Sol–gel processing of silatranes

Silatrane complexes are organosilicon compounds synthesized by direct reaction of SiO2 and trialkanolamines. Here, we explore their potential as ceramic precursors via the hydrolytic sol–gel processing method. Viscoelastic analysis is used to characterize the gelation behavior of silatranes based on triisopropanolamine, under different hydrolysis conditions. Pyrolyzed ceramic products are characterized in terms of surface area and morphology and found to have a homogeneous microporous structure with high surface areas (313–417 m2/g). Faster hydrolysis rates lead to shorter gelation times, and smaller pore sizes in the derived ceramic.