Chapter 21, Problem 21.102SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reaction involved for conversion of ${\text{Si(OH)}}_{\text{4}}$ sol into a gel has to be described.  Also the chemical formula for obtained ceramic material which is obtained by drying and sintering has to be given.

Concept introduction:

Sol-gel method:

Metal alkoxide obtained from metal and alcohol undergoes hydrolysis and yields metal hydroxide.  These metal hydroxide are known as sol and they are fine particles.  Further, metal hydroxides combines together to form oxygen bridges by eliminating water.  It forms like three dimensional oxygen bridges which is a gel like material known as gel.  By heating water and solvents are removed to get metal oxide.