In recent years sol-gel technology has become a hotbed for state-of-the-art developments in many diverse fields due to the accessibility of advanced materials with ‘tailor-made’functionalities through inexpensive and environmentally viable processing routes. The focus of this book is on the use of such technologies and the resultant materials for applications in the energy, environmental and electronic sectors specifically providing a unique perspective. The current book comprises a broad scope encompassing basic knowledge, as well as high-level research advancements with the potential for commercialization and industrial use. Taking an integrated approach, a wide range of topics are covered, from electronic materials, photocatalysts, sensors and optics, to aerogels and materials for energy storage and conversion, consequently showcasing the combined use of chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering in the search for solutions to some of the most challenging issues of our time.

One of the reasons for the continued advancement of sol-gel technology is the ease of control of the nanoarchitecture of the resultant materials and the plethora of different material constructs which can be developed. The opening chapter focuses on introducing the core activities involved in sol-gel processing including the formation, ageing and drying of wet gels, with a particular focus on preparation of aerogels.