Recent advances in the synthesis of inorganic materials via non-hydrolytic condensation and related low-temperature routes

This highlight article covers recent reports (2008–2013) in materials chemistry involving non-hydrolytic polycondensation reactions. Initially applied to non-hydrolytic sol–gel processing of silicas and metal oxides, nowadays these non-classical reactions have been extended to other processes (solvothermal synthesis, chemical solution deposition, atomic layer deposition), solvents (ionic liquids), O-donors (including cellulose), activation modes (microwaves), and materials (metal sulfides, carbon nanocomposites). A specific emphasis is put here on materials for electrochemical devices and environmental sustainability.