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This article develops a new intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute group decision-making model to solve precursor selection problems. The proposed model is based on a hybridization of intuitionistic fuzzy sets theory, grey relational analysis and technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution method. To better describe the uncertain decision environment, multi-attribute group decision-making method with completely unknown weights of both experts and attributes is proposed in an intuitionistic fuzzy setting. Finally, the selection of the carbon source in synthesis of nanocrystalline titanium carbide powders by sol-gel route as an application example is solved by the proposed model, and the implementation of the model is illustrated completely. *hashemi.h@live.com

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Taguchi method (TM) and response surface methodology (RSM) have been employed to optimize three parameters, including the amounts of P123, the amounts of nitric acid and calcination temperature, in order to define an optimal setting for sol-gel synthesis of high surface area mesoporous alumina powder (MA). Herein, the comparison of the both statistical approaches has been examined and discussed considering the nitrogen adsorption as the response variable because this important character for mesoporous materials is exceedingly sensitive to the synthesis parameters. The BET surface area (S BET ) and pore volume of MA under Taguchi optimal condition were 323.5 m 2 g −1 and 0.551 cm 3 g −1 , respectively, by conducting confirmation test. Furthermore, the confirmation test showed high S BET of MA (363.4 m 2 g −1 ), which was in a good agreement with calculated S BET result (431.25 m 2 g −1 ) by a quadratic model under RSM optimal condition. Moreover, 3D response surface plots and 2D contour plots of desirability have been discussed to visualize the influence of input factors on response variable. It is also concluded that RSM shows more appropriate (12.33% higher S BET than TM) and efficient optimal condition with determining a quadratic function as the relationship between S BET and synthesis parameters. K E Y W O R D SBET surface area, design of experiments, mesoporous alumina, response surface methodology, sol-gel process, Taguchi method