Recent research progress of bridged polysilsesquioxanes - Monomer synthesis and applications

Bridged polysilsesquioxanes, a new class of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, has drawn much attention of researchers in the field of materials during the last decade. The versatility of the synthesis of monomers offers the opportunity to design and tailor the materials with great flexibility. This review describes the synthesis of monomers of bridged polysilsesquioxanes and their applications in optics, catalysis, and adsorption. Also the incorporation of luminescent rare earth complexes in bridged polysilsesquioxanes is introduced in this review. The future trend of this field is also outlooked.