1. Nanoceramics: Fundamentals and Advanced Perspectives

Progress in nanotechnology has led to the development of new classes of materials with unprecedented control of structure, composition, defects and resulting properties. Nanostructure ceramic materials have good chemical resistance, good mechanical resistance, corrosion resistance, electrical, optical and/or magnetic properties, good refractory properties, chemical inertness and hardness both at normal and high temperatures. The synthesis of nanostructured ceramic materials by the sol–gel process plays a crucial role in the development of advanced materials with suitable properties for various applications. The synthesis process is based on the controlled hydrolysis and polycondensation of silica and alkoxides, which leads to the formation of nanoscale particles and their arrangement to a nanoporous network after gelation. Depending on ageing and drying conditions, either dense monolithic ceramic composites or nanoporous materials can be fabricated. These materials at nanoscale have attracted a lot of attention from researchers in various fields such as fuel cells, biomedical engineering, corrosion protective coatings, biotechnology, photocatalysis, genetics, etc. This chapter gives an insight into the fabrication of ceramic materials through the sol–gel process and their possible applications in various fields.