Multi-step sol–gel process and its effect on the morphology of polyethylene oxide (PEO)/SiO2 anion-exchange hybrid materials

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)/SiO2 anion-exchange hybrid materials were prepared through the sol–gel process of alkoxysilane functionalized PEO-1000 (PEO-[Si(OCH3)3]2) and N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] ethylene diamine (A-1120). The influence of the multi-step sol–gel processing procedure, i.e. the pre-hydrolysis of either of the two precursors on the homogeneity of the hybrid materials was investigated. Results showed that the sol–gel reaction of A-1120 and PEO-[Si(OCH3)3]2 from the same time would result in hybrid materials with the highest homogeneity, and pre-hydrolysis of A-1120 or PEO-[Si(OCH3)3]2 could only decrease the materials’ compatibility.