Organic–inorganic polymer hybrids prepared by the sol-gel method

This review focuses on some aspects of organic-inorganic hybrid materials prepared by the sol-gel method. This field has been studied worldwide as one of the nanotechnologies, and is now of current interest for both organic and inorganic scientists. The elaboration of organic–inorganic polymer hybrid materials using the sol-gel process can be accomplished by various approaches. The simplest method is increasing the compatibility by using physical interactions, covalent bonding and compatibilizer between organic polymer and silica gel. Other novel approaches, such as an in-situ method, NHSG (Non- Hydrolysis Sol-Gel) process, and use of reactive polymer hybrids resulted in the preparation of novel transparent organic–inorganic polymer hybrid materials. Stimulus responsive polymer hybrids are also mentioned. Furthermore, nano-structured organic–inorganic polymer hybrids are created by using supermolecular and self-assembly of organic molecules or polymers recently. The obtained nano-structured hybrid materials showed unique properties that could not be found in amorphous hybrid materials. The possibilities and applications of organic–inorganic polymer hybrid materials are also described in this review.