Silsesquioxane-Containing Hybrid Nanomaterials: Fascinating Platforms for Advanced Applications

Silsesquioxanes (SSQs), with the general formula, (RSiO1.5)(n)-where R stands for an organic group, such as alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or H-are a type of molecular-level organic/inorganic hybrid silica-based material. These materials contain reactive or nonreactive organic moieties as well as inorganic Si-O-Si frameworks. In the past few years, extensive efforts have been made using SSQs to construct multifunctional nanocomposites with suitable properties for a range of applications. In this review, the recent various applications of SSQ-containing hybrid materials are discussed, in addition to updates of the nanocomposite applications. Various physical structures and chemical reactions in SSQ-based hybrid nanomaterials are emphasized with regard to applications in the field of polymer nanocomposites, catalysts, adsorption, sensors, and biomedicine. This review focuses on results reported in the recent five years (2013-2018).