Perspective Chapter: Sol-Gel Science and Technology in Context of Nanomaterials – Recent Advances

Abstract

Sol-gel method is a novel technology of producing new materials in a convenient and cost-effective way. This method allows a highly ordered and well-connected network structure to be developed and better controlled. It is a simple procedure to produce homogenous multi-component systems. Homogenous mixed oxides can be developed by combining different molecular precursor solutions. The advantages of sol-gel method include its simplicity, affordability, controllability, and ability to mass production of nano-sized particles with large surface areas. Due to this simplicity and versatility, sol-gel technology has higher admiration and industrial application compared to many prevailing methods and is widely being used in various fields. Sol-gel procedure has been comprehensively used as a common and practical way for the development of nano-structured materials for a wide range of applications. This chapter primarily concentrates on the fundamentals of sol-gel science, particularly with respect to the development of nanoparticles, and their numerous applications, with a focus on more recent, sophisticated, and advanced applications.