV), zirconium(IV), iron(III), chromium(III), and indium(III) hydrogels of oxide hydroxides induced by aging in sodium chloride and sulfate solutions were studied by the point of zero charge method. On aging in a solution of the sulfate electrolyte the hydrogels loose their basic properties much more rapidly than in the chloride solution. The most changes were observed in the region of high pH of the point of zero charge of the hydrogels. The changes in the acid-base properties can be explained by a decrease in the content of surface OH groups with are displaced by the supporting electrolyte ions, and due to the oxolation of the hydrogels.