Advances in Xerogels: From Design to Applications

• Other Authors: Caridi, Francesco (Editor), Paladini, Giuseppe (Editor), Fiorati, Andrea (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2023
• Subjects: Research & information: general; Physics; nitroxide; spin label; spin probe; EPR; local pH; surface electrostatics; near-surface layer; xerogel; biopolymers; dried gels; porous materials; biomedical applications; MCM-41; SANS; USANS; SAXS; Stöber method; 2-methoxyethanol; Langmuir isotherm; sol-gel; metallic precursor; SrCO3; xerogels; alumina; binary gels; one-pot; poly(vinyl alcohol); chitosan; titanium dioxide; polyphosphonate; casting from solution; xerogel composite film; nanocellulose; Suzuki-Miyaura coupling; heterogeneous catalysis; sustainable catalyst; nanocellulose-based xerogels; green chemistry; plant proteins; heat gelation; gelling behaviour; structure; pH; supramolecular gels; isomeric LMWGs; pyridyl N-oxide; stimuli-responsive systems; anion/cation-responsive gels; metallogels; cadmium sensor; sol-gel films; optical sensors; tetraethoxysilane; phenyltriethoxysilane; silicon polyethylene glycol; peroxidase; tyrosinase; crude banana extract; determination of total polyphenol content; noble metal; environmental catalysis; sol-gel process; inorganic/organic networks; non-aqueous gels; arylene bridged; chlorosilanes; pyridine; 29Si solid state NMR; n/a
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

The field of material science and engineering has witnessed a surge of interest in the development of novel xerogels-solid materials derived from gels-for a wide range of applications. Despite potential shrinkage, xerogels possess remarkable properties, including high porosity and a large surface area, owing to the interconnected network of pores formed during drying. Consequently, xerogels find valuable applications as catalysts, adsorbents, sensors, membranes, and drug delivery systems. The ability to conveniently control the structures and morphologies of xerogels during synthesis has garnered significant attention within the scientific community. In light of these considerations, this Special Issue of Gels compiles high-quality papers that showcase the latest advancements and breakthroughs in xerogel science, covering various aspects from design to application. Both theoretical and experimental cutting-edge studies exploring the structural, chemical, rheological, and dynamical properties of xerogels and their derivatives are included in this collection.