IGNOU MPHE 27 2026 - Explain the steps of sol-gel synthesis of silica gel. Differentiate be

Question

Explain the steps of sol-gel synthesis of silica gel. Differentiate between the structure and method of formation of xerogel and aerogel.

19 Jan 2026

Answer :

Word Count : 250

Sol–gel synthesis of silica gel is a wet chemical method widely used in nanoscience to produce nanostructured silica with high purity and controlled porosity. The process begins with the preparation of a sol by hydrolysis of a silica precursor such as tetraethyl orthosilicate in the presence of water, alcohol, and an acid or base catalyst. During hydrolysis, alkoxide groups are

___ _________ _________ _____ _____ ____ ________ _____ ________.
_______ ________ __________ ________ _____ _______ ________ _____ ___ _______.
____ __________ ____ ____ __________ _______ _______.
_____ _________ _________ __________ ___ __________ _____.
____ ___ _________ _____ _______ _______ _______ __________ ______ __________ _____ _________.
____ __________ __________ ___ _____ ________ ____ ___ ____ _____ ________.
________ _____ ______ ________ ________ _____ _____ _____ ______.
__________ _____ ____ ___ ________ _______ ______.
__________ __________ _____ _______ ___ _______.
________ __________ _______ ________ _________ __________ ______ _____.
___ ____ _________ _____ _________ ________ _______ ___.
_________ ______ _________ ________ _______ _____.
________ _____ ___ _______ _____ ________ __________ _________ ______.
_____ _______ ____ __________ _______ ___ _______ ______ ____ _______ _______ ___.
________ ______ _________ _______ _____ _______ ____.
_____ ________ ____ _____ ______ _________ ___ _____ ________ ___.
___ _______ _______ _________ _____ __________ ________ _____ __________.
_______ _________ ___ _________ ____ _________.
_____ ______ ________ ____ __________.
______ _________ ________ __________ _____.
___ ___ ________ ________ _________ __________ ________ _____ ______.
_____ __________ _______ ______ _______ ______ ________ _____ ______ _______.
___ ___ ____ _________ __________ ________ _______ _______.

IGNOU ACADEMY

Your IGNOU journey, made easier.

Solved Assignments
Study Notes
Guess Papers
Question Papers

Call Us WhatsApp

STUDY • PREPARE • SUCCEED

Skip in 10

IGNOU Solved Assignments Assignments Ignou Projects Project Previous Year Solved Exam Papers Notes Notes Sample Question Papers Sample Question Papers