A versatile route to organically-modified silicas and porous silicas via the non-hydrolytic sol–gel process

The non-hydrolytic sol–gel route has been used to provide a versatile synthesis of organically-modified silicas (ormosils), via a rapid, facile reaction in the absence of any solvent. The ormosils are synthesised by reaction of silicon halides with alkoxides, where one or both of the reactants contains the organic substituent. The products are organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite materials, where the organic modification is an alkyl, aryl or vinyl group covalently bonded to silicon. The ormosils have low surface areas, but may be converted to high surface area, largely microporous silicas by thermal degradation of the organic component.