Gd-doped TiO₂

PEF Mn of 67,000

A 3D flower-like rare-earth-doped catalyst for efficient synthesis of high-molecular-weight, low-ether bio-based polyester PEF, outperforming tin, germanium, and organic base catalysts.

Dongxiao, Li · Zhao, Yuhao · Guo, Miao · Jiamin, Xu · Yuanyuan, Han · Zhao, Guiyan · Jiang, Min · Hu, Yanming

Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 2026

Specifications

Acid amount

{'zh': '260.92', 'en': '260.92'} μmol/g

Specific surface area

{'zh': '79.13', 'en': '79.13'} m²/g

Average pore diameter

{'zh': '23.81', 'en': '23.81'} nm

Number-average molecular weight

{'zh': '6.7 × 10⁴', 'en': '6.7 × 10⁴'} g/mol

Ether bond content

{'zh': '2.8', 'en': '2.8'} %

Crystallization half-time

{'zh': '22.72', 'en': '22.72'} min

Elastic modulus

{'zh': '2256 ± 38', 'en': '2256 ± 38'} MPa

Maximum tensile stress

{'zh': '64 ± 11', 'en': '64 ± 11'} MPa

Advantages

High Mn achieved

The resulting PEF has number-average molecular weight of 6.7 × 10⁴ g/mol, meeting chain length requirements for high-performance applications.

Low ether content

The ether bond content is only 2.8%, reducing structural defects and benefiting thermal stability and mechanical properties.

Excellent optical properties

The PEF shows excellent optical transparency and color, suitable for applications requiring good appearance.

Superior mechanics

PEF film exhibits elastic modulus of 2256 ± 38 MPa and maximum tensile stress of 64 ± 11 MPa, offering both stiffness and strength.

Applications

• Bio-based polyester synthesis：Replace conventional metal catalysts in PEF synthesis to obtain high-Mn, low-ether products.
• High-performance polyester：The resulting PEF combines high modulus, high strength, and excellent optical properties.
• Heterogeneous catalysis：Offers easily separable solid acid catalyst, avoiding residual homogeneous catalysts.
• Rare-earth catalytic materials：Gd³⁺ doping tunes acidity and oxygen vacancies to boost esterification and polycondensation.