The effect of photo-irradiation in hydrolysis and condensation of silicon alkoxide

Abstract A silicon alkoxide–water–ethanol mixed solution was irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the change of the silicon alkoxide molecular structure was evaluated by 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Silicon alkoxide was hydrolyzed and the Si–OH bonds were produced by UV irradiation without any chemical catalyst for hydrolysis. The Si–O–Si bonds were also produced, and viscosity of the alkoxide solution became higher due to condensation of alkoxide.