Sol-Gel Research—Achievements Since 1981 and Prospects for the Future

The beginning of the present era of Sol-Gel science and technology is perhaps best identified as the First International Workshop on Glasses and Glass Ceramics from Gels organized by the late Professor V. Gottardi and held in Padova in October 1981. Since that time there has been nine more Workshops held every two years all over the world. These past twenty years have witnessed the phenomenal growth of sol-gel research. Some 3000 papers have been published in this field. The objective of this report is to summarize some of the most significant research achievements and to discuss prospects for the future. Research in these past two decades is divided into three generations of solid gels: oxides, inorganic-organic hybrids and composites made from the suspension of a variety of solids in the hybrids. Some specific examples are presented. Although research accomplishments to date have been remarkable, success has created a proliferation of research conferences sponsored by seemingly too many professional groups. This and the duplication of research plus the lack of recognition by the scientific community on the value and direction of sol-gel research have cast a shadow on future prospects.