The piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC) impedance technique was applied to monitor in situ generation and precipitation of the ferric hydroxide sol in aqueous solutions at 90 degrees C. Equivalent circuit parameters and resonant frequencies as well as the half-peak width of the electroacoustic conductance spectrum deltaf(G1/2) for the PQC resonance were obtained and analyzed. Three stages, sol generation and simultaneous adsorption, adsorption equilibrium, and precipitation of ferric hydroxide sol could be identified in the process of adding the ferric nitrate solution into the hot water. A scheme of two consecutive reactions occurring at the electrode/solution interface was used to analyze the adsorption kinetics of ferric hydroxide sol onto the Au electrode. In addition, the electrolyte-induced precipitation of the colloid was monitored and discussed. Temperature effect on the PQC resonance behavior in liquid was also investigated. Since the PQC impedance technique provides multidimensional piezoelectric information in situ, it is highly recommended for studying the process of sol-gel generation and precipitation. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.