Micro- and nanoscale structures by sol-gel processing

An overview of the practical output of sol-gel chemistry is demonstrated from the viewpoint of its contribution to the design of 1D and 2D materials. Different structures like thin films, fibres, needles, microtubes, -patterns and -rolls are discussed. In most cases, the advantages of sol-gel processing feasibility and cost-effectiveness are clearly evident. Accompanied by flexibility of production and good quality of the formed structures, the method offers interesting possibilities for practical applications such as sensors, opto-electronic devices, scintillators, etc.