Solvogels and a method of manufacture of the same

摘要

A solvogel and a method of manufacture of the same is described which comprises a liquid phase encapsulated within porous metal oxide network produced by hydrolysing a metal alkoxide compound in the presence of at least one solvent system and a catalyst which subsequently polycondensates to form the solvogel. The solvogel may be multilayered where each layer may have different properties. The reaction may be controlled to produce an optically transparent material. The solvent system may comprise a solvent and at least one of the following, a solid material in suspension: a dye; a miscible liquid. The solvogel may be housed in a hermetically sealed containment cell forming a panel. The cell may be partially or fully transparent to visible light and may be tinted. The cell may comprise curved surfaces.