Photoinduced nanostructured organosilica hybrids

Abstract

Organosilane self-assembly is an efficient way to synthesize nanostructured hybrid materials. The key parameters of the process are based on selecting appropriate precursor architecture (mono-, bis- or multi-sylilated organosilane) under adapted sol–gel reaction and processing conditions. The general mechanism of this template-free process relies on the generation of amphiphilic species that can self-assemble and cross-link subsequently by siloxane Si-O-Si condensation. Self-organization results thus from an interplay between enthalpic and entropic contribution. Recently, we demonstrated the potential of the photoinduced synthesis and ordering of nanostructured hybrids as an original and attractive route to afford well-condensed organosilicate films. This work will review the driving forces of this approach encompassing the structure of the organosilane precursor, thermodynamic and kinetic parameters.