Use of polymeric catalyst in synthesis of sol-gel derived ceramic materials

Polymeric catalysts (e.g., polymeric acid catalysts such as poly(styrene)sulfonic acid) can be used in the synthesis of sol-gel derived ceramic materials from metal alkoxides, for example, organic/inorganic hybrid materials formed by reaction of a metal alkoxide and a reactive endcapped polymeric modifier. The use of a polymeric catalyst, rather than a conventional monomeric (inorganic or organic) acid catalyst, has a non-deleterious effect on the aging behavior and offers potential for control of rheological properties (spinnability, coatability, etc.) of the hybrid materials.