Formation of Nanostructured Silicas through the Fluoride Catalysed Self-Polymerization of Q-type Silsesquioxane Cages

Abstract

Octa(dimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane (Q8M8H) undergoes rapid self-polymerization in the presence of a fluoride catalyst to form complex 3D porous structural network materials with specific surface areas up to 650 m2g-1. This establishes a new method to bio-derived high inorganic content soft silicas with potential applications in filtration, carbon capture, catalysis, or hydrogen source.