Recent Advances of Ionic Liquid Catalysis in the Hydrolysis and Condensation Reactions

Ionic liquids (ILs), as a class of low‐melting‐point, structurally tunable organic salts, have emerged as promising green and efficient catalytic materials due to their unique physicochemical properties, such as high thermal/chemical stability, low volatility, excellent solvation capability, and recyclability. Their catalytic functionalities can be precisely tailored through modifications of the cation/anion structures. This review summarizes the applications and mechanisms of IL catalysts in hydrolysis and condensation reactions. It further discusses their roles in nanomaterial synthesis, particularly in the hydrolysis and condensation of silicon alkoxides for producing silica nanoparticles, as well as in polymer‐nanoparticle composite systems. Finally, perspectives on the future development prospects and existing challenges for IL catalysts are presented.