sol-gel processing
Sol-gel processing is a method used to create materials, typically ceramics or glasses, from a solution. It involves transitioning a liquid solution (sol) into a solid gel state through chemical reactions. This process allows for the uniform distribution of materials at the molecular level, leading to unique properties in the final product.
During sol-gel processing, the sol undergoes a series of transformations, including hydrolysis and condensation, to form a three-dimensional network. Once the gel is formed, it can be dried and heat-treated to produce a solid material. This technique is widely used in various applications, including coatings, sensors, and catalysts.