New Transparent Methylsilsesquioxane Aerogels and Xerogels with Improved Mechanical Properties

Transparent organic–inorganic hybrid aerogels and xerogels are prepared by using a sol–gel synthesis from a single trifunctional precursor, methyltrimethoxysilane (see figure). Obtained aerogels show a reversible shrinkage–recovery response against uniaxial compression. Aerogel-like xerogels are successfully obtained by evaporation drying under ambient pressure because the gels recover from the temporal shrinkage caused by the capillary force of a drying solvent. Pore properties and nanotextures are well-preserved in the resultant xerogels.