The sol-gel process is a method used to create solid materials from small molecules. It involves transitioning a solution (sol) into a solid (gel) through chemical reactions. This process allows for the production of various materials, including ceramics and glasses, with controlled properties and structures. During the sol-gel process, precursors undergo hydrolysis and condensation reactions, forming a network of interconnected particles. This technique is widely used in fields such as materials science and nanotechnology, enabling the development of coatings, sensors, and catalysts with specific characteristics tailored for various applications.