1 and 2-photon fluorescence anisotropy decay to probe the kinetic and structural evolution of sol-gel glasses: A summary

We review recent 1- and 2-photon fluorescence studies of the formation dynamics and structure of sol-gel glasses, from nanometre-sized particles to clusters, prepared from both aqueous silicates and tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS), over a broad pH range. Through the careful choice of a fluorescent probe, anisotropy decay has been shown to provide both silica particle size and viscosity information and offers advantages over traditional techniques for silica particle sizing based on small-angle neutron, Xray, or light scattering. Subsequently, we are now able to observe the self-assembly mechanisms (or recently termed kinetic life history) of silica, produced under both acidic and alkaline conditions from sodium silicate solution (water glass) in the case of hydrogels and from alkoxides in the case of alcogels. The controlled preparation of hydrogels, often deemed a blackart, is also discussed in some detail, as are the potential applications and benefits of fluorescence anisotropy decay to industrial sol-gel systems. The insight into the sol-gel process provided by these new interpretations of fluorescence decay data, promises to have implications for both our fundamental understanding and the production of sol-gel systems in general.