I have synthesized pyrochlore-type oxides using polymerized complex route: tin chloride was dissolved in ethylene glycol, then citric acid was added to the solution and at last lanthanum nitrate was added. After obtaining transparent solution, solvents were removed by heating and finally brown glassy resin was formed. Charing was performed at 300°C/2h, the black foamy precursor could be easily taken out from beaker but the leftovers were stuck to the walls. I tried hot water with soap, ultrasound cleaning with acetone, nitric and sulfuric acid and the results were barely visible. Does anyone has an advice on how to clear it out? Or maybe it's better to perform this kind of synthesis using different vessels?
If you produced char on glass, it will probably never go away. If you need a very clean beaker for the next experiment, just change it. Othewise, you can heat in air the beaker below the softening point of glass, which is close to 550°C. Doing this, you'll burn the carbon, but it will take time as the temperature cannot be increased further.
Alain
As Alain indicated, you could burn the carbon off of the glass in a furnace. However, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) might dissolve the polymer that has adhered to the beaker. Be careful with organics and strong acids contacting one another and be careful with NMP if used!
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