Elucidating the layered structure of the g-C ₃ N ₄ nanomaterials using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction techniques is possible.

SiO₂–La₂O₃ binary oxide system was prepared by the sol–gel method without addition of strong polar solvents (e.g. water, alcohol) to the initial system. Changes in the surface and gel network structure were described as a function of the type and concentration of the second component that is lanthanum oxide. A series of samples with Si to La molar ratios of 1:0.1, 1:0.25, 1:0.5, and 1:1 were characterised by XRD, TG–TA, FTIR, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption measurements. Results of the investigation showed that higher amounts of the lanthanum component in the binary oxide gel system led to a completely changed morphology of the porous structure of the surface gels obtained in a non-aqueous medium.