2. involves the evolution of inorganic
networks through the formation of a
colloidal suspension (sol) and gelation of
the sol to form a network in a
continuous liquid phase (gel)
3. The precursors for synthesizing these colloids
consist :
- metal alkoxides
e.g: tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and
tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)
-metal chlorides
they readily react with water.
three reactions are generally used to
describe the sol-gel process:
- hydrolysis
- polycondensation
7. Cheap and low temperature operation
Very thin of metals oxide can be
obtained
Better alternative approach to
conventional production of glasses
Sol gel material can be obtained as
bulks, thin films (nano) powders