“…Silica polymerization is important in the preparation of adsorbents, ceramics, zeolites, catalysts, papers, coatings, and a number of other materials. − The solidified silica should possess appropriate pore size, surface area, mechanical strength, tackiness, hydrophobicity, elasticity, and other properties which are optimized by varying ingredients, reaction conditions, and post-treatment techniques. In support of these efforts the chemistry of silica and silicates has been intensively studied for over a century. − Yet even the latest literature contains many related studies, apparently because several aspects are still not understood at the molecular level. − …”