IN-SITU STUDIES OF THE SOL-GEL SYNTHESIS OF MATERIALS

The use of in situ methods to study the synthesis of materials from so l-gel precursors is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the formatio n of crystalline phases from solid gel precursors and the crystallizat ion of zeolitic materials from solution under hydrothermal conditions. A wide range of studies that have been performed under nonambient con ditions are discussed under the following headings: X-ray and neutron methods, spectroscopic and resonance methods, and imaging methods. Som e current trends and future developments are assessed.