Formation of nanostructured silicas through the fluoride catalysed self-polymerization of Q-type functional silica cages.

Octa(dimethylsiloxy)silica cages (Q 8 M 8 H ) undergo rapid self-polymerization in the presence of a fluoride catalyst to form complex 3D porous structural network materials with specific surface areas up to 650 m 2 g -1 . This establishes a new method to form bio-derived high inorganic content soft silicas with potential applications in filtration, carbon capture, catalysis, or hydrogen source.