One simple approach to novel germania and germanate aerogels

A synthetic approach to production of monolithic (NH4)3H(Ge7O16)(H2O)x and (NH4)2Ge7O15 aerogels is developed. Production of the aerogels with the germanate zeolite-like structure is reported for the first time. Thermal decomposition of (NH4)2Ge7O15 leads to formation of GeO2 aerogel, which has been obtained before using much more complex and expensive process of alkoxide hydrolysis. The suggested synthetic route might be used for production of novel luminescent, catalytic and anode materials. Luminescent properties of all obtained aerogels revealed excitation dependence. Based on excitation wavelengths it could exhibit blue, yellow-green and red luminescence. Luminescent properties for (NH4)3H(Ge7O16) (H2O)x and (NH4)2Ge7O15 are reported for the first time.