An emulsion-based synthesis route for the generation of organo-silica-based monolithic hybrid ceramics
with a high content of different organic groups and embedded nickel nanoparticles is presented.
By this route hybrid ceramics with a hierarchical pore size distribution and tailorable surface characteristics
can be obtained. Mixtures of methyl polysiloxane (MK), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and
(3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) with varying ratios are selected as precursors, cross-linked, and
subsequently pyrolyzed at 500 or 600 ◦C. In this way monolithic emulsion based hybrid ceramics with
three different organo-functionalized siloxane precursor can be synthesized. Additionally, by adding the
metal precursor NiCl2, metal-containing emulsion-based hybrid ceramics can be achieved. By adjusting
the oil/water ratio and using high- or low internal phase emulsions (HIPEs or LIPEs), controlled
micro-, meso-, and macropore distributions are obtained. After pyrolysis, materials achieve specific
BET surface areas of up to 550 m2/g. Adjustable surface characteristics in terms of hydrophobicity and
hydrophilicity of the material surface by thermal decomposition behavior of precursors is demonstrated.